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Guide to Playgrounds in the Golden Isles
Are you visiting Coastal Georgia with kids? We’ve got you covered with this guide to all the playgrounds in the Golden Isles. With tips and information for each one, we arm you with the details you need for a successful day at the park.
Playgrounds on St. Simons Island
There are several playgrounds on St. Simons Island. A few of them are brand new or have recently been renovated.
Neptune Park Playground
550 Beachview Drive
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
The Neptune Park Playground is one of our favorite playgrounds in the Golden Isles. It's nestled between beautiful oaks that shade several picnic tables and the St. Simons Sound. A full renovation was completed in December 2022. The new playground is pirate ship themed and is a big improvement from what was there before.
Pros:
- Benches surround the playground for parents to sit.
- Infant and regular swings.
- Bathrooms nearby.
- Picnic tables under the oaks next to the playground. This is the perfect location for a picnic lunch or an outdoor birthday party.
- Views of the Sound for dolphin sightings and watching the ships go by.
- Walk to nearby Pier Village and grab a bite to eat, a cup of coffee, or do some shopping in the many shops that line Mallery Street.
- In the summer, the Neptune Park Fun Zone is next door and features a pool, a water playground/splash area for kids, and a mini-golf course. Both require a fee:
- $8 per person per round of mini golf
- $8 per person per day for access to the pool
Cons:
- Parking in the summer can be difficult.
- No shade on the playground itself so it can get HOT in the summer.
Mallery Park Playground
601 Mallery Street
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Mallery Park on St. Simons Island is a short distance from bustling Pier Village. This playground caters more to kids three and older and isn’t the best option for kids under two.
Pros:
- Shaded for the most part.
- Bathrooms nearby.
- Swings.
- Located within walking distance of Frosty’s Griddle and Shakes. Treat the kids (and yourself!) to lunch and a milkshake after playing.
Cons
- Parking can be difficult during soccer and baseball season as ball fields surround the park.
- A limited number of tables and benches
- It’s a very tall play structure with very tall and fast slides. Great for kids at least three years of age, but anxiety-inducing for parents of those two and under.
Massengale Park Playground
1350 Ocean Blvd.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Massengale Park is located in the East Beach area of St. Simons Island. The playground is located near the park entrance, and the beach is a short walk away at the back end of the park.
Pros:
- Shaded.
- Plenty of benches and picnic tables.
- Bathrooms are a five-minute walk towards the back of the park.
- Swings, including one infant swing.
- Walking distance to the beach makes it very easy to do both activities.
Cons:
- Parking can be challenging in the summer. Get there early.
Demere Park
1219 Demere Road
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Demere Park is the smallest park on St. Simons Island. One of the unique features of this park is that it has a skate park on-site - the only skate park on St. Simons.
Pros:
- On-site skate park.
- There’s a butterfly garden within the park.
- Restrooms on site.
Cons:
- The playground is tiny, and kids might get bored quickly.
Frederica Park
2201 Lawrence Rd.
St Simons Island, GA 31522
Frederica Park on St. Simons Island is a great option for those living on the north end of the island.
Pros:
- New playground as of March 2023.
- There is a dog park within the park if you have a pup that wants to get out.
- There’s a nice sidewalk loop around the soccer fields. Have your kids bring their scooters or bikes and get your steps in.
- The Alice Richards Botanical Trail is a flat hiking trail within the park. One area of the path has several fairy houses that our kids love exploring.
- Bathrooms are located near the parking lot.
- Two covered picnic pavilions if you want to pack a lunch.
Cons:
- Bugs! Beware of bugs at this park: ticks, gnats, mosquitos, and chiggers. Bring bug spray and check your kids and pets for ticks when you leave.
Glynn Haven Playground - Now Open!
Corner of Atlantic Dr. & Third Ave.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Those living or staying mid-island will be happy to hear a new park was completed in the Glynn Haven neighborhood. The park includes green space and a playground that's on the smaller side. Read more here.
Pros:
- Mid-island location
- New as of December 2022
- Green space adjacent to the playground (psst... bring a soccer ball to kick around)
- Mommy-and-me swing
- Walking distance to Frederica Pharmacy for soft serve ice cream, Brogens North, and La Plancha.
Cons:
- No bathrooms
- The playground is on the smaller side, so older kids might get bored
- Lack of shade
Playgrounds on Sea Island
Sea Island is private, so only those who are members or staying at the Sea Island Resort have access. There is a great playground on the beach adjacent to the Beach Club pool. It’s the only playground on Sea Island.
Playgrounds on Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island Playground
100 Great Dunes Park, Crossover 32
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
There’s one playground on Jekyll Island, and it was recently renovated. It’s across the street from Tortuga Jack’s and the beach.
Pros:
- The Jekyll Island playground is across the street from the beach.
- There are lots of benches for parents to sit on.
- There are two playgrounds on-site: a toddler playground and a bigger playground for older kids.
- The bathrooms are very close.
- The playground was recently re-done in late 2021, so the equipment is nice and new.
- If your kids are into riding their bikes, bring them with you and take advantage of the many bike trails that wind around the island.
- Jekyll’s Beach Village is a short drive away. Stop in the village on your way to the playground or off the island. It’s a charming area to walk around, get food (and frozen yogurt), and shop.
- The playground shares a parking lot with the Jekyll Island Golf course, a mini-golf course, and a pizza place so you can park and walk to all.
- Tortuga Jacks Mexican restaurant is across the street if you want to grab lunch after the kids play.
Cons:
- Parking can be problematic in the summer and during Holly Jolly Jekyll over the holidays.
- Getting on the island can be difficult in and of itself in the summer and during Holly Jolly Jekyll. Get there early and prepare to pay the toll to access the island.
Playgrounds in Brunswick
Several playgrounds in Brunswick are spread out in different areas of the city. A few have been recently revamped, making them excellent options.
Howard Coffin Park
1430 Lanier Blvd
Brunswick, GA 31525
Howard Coffin Park is the largest park in Brunswick and is close to the causeway that takes you to St. Simons Island.
Pros:
- Brand new playground equipment.
- Restrooms are nearby.
- Lots of benches for parents to sit on.
- Shaded picnic pavilion.
- There’s a dog park and a half-mile paved walking path on site. The walking path is part of the Harold E. Jennings Wellness Park and has 15 fitness stations with instructional signs.
- There’s a community pool near the playground open during the summer.
Cons:
- The playground itself has limited shade and is mainly in the sun. Make sure to bring sunscreen.
Selden Park
100 Genoa Martin Dr
Brunswick, GA 31520
Seldon Park is centrally located in Brunswick on 33 acres.
Pros:
- The playground equipment was redone a few years ago. Our kids played for a few hours and enjoyed it, especially the tall and fast slides.
- It has a shaded picnic pavilion.
- Indoor facilities that can be rented for events.
Cons:
- The playground was nice, but the rest of the facilities could use upgrades.
North Glynn Recreation Complex
622 Harry Driggers Blvd.
Brunswick, GA 31520
The North Glynn Recreation Complex is an excellent option for those living in Northern Glynn County and is close to all the neighborhoods off of Harry Driggers Blvd.
Pros:
- Two playgrounds on-site (although on opposite ends of the park).
- Picnic tables and pavilions.
- Restrooms are nearby.
- On-site dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs.
- Playground equipment is relatively new and will keep kids busy for hours.
- Swings for kids and benches for parents.
- There’s a one-mile paved walking trail around a lake so have the kids bring their bikes and scooters.
- There’s a skate park on-site with ramps, mini ramps, and rails.
Cons:
- This park is only convenient for those living off Harry Driggers and nearby.
- Due to the baseball/soccer fields, the park may be busy when leagues are happening.
Ahmaud Arbery Park
1640 Townsend Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
Brand new playground equipment was going in as of mid-December 2022. The park also includes a new picnic pavilion and basketball court.
Goodyear Park
2209 Parkwood Dr.
Brunswick, GA 31520
Goodyear Park includes two tennis courts in addition to a small playground.
Did we miss any playgrounds that you love?
When you're done with one of the playgrounds in the Golden Isles, fuel up at one of the many restaurants nearby.
