There’s nothing better than introducing a new park to your children. Exploring the playgrounds around the Keweenaw Peninsula should be on your summer travel bucket list (and your kids summer bucket list too). Playgrounds are the perfect way to enjoy some quality outdoor time, free fun, and to get your kids moving. Parents don’t usually think about adding a playground to their trip itinerary, but I know your kids will thank you for it! So while you are planning your trip to the Keweenaw, this article will introduce you to some of our favorite parks in the area.

Chassell Township Centennial Park

The Chassell Township Centennial Park playground structure was recently renovated and is a stunning green color to match the green space! There are a few massive trees next to the playground, but they will only shade the space in the afternoon. After enjoying the swings, slide, balancing stones, and many other fun gizmos, you can walk over to the sand beach and play in Pike Bay.

103 3rd St, Chassell, MI 49916

Chutes and Ladders

The Upper Peninsula’s most epic playground! Take play to the next level at this one-of-a-kind playground located along Houghton’s waterfront. This playground is absolutely massive as it sits on a sandy incline and features a seemingly endless labyrinth of structures, climbing spaces, slides, and tunnels. There’s a secondary structure more suitable for younger children. There are also multiple sets of swings. The most thrilling experience is the tube slides that start at the top of the structure and span the entire decline. There is little shade at this park, so bring sunscreen and plenty of water. There is also a beach to cool down at afterwards.

1100 W Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI 49931

West Houghton Park

Nestled inside a quaint neighborhood is a playground completely fenced in. There is a swing, picnic benches, and two brightly colored play structures. I love that this playground is completely fenced in to keep my kiddos from wandering away. There isn’t any parking, so you will have to park along the side of the road. This park is surrounded by wonderful trees for shade during the morning or afternoon.

812 W Edwards Ave, Houghton, MI 49931

The Tree House Indoor Playground

This is a unique playground as it is indoors! This playground features a stunning, hand-built treehouse, slide, tire swing, rock wall, ball drop, play kitchen, baby-geared space, and so much more. This playground is $6 for the whole family and is only for children from birth to 4 years old. We personally love using this space during rainy days or when we want to change up our play time in the winter.

850 W Sharon Ave #6, Houghton, MI 49931

Hancock Beach

Although Chutes and Ladders is definitely a bucket-list playground, we tend to convince our kids to come to Hancock Beach instead. There is a wonderfully sized beach with a dock where you can find college students jumping into the chilly canal or sun bathing. There are two play structures, multiple swing sets, and a handicap swing. During the summer, you can enjoy ice cream from Portage Paddle Sports. There are massive, old-growth trees providing plenty of shade. During the summer months, there is also a volley ball sand pit. While there are plenty of picnic tables and benches, I recommend bringing your own chairs or blanket if you plan to stay near the beach.

2000 Jasberg St, Hancock, MI 49930

Tamarack Park

Tamarack Park is actually an old stamping mill. You can find the ruins and learn some history of the area while playing at the quaint playground. There is also a basketball court. It is a popular picnic spot in the summer, so pack your baskets!

51802-51906 Tamarack St, Calumet, MI 49913

Relate: The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum

Lake Linden Park

At Lake Linden Park, you can find a massive yellow play structure with plenty of slides, climbing spaces, monkey-bars, and more. There are a handful of benches, cover awnings, and trees, but the shade is lacking. I recommend bringing your own chairs, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Lake Linden, MI 49945

Calumet Waterworks

This popular beach and rock-hounding spot actually boasts an expansive playground! Although the structures are dated, there was a wonderful variety of spaces to play. The playground had two different sized slides, variously sized climbing structures, colorful tot swings, baby swings, and a giant swing set. The playground is entirely surrounded by trees and has plenty tables and benches.

Lakeshore Dr, Calumet, MI 49913

Copper Harbor School Playground

The Copper Harbor School playground is one of our favorites! They just recently revamped the space complete with two natural-space themed structures. You can find wilderness animals hidden throughout the structures. There are also swings and a merry-go-round. For the parents, you can find swinging benches along the outer edge of the playground.

346 Gratiot St, Copper Harbor, MI 49918

L’anse Waterfront park

The L’anse Waterfront Park has two playground structures, one wooden and dated, and the second boasting plenty of color. There were two swing sets with plenty of seats and a small splash pad. There were plenty of benches. Afterwards, you can head to the beach to play too. If you continue walking south on Railroad St, then head west on S. Main Street, along the waterfront trail you will find a colorful train play structure, teeter-totters, and spring riders!

Baraga Ave, L'Anse, MI 49946

We love exploring fun themed playgrounds and adding unique play spaces to our itineraries!

Do you have a favorite playground? I’d love to add it to our bucket list!

10 Amazing Playgrounds for Kids in the Keweenaw