Come play in Oak Ridge! Oak Ridge is a family-friendly community located about 20 miles northwest of Knoxville. The city has several public playgrounds that are all surrounded by green spaces, which are great for kids to explore beyond the playground. Whether you bring a ball to kick or throw around, all spaces are big enough to play tag, hide and seek, or for kids to use their imagination to play to infinity and beyond. All the playgrounds are well maintained, have portable restrooms available, and feature inclusive play equipment for people of all abilities.
Here is a list of all the playgrounds in Oak Ridge:
Cedar Hill Park: Moylan Lane, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
This is the largest and most imaginative playground in the Secret City. This playground is great for kids of all ages. The park is seamlessly divided with one side designed for toddlers, while the other suits older kids and the more adventurous toddler. There is a pavilion with picnic tables and a walking path around the perimeter of the park. 
Melton Lake Park: Melton Lake Dr, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Located on Melton Lake, this playground is as picturesque as it gets. Next to the playground there is a pavilion, a sand volleyball court, and a paved path along the lake. The path is great for biking, scootering, or taking a relaxing walk. There are public bathrooms on the other side of the parking lot in addition to the portable restrooms next to the playground.
A K Bissell Park: 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Located in the middle of town behind the Oak Ridge Public Library and Civic Center, this park is popular due to its location, but it is not crowded. This is a good playground to visit to meet new friends. It provides a great gravel walking path around the park and you can visit the International Friendship Bell in the middle of it. Bathrooms are available inside the library or Civic Center.
Briarcliff Park: 100 Deerfield Ln, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Nestled in the Briarcliff neighborhood, this playground is great for kids of all ages. There is a really tall and fast slide that everyone, including moms, can enjoy. There is a forest area with a creek next to the playground that is fun to explore.
Big Turtle Park: 2397 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Big Turtle Park will come up on any map app as Big Turtle Dog Park. Ignore the dog park and go anyway. There is a great playground, along with a separate dog park. A huge soccer field and baseball fields are next to it.
Highland View Park: 441-461 W Outer Dr, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
This playground is next to the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. It’s perfect to enjoy after or before your museum visit. This park does not have any portable bathrooms, but the museum will usually let park-goers use their bathrooms.
The playground underwent renovations last year and is now an inclusive playground to accommodate children of all abilities. The special feature is a We-Go-Swing that allows children of all abilities to swing together. Children in wheel chairs can swing without having to be transferred from their wheel chair with their peers. You can read more about it and where to find other inclusive playgrounds here.
Elm Grove Park: 351 E Tennessee Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
This playground’s unique features include a climbing structure and several fast slides next to each other. It’s great for the kids to race on. It is also surrounded by a large walk path around the perimeter of the park.
Milt Dickens Park: 101 Athens Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
This playground has two play structures intended for younger kids and older kids. There is a shallow stream behind it that is fun to play in. There is a large soccer field next to the playground.
La Salle Park: Lasalle Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
This park is tucked back behind the Lasalle Park soccer fields. It is a nice secluded playground. It has a picnic table and the portable restroom is located by the soccer field parking lot.
Scarboro Park: 148 Carver Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Located in the historic Scarboro community next to the Scarboro community center. This park has a great fenced-in playground with a pavilion with tables. There are no public bathrooms.
First Baptist Church: 1101 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
First Baptist Church has a small fenced in playground which they are happy to let the public use. The gate is unlocked during the day. There are no public restrooms. It is a great playground to keep your little runners contained.
United Church, Chapel on the Hill: 85 Kentucky Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
United Church, more commonly referred to as Chapel on the Hill, has a lovely little playground that is open to the public. Located next to Historic Jackson Square, this is a great place to hang out after exploring that area with your littles. The playground is fenced in, but does not have public restrooms. The playground is open after 3pm to dusk during the week, and morning until dusk on the weekends.
Adventure Playground at Aspire: 777 Aspire Dr, Clinton, TN 37716
This is not your traditional playground. Meant to ignite your child’s creativity and adventurous side, Adventure Playground will have your child mind and legs running wild. It is an inclusive playground for kids of all ages. In addition to the traditional playground structures like slides, and swings, Adventure Playground has obstacle courses, kiddie zip lines, and other equipment you would not find at most playgrounds. Areas are color coded as a guide for which area is best for your child’s age to play in. The playground’s design encourages kids to work together, think critically for a fun and enriching experience. Open daily from morning to dusk. Located past the Onward and Upward Building.
Is your favorite Oak Ridge playground on this list? Leave a comment to let us know! Also check out our Favorite Knoxville Area Playgrounds list!
