Falls Park Playground is located in historic downtown Pendleton, Indiana, alongside Fall Creek. Established in 1920, Falls Park has long been a cornerstone of the community, featuring an iconic lighthouse, beautiful waterfalls, public pools, sports complexes, golf courses, and an amazing playground, making it a favorite destination for families and residents alike.
First Impressions of Falls Park Playground
When we first arrived, we easily found parking on the street right in front of the playground, which was super convenient. At first glance, I quickly realized this playground is much bigger and more impressive than it initially appears. The landscaping stood out right away, with beautiful flower beds and greenery everywhere. It made for a really welcoming atmosphere.
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Paved paths weave between the different play sections, which is a nice way to divide up the space and make it easy to get around. But the really unique feature along these paths are the swinging benches! They were a fantastic upgrade from typical park seating and the perfect spot for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the kids.
Endless Fun: The Playground Features
The Giant Treehouse Adventure
Right in the center of it all is a massive play structure designed to look like a giant treehouse. It immediately captured my daughter’s imagination! There are tons of different ways for kids to climb up. Her favorite was scrambling up a large, built-in boulder to get to the first level, but kids can also use faux tree branches, steps, or ramps. To reach the very top, there’s a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder that most kids over four should be able to handle with no problem. The ground underneath is a thoughtful mix of soft rubber, artificial turf, and mulch, which helps to separate the different play zones.
Rolling Hills and Musical Fun
Between the main structure and the toddler area, there’s a fantastic zone with rolling green turf hills. My daughter had an absolute blast in this area. She ran up the man-made hills and then raced through the tunnel. Her favorite part was going down the roller slide that’s built right into the side of a hill. This area also has oversized musical instruments, adding another layer of fun for kids to explore.
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The Nature Play Zone
Right next to the main playground, there’s a nature-themed play area. With its mulch flooring and wooden climbing obstacles, it has a great, natural feel. A giant spider-web net provides a fun and challenging climbing experience for adventurous kids.
Swings, Swings, and More Swings!
You’ll find three separate sets of swings across the playground, so there’s something for everyone. The one at the front has adaptive swings, traditional swings, and some unique seesaw-style swings. In the middle, there’s a big circular web swing, which is always a hit.
The Toddlers Zone at Falls Park Playground
Towards the back of the playground, there’s a dedicated toddler zone, perfectly designed for the littlest visitors. It’s a safe and engaging space featuring a smaller climbing structure with gentle slides that are perfect for tiny legs. This area also has its own set of musical instruments for them to discover and a separate swing set with both regular and secure toddler swings, so they don’t have to compete with the big kids.
Extra Amenities: Seating, Shade, and Restrooms
Parents will appreciate the abundant seating options throughout the park. Besides the swinging benches, there are numerous picnic tables. Most of them have shade sails to keep you cool on sunny days. And for a major convenience, there are public bathrooms just steps away from the playground, right next to the toddler zone.
Don’t Forget the Creek!
After we had our fill of the playground, we took a short walk over to the nearby creek. A large rock bed creates a natural path to explore, and a bridge offers a great view of a small waterfall. It’s the perfect spot for some creek stomping! My daughter was disappointed we didn’t have more time to explore the creek, so that’s definitely on our to-do list for our next visit.
Falls Park Playground truly offers something for every age and interest. We can’t wait to go back! More more information about Falls Park and the playground visit The Town of Pendleton website.Â
Location: 116 Falls Park Dr, Pendleton, IN 46065
