Sheridan-Emmett Park - Manchester, NH

This urban playground has some good things to offer, including basketball courts and a large lawn with a walking track around it. The two playground structures offer the usual slides, climbing walls and monkey bars. Several large, old trees offer some shade over park benches to relax on while the kids play. With the Cremeland only a few blocks away, Manchester's best ice cream is just minutes away. The playground is tied to the Beech Street School, and during school hours the playground is for school use only.

Location: 324 Beech Street, Manchester, NH

Smyth Road Elementary School Playground - Manchester, NH

While my husband was putting together our own new playground at home, I took the kids to a new playground. This playground was tested out by my four year old, as my two year old fell asleep in the car on the way there.

The playground is behind the Smyth Road Elementary School in Manchester's North End. There is plenty of parking right up close to the playground, which is not fenced in. The playground also lacks swings. However, it makes up for it in some fun, unique elements, like bells and drums. It's a nice playground for a summer evening.

Location: 245 Bruce Road, Manchester, NH

Parker Varney Elementary School - Manchester, NH

Our local neighborhood school, Parker Varney Elementary School, has a brand new, fun playground. The two large structures offer lots of sliding and climbing fun, with benches for the parents surrounding them. There are no swings, but the playground makes up for it with simpler offerings, like the brightly painted jumbo map of the United States and the hopscotch and four square games. The playground also has basketball hoops, kickball diamond and tall ball buckets (what are those called anyway?). This is a really fun playground for a summer evening.   

Location: 223 James Pollock Dr. Manchester NH

Crystal Lake - Manchester, NH

We tried to beat the rain and get some fun in at the playground tonight, but got caught eventually in a downpour. It was fun while it lasted. Crystal Lake has a nice little playground,with two fun structures. The playground has a fence around it, but is not enclosed. Lots of slides and climbing ladders/walls make for a fun time. But the best part of the park is the beach and lake, although it is only open to Manchester residents. A gorgeous old stone pavillion is the perfect picnic area for the summer. There's lots of parking, but I bet that it fills up in the summer. Looking forward to a hot summer day to head back to this playground.

Location: Off of Bodwell Road, Manchester, NH

Raco Theodore Park - Manchester, NH

Raco Theodore Park, on Manchester's West Side, is a nice little neighborhood playground. The small playground is fenced in, but the latch on the gate is currently broken. There is one large structure with some fun, curvy slides and a few climbing ladders and walls. The ground could use a little grooming, as the matting under the bark mulch is ripped and poking through. The swings were fun and plentiful. Probably one of the best parts of the park we didn't get to enjoy. There is a huge pool, 50 meters by 25 yards with a side alcove as well. Looks like a great place for swimming in the summer, but it won't open until the end of June. The park is a good stop on a summer evening, but not a weekend filler.

Location: Head Street (off of Varney Street), Manchester, NH