Editor-in-Chief at Raleigh Family Adventure

Amy Hartle is the enthusiastic force behind Raleigh Family Adventure as its Editor-in-Chief and founder. She resides in the North Carolina Triangle area with her husband and their adventurous toddler. Amy has worked as a content creator since 2012, specializing in travel and lifestyle. On this site, Amy marries her expertise with her passion to bring Raleigh parents the best in local family fun.

Morreene Road Park: A Parent’s Review

Morreene Road Park is a great addition to the roster of Durham area playgrounds! We visited recently on a chilly January morning, and had the park to ourselves. We really enjoyed our time at this park and would definitely recommend it.

At the time of visiting, our son was 2.5 years old. We view all playgrounds we visit through the lens of toddlerhood, currently, so much of my review is based on how appropriate I felt this park was for his age.

While this park has a lot of terrific features, I wouldn’t necessarily add it to our list of most toddler-friendly playgrounds in the Triangle. It is a fine spot for toddlers and littles, but my son felt a *little* young for this playground and I think kids 3+ are probably the ideal age here.

First, let me share a quick breakdown of what you’ll find at Morreene Road Park:

Morreene Road Park has a lot of good features. It was built to be an accessible playground, and so there are many elements of that. The structure can be accessed via ramps, and there’s a sidewalk ramp leading down from the parking lot.

As far as inclusive play elements, I saw an ADA swing, as well as a Sway Fun, a wheelchair-accessible glider. I think you need several people to help make this element really move! Definitely a group activity.

The ground surface of the playground is rubberized, which is ideal for safety (and great for accessibility!) I also appreciate that the majority of this playground remains low to the ground. As a toddler mom, I get very nervous when the play structures are tall.

There is a variety of things for kids to play on: several slides of varying lengths, lots of climbing opportunities, swings (including baby/toddler swings), a few tunnels, and some interactive elements, which are always popular with my son.

One of the more unique items we saw here was a hand-held zipline. While not very long (and definitely meant for older kids), I could see this being a very popular activity at the playground.

Our son enjoyed the variety of slides here. The enclosed slide above is actually the first tunnel slide I’ve ever seen him try! Perhaps because it is so open on both ends.

A Few More Thoughts on Morreene Road Park

Whenever I report on a playground, I like to provide as much detail as possible as to the parking and bathroom situations. I know this information is vital for moms, especially those with kids who are potty training or still need diaper changes.

Unfortunately, the bathrooms here were locked with a sign stating that they are closed during the winter to prevent freezing. We did spot a port-a-potty nearby, but that’s not ideal. So I can’t confirm if there is a changing table in these bathrooms. They are right next to the playground, however.

Parking is a breeze here. It’s also right next to the playground area, with a cement ramp leading down from the lot.

While this isn’t a fenced playground, it does have the feeling of being set back from the road and parking lot, and one side borders the tennis courts, so it feels more enclosed.

*The bathrooms – not open during winter!*

Closest Coffee Shop to Morreene Road Park

Last but not least, you are likely wondering where to grab coffee before heading to the playground! Coffee and playgrounds combinations are our absolute favorite as a family, especially on a Saturday morning.

Our pick for a coffee stop on the way to this park is Cocoa Cinnamon, located at 2627 Hillsborough Rd. Not only do they have terrific coffee and treats, it’s just a 5 minute drive from the park.