A colorful playground set located in a shaded, wooded area with various slides and climbing structures. A large blue umbrella provides additional shade. The image includes a banner at the bottom with a family of cartoon cardinals and text that reads, "Shady Playgrounds in Raleigh + the Triangle." This image highlights a cool, tree-covered play area in Raleigh, perfect for keeping kids cool during hot days.

21 Shady Playgrounds in Raleigh and the Triangle

by
Amy Hartle
Latest posts by Amy Hartle (see all)

SHADE! If you’ve ever experienced a North Carolina summer, you know how crucial shade can be, especially when you’re trying to keep the kids cool and comfortable during playtime. Unfortunately, finding a playground with ample shade can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. Most playgrounds, while fun and well-equipped, seem to lack this essential feature. But don’t worry—I’ve done the legwork for you.

In the Triangle area, there are a few playgrounds that offer a decent amount of shade, making them more bearable for both kids and parents during those scorching summer days. While none of these playgrounds are entirely covered—you’d have to go indoors for that—they all offer a fair amount of shade in and around their play areas. It’s important to note that shade coverage can vary depending on the time of day, but these playgrounds have proven to provide some much-needed relief from the sun. Here are a few of my favorite shaded playgrounds in the area.

PS: Want a more visual list of these? Check out my Instagram reels featuring these shady playgrounds: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Hunter Street Park (Apex)

📍1250 Ambergate Station, Apex, NC 27502

One of my top picks for toddler playgrounds in the Triangle, Hunter Street Park has a massive shade canopy covering their main play structure, plus shade over the swings. Win.

A playground with slides and climbing structures is sheltered by a large green canopy, providing ample shade. The playground surface is covered with black rubber mulch, and a few adults and children are playing and standing nearby. The surrounding area includes trees and open space, with additional people and children in the background. This image highlights a shaded playground area, ideal for staying cool during playtime.

River Bend Park (Raleigh)

📍5610 Wallace Martin Wy, Raleigh, NC 27616

Unfortunately MOST of this playground is not shaded, but one of the areas has a large shade which could be helpful during certain parts of the day.

Ed Yerha Park (Cary)

📍1216 Jenks Carpenter Rd, Cary, NC 27519

This is a small playground that boasts several shade coverings. They definitely help on a hot day. Unfortunately the sand box area is not covered.

A children's playground with a nature-themed play structure featuring a yellow slide, green climbing elements, and a spiral ladder. The area is shaded by large triangular fabric canopies in tan and blue, providing protection from the sun. The playground surface is covered with blue and brown rubber flooring. Several children are playing, and a few adults are supervising in the background. Trees and parked cars are visible beyond the playground, indicating a wooded, suburban setting. This image highlights a shaded, well-designed play area ideal for young children

Durant Nature Preserve (Raleigh)

📍8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614

While not technically a playground, the cute sensory garden at Durant Nature Preserve offers a fair amount to do and plenty of natural shade.

A small wooden structure surrounded by trees, featuring a brightly painted mural on its side. The mural depicts a colorful scene with a large orange butterfly, red and blue flowers, and green leaves under a partly cloudy sky. The structure sits along a dirt path, with shade provided by the surrounding trees. The overall setting suggests a peaceful, natural environment, possibly part of a park or garden area.

Optimist Park (Raleigh)

📍5900 Whittier Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609

I really like this playground. We were there in the morning, and it seemed quite well shaded to me.

North Hills Park (Raleigh)

📍100 Chowan Cir, Raleigh, NC 27609

North Hills park is very woodsy so there’s plenty of natural shade. I especially like that the sandbox area is well-shaded. The main play structure also has a couple of small shades which may help during midday.

A shaded playground set within a wooded area, featuring colorful slides and climbing structures under large blue umbrellas. The ground is covered in sand, with a few seesaws scattered in the play area. A wooden bench is positioned nearby, with a person seated on it. The surrounding trees provide ample shade, creating a cool and serene environment for children to play in. This image highlights a peaceful, shaded playground surrounded by nature.

MacDonald Woods (Cary)

📍1601 Seabrook Ave, Cary, NC 27511

Love this one! Tons of trees provide a lot of shade. This playground has toddler and older kids structures, swings, and it’s even a short walk to another great shaded playground (Kids Together).

Longstreet Park (Raleigh)

📍7334 Stuart Dr, Raleigh, NC 27615

This is a sweet little neighborhood park. It isn’t totally shady but there’s a decent amount of tree cover. Nice spot for toddlers with baby swings, a sandbox, and toddler friendly structures.

Burch Avenue Park (Durham)

📍816 Burch Ave, Durham, NC 27701

Another great spot for little ones, there are tons of trees in this adorable, totally fenced in park.

Roanoke Park (Raleigh)

📍1508 Greenwood St, Raleigh, NC 27608

A small neighborhood park that is geared towards younger kids. There’s a whole section of ride on toys and cars! There isn’t complete shade but an abundance of trees helps!

A neighborhood playground with green-roofed play structures and orange slides, surrounded by wood chip ground cover. A young child is seen playing near the base of the slides. The playground is set within a residential area, with houses and blooming trees visible in the background. The scene is bright and sunny, with shadows of trees cast on the ground, suggesting a pleasant day for outdoor play.

Tot Playground (Morrisville)

📍Inside Lake Crabtree Park – 1400 Aviation Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560

Tons of trees and shade, yay! Use Google Maps to get you there (it’s called the Tot Playground)

A playground set in a wooded area features bright green and yellow play structures, including slides, climbing walls, and tunnels. The ground is covered with wood chips, and there are benches and natural-looking log seats nearby. A small log tunnel is in the foreground, adding to the rustic and nature-inspired design of the playground. The surrounding trees provide ample shade, creating a peaceful and natural atmosphere.

Eastgate Park (Raleigh)

📍4200 Quail Hollow Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609

Lots of trees give this playground plenty of shade. Swings, sandbox, and toddler friendly structures. And did I mention it is fenced!?

A playground with green and blue climbing structures and slides is set against a backdrop of tall, leafy trees that provide ample shade. The ground is covered with a rubber safety surface. A small child dressed in a cow-patterned outfit is walking across the playground, adding a sense of scale and activity. The scene is quiet and surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful environment for play.

Carolina Pines Park (Raleigh)

📍2305 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603

Very woodsy playground! Separate structures for little and big kids. There are also swings, although they are in a less shady area.

A shaded playground nestled in a wooded area, featuring red-roofed play structures with slides and climbing elements. The ground is covered with sand, and a small child in a cow-patterned outfit is standing near the edge of a raised sandbox area, facing the playground. Tall trees surround the play area, providing a natural and serene environment for outdoor play. The scene is quiet, with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.

Jones Park (Holly Springs)

📍405 School Days Ln, Holly Springs, NC 27540

One of the structures is covered by a large shade. The other is not. My son really enjoyed the slides here!

A playground with bright yellow and orange slides and climbing structures, set on a blue rubber safety surface. The area is shaded by a large yellow canopy overhead. A small child in a white shirt and green shoes walks across the playground, adding a sense of activity. The playground is surrounded by open space and trees, with a cloudy sky overhead, suggesting a cool and comfortable environment for play.

Kids Together Playground/Marla Dorrel Park (Cary)

📍111 Thurston Dr, Cary, NC 27518

Such a nice playground! My footage from here is from early spring but it’s definitely a shady playground. One of our favorite spots to play in the area, with lots of options and inclusive elements too.

Glen Eden Pilot Park (Raleigh)

📍1510 Glen Eden Dr, Raleigh, NC 27612

One of my new favorite spots. Love the shade, rubberized ground, tandem swing! Note: Make sure to put in 1510 Glen Eden Drive in your map app as opposed to what Google maps provides as it takes you directly to the parking lot by the playground.

A vibrant playground set amidst a forest features green play equipment, including slides, climbing structures, and tunnels. The playground is surrounded by tall trees, providing ample shade and a natural backdrop. The ground is covered with a soft, rubberized surface, ensuring safety for children playing. The atmosphere is tranquil, with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a blend of light and shadow across the playground

Piney Wood Park (Durham)

📍400 E Woodcroft Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713

Lots of trees surrounding this playground! In fact, we had trouble finding it as it was slightly hidden from the parking lot. It’s a nice spot to play and my son really enjoyed the swings.

Children are playing on a playground surrounded by tall trees, giving the area a shaded, forest-like atmosphere. The playground equipment includes slides, climbing structures, and a small rock wall. The ground is covered with wood chips, and the setting is likely a park with a natural, wooded environment. A few adults are present, supervising the children as they play. The day appears to be warm and sunny.

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve (Cary)

📍2616 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27518

This is another spot on this list that is not technically a playground. However, Hemlock Bluffs in Cary has a sweet little Children’s Nature Trail area right near the Stevens Nature Center. It’s completely shady and a nice spot for littles to run around. As a bonus, if it rains, you can pop inside the Nature Center and take a look around.

A serene outdoor area is set within a dense forest, featuring tall trees with lush green leaves. The ground is covered in pine needles, and there are several decorative mushroom-shaped stools arranged in a row. In the background, there are signs with information, a few benches, and a small wooden structure that appears to be part of a nature-themed play area or educational space. The atmosphere is peaceful, with natural light filtering through the trees.

Merrick-Moore Park (Durham)

📍632 N Hoover Rd, Durham, NC 27703

This is a totally fenced in playground (yay!) that has a large shade cover. This doesn’t always guarantee shade during certain parts of the day, but it is very helpful. The playground is also castle themed which is super cool.

A young child is playing in a sandbox with a toy dump truck. The child is scooping sand with a small shovel into the yellow and blue dump truck. In the background, there is a playground structure resembling a castle with a climbing net and slide, partially shaded by green canopies. The setting appears to be an outdoor playground on a sunny day.

Indian Creek Trailhead Playground (Morrisville)

📍101 Town Hall Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560

This is another of our favorite playground options as it is fully fenced and small–perfect for little kids. There is not shade throughout the day, but the mornings tend to be very shady. Grab an iced coffee and head over for an hour or two.

A young child is climbing the stairs of a brightly colored playground structure. The playground features yellow, red, and blue equipment, including slides and tunnels, with a few blue canopies overhead for shade. The area is surrounded by green trees, suggesting it is located in a park or a well-shaded outdoor play area. The day appears to be sunny and clear.

White Deer Park Playground (Garner)

 📍2424 State Rd 2710, Garner, NC 27529

There is no natural shade on this big playground, but there are several large shade coverings which sure help during certain parts of the day!

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We’re always ready to explore more places! Bookmark this list and we’ll add any new shady playgrounds as we find them!