Best Playgrounds In Shreveport

This gorgeous weather has me itching to get outside with the stroller! Here is a list of a few of the best parks in Kiss Country! Keep this list handy, because before we know it we will be escaping the heat in a nearby pool!

Mike Wood Park

2200 Dennis Street Bossier City 71112

South Bossier's hidden gem complete with cattle and B-52 bombers, Mike Wood Park has a pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, playground and picnic areas. The play areas are all contained within a one mile paved path. Mike Wood Park is clean, and constantly abuzz with young families. Located at the back of Shady Grove subdivision, Mike Wood Park is bordered on one corner by peaceful cattle grazing in a pasture and on the other by B-52 Bombers landing at Barksdale Airforce Base. This may seem like odd placement of a park to the mind of an adult, but look through the eyes of a child and you will see a magical world that houses all of their favorite things: planes, farm animals, and a place to run wild until they smell like wet rusty chains. The public pool at Mike Wood is open June 1 - July 30th. For hours and information about swimming lessons click here.

Betty Virginia Park

3901 Fairfield Ave Shreveport 71106

This charming 23 acre park is located in the heart of Shreveport's South Highlands neighborhood with entrances and parking from both Line and Fairfield Avenues. (Weekend parking tip: since the park is usually busier on the weekend use the Fairfield entrance which has more parking available). For you runners and walkers there is a 1/2 mile paved track surrounding the park and one booger of a paved hill off the main path that will make your calves burn to the bone and get your heart rate pumping. (This hill was recently repaved and is where I go on my "hill work" run days. The surrounding hilly South Highlands neighborhood is also excellent for walking and running and you encounter plenty of smiling faces logging their miles.) Betty Virginia is the official weekend picnic and birthday party park, with multiple 'first one to come claims it' covered areas for your get together. (So get there early and set up to get a space). Betty Virginia Park is open Dawn to Dusk. The park has one recreational ball field and a playground that is always clean and packed with young children along with their swing motors (parents).

A. C. Steere Park

4009 Youree Drive Shreveport 71105

With 17 acres housing a walking path, tennis courts, lighted ball fields, a "Sprayground" and the "Leaps and Bounds" play area, A.C. Steere is one of the best playgrounds in Shreveport. "Leaps and Bound" is Louisiana's very first "boundless" playground-offering appropriate play for children of all ages and developmental levels including mentally and physically challenged children. The "Sprayground" is an excellent place for children, and adults, to cool off during the brutal "dog days" of summer. The paved path surrounding the park is 3/8 of a mile long and perfect for pushing strollers and pulling wagons along.

The Duck Pond

1200 East Kings Highway Shreveport 71105(318)673-7727

Affectionately referred to by locals as "The Duck Pond" - East Kings Highway Park is popular for. . . wait for it. . . yes, the Ducks. Kids love to feed critters. And these fat feathery bread fed waterfowl are living the dream at this small park along East Kings in Shreveport. Along with the web footed friends, there is also a nice playground area that overlooks the waterfront. The Duck Pond is open Dawn until Dusk and has restrooms and picnic areas. One caution about the Duck Pond - due to the close proximity to the busy road, East Bert Kouns, you will need to closely supervise your children.

Shed Road Community Playfield

4208 Shed Road Bossier City,

Cool off this summer at this 13.7 acre park complete with modular playground, swimming pool, a jogging/walking trail, softball fields, picnic areas and pavilions. The pool is open Monday through Friday Noon - 5:45 and Saturday 1p-6p. The cost for pool access is $2 for adults and $1 per child, per day. This park even offers swim lessons! For more information about morning and evening swim lessons, you can give the park office a call at 318-741-8383. Download the swimming lesson form from the park website.

Of notable mention, for those rainy days are two area FREE indoor playgrounds

Kid City is located within Shreveport Community Church and offers a gigantic indoor playground, arcade and best of all a coffee shop for parents! You can call Kid City at 318-671-7100.

Tiny Town indoor playground at First Bossier also offers free playtime on a limited schedule: Sunday from 12:15-12:45p.m, Tuesday from 9-11am and 1-3pm and Wednesday from 7:00p.m.-7:30p.m. They also have a really neat kid friendly interactive website with games and coloring sheets. Tiny Town's number is 318-741-7040.

I hope you have a safe, fun summer enjoying our local parks! Now, tell me, where is your favorite park or summer fun spot?