Finally we’re getting a touch of spring, and this weather has us wanting to be outside as much as possible. My family loves to explore different parks, and one of our favorites is the Play For All Abilities Park.
It’s a little ways from the Lake Travis area, but if your kids want to try out a new park and you’re up for the drive to Round Rock, it’s absolutely worth the trip. It’s not your typical neighborhood park—this place is different and, as the name suggests, truly has something for children of all abilities.
The Play For All Abilities Park is a place where kids can explore in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. It was carefully designed to encourage children to have fun, learn and play.
What’s different about it?
First off, the park is huge. At over 50,000 square feet it has several areas and you could easily spend hours exploring each activity. Also, it’s completely fenced in with one entrance/exit, which makes it safer—no kids wandering off or darting across the street after an errant ball. There is specially designed equipment, such as the swings that cater to wheelchairs and a unique merry-go-round. The park also offers a music area, a large sandpit (great for sensory development), and a giant play structure.
But hands down, my favorite part is the mini city, with working streetlights and small replica buildings including a library, school, bank, local stores and a fire station. Kids are encouraged to bring their bikes or scooters to learn real life skills in a safe environment. They can practice street safety (waiting until the crosswalk signal changes before crossing the street, obeying traffic signs, etc.), and interacting with other. The ability to practice these real life skills in a safe environment is invaluable to many parents. There’s no judgment here.
In fact, that’s one of the things I like best about the park. Kids of all abilities play and interact with each other. Children often don’t even notice their differences, or if they do they’re quick to help each other. It really is an encouraging place to spend the day.
The history behind it is uplifting as well. The Play for All Abilities Park exists because of the dedication and commitment of so many people and organizations. Government, parents, health professionals and local organizations planned, fundraised and worked together to bring this vision to life. It’s truly a community project, and an uplifting and encouraging place to spend the day.
Entrance is free, and you are welcome to bring food and drinks inside (so long as you clean up after yourself). There’s also plenty of shade, so you might as well pack a picnic on your Lake Travis area excursion. You’ll want to stay awhile.
Play for All Abilities Park
151 North A.W. Grimes Blvd in Round Rock (map)
Hours: 6am to midnight
Great article- I hadn’t heard about this park, although I know there’s a similar one in San Antonio that we’ve been meaning to visit. We will definitely be checking this one out!
We should caravan! It really is a cool place. Worth a little extra drive to visit such a unique, accepting park.