Lucas Park on Barre Street in Charleston is a great park that has just enough are to run around and…read moreget some fresh air. They have a good playground and sitting area and plenty of shade from the surrounding trees. This park is well maintained and a fun place to go when you are in the area.

Cannon Park is located near MUSC and Roper Hospitals, in a less commercialized area of downtown…read moreCharleston. My most recent visit was for two days of volunteer work with my running club, which hosts a race that begins and ends in the park. Cannon Park's most prominent feature is the raised platform with four columns, which are the last remnants of the old Charleston Museum that burned down in 1981. Lately, people have used sidewalk chalk to write inspirational quotes and positive messages on the columns. For dog parents, Cannon Park is the place to go. Your pups will meet plenty of other pups to social with, as this seems like Charleston's token dog park. I'm not sure if dogs are supposed to be off leash in this park or not, but they often are. The park has doggy bags and waste receptacles, but watch your step as not everyone cleans up. I almost slipped stepping into a few holes as well, and I wish the city would give the park some TLC and level those so no one gets hurt. The park has a small playground, which is shaded but the equipment looks like it's seen better days. Although the Charleston City Parks website claims the park has wifi, it is spotty at best, so I wouldn't count on it. If you're hungry or thirsty while in the park, there's a Walgreens and a gas station very close by. This simple park doesn't have a huge tourist draw, which could be a plus. Since it's so close to the hospitals, it's the perfect place to go for a walk for some fresh air and a little escape from the medical community.

This is my favorite park in Charleston. It has trees that provide the perfect amount of shade in…read morethe hot and humid Summers, but it also provides some piece and quiet when you want to escape the hustle and bustle from the city center. Thanks to the columns that remain from the old museum, they are the perfect meeting spot to hang out with friends or have a first date. It's proximity to the gas station gives you the opportunity to get an ice cold beverage at any time. But make sure not to litter this green lung!

We chose this playground because there is also a basketball court next to it so both kids (one…read moretoddler and one teen) would have something to do. My son and husband got lucky and didn't have to wait for a half court to play one on one. The other half of the court was being used by a quad skater. My toddler enjoyed this playground. It is already shaded by big trees but they also have large canvas shades for added coverage. The equipment said ages 5-12 but there was only one part that was too advanced for her (climbing). They have benches throughout the small area and some really pretty flowers. After playing at the playground for a little bit, we walked across the street to Hampton Park and walked around for a little bit. Parking was free on the street in front of the park. Will definitely be back when nearby. If you get hungry when you leave, hit up Rutledge Cab Co., it's not far from here and they have their own lot (that's what we did).

McMahon Playground at Hampton Park in Charleston is a really good park that has a nice full court…read morebasketball court, a cool playground and open fields to run around at. This park is clean and well maintained and easy to access and find free parking available. I like coming here and catching some fresh air during the middle of a busy day.

Mary Utsey is a great city playground! I live nearby and played at this park when I was younger…read more This playground has plenty of equipment to climb and play on. The park is clean and well maintained. I came here recently with family and my nephew was full of joy going down the slides and running around. Recommend going here if you live in West Ashley.

My son loves this playground. We often stop here between errands and activities. Sometimes I even…read moreuse it as motivation for my son that if we get out the door sooner we will have time to stop! In the summer the big trees create large areas of shade. Bring a ball for the basketball area, or tennis rackets for the courts. Drinking fountain on site. Best part is the single entrance is not facing the parking lot so the littles learning to run can't escape into a dangerous parking lot or street.

Community center hosts youth sports and fitness classes. Charleston residents get discounted rates…read more My son has played both soccer and basketball through the Rec. There is a playground for littles, a dog park, trails, tennis courts. Inside is a basketball court with open court, bathrooms, water fountain, and a concession stand.

This park has been completely renovated and it is amazing! It is accessible for children with…read morespecial needs- from the swings, to the zip line and more. It is still gated and I only had to go by and close the gate once so, for the most part, people are doing a good job of keeping that secure. I loved all the musical instruments and the four hidden animals on the playground equipment (squirrel, owl, butterfly and frog). This park also has bathrooms which is a huge plus with kids.

My grandson was going through an issue with his health that MUSC nor the children's hospital in…read moreOrlando could diagnose. He was not even walking at one point and didn't seem to be capable of using his right arm. He cradled and protected the arm from everything. Soon after, I visited Summerville and discovered Saul's Park. My daughter in law and I took the children to Saul's Park and "bam!", before we knew it he was using his right arm, climbing, swinging and playing the steel drums on the decorative, bright colored "flowers"! An enjoyable experience for us all!!! We will be back, for sure!

Tiedemann Park on Elizabeth Street in Charleston is a great park that once you find it is pretty…read morecool. There is plenty of green space that you can run around in and enjoy as well as a nice playground with swings and other pieces to climb on. I really liked the playground in this park. This park has a lot of cool flowers and plants and is a nature and garden place that is fun to smell, enjoy, and be around. I was able to find a few surprises at this park and had a really fun experience here as there is much that this park has to offer. I am happy that there is so many cool parks in Charleston and this is one of my new favorites that I look forward to being able to come back in the future and enjoy some more.

Tiedemann Park Nature Center is a good way to experience nature and gardens in the middle of…read moreCharleston. This is a wonderful place to experience flowers and gardens that are well taken care of and maintained. I also like playing on the playground and the swings as there is never enough swing sets when you need one that is close by. Tiedemann Park Nature Center has a lot going for it.

A decent playground a couple blocks off of the beach, they recently redid some of the structures…read more They also have a free little library out front, one of several on the island, but I believe the only one on the west side of Center. Not a lot of designated parking spots per se, but places you can park nearby for free, as long as you follow the Folly rule of having all 4 tires off of the asphalt and on the shoulder/dirt.

This playground is definitely geared more towards the younger ones. It has one large center…read morestructure with a tube slide and a dual small slide. There is a cool spiderweb looking climbing thingy, a swing set, rotating chairs, and a seesaw. There is plenty or room to run around and lots of shade. A Folly playground would not be complete without a gazebo, of course, and a little free library as well. One cool thing about this place is the water bottle refill station upfront. With lots of cool surfboard art hanging on the fences to complete the feel, this playground is sure to please!