The Best Playgrounds for Kids Who Bolt

If your child is an escape artist and you’re looking for fenced and partially-fenced playgrounds in the Portland area, you’re in luck. I spoke with parks and recreation departments, asked local parents, and polled our Instagram community to learn the safest places to play when parenting a runner.

My independent daughter is now a very responsible middle schooler, but when she was younger she was so likely to run away from me that I wore her in a carrier far longer than looked strictly normal. (The Ergobaby Carrier is suitable for children up to 45 pounds, a fact irrelevant to most parents, but not to me.) While some parents could relax at the playground, I had to hover within grabbing distance or guard the exits. Even all these years later, I still feel a kinship to parents I see chasing their preschoolers across a park. Fortunately, there are less athletic ways to keep a child safe. Check out these fenced and partially-fenced playgrounds, perfect for kids who like to bolt.

Fully Fenced Playgrounds: The Holy Grail

Hidden Creek Park West, aka “Monkey Park,” in Hillsboro

Probably 90% of the responses I received were a simple, “Monkey Park.” This relatively new playground in Hillsboro has it all: water play, inclusive play elements, a 50-foot forest giant play structure — and, most importantly, a fence with a gate. If your child is a climber, you may not be able to completely relax, but at least your kiddo can’t run into the parking lot.

The Fields Park

The Fields Park is a fenced, urban playground with two gates. The play structure mimics the design of the Fremont Bridge, which makes for great visibility. Don’t forget to stop at Ovation Coffee & Tea next door before you leave! (Please note: views may be temporarily blocked due to the Willamette Crossing Cable Project.)

Tamarack Park in Hillsboro

Tamarack Park playground is another small but mighty play space, and you can see the entire area from the bench. Bring toy cars, as I’ve heard there is a Hot Wheels track on the smaller play structure.

Bicentennial Park in Hillsboro

Bicentennial Park was the first “runner-friendly” park in Hillsboro, inspired by the story of Jennifer Lindemann. Lindemann told a project manager at the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department how badly she needed a fenced playground for her son Noah, diagnosed with Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder, to play safely. Five months later, Bicentennial Park was fenced, with a gate. Well done, Hillsboro.

North Park Blocks Playground

One of the oldest park sites in Portland, North Park Blocks boasts a fully-fenced and well-shaded playground. There is no gate — just a break in the fencing — but there’s plenty of visibility across the playground.

Hillside Park

I consider Hillside Park to be fully fenced, as the wooded area creates a natural barrier on the only unfenced section of the playground. The parking lot is right beside the playground and tennis courts, making this spot easily accessible. If you think your kid might run into the woods, this one might not work for your particular runner.

Waluga Park East in Lake Oswego

Like North Park Blocks, Waluga Park East in Lake Oswego is fully fenced, but without a gate. This playground is shaded with picnic tables included in the fenced area, so you could pack a lunch and stay a while.

Conestoga Recreation Center in Beaverton

I heard that Conestoga Recreation Center was a great spot for runners, so I gave them a call. The rec center does indeed have a fully fenced playground with two gates and lots of room to play.

Floyd Light Park

Located between the East Portland Community Center and Floyd Light City Park, the park playground is fully fenced, but not gated. It includes two play structures to accommodate all runners, both younger and older.

Readers also recommend Skyview Park in Beaverton, just off the Cornell/Bethany exit. You can even see a neighbor’s chicken coop from inside the fenced playground! Boones Ferry Park in Wilsonville is another fully-fenced park recommended by our followers on Instagram.

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Mostly-Enclosed Playgrounds

Gabriel Park

Following its inclusive transformation, Gabriel Park has been a multi-year winner in our Reader Favorites Poll for Best Playground (and is currently the reigning champion). It is mostly fenced and intentionally designed to encourage children to stay on the play area. The park features inclusive play elements, a water play area, and an in-ground trampoline!

Westmoreland Park Playground

Westmoreland Park Playground is another multi-year winner in our annual Reader Favorites Poll. This incredible nature playground features split rail fencing to help gently guide children to stay within the play area boundaries. There is a pond nearby, though, which makes it harder to relax if you have a runner, but I included it on this list for two reasons: 1. It’s awesome, and 2. Many members of our Instagram community suggested it should be added, so clearly some runners are staying put.

More Safe Places to Play

Looking for more relaxing spots to get the wiggles out? I spent a lot of time at our local elementary school’s playground because it’s fenced. Many are, so check your local public school; playgrounds are generally open to the public when school is not in session. Or if it’s too hot to play outside, check out our list of indoor play spaces.

Did we miss your favorite fenced playground? Send us a DM on Instagram!