Evansville Outdoor Play Guide: 40 Parks and Where to Find Them
Whether you're looking for a playground for the littles, basketball courts for the big kids, or just some green space to lay out a picnic, we've got a list of 40 Evansville-area parks and where you can find them.
Outdoor Play Is Incredibly Beneficial to Childhood Development
We all know the benefits of fresh and sunshine, and there are plenty of places to get out an enjoy a beautiful day in Evansville. In study published in the Porto Biomedical Journal that details the benefits of outdoor play for children, they discuss the incredible benefits of being able to play outside.
As a natural and compelling activity, play promotes cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being, offering the necessary conditions for children to thrive and learn. Through play, the child can experiment, solve problems, think creatively, cooperate with others, etc., gaining a deeper knowledge about his/herself and the world. From an early age, the possibility to experience several opportunities for unstructured play, in which the child can decide what to do, with whom and how, promotes positive self-esteem, autonomy, and confidence.
Outside Play Isn't Just for Children
Children are not the only ones who benefit from spending time outdoors. In research shared by UC Davis Health, time in nature has an incredible impact on the health of adults as well. They say not only can it contribute to a better quality of sleep, it also benefits our mental health as well.
Regular access to green spaces has been linked to lower risks of depression and improved concentration and attention. Being outside allows us to be social and come together with family, friends, or even people you don't know who are also looking for a great hiking trail, for example.
Where to Play Outside in Evansville
Now that we know how great it is to get outside, it's time to decide where to go. Evansville is home to a multitude of parks, playgrounds, and green spaces. Keep reading to find the locations of 40 different parks across Evansville in our Guide to Outdoor Play. To learn more about the Evansville Department of Parks and Recreation visit the official City of Evansville website.
40 Evansville, Indiana Parks and Where to Find Them
Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals