The Allen Park Tot Lot is a perfect impromptu destination to stop and play on your way to enjoy some family fun in beautiful downtown Allen Park. Unofficially called the “Barney Park” to native Allen Parker’s, this lot has enough grass to run and play accompanied by a soft turf surrounding climbers and slides for toddlers through school age children.
The Tot Lot is tucked into a suburban neighborhood on Park Avenue in downtown Allen Park, between Thomas and Markese streets, just south of Allen road.
The best thing about this park is the varied spaces for children to play. There are play structures, climbers, slides, stationary rockers along with enough open space to run, throw a Frisbee, play catch, or even kick a soccer ball!
While this is a great pit stop for play time, there are no bathrooms at this location. However, there is a free book exchange box which provides an opportunity to recycle read books for children of all ages and let your family choose new titles as well!
One last great feature of this park are harness swings. These are all in perfect working condition and a great option for children who need some additional support while swinging.
Whether you know it as the “Tot Lot” or “Barney Park,” this downriver park is a great pit stop on a ride home from work. My one year old joined my friend’s family of three girls ages 4, 6 and 8 years. During our 90 minute play time, not one pacifier was needed and not even one “I’m bored” or “Can I have your phone?” could be heard! It’s a perfect play time location to meet new friends this summer, a neighborhood families make visits a regular part of their daily routine.
Author: Carissa Orr
Early Childhood Professional, “Music with Ms. Carissa,” Mama, and now blogger thanks to MDM! Carissa works as an Early Childhood Consultant for Michigan’s state-funded Preschool Program, the Great Start Readiness Program. In her spare time, she entertains children and families with live music as part of her Music with Ms. Carissa. Most importantly, she is “Jack’s Mom” and loves adventuring with her young toddler all around Metro Detroit!
Early Childhood Professional, “Music with Ms. Carissa,” Mama, and now blogger thanks to MDM! Carissa works as an Early Childhood Consultant for Michigan’s state-funded Preschool Program, the Great Start Readiness Program. In her spare time, she entertains children and families with live music as part of her Music with Ms. Carissa. Most importantly, she is “Jack’s Mom” and loves adventuring with her young toddler all around Metro Detroit!
