My oldest child loves going to the playground, and I always bring the baby along for the ride. My daughter, like many children, has been bitten by the "I must go UP the slide" bug. I'm not sure where that urge comes from, but it's certainly universal across cultures!
Fortunately, Managua now has a number of family-friendly, safe playgrounds for kids to enjoy. These are just some of the highlights - many neighborhoods have their own small playgrounds, although some of them are somewhat run down.
Here are a few of our favorite playgrounds in Managua:
(1) Parque Japón Nicaragua - Los Robles
The Japanese Park wins "best overall" playground and park in Managua, hands down. It is filled with green space and has multiple playground areas that will satisfy all ages. Additionally, the park offers a Japanese-style garden area that is great for a short walk, complete with a replica of Mount Fuji, bridges, and other trees and flowers. There are also basketball courts, an area with metal exercise equipment geared toward adults, and a small stand selling snacks.
Parking is easy at the Japanese Park. There are two parking lots within the park gates, one by the playground off the main road and the other within the Los Robles neighborhood. The park is centrally located, right near the La Union at km 4.5 Carretera Masaya and walking distance from Metrocentro Mall.
Unlike some other Managua parks, the Parque Japonés is very stroller-friendly and allows children to bring bicycles, scooters, etc.
My daughter loves what the playground has to offer - there are a few areas designed for younger children and an area with larger slides that is usually frequented by older kids. There are several unique climbing structures as well, and some metal swings and teeter totters.
The only part of this park that gets a low rating from me is the food stand. It's pretty overpriced for the standard chips, cookies, and other chiveria (junk food) sold there, and once my kid realized it was there, she asks for a snack every time we visit. On the other hand, it's useful in a pinch if you desperately need something to drink or a snack for a grumpy child.
(2) Malecón de Managua
The Malecón area of Managua is now a sprawling complex of four "phases" of tourist areas. Visiting the whole area would require multiple trips. It is close to the old cathedral, off Carretera Norte.
Puerto Salvador Allende is one of the complexes along the lake shore. This area charges an admission fee by vehicle. Once inside, there are several playground spaces, restaurants and food stands, and often special activities available for kids, like brinca brincas and photo ops with horses. There is plenty of safe sidewalk space to walk along the lake, as well as boat tours (I have never gone on a tour).
In a separate complex closer to the Ruben Dario theater, along the Paseo Xolotlán, there is an outdoor museum with replicas of "Old Managua" before the earthquake that destroyed the city in the 1970s. There is also another playground nearby for the kids. This area did not charge admission when I visited.
Overall, the whole Malecón is now a family-friendly spot with lots to explore.
(3) Parque Héroes y Martirios - Esquipulas
This is our "home" playground that is closest to our house, so I may be biased, but I think this is one of the best standard playgrounds in Managua. The grounds are very well kept with beautiful flowers, and Esquipulas has a slightly cooler climate compared to the center of Managua.
It does not have much shade, so I find that the best time to visit is between 4-6pm.
The playground has four areas, with a ton of slides, swings, and play areas for kids of all ages. There are two nice areas that appeal to toddlers, which is nice, because often the playgrounds only have structures that are geared toward age 4 and up.
There is also a basketball court, a stone seating area for events, and bathrooms (with no toilet paper - come prepared).
Note that it is NOT stroller, bicycle or scooter friendly. For some reason, the guards do not let you bring anything with wheels inside the park gates. Kids could ride their bikes around the parking lot, but even though it's a large lot, I wouldn't recommend it because of safety concerns.
(4) Parque de la Divina Misericordia - Villa Fontana
Full disclosure, this park does NOT have a playground area, but it is definitely the park to go to if your kid is really into riding a bike or scooter! It is located right near the UNAN university in Villa Fontana.
Despite being nestled in busy Managua, the park is very peaceful and quiet. It has a nice waterfall and running river, with walking paths circling around the park. There is an area with metal exercise equipment for adults. There is a food stand on one side of the park, and safe and spacious parking spaces.
Honestly, my 3-year-old was a little bored, but I saw some other kids who were having a great time riding their bikes and scooters all around the park. It's also a great spot for running or walking as an adult.
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