It’s always exciting when Rochester families get to discover a newly upgraded playground — and this past weekend, we checked out the brand-new playground at Carter Park in Greece (1281 Long Pond Rd), and it absolutely lived up to the hype!
For our family, this visit was especially exciting because it was Addison’s (almost 2 years old) first real chance to truly enjoy a playground to its fullest. Last summer, she was still mastering balance and learning to walk, but this year she’s a fully mobile toddler — and she was more than ready for the adventure.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear Carter Park was thoughtfully designed for families with children of multiple ages. The playground features two separate play areas — one for smaller children and one for bigger kids — close enough together for parents to monitor both, but spaced well enough to help keep little ones safely on age-appropriate equipment.
Toddler Area: A Perfect First Playground Experience
The smaller playground area was an absolute win for our youngest explorer.
There were little hideout spots, easy-to-climb stairs, and toddler-friendly ramps with textured bumps that made climbing both fun and manageable. One feature I especially appreciated was the rubber mat ramps, which offered enough challenge for building confidence while also providing safe footing for tiny feet and preventing little legs from slipping through.
Addison especially loved the slides — one smaller and one slightly bigger — and since she’s already a bit of a daredevil, she happily tackled both.
Another major parent bonus? The playground structure only had openings on one side for climbing, making it much easier to supervise her and reducing the stress of worrying about unexpected tumbles.
There were also a few different climbing options and ladders for little ones wanting more adventure, but overall, the toddler section felt safe, fun, and age-appropriate.
Big Kid Area: Adventure, Variety, and Just Enough Thrill
For Annabelle, our 9-year-old, Carter Park offered plenty of excitement too.
She gave the playground a 9/10 thanks to its variety of structures, multiple ways to play, and a few “scary but fun” challenges.
The most intimidating feature? The open slide where kids wrap their legs around two poles and slide down.
To be honest — even I climbed up to test it and chickened out.
While it may not be for every child, it’s definitely a standout feature for thrill-seeking kids. By the end of our visit, Annabelle worked up the courage to try it — and ended up loving it.
Other big-kid favorites included:
- Multiple climbing structures
- Creative play opportunities
- Monkey bars that were low enough for her to successfully complete for the first time
For kids who love variety, this side of the playground offers plenty to explore.
Family Favorite Feature: The Hammock Swing
Without question, the hammock swing was the standout favorite for our entire family.
All four of us tried it during our Mother’s Day return trip, and nearly every family at the park seemed drawn to it as well.
This swing is a huge win because it’s inclusive, spacious, and accessible for more children (and adults!) than traditional swings. I especially loved that both Annabelle and I could comfortably enjoy it together.
Honestly, every playground should have one.
One Drawback: No Baby Swing
While Carter Park shines in many ways, one downside for families with younger children is the lack of a traditional baby swing.
We attempted to use the adaptive swing for Addison, but since it’s designed for ages 5–12, it was simply too large for her to safely enjoy.
For parents with infants or younger toddlers, this may be something to keep in mind.
Bonus Fun Beyond the Playground
While not officially part of the play equipment, some nearby tree vines became an impromptu rope swing for adventurous kids.
Watching children laugh and creatively engage with nature added an extra layer of fun and charm to the experience.
Macaroni KID Family Rating: 8/10
Carter Park has quickly become a new staple in our family’s playground rotation.
What We Loved:
- Fantastic toddler play area
- Exciting big-kid adventure structures
- Inclusive hammock swing
- Variety of equipment
- Modern, updated design
Things to Consider:
- No baby swings
- Popular attractions may get crowded
- Busy times could mean longer waits for favorite features
Final Thoughts
Carter Park’s newly upgraded playground offers something for toddlers, big kids, and families alike. Whether you’re visiting with a fearless climber, a cautious explorer, or children in multiple age groups, this playground is absolutely worth adding to your Rochester family adventure list.
If you’re looking for a fresh new park to explore this season, Carter Park in Greece should definitely be on your must-visit list.
