High Five Sensory Playground at Glasgow Park
Welcome to your local parent’s guide to Glasgow Regional Park. This 250-acre hub is Newark’s premier family destination, known for its massive modern structures and the pioneering H!gh Five sensory space.
1. Quick Decision Summary (Go / No-Go)
Best age groups:
All ages. Features dedicated zones for toddlers (2–5) and massive towers for older children (5–12).
Fully fenced?
Partially. The H!gh Five Sensory Playground is fully fenced. The main playground is open, though some sections have "gated" entry points to slow down wanderers.
Shade rating (1–5):
2. The park is very open. While there are shade sails over some equipment and a large pavilion nearby, the structures can get quite hot in mid-day sun.
Bathrooms:
Yes. Permanent restroom buildings are available.
Parking:
Ample and free, though the main lot fills up quickly on weekends.
Accessibility:
Exceptional. Features inclusive play elements, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and paved paths.
Surface type:
Squishy astroturf and soft padded rubber.
Overall recommendation:
A definite Go. It’s the "epitome of playground perfection" in Delaware.
2. Play Areas
Toddler Area:
A smaller "kiddie park" section with age-appropriate slides and shorter climbing features to keep the little ones safe from the big-kid rush.
Big Kid Area:
Dominated by massive tower slides and complex jungle gyms that challenge older elementary kids.
Sensory/Adaptive Equipment:
The H!gh Five Sensory Playground is a regional standout. It includes a Music Garden, visual stimulation panels, and the We-Go-Round® inclusive merry-go-round.
Swings:
A huge variety, including standard belt swings, toddler bucket swings, and adaptive/inclusive swings.
Unique Features:
The sprawling 2.75-mile paved loop and the giant "Bear Mountain" sledding hill.
3. Facilities & Parent Essentials
Bathrooms:
Located near Pavilion 1 and the playground.
Water Fountains:
A dedicated water fountain was installed in 2020 to reduce plastic bottle use.
Seating:
Benches are scattered throughout the park, including along the promenade.
Picnic Tables & Pavilions:
Five pavilions are available for rent, several of which feature charcoal grills.
Stroller Friendliness:
Very High. The entire main promenade and walking loop are paved.
Parking:
Large lots are available off Route 40 and Route 896.
4. Know Before You Go
Shade:
The playground is famously sunny. Visit in the early morning or use the shade sails to escape the heat.
Equipment Temp:
Plastic and metal slides can reach high temperatures in the summer; always perform a touch-test.
Busy Times:
Most busy Saturday morning through Saturday evening. Weekday mornings are much quieter.
Visibility:
Because the park is so massive (250 acres) and the towers are high, it can be difficult to keep eyes on multiple children at once.
Safety:
The skate park is adjacent to the playground; while fun to watch, it can be loud and high-energy for sensitive children.
5. Beyond the Playground
Dog Park:
A fenced-in "Bark Park" is located at the western end of the park.
Sledding Hill:
Known locally as Bear Mountain, it is one of the tallest spots in Delaware for winter fun.
Sports Courts:
Includes basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts.•
Skate Park:
A large concrete skate bowl located right next to the playground.
Fishing:
A small pond is available for fishing near the wooded trails.
6. Parent Pro Tips
Thursdays are the best day:
From May through October, the Glasgow Park Farmers Market runs from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Market Dinner:
Grab dinner from one of the rotating food trucks like "Kacey's Kitchen" or "La Casa de Lulu" during the Thursday market.
Nearby Eats:
If the kids are hungry, Friendly's and McGlynns Pub are just across the street at Peoples Plaza.
Hidden Gem:
Look for the Little Free Library located about 50–100 meters north of the playground for a mid-play reading break.