Howe has two of its own parks worth a stop, Reed Park's classic swings-and-slides setup and Coach Simmons Park under a stand of shade trees, with a third one, Connections Park, adding pickleball courts and a new playground. Anna and Van Alstyne are both a short drive south with a splash pad and a train-themed play structure. Here's where to take the kids from Howe.

Top-Rated Playgrounds Near Howe

1. Reed Park (Howe)

Location: 1000 Swanner Dr, Howe, TX 75459

Howe👶 Best for ages 2-10💲 Free🚗 0 mi

Original Howe park still solid since 1971. Reed Park's been around since the early 70s and keeps it simple: swings, slides, picnic tables under scattered shade. It's the walkable option for Howe families and a reliable first check before trying the newer parks in town.

Good to know: playground, swings, picnic areas.

Parent tip: Smaller and quieter than Coach Simmons, which makes it a good pick for toddlers who aren't ready for a crowd.

For current hours and seasonal closures, see the official Reed Park page.

2. Coach Simmons Park (Howe)

Location: 301 W Haning St, Howe, TX 75459

Howe👶 Best for ages 2-10💲 Free🚗 0.4 mi

Established shade and a gazebo make this Howe park different. Coach Simmons has been around long enough for trees to provide real canopy. The equipment sits underneath, not in an open field. A gazebo and shaded benches round out the comfort factor.

Good to know: playground, gazebo, shade, benches.

Parent tip: The gazebo is a good spot to set up snacks while younger kids play nearby.

3. Sherley Heritage Park (Anna)

Out of Howe, plan for about 17 min in the car, which makes Anna an easy weekday-afternoon trip from Howe.

Location: 101 S Sherley Ave, Anna, TX 75409

Anna👶 Best for ages 2-10💲 Free🚗 11 mi
Train-themed playground at Sherley Heritage Park — Anna, TX

A train-themed playground worth the drive south to Anna. Sherley Heritage Park's community-built structure includes a water tower, a storefront facade, and a train car kids can climb through, right next to Anna's restored depot. It's a bigger destination pick than anything in Howe, with swings, restrooms, and a covered pavilion.

Good to know: playground, swings, restrooms, pavilion, shade.

Parent tip: The restored depot next door makes a good photo stop before or after playground time.

Hours and amenities shift with the season — confirm today's on the Sherley Heritage Park city page.

4. Central Social District Park (Van Alstyne)

Coming from Howe, expect about 12 min without traffic, and Van Alstyne has plenty nearby to make a half-day of it.

Location: 215 E Van Alstyne Pkwy, Van Alstyne, TX 75495

Van Alstyne👶 Best for all ages💲 Free🚗 8 mi
Splash pad and playground at Central Social District Park — Van Alstyne, TX

Van Alstyne's downtown option for playground and water time. Central Social District Park features a train-themed structure and a splash pad running daily in season, shaded by umbrella tables. It's the solution when heat limits play elsewhere.

Good to know: playground, splash pad, restrooms, shade, picnic areas.

Parent tip: Splash pad runs 9am to 9pm daily in season. A food truck area nearby means you don't have to pack a full picnic.

Closures are rare, but you can confirm real-time operations on the Central Social District Park facilities status page before packing up the car.

5. Forrest W. Moore Park (Van Alstyne)

Starting in Howe, the drive takes about 12 min without traffic, and the round trip still fits inside a morning.

Location: 301 W Van Alstyne Pkwy, Van Alstyne, TX 75495

Van Alstyne👶 Best for ages 2-10💲 Free🚗 8.2 mi
Playground equipment at Forrest W. Moore Park — Van Alstyne, TX

Calmer playground finish after the splash pad crowds. Forrest W. Moore Park sits a short walk from the Central Social District splash pad and gives you a quieter play structure under shade trees. If your crew's already at the splash pad but needs a wind-down, this is the adjacent stop.

Good to know: playground, shade, picnic areas, walking trail.

Parent tip: Combine with Central Social District Park since they're close enough to walk between on a cooler day.

6. Old Settlers Park (Sherman)

Driving from Howe, about 15 min without traffic gets you there, easy to pair with a lunch stop in Sherman.

Location: 115 W Bond St, Sherman, TX 75090

Sherman👶 Best for ages 2-10💲 Free🚗 10 mi
Playground structure at Old Settlers Park — Sherman, TX

Sherman's most usable summer playground thanks to tree coverage. Old Settlers Park wraps its climbing structure under mature shade, making midday visits feasible. It's positioned for quick local stops rather than destination trips.

Good to know: playground, shade, picnic areas, walking trail.

Parent tip: Go before 10am in summer. The shade helps but the equipment still heats up fast by midday.

Before you load up the car, review the Old Settlers Park page for maintenance or event closures.

See upcoming kids events in Howe →

How we picked these

We ranked picks by real play value: structure variety, shade, and safe surfacing first, distance second. Howe's own parks come first, then the closest Anna, Van Alstyne, and Sherman parks that add a splash pad or bigger play structure. No private or HOA-only venues made the list.

Planning your visit

North Texas summers run hot, so plan playground time for morning or early evening from June through August. Splash pads in Van Alstyne and Anna typically run Memorial Day through Labor Day. Spring and fall give the widest window for a full afternoon outdoors at any of these parks.

For more kids' events near Howe this week, see the Howe events page.

Howe Playgrounds, Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best playgrounds for kids near Howe, TX?

Our 2026 guide picks 6 standout playgrounds within about 15 miles of Howe. The top picks include Reed Park, Coach Simmons Park and Sherley Heritage Park, each chosen for kid-friendly layout, parent reviews, and how well it holds up on a weekend visit.

Are playgrounds near Howe free?

Yes, every playground in this guide is free to visit, with no admission fee or ticket required for Reed Park, Coach Simmons Park, Sherley Heritage Park or any of the other picks.

What is the closest playground to Howe?

Reed Park is the closest pick at under a mile from Howe. It's the easiest one to fit into a weekday afternoon, short drive, low commitment, easy to leave early if the kids melt down.

When is the best time to visit playgrounds in Howe?

In North Texas, before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. from May through September, playground surfaces and slides can reach 150°F by midday in summer. Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) work all day. Saturday mornings are busiest thanks to youth sports; weekday afternoons are quietest.