Blair Park in Urbana: What Families Can Expect

Blair Park offers unique new features, including a zip line sure to be a hit among kids of all ages

Blair Park in Urbana has equipment for children (and adults) of all ages and stages and we think your family will love making this a regular stop on your playground circuit

Champaign-Urbana playground aficionados know that there is no shortage of fun, interesting equipment in the parks across our towns. But have you seen one with a zip line? Blair Park’s recent update included just that — plus an inclusive swing, a music area, and separate play structures for toddlers and older kids.

Elementary-aged kids will enjoy the larger age-appropriate structure, replete with rope nets and archways to climb. A couple slides complete the structure, though you won’t find tunnel slides here. A small one-slide structure for ages 2-5 sits nearby. This toddler structure is smaller than others across the area (which usually have multiple slides and climbing access points) with just one set of stairs and one slide.

To complement the play structures, Blair Park features a set of swings (with belt, infant, and molded bucket seat swing), a merry-go-round, and an inclusive “Oodle” swing, which looks like a saucer suspended from four cables and can hold up to six kiddos at once. Teens and tweens will love the Fitcore Extreme equipment here, which is designed to be adult-sized, ninja-warrior type challenges.

The zip line is one of the biggest draws of this park. This feature stretches the length of the playground area and is great for kids elementary-aged and older (younger ones might find it a bit intense and not be able to hold on, though parents might try walking alongside and holding kiddos while they ride).

The zip line at Blair Park in Urbana is a hit among school-aged kids.

Tips for Parents

Perks for parents taking their kids to Blair Park include interesting architectural-type seating (surrounding three cajon drums), some shade from a few trees, and indoor bathrooms. There are a few picnic tables and park benches but families who plan to play a while might want to bring some lawn chairs, as park benches are sparse and not well-placed to keep a close eye on kids enjoying the playground. There isn’t a parking lot; parking is available on the surrounding streets, is always free and seems plentiful during the daytime. Also keep in mind that the surface for the playground is wood-fiber mulch; be ready to clean up before climbing back into the car.

Is Blair Park good for toddlers?

While Blair Park has a play structure for toddlers, its focus on equipment for older-age children might mean it isn’t the number one park for 2 – 5-year-olds. Adventurous older toddlers will be happy trying out the zip line and climbing on the rope webs but very young ones might have better luck at one of the many other incredible baby- and toddler-friendly parks in our area.

What other amenities are at Blair Park?

Other amenities at Blair Park include lighted tennis courts, a T-ball field, and a half-court for basketball. Because of the park’s proximity to the Urbana middle and high schools, there are also a few unique teen-focused amenities, like an electronic Sutu wall, an obstacle course, and a horseshoe pit. Our teens particularly enjoyed the adult-sized “ninja warrior” inspired obstacles newly added to the park.

Blair Park has long been a popular playground but thanks to the grant-funded refresh, it should be a destination park for families, especially those with school-aged kids and teenagers. Zip on down to Urbana to take in all Blair Park has to offer!

Blair Park in Urbana: What Families Can Expect

Blair Park offers unique new features, including a zip line sure to be a hit among kids of all ages

Blair Park in Urbana has equipment for children (and adults) of all ages and stages and we think your family will love making this a regular stop on your playground circuit

Tips for Parents

Is Blair Park good for toddlers?

What other amenities are at Blair Park?

How do I get to Blair Park?

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