Lyn Stacie Getz Playground in Bel Air, MD

My Most Recommended Playground

When I’m asked what my favorite playground is in Harford County, the answer is always the same - Lyn Stacie Getz Playground in Bel Air. What my daughter lovingly calls the “Giraffe Playground”, it has consistently been one of our most visited parks and for good reason. It checks all the boxes for families with kids of different ages and abilities. It’s centrally located, thoughtfully designed, and my favorite part, fully fenced! It’s our tried-and-true playground that no matter her age, continues to be her top request.

As I’ve heard from so many of you, when you’re heading out with kids you want to know that the destination will work for your family. You want a place you know will be safe, engaging, and easy to handle. That’s exactly what Lyn Stacie Getz Playground offers. 

We’ve personally spent countless hours here playing, and every visit reinforces why this playground remains one of the best options for things to do with kids in Bel Air.

Quick Facts to Know Before You Go

📍 301 W. Ring Factory Road, Bel Air, MD 21014
⏰ Hours (unconfirmed): Sunrise–sunset
☀️🌳 Partially full-sun with some shaded areas toward the rear side of the playground
🔒 Fully fenced
🛝 Two playground areas to meet the needs of all ages
🪑 Swings: traditional, baby, mommy & me, tire, and adaptive options
♿ Accessible features for all abilities
🧗 Slides, climbing structures, spinning features, monkey bars, and more
🚻🏠 Indoor restrooms
🅿️ Large free parking lot

Fully Fenced Playground for Peace of Mind

One of the standout features of Lyn Stacie Getz Playground, and a huge reason it’s such a favorite among local families, is that it is fully fenced. If you’re a parent of toddlers or kids who like to explore a little too freely, you know how valuable that is. The fenced-in design allows kids to play independently while parents can relax a bit, knowing there’s an added layer of safety.

Keep in mind, there is an open entrance area instead of a gate with a latch.

This also makes it a great choice for families with younger children or siblings of different ages. You can focus on watching your kids play instead of constantly scanning for nearby roads or parking lots. For so many of us moms, that peace of mind is priceless and it’s one of the reasons I recommend this playground so often.

Accessible and Inclusive Playground Features

Lyn Stacie Getz Playground truly shines when it comes to accessibility and inclusivity. The playground is designed with accessible features that allow children of varying abilities to play side by side.

From ground-level play elements to ramps and equipment that accommodates different mobility needs, this playground is among the best in HarCo. As a mom and special education paraeducator, nothing makes me happier than seeing kids of all abilities playing together and just enjoying the opportunity to be kids.

Places for a Quiet Break for Sensory Overload/Reset

There are benches that are tucked back behind the main playground, along with a shaded small seating area in the center. While not necessarily a sensory reset, we have used them in the past to help her when she is feeling overwhelmed and needs a moment to regulate.

Sensory-Sensitive

If your child is sensory-sensitive, here are a couple things I’d keep in mind:

• It is relatively busy on weekdays, but does get busier on weekends

• With a nearby hospital, the frequency of sirens driving by is increased

rubberized flooring

The playground area is a soft rubberized flooring making it easy to access with either a stroller or wheelchair. It also includes a paved pathway that surrounds the entire playground area. I love it because no matter the recent weather, you don’t have to worry about footwear, getting muddy, or having to pack a change of clothes.

Perfect Playground for All Ages

Whether you’re a family with multiple kids or just looking for a play date option, you know that one of the biggest challenges when choosing a playground is finding one that works for a variety of ages. Lyn Stacie Getz Playground absolutely delivers here. It offers separate but connected play areas, making it easy for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids to all find age-appropriate options.

Little kids can enjoy lower slides, gentle climbing elements, and interactive features designed just for them in the toddler-friendly section that’s similar in size to the main play areas. Meanwhile, big kids have plenty of opportunities to climb higher, spin faster, and challenge themselves with more advanced equipment.

This is the perfect spot for taking kids of varying ages! There is a toddler-friendly section with equipment that is more suitable for them to safely explore. It also has a variety of swings for all ages and abilities.

Bathrooms

There are two unisex bathrooms, decently maintained, located in a building near the parking lot.

Are there changing tables in the bathrooms?

While I don’t recall seeing a changing table, the bathrooms are large enough to accommodate multiple family members. My personal preference was always to change my daughter in the car.

Centrally Located

Location matters, especially when you’re squeezing in playtime between school, activities, and everyday life. Lyn Stacie Getz Playground is centrally located in Bel Air, making it an easy go-to whether you’re meeting friends, planning a quick after-school stop, or filling a free afternoon.

Food and Seating

There are a bunch of options for grabbing coffee or lunch close by:

• Steelfish has a playground so the kids can still be entertained while you eat

• Vagabond in Downtown Bel Air is a favorite

• Box Hill Pizza has a family-friendly atmosphere and activities they provide to keep kids entertained while visiting.

If coffee is more your go-to, check out local spots like:

• Vault (drive-thru included)

• CoffeeBar Bel Air

• The new 7-Brew

can i Bring Coffee and Actually Sit for 2 Minutes?

That’s what makes this one such a great option. With it being fenced and only having one entry point, it allows parents to take a break while the kids play. I personally like to sit at the benches by the entry way, so I can have a view of the playground, while also monitoring the entry point.

Warm-Weather Tips

This playground is primarily full-sun, with some shaded areas toward the rear side of the playground. Which means, the equipment can heat up during the warmer months.

I recommend wearing and packing hats, sunscreen, and insulated water bottles in the summer since there’s no water fountain or bottle-filler on site.

Lyn Stacie Getz Foundation

This beloved playground has been serving families since 2001, when it was built through a partnership between Harford County and the Lyn Stacie Getz Foundation. In late 2022, it underwent a major renovation that refreshed the space while keeping everything we love about it.

You can learn more about the Stacie Getz Foundation here.

Looking for other local playgrounds?

Check out our guide to the best playgrounds in Harford County.