After a Wisconsin winter, spring finds us ready for everything outside as soon as possible. Some parks can be muddy in these early warm days, but here are five fun parks in Oshkosh with rubberized playground surfaces that keep knees and bottoms dry and mud-free.
The Best Fox Valley Parks for Spring (with the Rubber Ground)
Menominee Park
Menominee Park is one of our family’s favorite destinations. Located on the east side of Oshkosh along the shores of Lake Winnebago, Menominee Park is part of the City of Oshkosh Parks Department and the Oshkosh Zoological Society supports the zoo’s animals, educational activities, and more! The park includes a playground, beach, petting zoo, and amusement center including a train and water rentals!
At-A-Glance
- 520 Pratt Trail, Oshkosh
- ci.oshkosh.wi.us/parks
- Pets Allowed: Oshkosh parks allow leashed dogs on trails only.
Park Highlights
- Extra-High Slides
- Climbing Structures
- Swings
- Teeter-Totters
- Tire Swing
- Merry-go-round
- FREE Menominee Park Zoo – approximately 8 acres and homes about 30 – 50 animals
- Sandy Beach & Beach House
- Menominee Park Children’s Amusement Center – train rides and water rentals
- water rentals including aqua bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and 4-person mini non-motorized pontoon
Nearby Coffee and Ice Cream
- Lakefly Cafe (located at the Menominee Park Zoo) sells cold drinks, slushies, hot dogs, nachos, jumbo pretzels with cheese, popcorn, caramel corn, cotton candy, & a variety of ice cream, snacks & candy.
- Leon’s Frozen Custard, 121 W Murdock Ave, Oshkosh
- Caramel Crisp & Cafe, 200 City Center D, Oshkosh
Oshkosh Inclusive Park at South Park
South Park is also the home of Oshkosh’s FREE splash pad. This park is accessible by all with ramps, shade canopies and a rubber surface. Visit on Wednesday afternoons and grab a bite to eat at the Farmer’s Market (mid-July through September) from 3:30 – 6:30 pm.
At-A-Glance
- 659 W South Park Ave, Oshkosh
- ci.oshkosh.wi.us/parks
- Pets Allowed: Oshkosh parks allow leashed dogs on trails only.
Park Highlights
- Pirate Themed
- Shade Canopies
- Rocking Boat
- Benches
- 2 Playgrounds to Play on (the other playground has woodchips)
- Lots of Room to Run Around
- Splash Pad
Nearby Coffee and Ice Cream
- Rhapsodies Gourmet Frozen Custard and Sandwiches, 1226 Oregon Street Oshkosh
- Culvers, 1580 S Koeller St, Oshkosh
- Oak’s Candy Corner, 1206 Oregon Street, Oshkosh
- Hughes Home Maid Chocolate Shop, 1823 Doty St, Oshkosh
Stoegbauer Park
This Oshkosh neighborhood park is perfect for climbers!
At-A-Glance
- 6th Avenue and, Idaho St, Oshkosh
- ci.oshkosh.wi.us/parks
- Pets Allowed: Oshkosh Parks allow leashed dogs on trails only.
- Street Parking
Park Highlights
- Climbing Features
- Swings
- Slides
- Poured-in-place Rubberized Surfacing
- Handicap Accessible – comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act
- accessible for people in wheelchairs, walkers, strollers
- Baseball & Softball Fields
- Basketball Court
Nearby Coffee and Ice Cream
- Rhapsodies Gourmet Frozen Custard and Sandwiches, 1226 Oregon Street Oshkosh
- Culvers, 1580 S Koeller St, Oshkosh
- Oak’s Candy Corner, 1206 Oregon Street, Oshkosh
- Hughes Home Maid Chocolate Shop, 1823 Doty St, Oshkosh
Congress Field Tot Lot
This neighborhood park is the perfect spot to stop on the way to or from the Paine Art Center & Garden. Pack a picnic lunch and run off some energy. Congress Fields, across the street, is a great place to run around or fly a kite or practice your soccer skills. The rubber ground also makes this park perfect for muddy Spring or Fall play dates.
At-A-Glance
- 1410 Beech Street, Oshkosh
- (Congress Athletic Field & Tot Lot at Congress & Beech Oshkosh)
- Bathrooms: None
- Parking: Street parking
- Neighborhood Park, open to the public
Park Highlights
- TreeHouse Playground with Rubber Ground
- Fenced In
- Swings, Merri-go-Round, Spring Riding Toys
Nearby Things to Do
- Paine Art Center and Gardens, 1410 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh
Fugleberg Park
This neighborhood park is conveniently located next to our beloved Ardy & Eds! It’s also located near the railroad tracks for train lovers and has a lake view of Lake Winnebago and is perfect for picnics!
At-A-Glance
- 2000 Doty St, Oshkosh
- Bathrooms: Across the street at boat launch
- Parking: Street parking
- Neighborhood Park, open to the public
Park Highlights
- Scavenger Hunt
- Swings, Merri-go-Round, Spring Riding Toys
- Pavilion/picnic shelter
- Open grassy area
- Baseball, basketball & soccer fields
- Across the street from the park is Fugleberg Boat Launch and includes a boat ramp, parking area, restroom/shelter building, and breakwater for fishing.
Nearby Things to Do
- Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In, 2413 S Main St, Oshkosh
- Glatz Nature Conservancy, 2551 Doty Street, Oshkosh
