One of the questions we often get asked is "What's the best playground in Marin?" We looked to social media and our website statistics to find out what playgrounds are the most popular with our audience. So, without further ado, here are the 5 favorite playgrounds in Marin, along with the five runners-up.

Number 1: Piper Park, Larkspur

Located in the heart of Central Marin, Piper Park is a 2.2-acre oasis of fun for the whole family. With a newly renovated playground, lovely wooded setting along Corte Madera Creek, numerous sports fields, and views of Mt. Tam, it's the perfect place to spend the day playing and relaxing. It's also a popular spot with local families for kids' birthday parties. Location: 250 Doherty Drive, Larkspur 94939

Number 2: Pioneer Park, Novato

Pioneer Park is a perrenial favorite of families in Marin. This large park has a recently improved playground with tot lot and equipment for older kids, as well as plenty of lawns, picnic areas, and shady trees. There are also tennis courts, restrooms, a bandshell, and even an historic cemetery to explore on the hill adjacent to the park. Location: 1007 Simmons Lane, Novato 94945

Number 3: Memorial Park, San Anselmo

San Anselmo's Memorial Park, also called Millennium Park, comes in first this year in our in our readers' picks. Memorial Park has long been a favorite with Marin County families, and features a tot lot with a train theme and an awesome play castle and dinosaur for imaginative playground adventures. This wonderful playground was built by a small army of volunteers in the amazing time span of just two days! Location: 1000 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, San Anselmo 94960

Number 4: Peri Park, Fairfax

Nestled under the redwoods in downtown Fairfax, Peri Park offers two separate playgrounds in a spacious shaded setting. We love the cute little houses that provide for0 wonderful opportunities for imaginitive play. There's a large picnic area adjacent to the playground that's perfect for birthday parties, a BBQ area, and even a stage for concerts and performances. Location: 142 Bolinas Road, Fairfax 94930

Number 5: Hal Brown Park at Creekside, Greenbrae

This recently upgraded park lies right across from Marin General Hospital, and is home to a fantastic play area and even more amazing views of Mt. Tam. Both the tot lot and older kids' playground have naturalistic designs that harmonize with the park's site along Corte Madera Creek. The large red climbing structure is a favorite with our kids. There are plenty of picnic tables, too, as well as a a marsh overlook with benches and shade. Location: Bon Aire Road, Greenbrae 94904

The Runners Up

Of course, we had a lot of great suggestions for favorite parks. We thought we'd also list the five runners-up, since they're all well worth a visit, too. The runners up for favorite Marin County park are: 

1. Boyd Memorial Park, B Street and Mission Avenue, San Rafael 94901
2. Corte Madera Town Park, 498 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera 94925
3. Santa Margarita Valley Park, end of De La Guerra Road, San Rafael 94903
4. Maria B. Freitas Park, Montecillo Road at Trellis Drive, San Rafael 94903
5. Belvedere Park, San Rafael Avenue and Community Road, Belvedere 94920