Parks are a great option for playing for free in Austin. But when the temperatures rise during the summer months, it can be tough to find the motivation to get outside to play. Luckily, we have many parks that are situated under giant trees to help us Austinites, both big and little, stay cool even in the hottest months.

Here are our top picks for parks with shade in Austin.

North

Springwoods Park – 9117 Anderson Mill Rd.

A canopy of oak trees provide ample shade for the playgrounds as well as a hike and bike trail.

Mountain View Park – 9000 Middlebie Dr.

This well-shaded neighborhood park, which is part of the upper Bull Creek greenbelt, has a recently-updated playground.

West

Clarksville Park – 1811 W. 11th St.

Cool down in the splash pad in between playing on the covered playscape.

Laguna Gloria/Mayfield Park  – 3505 West 35th St.

While these parks are not your traditional parks with playscapes and such, there are shaded trails that offer an opportunity to explore nature on foot in the summer months.

Central

Eastwoods Park – 3001 Harris Park Ave.

Hidden in the heart of Hyde Park, Eastwoods has a surprising amount of space to explore, most of which is shaded (including the main playground) — and a splash pad. (Note: parking is metered, so bring some change.)

Perry Playground Park – 4900 Fairview Dr.

Located adjacent to Highland Park Elementary, this playground has two separate areas, both of which are shady. There are also trails to explore in the wooded area to the west of the park.

East

Dottie Jordan – 2803 Loyola Ln.

Kids enjoy the many shaded playscapes and swing sets in addition to a trails that runs alongside the park’s western edge and a pool.

Patterson – 4200 Brookview Rd.

Located close to Mueller, this park has a significant amount of shade on its playscapes, as well as shaded picnic tables (with a checkerboard etched in) and a pool nearby.

South

Little Stacy Park – 1400 Alameda Dr.

Little Stacy is a bit hidden along Blunn Creek. The park has a nice playground with some fun climbing structures. Close by: Big Stacy Pool.

Garrison Park –  6001 Manchaca Rd.

Garrison is shaded thanks to the many mature trees on the property.