Finding the perfect balance between necessary fuel stops and keeping kids happy can transform your family road trip from stressful to spectacular. These 10 parks near major gas stations represent the gold standard for family-friendly stops—combining convenience, safety, and genuine fun for kids of all ages.
Each location featured here has been verified for proximity to gas stations, playground quality, and family amenities. Whether you're planning a cross-country adventure or a weekend getaway, these stops will make your journey as memorable as your destination. For complete trip planning, check out our guide to finding parks near gas stations.
1. Lions Park — Castle Rock, Colorado
📍 Near: King Soopers Fuel Center & Shell • I-25, Exit 184
Why it's perfect: Lions Park sits just minutes from major gas stations along I-25, making it an ideal Denver-to-Colorado Springs stop. The park features modern playground equipment, a splash pad (summer months), and clean restroom facilities. Parents love the enclosed design that keeps younger kids safely contained while older siblings explore the climbing structures.
Family Amenities:
- ✓ Modern playground with age-separated areas (toddler & 5-12 zones)
- ✓ Clean restrooms with changing tables
- ✓ Covered pavilions for shade
- ✓ Multiple restaurants and gas stations nearby
- ✓ Large parking lot with easy in/out access
2. Heritage Park — Carmel, Indiana
📍 Near: Marathon & BP Gas Stations • US-31, Exit 131
Why it's perfect: This suburban Indianapolis gem combines a fantastic playground with proximity to clean, well-maintained gas stations. Heritage Park is especially popular with families traveling between Chicago and Indianapolis. The park features an innovative playground design that encourages imaginative play, plus picnic areas perfect for packing your own snacks to save money.
Family Amenities:
- ✓ Castle-themed play structure loved by kids
- ✓ Swings for all ages including baby swings
- ✓ Multiple picnic tables and grills
- ✓ Well-maintained restrooms open seasonally
- ✓ Adjacent to Carmel dining district
3. Willow Creek Park — Pueblo, Colorado
📍 Near: Loaf 'N Jug & Conoco • I-25, Exit 101
Why it's perfect: Strategically located on the Denver-Albuquerque corridor, Willow Creek Park offers a welcome respite from highway driving. The playground equipment is relatively new and well-maintained, with rubber surfacing for safety. The park's location near multiple gas stations and fast-food options makes it perfect for a quick 20-30 minute stop to let kids burn energy.
Family Amenities:
- ✓ Rubber playground surface for safety
- ✓ Shaded seating areas (crucial in summer heat)
- ✓ Basketball court for older kids
- ✓ Walking paths for stretching legs
- ✓ Clean public restrooms
4. Westwood Park — Omaha, Nebraska
📍 Near: Casey's General Store & QuikTrip • I-80, Exit 446
Why it's perfect: Located in west Omaha near excellent gas stations with family facilities, Westwood Park is a favorite stop for families crossing Nebraska. The park offers multiple play structures suitable for different ages, open green spaces for running, and is conveniently located near both Casey's (famous for pizza) and QuikTrip (known for clean restrooms).
Family Amenities:
- ✓ Multiple play structures for ages 2-12
- ✓ Large open field for frisbee/ball games
- ✓ Plenty of shade trees
- ✓ Safe neighborhood setting
- ✓ Convenient parking with good visibility
5. Memorial Park — Las Cruces, New Mexico
📍 Near: Chevron & Circle K • I-25, Exit 140
Why it's perfect: A crucial stop on the El Paso-Albuquerque route, Memorial Park provides much-needed play space in a region with long stretches between cities. The park features extensive playground facilities, splash pad (operational May-September), and plenty of shade—essential in the New Mexico heat. Multiple gas stations within a quarter mile make fuel stops convenient.
Family Amenities:
- ✓ Splash pad for cooling off (summer)
- ✓ Extensive playground equipment
- ✓ Covered ramadas for picnicking
- ✓ Clean, air-conditioned restrooms
- ✓ Duck pond for nature observation
6. Discovery Park — Wichita, Kansas
📍 Near: QuikTrip & Phillips 66 • I-135, Exit 13
Why it's perfect: Discovery Park lives up to its name with innovative play structures that keep kids engaged for 30+ minutes. Located near Wichita's excellent QuikTrip locations (consistently rated among America's cleanest gas stations), this park offers families the perfect combination of fuel, food, and fun. The neighborhood is safe and walkable, with additional dining options nearby.
Family Amenities:
- ✓ Unique, engaging play structures
- ✓ Separate toddler play area
- ✓ Wheelchair-accessible equipment
- ✓ Water fountains and restrooms
- ✓ Walking/biking trails around park perimeter
7. Riverside Park — Salina, Kansas
📍 Near: Casey's & Love's Travel Stop • I-70, Exit 252
Why it's perfect: Perfectly positioned on the Kansas stretch of I-70, Riverside Park offers weary travelers a beautiful setting to break up the drive. The park features a scenic creek (safely fenced), modern playground, and is close to both Casey's (for quick pizza) and Love's (for comprehensive travel amenities). Many families report this as their favorite Kansas stop.
Family Amenities:
- ✓ Scenic creek views with safety fencing
- ✓ Well-maintained playground structures
- ✓ Pavilions for sheltered seating
- ✓ Spacious parking lot
- ✓ Nature trails for short walks
8. Gateway Park — Amarillo, Texas
📍 Near: Pak-A-Sak & United Supermarket Fuel • I-40, Exit 70
Why it's perfect: A lifesaver on the long Texas Panhandle stretch of I-40, Gateway Park provides essential play space between Oklahoma City and Albuquerque. The park's playground is newer and well-equipped, with plenty of shade structures—critical in the Texas heat. Multiple gas stations and restaurants make this a convenient one-stop location for all family needs.
Family Amenities:
- ✓ Modern playground with shade structures
- ✓ Climbing walls and challenging equipment
- ✓ Picnic areas with tables and grills
- ✓ Clean restroom facilities
- ✓ Easy highway access and exit
9. Pioneer Park — Flagstaff, Arizona
📍 Near: Shell & Chevron • I-40, Exit 201
Why it's perfect: Offering cool mountain air and stunning views, Pioneer Park is a welcome relief when traveling through Arizona. The park features excellent playground equipment at high elevation, meaning comfortable temperatures even in summer. Its location near downtown Flagstaff gas stations also provides access to local restaurants and shops for families wanting a longer break.
Family Amenities:
- ✓ Cool mountain climate year-round
- ✓ Playground with mountain views
- ✓ Walking trails through ponderosa pines
- ✓ Clean public restrooms
- ✓ Close to downtown dining and shopping
10. Community Park — Raton, New Mexico
📍 Near: Conoco & Allsup's • I-25, Exit 454
Why it's perfect: This charming small-town park at the Colorado-New Mexico border offers families a authentic slice of Americana. Community Park features well-maintained equipment, friendly locals, and proximity to Raton's historic downtown. The gas stations here offer that personal service you don't find at highway mega-stops, and the park provides a peaceful setting to regroup before continuing your journey.
Family Amenities:
- ✓ Small-town friendly atmosphere
- ✓ Classic playground equipment
- ✓ Covered picnic areas
- ✓ Safe, quiet neighborhood
- ✓ Historic downtown nearby
Tips for Making the Most of Park + Gas Station Stops
⏰ Timing is Everything
Plan to arrive at these parks mid-morning (9-11am) or mid-afternoon (2-4pm) for the best experience. Avoid peak lunch hours when parking may be limited, and skip late afternoon in summer when playgrounds can be too hot for safe play.
🧴 Come Prepared
Pack sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and hand sanitizer. While many parks have restrooms, having wipes and sanitizer provides backup. Bring a small first-aid kit for minor scrapes that can happen during enthusiastic play.
🎒 Strategic Packing
Keep a small "park bag" easily accessible in your vehicle with essentials: water, sunscreen, band-aids, and a ball or frisbee. This makes stops quick and easy without digging through luggage.
📱 Use SmartStops for Navigation
Download the SmartStops app to find these parks and discover additional family-friendly stops along your specific route. The app provides real-time information about amenities, hours, and conditions.
Find More Parks Near Gas Stations on Your Route
These 10 parks are just the beginning. SmartStops helps you discover hundreds of family-friendly park and gas station combinations along any route in America.