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If you’re searching for a castle playground near Milwaukee, Fort Cushing Playground in Delafield is one of the most unique, imaginative play spaces in southeastern Wisconsin. Set inside Cushing Memorial Park and right along the Bark River, it blends creative wooden structures with beautiful natural surroundings — a perfect combo for families who love both play and the outdoors.
💡 Looking for more family-favorite playgrounds?
Check out our roundup of the Best Playgrounds Around Milwaukee for more ideas.
Why Families Love Fort Cushing Playground
1. A Castle-Themed Wooden Play Fort
Fort Cushing looks like a fortress straight out of a storybook — towers, walkways, bridges, slides, swings, a sandbox, and even a tire hammock. Kids instantly turn it into their own kingdom.
2. On the Banks of the Bark River
The playground sits right by the river, with shade trees all around.
Parents often recommend bringing water shoes so kids can safely wade in the calm, shallow portions of the river. Use your best judgment depending on water levels and your child’s age.
3. Great for Picnics
Bring lunch, snacks, or even a cooler. There are several grassy areas and spots near the trees where families love to spread out.
4. Fishing & Nature Play
Little anglers enjoy trying their luck, and younger kids love splashing near the shoreline.
5. Real Restrooms Nearby
Always a win for families — clean and close to the playground.
If your kids love fort-style playgrounds, you’ll also want to explore our guide to the best castle playgrounds across Wisconsin. It includes more worth-the-drive spots with towers, bridges, and imaginative play spaces. → Best Castle Playgrounds in Wisconsin
What Makes the Park Special
Memorial Riverwalk
Fort Cushing Playground sits at the final stop of the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Riverwalk, a ¾-mile trail featuring:
- Nine memorial sites
- A Peace Garden
- Ecological learning areas
- St. John’s Pond
- Bridges and scenic viewpoints
It’s a lovely, meaningful walk if you want a nature break before or after playground time.
Trail Connections
You can also access:
- Lake Country Recreational Trail
- The new Cushing Road bike path that leads to Lapham Peak
It’s a good one-stop outing for biking families.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Dog-friendly: Pups on leashes are welcome.
- Cleanliness: Trash bins are plentiful, making cleanup easy.
- Sturdy build: The wooden structure is solid and thoughtfully designed.
- Parking: Usually easy, but it can fill up on perfect-weather weekends.
Castle-Style Playgrounds Near Milwaukee (If Your Kids Love Fort Cushing)
These nearby castle playgrounds are beloved by families and make great day trips:
- Possibility Playground (Port Washington) — a massive, inclusive wooden castle.
- Malone Park (New Berlin) — known for its large wooden structures and imaginative play spaces.
Location & Map
Cushing Memorial Park
Delafield, Wisconsin
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- Imagination Station in Oconomowoc
- Fox River Park in Waukesha
- Must-Visit Playgrounds Around Milwaukee
- Best Day Trips From Milwaukee for Families
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
