Located right along the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro, Kentucky is a six-block retreat known as Smothers Park. Within the Park is the Lazy Dayz Children’s Playground and Spray Park. This whimsical playground has won numerous awards and is widely considered to be one of the best parks in the country.

Where Smothers Park now stands used to be the site of the home of Bill Smothers, who made the first permanent settlement at Owensboro, which used to be known as Yellow Banks, in 1797.

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The playground at Smothers Park is called Lazy Dayz Children’s Playground, and in 2015 it was named the best playground in the world by the Landscape Architects Network. It is completely handicap-accessible.

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Children can explore a walkway through the trees, elevated 30 feet above the ground.

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They also have a splash park where kids can cool off in the warmer months.

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As you’re exploring the playground, you might find some oversized animal friends.

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Be sure you look both high and low for all of the animal sculptures.

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Or pick out a book from the Little Free Library for a more relaxed day.

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Smothers Park may have an awesome playground that kids love, but adults can have a fun time as well. Enjoy the views of the Ohio River from the riverfront promenade. There are swinging benches you can take breaks on as well.

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Check out the three fountains, which have four water shows every hour.

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Make an enjoyable evening at Smothers Park, which often has free live music nights during warm weather.

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Smothers Park is located at 199 W. Veterans Blvd., Owensboro, KY 42303. Has anyone ever been to this whimsical little park before? What did you think?

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TripAdvisor/Julie D.

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