New Travel Guide Of Wizard Of Oz Playground

A fantastic playground with a Wizard of Oz theme is well known to Watkins Regional Park. Follow the Yellow Brick Road, of course, to find it! Then, enter Oz through the rainbow to enjoy everything it has to offer. The climbing structures have the appearance of an old-fashioned barn, an emerald-green palace, and a pair of gigantic ruby-red slippers for the slides. There is also a smaller climbing area there called Munchkin Land. Kids can also enjoy playing in Auntie Em’s house and running around the rainbow track on the perimeter of the playground.

Need to Know

The Land of Oz’s closest major hub airport is Charlotte (CLT), which is about 2.5 hours away from Beech Mountain. Asheville (AVL), North Carolina, is another option but you’ll often find more award flights or affordable cash flights to and from Charlotte. Avios, which starts at 7,500 roundtrips for short-haul flights on American Airlines, may be your best option if you are traveling from the country’s center or east.

Boone, North Carolina, is the closest town with points hotels. The hotels with the best local representation are IHG and Marriott. Marriott is represented by a Fairfield (Category 3, 17,500 points/night) and a Courtyard (Category 4, 25,000 points/night). A Holiday Inn Express with 25,000 points and a new Holiday Inn (points rate TBD) are standing in for IHG. The majority of the rates I saw, though, were only around $100 per night, so I would check cash rates first.

Due to the uneven paths, stairwells, and steep ramps constructed within the natural terrain of Beech Mountain, the Land of Oz theme park is reportedly not wheelchair or stroller friendly. ​

Things to Do at Wizard of Oz Playground

Visit the Farm

The public is welcome to visit Old Maryland Farm, a farm with educational and agricultural purposes, at no additional cost. Children can view livestock and gardening exhibits, and there are even a few places where they can purchase food to feed the farm animals—something they absolutely love to do! Hay rides and farming displays are other activities available. (Reminder: This isn’t a petting zoo!)

Ride An Antique Carousel

Around the turn of the century, the Chesapeake Carousel is thought to have been built, and it’s still entertaining today. Select a horse, then giddy up as you ride around the park taking in the sights.

Ride the Rails

An entertaining model train can be found at Watkins Park. This replica of a real C.P. Train enthusiasts of all sizes can enjoy searching for wildlife and faces carved into trees as the Huntington Locomotive winds through the park. (Passing through the well-known Old Maryland Farm is a highlight of the train ride!)

Putt Putt

18-hole mini-golf is also available at the park with it all. While the golf course itself is fairly basic, playing a round of golf is inexpensive and can be a fun way to spend an hour or so while visiting the park.

Explore the Nature

Children can get close to reptiles, amphibians, and birds at the Watkins Nature Center. There are also indoor and outdoor ponds, a songbird feeding area, a butterfly/hummingbird garden, a composting area, and even a squirrel gym.

Have a Picnic

There are many places to eat at Watkins Regional Park, including many covered picnic areas with picnic tables and open spaces ideal for spreading out a blanket. Pack a snack or a full lunch and take a break between exploring the park.

Tips for Your Visit

Take the Ski Lift

You can get to the Land of Oz via a free shuttle bus, but the ski lift is quicker and offers better mountain views.

Plan for 2-3 Hours Minimum

Even though the ticketed visit is only for an hour, it will take some time to drive up the mountain, find parking, and stand in line for admission.

Be Patient and Respectful of Others

A lot of people are eager to experience the Land of Oz because this is a limited-event opportunity. So if you’re taking pictures or waiting to get a picture with a character, be patient.

Bring An Extra Layer

Even though it felt much warmer before the drive up, the mountain’s summit can be quite chilly. You should therefore pack a jacket or sweater just in case.

Dress Up

The event planners invite attendees to dress as their preferred Wizard of Oz character.

Buy Gifts and Food

By purchasing food and mementos from them, attendees can help the event and nearby businesses.

Bring Your Kids

Autumn at Oz is a great family activity, but remind your younger kids that the characters (especially the Wicked Witch of the West!) are wearing costumes and pretending.

Do Not Steal Or Damage Property

Please don’t deface the landscape or remove anything from the park; the Land of Oz should be enjoyed by future generations. Become a good witch rather than a bad witch.

Bottom Line

If you want to live out your Wizard of Oz fantasies (or at the very least, take some really cool yellow brick road photos for Instagram), mark the summer months on your calendar. The Land of Oz theme park is not completely closed, but it also isn’t open to visitors very often.