When my son was little, a trip to a playground was the highlight of our day. We'd roll up to the closest one, he'd spend hours digging in the sand, scaling the shoddy equipment, hurtling down slippery slides, swinging until he was dizzy, and basically losing his ever-loving mind in the name of fun. And I'd just sit there, watching him and reliving my own childhood through his play.
But then, we got a little more adventurous. We started seeking out new playgrounds and boy did we find some gems. We stumbled upon some seriously next-level playgrounds that seriously made me want to be a kid again. So, I started joining in on the fun because... why not?
So, I've put together a list of the coolest, craziest, most epic playgrounds in and around Los Angeles for all you playground-loving parents. These parks have given me and my kid some cherished memories, and I hope they do the same for you and your little munchkins.
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Outdoor Playgrounds in Los Angeles
Aidan's Place offers a wonderful playground that is specifically designed to be inclusive and accessible for all children, including those with disabilities. With exciting features such as swings, slides, zip lines, and a sand area, kids will love exploring and playing here. Plus, there are plenty of other fun options, like an outdoor soccer field, indoor racquetball courts, an outdoor basketball court, and an indoor pool.
Additionally, the playground has recently undergone a renovation, which means you'll find even more exciting and innovative equipment, including an impressive apparatus that looks like a miniature city! Your kids are sure to love exploring all of the new features at Aidan's Place.
Grand Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors with your little one! With tree-lined paths, beautiful drought-resistant plants, and an interactive fountain plaza, you'll feel surrounded by nature.
Performance lawns and courtyards provide ample space for picnicking and playing, while the children's playground is sure to delight with its exciting features, such as a towering treehouse complete with a towering roller slide and a twisting tube slide, multiple tiers of platforms to climb and explore, and a forest-inspired soft surface beneath your feet.
To make your time here even more enjoyable, the park is equipped with movable furniture and kiosks, so you can take in the sights and sounds of the area at your own pace.
7600 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Pan Pacific Park has undergone a stunning transformation and is now better than ever! With its facelift in 2019, it offers a variety of interactive and educational activities that are perfect for kids of all abilities. From new swings and slides in its multiple playgrounds to a sparkling splash pad, there's something for every child to enjoy.
In addition to these exciting play areas, the park also boasts a baseball diamond, soccer field, basketball courts, picnic tables, an amphitheater, a jogging path, a kitchen, a sports field, and outdoor fitness equipment. With so many fantastic amenities, Pan Pacific Park is the perfect place to spend time with your kids!
4800 Crustal Spring Road
Los Angeles, Ca 90027
The Play Environment in Griffith Park is a true gem, and it's no wonder why it's the most beloved playground in Los Angeles! Its innovative and inclusive design has set the standard for universally accessible playgrounds all over Southern California and beyond.
Spread across 2 acres of lush green space, this playground offers a wealth of exciting play elements, such as mesmerizing rainbow color wheels, captivating marble walls, and delightful rainmakers to engage all the senses. Plus, with updated slides, climbing structures, and thrilling sliding poles, there's never a dull moment.
And that's not all – there are also zip lines, spinners, massive xylophones, drums, and new swings for kids to enjoy. To make sure everyone stays cool and comfortable, many of the playground structures are covered with shade.
4601 Alla Rd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90292
Get ready to set sail for a day of adventure and fun at the Nautical-themed Park! With a giant whale emerging from the sand, a whimsical turtle, and a mighty ship to climb, the playground is sure to delight your little ones. The oceanic theme is brought to life with blue giant umbrellas that provide shade, while the soft ground and ample paths allow for running and exploration.
But the fun doesn't stop there! This park also boasts two basketball courts, picnic tables, and paddle tennis, making it the perfect place for families to spend the day. And, for those with furry friends, there's even an off-leash dog park where dogs can run and play. With so much to offer, this nautical-themed park is sure to become a family favorite!
4100 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
Take a step into nature and discover the beauty of this park! With vast areas of native coastal sage scrub habitat, lush lawns, picnic sites, and tot lots, it's the perfect place for families to spend a day outdoors. For those who love fishing, there's a lovely fishing lake, and for those who want to take in the stunning views, there are five miles of trails that wind through the Baldwin Hills, offering breathtaking vistas of the South Bay, Pacific Ocean, Downtown, and San Gabriel Mountains.
For the active and adventurous, this park has plenty of recreational options, including four playgrounds, a half basketball court, two lighted baseball diamonds, a lit multi-purpose field, and a sand volleyball court. And for an extra treat, the Stoneview Nature Center is just a short walk away via the Playa pedestrian bridge near the Japanese garden. It's highly recommended for families to visit and explore the wonders of nature together!
4948 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Get ready to play, run, and jump at this urban playground! With vibrant shock-absorbent surfaces and an exciting slide shaped like a snake, kids will love the endless fun this park has to offer. Plus, there's a musical twist with a variety of musical instruments to play with, and a challenging monkey bar to climb. The park is also secure, with a gated and enclosed area for added peace of mind.
But the fun doesn't stop there - this park also offers a variety of exercise equipment for all levels, so you can enjoy a full-body workout while the kids play. And with an urban forest, the park offers a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. So, bring the family and get ready for a day filled with fun and adventure!
Outdoor Playgrounds in Beverly Hills
The recently renovated Roxbury Park is a playground paradise! With exciting features like monkey bars, rock climbing walls, an abundance of balance and spinning equipment, swings, and a special sand area just for the little ones, there's something for everyone.
Beyond the playground, the park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, including lawn bowling, picnic tables, basketball, sand volleyball, baseball, soccer fields, and even four well-lit tennis courts and a hitting wall.
Coldwater Canyon Reservoir Park is a delightful oasis in the heart of the city, offering lush greenery, a peaceful jogging track, and plenty of shady seating areas perfect for taking a break. The sparkling fountain and babbling creek add to the tranquil atmosphere.
This park covers 5 and a half acres of land and encompasses the western side of Coldwater Canyon. Visitors can enjoy a spacious green area, a meandering stream, and two separate playgrounds designed for kids of different age groups. The first playground is for little ones between 2 to 5 years old and the second one is for kids between 5 to 12 years old.
Outdoor Playgrounds in Santa Monica
Enter the peaceful confines of Tongva Park and prepare to be amazed at the transformation from a dull, asphalt parking lot to a breathtaking 6-acre urban haven. With a stunning children's play area complete with a splash pad, an enchanting natural amphitheater, tranquil walking paths, shady picnic spots, and stunning gardens, this park also offers the convenience of free wifi. Get ready to be transported to a world of serenity and beauty.
3400 Barnard Way
Santa Monica
Ahoy matey! Set sail for adventure at South Beach Park, nestled between Barnard Way and the picturesque beach bike path on the Venice border. Your little ones will feel like true pirate captains as they explore the pirate ship-themed playground, complete with rope ladders to climb, swings to soar on, a rollicking roller slide, and a sandpit with a water pump for imaginative play. Unleash their imaginations and watch as they conquer the seven seas right here at South Beach Park!
Outdoor Playground in Culver City
9700 Jefferson Blvd.
Culver City 90232
Welcome to the lush, sprawling wonderland of Culver City Park! Spread across 41.55 acres of prime green space, this community park offers something for everyone with its multiple levels of access. Get ready for a day of fun in the sun with its fantastic playground, perfect for kids of all abilities, and its cutting-edge skate park.
Stroll along the scenic walking path, shoot some hoops on the basketball court, or relax with a picnic at one of the many tables. Don't forget about the pup-tastic dog park, challenging ropes course concession, serene nature trail, and picturesque rose garden. And for the little ones, the sand and splash areas with water pumps and wheels provide endless opportunities for building dams and sandcastles. Come on down to Culver City Park for an unforgettable day in the great outdoors!
Outdoor Playgrounds in Malibu
23401 Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265
Located across from the bustling Malibu Country Mart, this play area is the ultimate destination for kids with a thirst for adventure. The main structure is shaped like a fire truck, complete with a police car and a classic Malibu lifeguard stand, making it a hit with kids who love to play dress-up. Climb to new heights, spin to your heart's content, slide down the bumpy slide, and swing on the fire pole - the opportunities for fun are endless!
But this play area is more than just a place to let loose. It's designed with the goal of developing critical sensory-motor skills through play, making it a great choice for kids of all ages and abilities. Inclusive and accessible, this park will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
24250 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265
Gather your crew and head to the breathtakingly beautiful Malibu Bluffs Park, located at the crossroads of Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. With six acres of community space, you'll never run out of things to do. Swing for the fences at one of the two baseball diamonds, score a goal on the soccer field, or let the little ones run wild at the playground, perfect for ages 2-12.
Take a stroll along the jogging path, soak up some sun at the picnic tables, or keep an eye out for whales at the whale-watching station. The park also boasts the Michael Landon Community Center and ziplines along the jogging path, as well as a sandpit with built-in diggers and a scenic bluffs hike. And with free Wi-Fi available to the public, you can stay connected while you explore. Open from 8:00 am to sunset, come see why Malibu Bluffs Park is the ultimate destination for families and kids.
3835 Cross Creek Road
Malibu, CA 90265
Take a break from the hustle and bustle at the adorable kid's playground located right in the heart of Malibu's Country Mart. Soak up the sun while the little ones swing, slide, and play in the sand area surrounded by a variety of shops and restaurants.
When it's time for a bite to eat, head over to the nearby Malibu Mutts Grill for a delicious meal, then find a picnic table or bench to relax and enjoy your lunch while keeping an eye on the kids. This little playground is the perfect place for a fun and easy family day out.
Outdoor Playgrounds in the Valley
6300 Balboa Blvd.,
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Pack a picnic and head over to the stunning Lake Balboa Park, where the options for fun are endless. Fire up the barbecue pits, set up camp at a picnic table, take a jog or walk along the jogging or walking paths, or hit the bike path for a scenic ride. Get in the game at the multipurpose sports field, cast a line for some fishing, rent a pedal boat or kayak, or explore the picturesque Japanese garden. And with bike rentals on hand, you'll have everything you need for an action-packed day.
With two playgrounds, the kids will be entertained for hours. The toddler playground is perfect for the little ones with swings, plenty of sand, and an activity center. The bigger kids can conquer multiple slides, swings, a tire swing, and even a tiny castle for exploration. With breathtaking views, especially in the springtime when the trees are in bloom, Lake Balboa Park is the ultimate destination for a sunny day with the kids.
1401 W. Riverside Dr.
Burbank, Ca 91506
Step into the world of firefighters at Robert E. Lundigan Park, where you'll find a brand-spanking-new playground that pays homage to the brave heroes of the Burbank Fire Department. With two play zones, one designed specifically for the little ones (2-5) and another for the big kids (5-12), your kids will be entertained for hours.
Discover slides, climbing structures, a firehouse-themed dog, swings, a mock fire hydrant, and more. Your kids can challenge themselves in the maze or play a classic game of tic-tac-toe. Whether your kids are firefighters-in-training or simply love all things that go "vroom," this playground is the place to be!
400 S. Bob Hope Dr.
Burbank, CA 91505
Johnny Carson Park offers kids a thrilling adventure with its climbing structures, including bridges, ladders, and beams that will test their coordination and strength. There's also a vast open green space for running and a bike path for cruising. Take a stroll across the bridge behind the playground, and you'll find a nature trail that's perfect for little explorers.
For a full day of fun and relaxation, the park is equipped with fitness equipment, picnic tables, a scenic walking trail, and a charming little library. Whether you're looking for active playtime or a peaceful retreat, Johnny Carson Park has it all!
1401 W. Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91506
This park caters to kids of all ages with its dual play areas. The older kids can challenge their adrenaline with steep slides while the younger ones can engage in imaginative play with a climbing wall, faux cave, and boulders. The park also has a generous sandbox area for kids to dig and explore.
1485 Virginia Road
San Marino, CA 91108
Lacy Park is a picturesque 30-acre park situated in the heart of San Marino, between Virginia Road and St. Albans Road, and north of Monterey Road. The park boasts vast open spaces, a rich collection of trees and shrubs, and a picnic area that often serves as a venue for musical concerts. It also has two walking paths, making it ideal for both kids to play sports and parents to have picnics.
The playground at Lacy Park is designed to stimulate multiple senses and can accommodate kids of all abilities, with opportunities for climbing and exploring. The park is also perfect for cycling, with its bike-friendly paths. And for those hot summer days, the park has a swimming pool complete with large slides, perfect for a cool dip. Lacy Park also allows dogs, as long as they are on a leash and accompanied by their owners.
Prospect Ave & Wells Street,
San Gabriel, CA 91776
At Vincent Lugo Park, also known as La Laguna de San Gabriel, kids can engage in imaginative play as they explore the 14 concrete play structures that are designed to resemble dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. With bridges, ladders, and tunnels, kids can challenge their coordination and climbing skills, while also indulging in their love of adventure and exploration.
Adjacent to the playground, there is a picnic area with 10 tables and a barbecue area, making it a perfect place for families to gather, enjoy a meal, and spend the day together. With ample space for playing sports and picnicking, and hours that run from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm, the park offers endless opportunities for outdoor fun and adventure.
Outdoor Playgrounds in Pasadena & Beyond
360 N Arroyo Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91103
Arrr matey! Set sail for adventure at Brookside Park, Pasadena's sprawling 62-acre wonderland of green space. Run, skip, and play to your heart's content under sunny skies and shady trees. But don't miss the grandest attraction of all - the swashbucklin' pirate ship playground! It's a must-visit for landlubbers and scallywags alike. And don't forget to bring your trusty two-wheeler for a spin around this massive park. Yo ho ho!
Blast off to Los Arboles Park, also known as Rocketship Park! This 6.3-acre playground of fun is named after the trees that surround it and was chosen by local school kids way back in 1956.
Get ready to soar on the play equipment, swing to the stars, and climb the three-story-tall Rocketship. But the real highlight of this park is the breathtaking view of the entire city! Spot famous landmarks like the Getty Center, Hollywood sign, and Griffith Park Observatory. Open from 6 am to 10 pm every day, this park is a blast for the whole family!
13150 Sesnon Blvd.
Granada Hills, Ca 91344
This park is a hidden gem that you can only access by crossing a charming wooden bridge. It's got two play zones - one for the little tykes and one for the bigger kids. The little ones' zone is filled with pint-sized slides and adorable climbing structures that look like tiny houses. Meanwhile, the bigger kids' zone is shaded and boasts bigger slides and sensory play equipment. It's a fun-filled playground that's perfect for kids of all ages!
1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Get ready for a wild and wonderful adventure in South Bay's largest and most magnificent park! Spanning 18 acres of pure bliss, this park is a nature lover's dream come true with a beautiful pond surrounded by a wildlife refuge, where you can spot migratory birds and have a blast bird-watching.
But the fun doesn't stop there, the park has got loads of play areas to choose from! There's a lighthouse-themed play structure with slides that'll have you spiraling down with glee, misters to keep you cool, a sand pit, and three separate play areas perfect for younger kids to explore their creativity.
For the older kids and fitness fanatics, there's a gym in the great outdoors! Located near Redondo Avenue, this outdoor gym lets you lift your own weight with its fun and unique workout equipment.
In the northwest corner of Polliwog Park, you'll find a picturesque lake with ducks, surrounded by benches and a picnic gazebo. Kids will love feeding and watching the ducks, and there's a second playground filled with exciting surprises like a tall slide, frog, and turtle sculptures, a lighthouse to climb on, a splash pad to cool off in, sand to play with, and a seesaw-type device that you stand upon!
Also adjacent to the park is Begg Pool which is open during the summer for classes and recreational swimming. Polliwog Park has been featured as one of the best parks in Los Angeles to have a birthday party!
1 Beech Tree Lane
Irvine, CA 92612
Get ready for an epic adventure at the Adventure Playground at University Park! This park is jam-packed with exciting things to do, like climbing up to a tree house, exploring a sensory garden, scaling poles and stumps, flying down slides, getting creative at the art wall, and playing fort-builder in the kid's fort zone.
You'll also find plenty of meadows and natural play areas, plus a huge mud play area that's perfect for building sand castles and tunnels with water pumps. Plus, with the park being fully enclosed, you can sit back, relax, and watch the kids have a blast without a worry in the world!
Just a heads up, if the kids plan on getting down and dirty in the mud, be sure to pack a change of clothes. And unfortunately, pets aren't allowed in the park. But with all the amazing things to do here, you won't even miss them!
7111 Talbert Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA
Get ready for a summer of wild and messy fun with your kids at Adventure Playground in Huntington Beach! This one-of-a-kind park is perfect for kids who love getting wet and dirty and are looking for a unique experience.
At Adventure Playground, kids can take a dip in a little pond, slide down a muddy slope, and build their own forts! Just remember, everyone who visits the park, including adults, must wear closed-toe shoes that cover the whole foot without any holes or slits.
Don't forget to pack a few towels, a change of clothes, extra shoes, and a plastic bag to carry all the wet clothes home. Trust us, it'll be a summer adventure to remember!
(Adventure Playground is currently undergoing a complete renovation and is closed at this time. Please check with the park for the reopening of the park in the summer of 2023.)
913 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA
Ahoy mateys! Get ready to set sail on a pirate adventure at this all-inclusive playground located right on the beach. Designed with all children in mind, this playground features play units that promote interactive play and accessibility for all abilities. With flat surfacing perfect for wheelchairs and other mobility aids, this playground is ready for a day of fun!
Climb up ramps and discover hidden treasures on interpretive panels, glide through the skies on a glider, hang and spin on the monkey bars and spinner. And when you need to take a break, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants nearby on Pier and Main Street or have a picnic on the beach with friends and family at one of the three tables in the small picnic area.
Don't miss out on the chance to slide down one of the five slides and make memories that will last a lifetime! So come one, come all and join in on the pirate adventure!
25801 Thousand Oaks Boulevard Calabasas CA 91302
Giddy up partner, it's time to saddle up and head on over to Brandon's Village at Gates Canyon Park! This 7-acre Western-themed playground is the perfect spot for a day of fun in the sun. With picnic areas, barbeques, a fitness course, a basketball court, tennis courts, and plenty of open grass areas, there's something for everyone.
But the real showstopper is the playground itself! With over 70% of the equipment independently playable for children with disabilities, this is a playground that truly provides meaningful and stimulating play opportunities for all. Get ready for a wild ride on the unique roller-driven slide and climb aboard the huge swaying ship! There's even a separate play area for the little ones.
So round up the posse and head on over to Brandon's Village at Gates Canyon Park, where the fun never ends!
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OUTDOOR PLAYGROUNDS NEAR ME
