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Oso Creek Trail (mission Viejo, CA.)
Address: 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA
Parking:
The provided address leads directly to the main parking lot. Park as close as possible to the community center for easy access to bathrooms before and after your visit. Parking is free.
Why this made the list?
- Bathrooms: The community center has easily accessible bathrooms, making it a great option for families with young children.
- Kid-friendly: The park offers easy, walkable paths with scenic views and a three-story playground.
- Adult-friendly: More challenging routes are available for adults.
- Versatility: The park offers options for both relaxing strolls and challenging hikes.
Pro Tip:
- Keep in mind that there's a large hill to navigate if you want to reach the more scenic creek area and you're traveling with young children.
Niguel Botanical Preserve (laguna niguel, ca)
Address: 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA
Parking:
When visiting Crown Valley Park, it's best to park near the community center and playground. While there is usually ample parking available, it may be more limited on weekends when soccer games are taking place in the nearby sports complex. The good news is that parking is always free, so you won't have to worry about paying for it.
Why this made the list?
- Bathrooms: The community center and playground have easily accessible and well-maintained bathrooms, making it a great option for families with young children.
- Niguel Botanical Preserve: Located close to the park, this preserve offers beautiful nature trails and scenery.
- Forest animal theme: The park features artistic inlays in the sidewalk at the entrance gate with bobcats, bears, raccoons, and frogs, which kids will love.
- Play structures: The park has two play structures with interactive nature sound boards, logs, rocks for climbing, curvy slides, monkey bars, and more. The larger play structure is more challenging, with higher drops near the ladders.
- Nearby library: The Laguna Niguel Public Library is located nearby, making it easy to combine a playground trip with a library visit.
- Free: Crown Valley Park is a fantastic community park that's completely free and offers something for everyone.
Pro Tip:
- For a remote and breathtaking view, head up the hill to the miniature "top of the world" area at the top of Botanical Reserve. It's definitely worth the trek! Also, during the summer months, make sure to bring a swimsuit for your little ones as they'll love the integrated playground water park.
Bluebird Park (laguna Beach, ca)
772 Cress St, Laguna Beach, CA
Parking:
Parking is very limited as it is only street parking, but is usually available.
Why this made the list?
- The playground features a unique 4-story rocket ship structure that your child will love
- The park is fenced in, providing ease of mind for caregivers
- Despite being in a residential area, the park feels remote and is surrounded by hillsides
- The playground and its amenities are thoughtfully spaced out, making great use of the park's available space
- Restrooms are conveniently located near the Boys and Girls Club, just up the stairs
- While the majority of the playground structures are designed for older children, there is a diverse selection of equipment available for younger kids to enjoy
COURTNEY'S SANDCASTLE PARK (SAN CLEMENTE, ca)
987 Vista Hermosa, San Clemente
Parking:
Parking is shared with the sports complex, so it may be busy during sporting events.
Why this made the list?
- This is an absolutely phenomenal universal playground, which serves children of all abilities, and is especially designed for children with physical, mental and sensory disabilities
- Designed by Richard Fisher, a premier designer of universally accessible parks, this phenomenal playground is fully ramped and navigable by wheelchair, making it accessible to everyone.
- The sandcastle-themed playground also features a unique musical sensory garden.
- The playground's many features, including its inclusivity and accessibility, make it an excellent destination for families looking for a fun and engaging outdoor experience.
Adventure Playground (Irvine, ca)
1 Beech Tree Lane, Irvine
Parking:
The park has dedicated parking lots on both sides of the community buildings, making it easily accessible
Why this made the list?
- Adventure Playground is an unstructured playground that is essential for every child's development
- Play opportunities at typical playgrounds are limited to the equipment provided, but here, play and imagination spill over into every corner of the park
- The park offers a variety of play surfaces
- The Adventure Playground has two incredibly nice and well-maintained restroom stalls in the nearby community buildings
- The park is open and staffed every day with a minimum of two people, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors
Pro Tip:
- Bring a change of clothes and shoes that can get muddy for the little ones to fully enjoy the park's unstructured play opportunities
