From Malibu to Irvine, here’s your definitive guide to the best playgrounds around Los Angeles
There is one thing for certain in this life that parents can count on and that’s kids gotta move their bodies. With that in mind, here is an exhaustive roundup of the best playgrounds in Los Angeles that is bound to become your best friend (along with our round-up of the best picnic spots in LA). Pro Tip: Before you head out to one of these top rated playgrounds, don’t forget to check LA County Parks for information on any closures—there’s nothing is worse than disappointed kids that have too much energy. Oh, and the sunscreen. Don’t forget that, either.
The Best Playgrounds around Los Angeles
1. DTLA: Grand Park Playground
This top spot isn't just a playground: it's the whole world of downtown Los Angeles discovery at your toddler's fingertips. The Grand Park playground is stellar in its own right (a long tube slide, tons of rope ladders, and a Seussian series of soft play tunnels, but immediately surrounding it is the playground that is DTLA. Within a short walk is the cornucopia of food, drink, and treat options at Grand Central Market, a delightful ride up or down Angel’s Flight, and a visually appealing scoop of Bae Ice Cream in Little Tokyo.
200 N. Grand Ave.
DTLA
Online: grandparkla.org
Related: Fun Activities, Culture & Cuisine for Kids in Little Tokyo
2. Fairfax District: Pan Pacific Park Playground
Walking distance from family-friendly mothership, The Grove and The Original Farmer's Market, Pan Pacific Park features three different playground areas that offer inclusive play for all abilities. In addition to the kids playground, there are basketball courts, a top-of-the-line athletic field, and plenty of picnic and barbecue areas.
7600 Beverly Blvd.
Fairfax
Online: laparks.org
3. Santa Monica: Tongva Park Playground
Right across the road from the Santa Monica Pier is another little piece of kid park paradise—the Tongva Park playground. With an awesome climbing wall, three tall slides that are built into the hillside, whirly twirly seats that spin, climbing structures and a roller slide, your littles will love spending an afternoon here. And when the temps heat up, there’s even a splash pad to help kiddos cool off.
Insider Tip: Look for metered street parking by the Starbucks on the south side of the park. If that fails, you can always find a spot at the nearby Civic Center. And it you’d rather forgo parking all together, take the Expo Line to the last stop at Colorado and 4th St.—from there, it's a quick and easy walk to Tongva Park.
1615 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica
Online: tongvapark.smgov.net
4. Santa Monica: South Beach Park Playground
Ahoy! Located on the Santa Monica beach next to one of LA's best bike paths is a nautical playground fit for all sorts of swashbuckling adventurers. With climbing ropes, swings, a roller slide, and sandpit with water pump, your curious captains will have a blast pretending they are ocean explorers adrift at sea. A soft rubber padded play area covers the entire park’s floors so parents breathe out a sigh of relief while they breathe in that fresh ocean air. Just watch out for when the pirates get hungry. Bonus: you're a mere 15 minute walk from the baklava croissant at Gjusta.
3400 Barnard Way
Santa Monica
Online: smgov.net
5. Beverly Hills: Coldwater Canyon Park Playground
With plenty of shade, a lovely stream and tall billowing trees, Coldwater Canyon Park is one of our top go-tos whenever we’re in Beverly Hills. This gorgeous spot oozes peace and tranquilty and is perfect for an afternoon picnic or playdate. After kids work up a sweat on the playground, they'll love taking a cool dip in the stream.
Insider Tip: While you’re more than welcome to picnic anywhere you like in the grass, picnic tables must be reserved ahead of time.
1100 N. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills
Online: beverlyhills.org
6. Malibu: Malibu Bluffs Park Playground
What’s better than a day at the playground? A day at the playground with mind-blowing views of the Pacific Ocean. Your beach bumming brood will dig Malibu Bluffs Park with its huge playground, sandpit, zip line and climbing wall. After they work up an appetite, stop by Malibu Farm right down the road for a bite overlooking the water.
24250 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Malibu
Online: malibucity.org
Related: Your Family Guide to Malibu
7. Malibu: Malibu Park at Cross Creek Playground
This first-responders-themed playground offers a fire truck, police car, lifeguard station and more for kids to explore. Designed by the same nonprofit that brought LA Shane’s Inspiration in Griffith Park, the equipment is accessible and inclusive for children of all abilities.
23401 Civic Center Way
Malibu
Online: malibuparkatcrosscreek.com
Related: Have a Firefighting-Obsessed Kid? Then This Firefighting Museum Is a Must-Visit
8. Griffith Park: Shane's Inspiration Playground
As the first universally accessible playground on the west coast, this special place has set the bar for how much fun kiddos of all abilities can have when given the chance to play together. Recent renovations have somehow made this playground better than ever. Littles will love playing on the ship, two forms of zip-lines (one with a buddy seat!), and even an accessible merry-go-round! The playground also offers sensory-rich, musical instruments and Too Small to Fail early childhood interactive literacy panels to encourage families to talk, read and sing to their little ones.
4800 Crystal Springs Rd.
Griffith Park
Online: shanesinspiration.org
9. Griffith Park: Fern Dell Playground
Located at the end of the kid-friendly Fern Dell Trail (one of our favorite hikes with toddlers), this towering nature-inspired playground was recently refurbished. Designed for kids ages 2 to 12 years old, it's fully equipped with five slides (including three that are 8 ft. high!), plus a rope ladder, climbing rocks, tree stumps, lily pad ladder and more. For some reason, the playground hasn't yet made it onto Griffith Park's official map or the LA Parks website, but trust us, it's there! Bonus: a quick drive away are the Griffith Park pony rides and a ride-along-train.
2333 Fern Dell Dr.
Griffith Park
Online: googlemap.com
10. Burbank: Mountain View Park Playground
Small but impressive, this neighborhood park remains under the radar for most. It's located in the Rancho Equestrian area of Burbank, where stables abound and cars stop for horses. (You might even see one during your visit—giddy-up!) Big kids will love the tall, sloping slides in the larger play area, while tots can explore a smaller structure with a climbing wall and faux cave and boulders. There's also plenty of sand for diggers to enjoy.
1401 W. Riverside Dr.
Burbank
Online: burbankca.gov
11. Burbank: Johnny Carson Park Playground
A second Burbank find, the playground at Johnny Carson Park has bridges, ladders, rings and beams to challenge kids' climbing and coordination skills. Another perk? A large grassy area for running around and a path for practicing bike riding. And although the park is in an urban setting, you can cross a bridge behind the playground to discover a sweet little nature trail.
400 S. Bob Hope Dr.
Burbank
Online: burbankca.gov
12. Van Nuys: Lake Balboa Anthony C. Beilenson Park Playground
Lakes in Los Angeles are not the norm so if you’re looking for a playground that feels more like a weekend getaway than just another city park, Anthony C. Beilenson Park delivers in spades. With a universally accessible play structure that’s almost as big as the park itself, little ones and toddlers have more than enough elbow room to swing, shimmy through tunnels and romp around on the jungle gym.
It's lakeside bike path is one of our favorites with kids! Your little two-wheelers can pedal past gaggles of honking geese and quacking ducks. Once your brood has had their fill of land-based activities, hop in a swan paddle boat (for a small rental fee) and tour the lake the way the ducks do!
Insider Tip: Afternoons tend to get busy, so if you plan on renting a bike or paddle boat, we recommend arriving earlier in the day.
6300 Balboa Blvd.
Van Nuys
Online: laparks.org
13. Granda Hills: Bee Canyon Park Playground
Tucked in a residential neighborhood bordering Granada Hills' sprawling O' Melveny Park, the playground at Bee Canyon Park can only be accessed by crossing a cute wooden bridge. The playground has a larger structure for older kids, and a smaller one for littles. While the equipment is beginning to show its age, the bucolic, hidden setting is what makes this place so special.
13150 Sesnon Blvd.
Granada Hills
Online: laparks.org
14. Chatsworth: Chatsworth Park Playground
In keeping with its rock-filled surroundings, this massive park is all about climbing and boy does it deliver! Perfect for little billy goats that are climbing the walls at home, let them loose here where they can scamper until their hearts (and hooves) are content. From rock walls to a giant web, tree stumps to a man-made boulder, if it's climbable, this playground's got it.
Insider Tip: If your toddling tots are still too tiny for the big playground, make your way to the smaller, shaded one tucked behind the recreation center.
22360 Devonshire St.
Chatsworth
Online: laparks.org
15. Woodland Hills: Woodland Hills Park Playground
We all know how hot Los Angeles can get (especially in the Valley) so finding a playground with ample shade is a huge plus in our book! Woodland Hills Park has two separate play areas, both catering to different age levels, that are fully covered by bright blue canopies. There is even a fully shaded picnic table area.
5858 Shoup Ave.
Woodland Hills
Online: laparks.org
16. Pasadena: Reese’s Retreat at Brookside Park Playground
A’hoy mateys! Reese’s Retreat inside Pasadena’s Brookside Park offers pint-sized pirates a coveted chance to channel their inner Captain Jack Sparrow. Your pirates-in-training will have plenty of room to hoist the sails and fire the cannons while they guide their trusty ship over a padded ocean floor. This universally accessible play space also features tons of swings and slides for landlubbers of all ages, as well as a cool sand and water area that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression in ye car (aaarrrggghhh!). We highly suggest bringing an extra change of pantaloons.
Insider Tip: If you want to make a whole day of it, this park is very close to family favorite Kidspace Children’s Museum and literally next door to the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center (swimming anyone?). The parking lot is free but not when there are major events taking place at the neighboring Rose Bowl. Make sure to check the Bowl's schedule before you head to this park to avoid crowds and parking fees.
360 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena
Online: facebook.com
17. Culver City: Culver City Park Playground
Part playground, part futuristic art installation, this intimate hilltop play space showcases much more than just monkey bars and seesaws. Whimsical, state-of-the-art play equipment was created to challenge the younger set both mentally and physically. Nearby, older ones can try out a fitness hike up the famous Culver City stairs or strap on a helmet and hit up the skate park. For those littles who want to get their hands wet, there’s a sand and water area with a working water pump and water wheels where they can build dams and construct sandcastles.
9910 Jefferson Blvd.
Culver City
Online: culvercity.org
18. Baldwin Hills: Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Playground
Insider Tip: For an extra special treat, cross the Park to Playa pedestrian bridge near the Japanese garden and pay a visit to the Stoneview Nature Center—it’s stunning!
4100 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Baldwin Hills
Online: parks.lacounty.gov
19. Marina Del Rey: Glen Alla Park Playground
This nautically-themed, universally accessible park is perfect for young scallywags who like to make a quick getaway. This fully-enclosed playground has oodles of swings, slides and enough climbing things to fill an active tot’s afternoon. Because of the flat, expansive layout, it’s pretty easy to have eyes on everyone (which is super helpful if you’ve got a larger gang in tow). Glen Alla also has plenty of shade, picnic tables, and a large grassy area surrounds the perimeter, in case you decide to let your Houdinis loose outside the gates for a bit.
Insider Tip: The delicious Del Rey Farmer’s Market sets up shop on the sidewalks surrounding this park every Fri. afternoon from noon–7 p.m. This can be a fun bonus to a Fri. park visit but it also makes the already tricky parking options that much slimmer so plan accordingly!
4601 Alla Rd.
Marina del Rey
Online: laparks.org
20. Highland Park: York Park Playground
York Park was built on the site of a former gas station, and while the parklet covers just a third of an acre, it is a little slice of metropolitan magic. While you won’t find much in the way of grass, the urban space is covered with a bright teal and orange, shock-absorbent surface and two main play surfaces. With a beloved snake slide (in-the-know Eastsiders don't call it "Snake Park" for nothin'), an urban forest and musical instruments, this pocket park provides outside entertainment in the middle of the city and is a perfect place to stop and let the kids run wild. York Park is also securely gated and enclosed so you can breathe easy that your little escape artists will be safely contained.
4948 York Blvd.
Highland Park
Online: laparks.org
21. Manhattan Beach: Polliwog Park Playground
Covering 18 acres, Polliwog is one of the largest parks in the South Bay and boasts a scenic amphitheater overlooking a giant duck and turtle-filled pond as well as a botanical garden, natural wildlife refuge, picnic tables, gazebos, and even a museum.
But honestly, who cares about all that when you have one of the coolest playground slides in LA that features curly slides, wavy slides, and winding wack-a-doodle slides. With three expansive play areas to choose from (including a concrete boat in the middle of a sand ocean), it’s best for your mini minnows to start at one end of the park and work their way to the other. Make it a family furry affair and bring your pup on this outing as there is a large dog run on one end of this pooch-friendly park!
1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
Online: citymb.info
22. Torrance: Los Arboles “Rocket Ship” Park Playground
Blast off to Torrance’s “Rocket Ship” Park and treat your little space cadets to a 28-foot-tall rocket tower they can actually climb inside of and slide down (after they’ve simulated a proper launch of course). Situated on top of a hillside, this hidden neighborhood gem of a park offers spectacular ocean views stretching from the Santa Monica Bay to the San Gabriel Mountains. With a mix of new and old playground equipment, scenic swings and sand for days, your young rocketeers will certainly be over the moon!
Know Before You Go: Kinda like space, there are no restrooms at this park so good to plan ahead just in case!
5101 Calle de Ricardo
Torrance
Online: torranceca.gov
23. Irvine: Adventure Playground
You’re going to want to pack an extra set (or two) of clothes before heading out on this adventure. One of Irvine’s best-kept secrets, this University of CA Irvine adjacent park is chock-full of everything your little loves could possibly want and more! Prepare for your rugrats to get nice and dirty here as there is a large mud play area as well as water pumps on deck to help build that perfect sand castle.
Along with an incredible castle-like structure, a tree house, kid’s fort building zone, concrete slides, and even a sensory garden, your little piggies will never want to leave! The best part for parents? This park is fully enclosed so while the kiddos wallow in the muck, you can sip coffee and watch them go hog wild from the comfort of a bench.
Insider Tip: There is little shade here so hats and sunscreen are a must. Because of the mud and water features at this park, we recommend bringing a change of clothes (there are hoses near the bathrooms to spray the kids down before it’s time to go). Also, the water pump station is closed every Mon. for maintenance.
1 Beech Tree Lane
Irvine
Online: cityofirvine.org
