Uncovering Magical Places: Hidden East Bay Parks and Gardens

From Fairlyland's uncrowded little sister (where you can fish for crawdads with a paperclip and string) to a super slide that will make them scream with delight—these parks are hidden but beg to be found!

By Aly Brown November 6, 2014

The East Bay is absolutely bursting with parks where kids can build, play and ride. But if your mini is already considered the mayor of Adventure Playground or the Fairyland attendant knows your whole brood by name, it’s time to explore some of the areas hidden gems. From Fairlyland’s uncrowded little sister (where you can fish for crawdads with a paperclip and string) to a super-sized play structure that lets the littles pretend to be Spiderman and Jack Sparrow, all in one day. Click through to check out the parks that you’ve been missing!

Mission Hills Park, Pleasanton

Why It’s Great: This massive slide is a real bravery tester. Grab a piece of cardboard or wear those fantastic 80’s parachute pants and you’ll go flying! (Watch out for that last bump!) Parents love that that this park is far off the road, surrounded by multiple play structures, large trees, and a pretty gazebo for picnics. It's a popular place for family portraits because this old park is truly beautiful and serene.

Where: Junipero St. & Independence St.
Pleasanton, Ca

Good to Know: They recently changed out the landing area on this massive slide. It was formerly sand, but now it’s tanbark. Going down this slide at top speed, it can smart to land on this new surface. Bring an old blanket and lay it down at the bottom, so your kiddos don’t get a palm of splinters.

What is your favorite off-the-radar East Bay park?

—Aly Brown