We LOVE going to parks with our kids! Parks are a great (and free) place to let the kids run and play, learn to share and take turns, try new things, and just be kids. We have our favorite “go to” parks that we frequent most often, but we also like to try out new parks.
(We made our a list of local parks last summer, but now that our kids have gotten a little older we decided to revisit this article and give it a little refresher!)
Campbell Parks & Playgrounds:
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Bethany: This park has a fenced toddler area, but no toddler play structure. There are a couple of baby swings, a sand pit, a big slide built into to hillside, and a small green space. There is also a water feature and sand play table.
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Outside of the toddler area there is a big kids play structure, (old school) merry-go-round, swings, another big slide built into the hillside, picnic tables, open green space, basketball courts, and access to the Los Gatos Creek Trail. There is a parking lot and bathrooms available.
Nicole: I haven’t spent a ton of time at this park but it’s been good for quick trips after the Farmers Market or as a treat for the kids after a walk on the Los Gatos Creek Trail. The parking can be really busy and sometimes you have to look for street parking because the lot is full.
Bethany: Great park with 2 playgrounds. The toddler area is partially fenced-in making it easier to keep track of your little ones. There is a big sand play area with a water feature to make sandcastles and such. During the summer months kids can enjoy running through the large water feature in the middle of the playground. The big hill has a paved path that goes round and round up to the top that's fun for kids to ride their bikes or trikes on. There is also a huge grassy area for picnics, soccer, kites, and bathrooms nearby. No parking lot, but lots of street parking available.
The playground is spread out quite a bit, so it can be a little difficult to keep track of more than one kiddo here. And, if you’re here on a play date, it can be hard to hold any sort of conversation with your Mommy friends when the kids are all running off in different directions.
Nicole: Last summer, I spent so much time at this park I might as well have lived there. It is a really amazing park, clean, beautiful and a lot to do with 2 playgrounds, the big hill, great sandboxes and an awesome water feature. That being said, now that my son has gotten older, taking both kids to this park can be a bit of a nightmare for me. My son is at that age where he is a runner and doesn’t listen much and this park has way too many nooks and crannies for me to lose him in on top of trying to keep an eye out for my daughter in the mass of other kids, especially during the summer. I took him here a lot when I had him alone during my daughters school year and it was really fun, but again, I had him alone. My suggestion, if you have a son like mine, you might want to skip this park until they are a little older. But it really is an amazing park, don’t get me wrong, I totally love it, just not age appropriate for our family right now.
Bethany: This is another great walking distance park for us. It is important to note that this park has 2 different sides, each with it’s own playground. The 2 playgrounds are on opposite ends of the park separated by a large green space and redwood trees. We like to alternate between the Budd Ave side and the Rincon Ave side. Both offer very different playgrounds and features, so it’s fun to mix it up.
The Budd side has a huge big kids play structure as well as a toddler play structure set into the sand play area. There are also 4 baby swings and 4 regular swings, a teeter totter, a multi level wooden deck (great for little climbers), and lots of other fun features. There is a picnic area with lots of tables right next to the toddler area, bathrooms, and a good size parking lot.
The Rincon side has a great sand play area (similar to the one at Jack Fischer Park) that has a water spout and a couple of little playhouses, a (mostly) toddler friendly play structure, a cool pyramid shaped rope climbing structure, and a water play area (also similar to the one at Jack Fischer Park). There are no swings, but this side of the park has the baseball diamond. There are bathrooms and 2 parking lots. There is also a pedestrian walkway that goes from the park up and over San Tomas Expy and ends up on Virginia Ave where Bucknall Rd ends.
Nicole: I haven’t spent a ton of time at this park, but I when I have, it’s been great. The Budd Avenue side is a little bit like Jack Fischer for me, I don’t know that I’d take both my kids right now because I feel like my son could escape me really easily at this park, but it’s really nicely set up. The Rincon side is really great. It has an awesome water feature, a nice playground and sand box and lots of grass and shade to lay out a blanket and have a picnic. Definitely a park I could spend a lot of time in!
Bethany: We love this park! It is really close to our house, so we’re here a lot. The whole park is fenced in and toddler friendly. It’s pretty small, but it’s big enough for lots of kids to play. There are 2 swings (1 baby swing and 1 regular swing), a toddler friendly play structure with steps that go up to a little playhouse with a slide and a cool spider web to climb off to the side. (The only complaint I have about the play structure is that there is an opening for a pole to slide down right at the highest point. Most kids that know how to slide down a pole are probably too old to enjoy a toddler playground, so this makes no sense to me.)
There’s also a sand pit with a water spout in it, a small grassy area in the shade of a big tree, 2 picnic tables, and a cool path with the alphabet and numbers carved into it. (My daughter loves this!) There is no parking lot, but lots of street parking available. Also no bathrooms, so we bring our travel potty just in case.
Nicole: This is one of our go to parks! It’s got a nice play structure, a great sandbox with a little water spigot, a couple of swings and a lot of grass and shade. The biggest plus for me is that it’s gated! It is a small park, but it has everything kids would need for a few hours of play. It’s probably better suited for younger kids (maybe 6 and under) but older kids could have a good time here too for a little while. There are no bathrooms, so make sure to bring a travel potty seat with you if you think you’ll need it!
Bethany: This is Campbell’s newest park (just opened November 2011). It is located on Union Ave just blocks from the Pruneyard Shopping Center. There is no parking lot or street parking, only a drop-off zone so driving here can be tricky. I like to go the the Pruneyard for lunch and then walk over to the park.
The park is set back into the lot and is fenced on all sides but the front. This is great for letting kids run without the fear of them going into the street. The park was built on land that used to house a fruit drying business, so there are nods to the city’s history all around. The toddler friendly playground even has the look of our beloved Campbell water tower (cute!). There are 2 baby swings, but no regular swings for the bigger kids. There are some neat features here like a bridge over a dry creek, some really cool custom art, and play equipment made from recycled materials. There are also (very clean) bathrooms near the playground.
Nicole: We spent a lot of time at this park this year because my daughters preschool is fairly close and we really enjoy our time here! The play structure is so nice, there is grass everywhere, a few swings, clean bathrooms and some picnic tables. The only downer for me is no sandbox, my kids are big into the sandbox, but there is plenty of other stuff to capture their attention! You have a clear view of the whole park from the picnic tables and there is only one open side to the street but its pretty far from the play structure so it’s nice not to have to worry if you have a runner like me!
Bethany: This trail runs through Campbell Park and along the Percolation Ponds near Winchester. It’s a great place to take a walk with the kids (in or out of the stroller), go for a jog or a bike ride, or walk the dog. There are some pretty hardcore runners and bikers on this path at times, so be sure to keep a lookout and keep to the far right so that they can pass.
Hacienda/ Winchester Percolation Ponds
Bethany: This is a great place to go see the water and all the ducks and geese that come here. You can also go fishing (with the proper license of course) or take your dog to the enclosed dog park. There is a nice sized green space that is pretty popular for kite flying and picnics too. There is a parking lot as well as street parking and bathrooms are on site.
Nice place to take a walk, but no playground. Great for dog owners and nature lovers alike. Street parking and bathrooms available.
The garden is located next to Edith Morley Park and has many plots available on a year to year, first come - first served basis for a fee of $30.
Located between the library and the Ainsley house, this large open green space has an outdoor amphitheater and benches. During the summer months you can catch the Campbell Summer Concert Series here on Thursday nights. Parking and bathrooms are nearby but not dedicated to the park.
Very small park with a few benches along a tree lined path. Nice shaded spot to relax while walking the streets of downtown Campbell. There are no bathrooms or parking for this park.
Bethany: This park is considered a “pocket park”. It is located underneath the Campbell water tower, so that’s pretty cool. The only play structure is 2 swings (1 baby swing, and 1 regular swing) though, so not much for the kids to play on. It is somewhat enclosed by the landscaping and location and is located near downtown, so it’s a nice little break if you are out and about shopping for the day. No parking or bathrooms here.
This is Campbell’s smallest park. It’s located on Winchester Blvd and has 2 benches, a winding path, native plants, and lots of shade from the large redwoods. There is no play structure, parking, or bathrooms.
Bethany: SO much to do here! There are different classes and events going on year-round at the Community Center and the Heritage Theatre. There is a playground by the preschool (only open for public use after school hours and on weekends), and a football stadium, athletic fields, an all-weather track, tennis and handball courts, a fitness zone, a year-round heated pool, and a really cool skate park. There is tons of parking and bathrooms are located inside the buildings and next to the track.
Nicole: We LOVE the Community Center! My daughter takes dance class here and it’s such a beautiful place! What’s also nice is the waiting room for the dance classes have a waiting room with toys, so if you have a younger one like me you can hang out! Plus the little playground for the preschool is open to the public when school isn’t in session. I’ve also used the track quite a bit and its really such a nice facility!
Other South Bay Parks & Playgrounds:
Bethany: Oak Meadow is located adjacent to Vasona Park. It has a huge play structure for the big kids, but also has a lot to offer for the smaller ones. There are swings, a fire truck and jet plane to climb on, a wooden train to climb in and on, and a small play structure with a (pretty steep) slide. There used to be a neat sand play area, but it has been removed. There are a ton of picnic tables and different picnic areas that you can reserve (but usually don’t need to), a huge open green space, and a big open pavillion where they have different events in the summer time.
On the other side of the big green space is the carousel and the train. (Tickets are $2, but kids 2 and under are free.) The train runs across a bridge and into Vasona Park, then does a pretty big loop and ends back at the station. Kids love to watch the turntable at the end of the track where they turn the engine around for the next trip, and you are welcome to take a peek inside the shop where they keep and maintain the trains (you can’t go in, just look through the open doorway).
This park has bathrooms located near the carousel and a small parking lot. There is a $6 fee to park in the lot for non-residents though. So we usually can find free street parking along University Ave and then walk down the hill into the park.
Nicole: I haven’t been to Oak Meadow much this year, but I really do love this park. The playground is super fun and I love the fact that they have a carousel and train! It’s also very inexpensive to ride the train and carousel. You generally have to pay for parking, but you can usually find parking at the top of the hill on Blossom Hill Road.
Vasona Lake County Park (Los Gatos)
Bethany: We love the playground here and the creek that runs to the lake. The creek is pretty shallow, so the kids love to play in the water and splash around. (Be sure to bring a change of clothes!) You can also rent boats to go out on the lake during the Summer months. The playground has many different levels to climb and play on, different slides, steps, ladders, and bridges as well as swings. There is plenty of parking in many different lots, but there is a $6 fee for non-residents.
Nicole: We’ve spent some time at Vasona Park this year and we love that park as well! The playground is nice, but what I love most is the shallow creeks around it. You can follow the path all around and there is shallow creeks and little beaches everywhere for kids to safely explore. Make sure to bring extra clothes though, my kids always end up a muddy soggy mess (but I let my kids get pretty messy so it could just be my kids!). You also have to pay for parking at Vasona, but you can park on Blossom Hill as well and walk in.
Bethany: Love this park! There are 3 different play structures spaced apart, a huge sand pit, swings, slides, big open green space, lots of picnic tables, and great shade from all the surrounding trees. The toddler area has 2 slides built into the hillside, a great play structure, 2 baby swings, a bouncy/ rocking jet plane to sit on, and the sand pit nearby. There is no parking lot, but lots of street parking available. (On the weekends, when the preschool next door is closed, you can park in their lot. There are also bathrooms on site, but we usually just bring our travel potty since it’s a bit of a walk from the playground.
Nicole: This is a wonderful park with a ton of stuff to do! There are 3 different playgrounds, a toddler one, a medium size one and the one for older kids. The older kid playground is pretty separate from the smaller ones which is nice because it’s not as enticing to the little kids. There are only 2 small openings for the park which makes it a little safer so kids can’t just run into the street (although my son tried to run the last time we went here and it was a little scary!). There is a lot of grass to play on, big shady trees, a really big sandbox, and clean bathrooms available. You have a clear view of most of the park so you can keep and eye on your kids. The only problem I’ve encountered lately is that the schools surrounding the area let their kids go there at lunch time and it just gets totally overrun with kids. I’m hoping thats just a school year thing and it won’t be a problem in summer.
Bethany: My kids call this the “Ducky Park” and we love it! It has a series of duck ponds, bridges, and walkways that are fun for the kids to run around and explore. There is a great playground too. (It’s not all that toddler friendly though. Probably better suited for ages 2 and up.) There are actually 2 play structures next to each other. One for the younger kids, and one for the bigger kids. There are lots of places to climb and many different slides to play on as well as both baby and big kid swings. And, of course, there is a lovely memorial dedicated to our nations veterans near the main duck pond. There is a parking lot, but pay attention to the signs and curb markings because a good deal of the lot is for the Senior Center only. Bathrooms can be found near the playground.
Nicole: This is a great park! We’ve been here quite a few times and we always have such an awesome time. The ducks are so much fun, especially when there are little ducklings floating around. The playground here is really nice too. There are 2 play structures which my 2 year old son can do by himself. It’s a great place to come let the kids run around, have a picnic and hang out for a while.
Bethany: This park is kind of long and thin shaped and is located along Lawrence Expy (in the neighborhood behind the sound wall). It has 2 playgrounds with something for every age group. In between them is a sand play area with a play table in it. There are swings, lots of different slides, and fun things to climb on. Picnic tables and bathrooms are nearby. There are a few small parking lots located along the length of this park as well as street parking in the neighborhood. The opposite end of the park has an enclosed dog park, so you will see many people walking dogs here (some off leash too).
Nicole: This is a little hidden gem! It’s tucked back in a nice neighborhood in San Jose. The play structures are pretty nice (they have a toddler one and a big kid one). They have a great sandbox with a fun play structure actually in the sandbox. They also have bathrooms which is always a plus and generally they are pretty clean. Lots of grass, shade and picnic tables at this park too! Because its set back from the road, there isn’t much fear of kids running off into the street.
Bethany: We recently started going to this park and love it. It’s another great option for the Campbell area (even though it’s technically in West San Jose) and we can walk to it from our house. There is a great toddler play structure inside a semi fenced-in area along with a sand play pit. The big kids’ playground is set a little apart from the toddler one, but you can easily see both from the middle point. There are also swings and a lot of open green space to run. This park has bathrooms, but no parking lot. We have never had a problem finding plenty of parking on the street though.
Nicole: This park is walking distance from my house and while it’s a nice park, I’m not such a huge fan. The play structures are decent and the toddler area is nice, but whenever we come here in the afternoons it’s overrun with older kids. It is nice to hang out there for a little while, but it’s not a park I would spend a lot of time in.
Bethany: I like this park, but I just don’t love it. The toddler playground is nice, but the slides are always too hot. The sand pit is cool, but it is so deep that once a kid is in it they have to be helped back out again. There is a cute little playhouse, but it’s not level to the ground under it so kids have a hard time playing in it. I do like that the swings are really far away from the play structure (so that kids aren’t in danger of running in front of them and getting kicked). The whole toddler play area is fenced in, there is a water play feature, a “big kids” playground, and (semi-clean) bathrooms, but there is a major lack of shade at this park. It can get really hot really quickly here so we don’t like to stay too long.
Nicole: I have a love hate relationship with this park. I really like that its gated and that the toddler park and the big kid park are separated. It’s nice that they have bathrooms and some grass in the park. But there is something about the layout of this park that bothers me. I don’t like that the sandbox is behind tall grass, the last time I was there there was hardly any sand in there, there is very little shade and it gets really hot in there. For the most part, this park is fine but for some reason I’m just not a huge fan.
Bethany: This park is great! There are 2 playgrounds (1 for toddlers and 1 for bigger kids), tennis court, jogging path, big open green spaces, and a fitness course. The toddler playground has a lot of fun features too. There is a bridge, slides, sand play area with it’s own small play structure in it (great for the really little ones!), swings, and a cool school bus sculpture to climb on.
The “big kids” playground is separated from the toddler playground by a picnic area with lots of tables and benches. It has 2 different play structures with all sorts of fun features. There are also lots of swings (8 I think). The park does have bathrooms, but they are not the cleanest. There is no parking lot, but lots of space to park on the street around the edges of the park.
Emma Prusch Farm Park (San Jose)
Bethany: I have only been to this park once and didn’t go to the playground (Claire was just learning to walk then). We did enjoy the animals and the big open spaces though. I loved the fact that it is free too! The only problem that we encountered was the aggressive geese and chickens that wander the property. Be aware that they are not shy and will follow you around, and will even sometimes chase you too.
Nicole: I really enjoy this park, however, it would be hard for me to take both my kids alone right now. I absolutely love the chickens wandering around everywhere. There are clean bathrooms, ample parking, and a lot of picnic tables and grass with shade. I love taking my kids to see the pigs, goats, and cows (I plan on signing my daughter up for 4H here when she’s old enough) and the play structure is really nice, but it’s REALLY big and my son THINKS he can do it, but he really can’t, haha! I’m not much of a worrywart Mom, but my son is too brave and often gets himself into trouble, and it can be hard watching him and my daughter at the same time (because she also gets herself into some sticky situations). So while this park is awesome and I plan on taking my kids a lot, until they’re older it’ll have to be on weekends when my husband can come.
Bethany: The “tot lot” is fenced in and has a great sand play area for the kids. Outside of the fence there is a water feature, swings, and a few picnic tables. There isn’t much shade and it gets hot pretty quickly, so wear your sunscreen and hats. You can park along the street (but be careful as it has fast moving traffic and can be very busy), or you can park next door at the Almaden Branch Library and walk over.
Marijane Hamann Park (San Jose)
Nicole: We’ve been to this park a few times. I’ve only been in the toddler area so I can’t say anything about the big kid park. This park is good for quick trips, I wouldn’t spend the whole day there. The toddler area is gated which is nice, but there is no grass to sit on. It has a huge sandbox which my daughter loves and the play structure is pretty fun. There are bathrooms in this park and the swings are separate which I actually like. Sometimes this place can get overrun with middle school and high schoolers in the afternoon which can make things a little more hectic, just be aware of that (although we’ve been here in the afternoon and they pretty much stick to the big kid area).
Bethany: This park has a great toddler play area with a big sand pit, swings, and a play structure. But the best part is that the whole toddler area is fenced-in. Much easier for keeping track of the little ones! There is also a big kids’ play structure, but it’s a bit tall for my kiddos. The park also has bathrooms, a big green space, and a parking lot as well as lots of street parking.
Bethany: This park is pretty spread out and it can be hard to keep track of little ones here, but we like to go sometimes just for something different. There is a big pond in the middle with a sort of island that has a playground on it. There is also lots of sandy areas to play, a smaller play structure, and swings. There is a pretty cool (and huge) water feature, but you have to pay the city to have it turned on. Sometimes, you can luck into it being turned on by somebody else though. They have 2 small parking lots (one on either side of the park) and lots of street parking. There are bathrooms near the playground too.
Greater Bay Area Parks & Playgrounds:
Nicole: I moved from San Mateo to Campbell not too long ago and Burton Park was our park of choice! We still go there on a fairly regular basis because we are in San Mateo once a week. It is a gorgeous park! There is a big kid playground and a gated toddler playground. There is a lot of grass, a lot of shade, a great water feature and both sandboxes are great! All in all it’s still probably one of my favorite parks to take my kids to!
Bethany: This is a great park for the warmer months since it is so shaded. There is a creek that runs behind the park, but is dry all summer. During the rainy months it is usually shallow enough to walk in (but please be careful!). There are 2 different playgrounds, swings, and a great sand play area. There is a parking lot and bathrooms too. It can be a little tricky to find the first time you go since it is set back into a neighborhood. Make sure you have good directions or GPS for this one.
Nicole: I really love this park! It’s hidden from the road, everything is spaced out really well, and there are clean bathrooms, and lots of grass and shade. There are two playgrounds, a little one and a big one. They are pretty far away from each other which is nice so my kids don’t really care much for the big kid one (although I’ve taken them over there and my 3 year old daughter can do a lot of it, my son can’t so I try to keep them away from there). We can spend a lot of time here, it’s a really beautiful park/
Rancho San Antonio (Los Altos)
Bethany: This is a HUGE park with lots of different trails (some paved, some not) to go walking, jogging, or biking on. Most of them are stroller friendly (we use our double jogger easily here). There is no playground, but my kids never seem to mind too much here. I recommend parking at the very last lot because it has bathrooms and some shady spots so your car won’t be as hot when you return.
You will also find Deer Hollow Farm here (about a mile long walk from the parking lot mentioned). It’s a great little farm with goats, cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep, and rabbits. They have a small stand where you can buy farm fresh eggs and seasonal produce. There is also a big open air pavillion with picnic tables inside. It makes for a great spot to stop and have lunch. There are bathrooms near the farm, but they are pretty gross.
Nicole: I’ve been to this park a few times and have really enjoyed it. I really love doing the small hike to Deer Hollow Farm. It’s a nice treat for the kids to get out of the stroller and run around and check out all the animals and get some energy out so they don’t go crazy in the stroller (my kids don’t like to sit much, haha!). It’s a nice wide dirt path that you can easily use a double jogger on. The lots fill up REALLY fast on the weekends. You have to get there really early. Your best bet is often to park in the really far low lot. We’ve had luck there even when all the rest of the lots were totally full.
Day-Trip Distance Parks & Playgrounds:
Dennis the Menace Playground (Monterey)
Bethany: This place is crazy awesome! There are lots of different play structures including slides built into the hillside, a big bridge over a slide made of rollers, a hedge maze, and lots more. It has been added onto through the years, so it’s kind of a hodge-podge of playgrounds. There is a parking lot as well as street parking, but both fill quickly on weekends. There are also bathrooms and a concession stand at the entrance.
Nicole: This is one of the coolest playgrounds we’ve ever been to! Located in Napa, the park is kind of hidden next to a school. There are 2 playgrounds, a tot lot and a big kid playground. Each playground has 2 huge sandboxes with small water features. The playground themselves are wooden castle structures with nooks and crannies that kids love. There is a little town in the tot lot and a big castle in the big playground. There are also swings in each playground. In the middle is a small grassy area with picnic tables. If you’re in the Napa area, this is definitely worth a visit!
There are some great parks and playgrounds out there to explore. We’d love to hear about your favorites too. Or, try a new one and tell us what you think!
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What are your favorite parks or playgrounds? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
