30 Coolest Playgrounds in LA & OC (2025 Map)

Alexandra F. said:  This American Revolution-themed park is really something special. It has three playgrounds, large open fields, softball diamonds and basketball courts, and a large pond with plenty of ducks, geese and turtles. However, what really makes it special is the play island in the middle of the pond, complete with bridges, rock formations, and American revolution-themed play structures, including a “ship” that juts out into the water! It is SO much fun for playing and exploring, and my kids love going there as much as I did when I was their age. It’s worth noting that the line of sight is not very open on the play island, making it a bit of a challenge to keep an eye on very little ones who like to run off - especially with all the fun rocks and hills for climbing (and potentially slipping) on!

Alexandra F. said:  My preschooler and I discovered this awesome playground while driving by it on an errand, and we just had to stop to check it out. The feature that caught our eye was the jet plane suspended in mid-air at the front of the park (it’s a veteran’s memorial), but the plane and rocket-themed playground equipment was really fun, with lots of interactive elements. My 3-year-old especially enjoyed the enclosed tot lot with a fire truck climbing structure, and I appreciated the surprisingly clean bathroom just next to it.

The enclosed playground at Bixby Park offers parents of free-spirited kiddos, who love to run around, peace of mind. The jungle gym, which includes a rope climbing station, is great for budding climbers. Parents appreciate that there are umbrella-like covers that provide ample shade over the slides. The park also offers families fun exercise equipment where they can break a sweat together.

The surrounding area is densely populated, but the park itself serves as a natural oasis. The nature-themed playground has a turtle kids can climb on, boulders for clambering over, and a concrete slide that's accessible via a set of steps. There's also a "snake" feature that younger kids can climb on.

Separate playground areas with a covered picnic area in between make it easy for parents to enjoy the shade while kids play. The larger playground has a play train and tall slides, while the smaller-scale playground has tot-friendly sand ground covering and sea-themed decor. The accessibility of the park, along with its multiple play areas, make it a true play destination for all kids.

During my childhood, Pollwog Park was the park where my parents took my sisters and me to play and it was, and still is, one of my favorite parks for many reasons. I especially love watching and listening to the ducks in its vast duck pond. Families with toddlers can utilize the toddler-friendly playground while older kiddos can monkey around the playground tailor-made for them. Plenty of trees provide much needed shade during hot summer days, and families can enjoy eating with a view in the pond and picnic gazebos. With so much open space, furry companions can join the fun, too!

Budding marine biologists will love this blue-hued playground with its whale and crashing waves. While the younger kiddos have all hands on deck, older kids can explore the nearby skate park.

The ocean-themed play structures at Del Rey Park are fun for kids, and photo ops with the near-life-size whale are the main attraction. Its unique design and a fun theme make this park worth a trip.

Lots of shade and sprawling playground attractions earn this fully accessible park a high rating. Multiple play areas invite kids of all abilities to join in the fun, and many parts of the playground have shade coverings. Most play areas have rubber ground covering, but some have sand where kids can play. Overall, most areas are accessible and inviting, and sand play is a novelty in most playgrounds.

A sprawling playground set on mostly rubber flooring means kids of all ages and abilities can play together at this accessible playground. Some areas feature sand where kids can get a little messy, but there is plenty of climbing, sliding, and crawling equipment too.

Unique "rock" structures encourage unconventional climbing, in addition to the typical ladders of other playsets. Seasonal water features let kids cool off in the heat of summer, and a sand area allows for hands-on sensory play.

Kelly R said:  If you can take your eyes off the incredible sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, you'll find that Malibu Bluffs Park boasts amenities for kids that are nearly as impressive, including jungle gym equipment, a climbing wall, a zip line, and a sand play area. The park also has a sustainable ocean-friendly educational garden and a whale watching vista with telescopes. Ocean view picnic tables will have you lingering over lunch, and free wireless internet access is available, too!

Old Meadows Park focuses on accessibility for all kids and their families; key play structures include a miniature village, elevated sand table, a back hoe digger, and sensory panels. Both sand and rubber surfaces keep kids safe.

Part of the playground at this community park includes an "ant hill," a grass hill to slide on w/skid boards.

Younger kids will love the barn-themed playground area, while older kids and teens will appreciate the skate park. The playground equipment includes multiple slides and climbing attractions.