Few things are as exciting to children as going to a park and playing with other children. Luckily, Orange County is full of amazing parks that are great for playdates. If you are looking for the perfect place to hang out with your little one and meet some other children, here’s a list of five amazing Orange County parks for playdates.
Central Park West, Huntington Beach
If you are looking for a massive playground that doesn’t get old, this is the place to go. From climbing areas to zip tracks, this Orange County playground has it all. Little ones will love running and exploring the huge variety of obstacles and play areas in this 343-acre park. Huntington Central Park is the largest city park in Orange County. There are open areas with grassy fields, as well as trees and flowers that provide a beautiful backdrop for nature lovers. This park is great for picnics, bike rides, sports, and meeting many other children. The paved paths make a great place for a walk to stretch your little one’s legs or to meet up with other nannies. Central Park West is a great park for bird watchers and children will enjoy seeing a wide variety of different birds. For some learning and reading, this park is also home to the largest children’s library on the west coast. No matter what your little one(s) like to do, you can’t go wrong with this Orange County gem.
Stanton Central Park
This Orange County park has a variety of activities for children of all ages. For those who love to get wet, it is home to one of the best splash parks in Orange County. Stanton’s splash pad is incredibly popular and can draw a crowd, especially during the summer months. Beyond the splash pad, this park has a wide variety of activities for children, such as a playground with ceilings to help shade them in the heat of the day. There are plenty of swings, a big rock and rope course, and mini caves for exploring. Kids that love trains will love the train theme that this park has going on. For those who enjoy games, the chess boards that are painted on park benches make for a nice way to pass the time. You can bring your own pieces or even check them out from the park office.
Irvine Adventure Park
This park has been a favorite for decades. It has gone through huge changes over time and now it’s one of the coolest playgrounds in Orange County. It’s a great place for kids to use their imagination and discover. What makes Adventure Playground special is that it is one of a few parks in the United States that was designed for unstructured play. Unstructured play is considered essential to a child’s development. At Adventure playground, kids can build forts, create lego brick structures, and even play in the mud. Most playgrounds are limited to whatever equipment is provided, and that’s how this park differs. If you are looking to give your little one a chance to explore their creative side, this is the perfect park for a playdate in Orange County.
Tewinkle Park, Costa Mesa
If you are looking for a variety of activities for you and your young ones, you can’t go wrong with Costa Mesa’s Tewinkle Park. Not only does it have a wide variety of play equipment, beautiful scenery, and space to explore, but it’s also completely barrier-free and universally accessible to all. You can walk around the variety of lakes, ponds, and waterfalls or spend some time relaxing on the grass near the playground. There are many benches and picnic tables to relax and enjoy a day out in Orange County.
Alta Laguna Park, Laguna Beach
If you are looking for a park with a gorgeous backdrop, then head over to Laguna Beach and visit Alta Laguna Park. This park is great for those who love sports, or for younger kids who like to play. This park is often called “Top of the World” due to its stunning views of the Pacific Coast. Children will love the play equipment while enjoying the stunning views that make Orange County famous. There are hiking trails nearby so you can stretch your legs a bit. Kids love the natural setting and the chance to explore and see new things. Alta Laguna park is also great for kids who like a more quiet atmosphere.
Do you have any favorite OC parks? Please share with us below in the comments!
