Playground Hopping in Southern California

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Advisor - Grace Grenker
Curated By

Grace Grenker

  • Family Travel

  • Couples Travel

  • Group Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • California

  • Outdoors

  • Sightseeing

  • Island

Marina Park Playground beachside
Curator’s statement

Southern California has beautiful weather all year-round. When I visit with my kids, we take advantage of the outdoors to get some energy out. Here are some of our favorite spots to check out!

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Playgrounds to visit in Southern California

playground for kid's toys and backside trees

Below are playgrounds that have the wow factor for kids. You may even be able to skip the theme parks, depending on their age, and spend the day at one of these spots instead!

Newport Beach - Marina Park Playground

  • On the harbor, so no waves

  • Red and white lighthouse with a tunnel slide — you can’t miss it

  • Bathrooms onsite

  • Outdoor showers to rinse off the sand

  • Climbing structures

Newport Beach- Balboa Peninsula Park

  • Playground is on the beach

  • Large net climbing structure

  • Swings for babies

  • Kids will be happy if you bring a bucket and shovel so they can dig in the sand

  • Walking distance to Balboa Pier with small rides and eateries

Irvine - Adventure Playground

  • Huge climbing play structure and slides

  • Sand pit with lots of trucks for digging

  • Tree House

  • Lifesize Legos

  • Plenty of parking

  • Bathrooms onsite

Cerritos - Heritage Park

  • Looks like Colonial Boston: Kids explore the American Revolution through colonial village scenes with slides, jungle gyms and a ropes course. The main area is set up on an island with a separate standard playground on the mainland.

Advisor - Grace Grenker

Travel Advisor

Grace Grenker

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to California. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Jessica Leary's guide, 4 Days on the Southern California Coast.