If you have little ones, you probably spend a lot of time at the playground — that outdoor classroom where kids get to learn agility, manage risks, practice social skills with other kids, build strength and stretch their imagination. And while they’re working off all that boundless energy, you get to — maybe — enjoy a little breather on a park bench.
Still, if you and the kids have grown a little bored with your local park, perhaps your family needs a change of scenery to spark creativity once again. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite SoCal playgrounds and play areas that offer an extra dash of whimsy to transport you and your kids to other worlds.
Bill Rosendahl Del Rey Park
4601 Alla Road, Marina del Rey
This nautical-themed playground lets kids have their own sea adventure with a giant whale and sea turtle structures, in addition to a rock-climbing wall that leads to a mini coastal bluff. laparks.org
La Laguna Playground
300 W. Wells St., San Gabriel
Travel back in time to playgrounds of the 1960s at “dinosaur park” tucked behind Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel. Kids can climb 14 concrete play structures, including a giant blue octopus, yellow sea snail and dragon slide, created by Mexican artist Benjamin Dominguez in 1965. sangabrielcity.com
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
750 S. Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte
With four lakes for boating, trails for biking, disc golf and a nature center, there is plenty of fun to be found at Whittier Narrows in South El Monte, including whimsical play sculptures (such as a two-headed sea creature) hidden throughout the 1,500-acre park. These structures were also crafted by Dominguez, inspired by children’s imagination. parks.lacounty.gov
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
100 N. Toluca St., L.A.
This 10.5-acre mini oasis in Echo Park has stunning views of downtown, walking trails and a nature-themed playground with a snake and turtle sculptures for climbing, sliding and exploring. mrca.ca.gov
Palm View Park
1340 E. Puente Ave., West Covina
Fly away to West Covina’s Palm View Park, which features a giant U.S. Air Force fighter jet structure. Kids can sit in the cockpit or walk along the wings of the plane and imagine faraway places to explore. westcovina.org
Brookside Park
360 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena
Affectionately known as “pirate park,” the playground at Brookside Park in Pasadena features a pirate-themed and wheelchair-accessible playground. A sea dragon emerging from the sand box, treasure map games and a cannonball sculpture add to the whimsy of this popular spot, tucked just behind the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center. cityofpasadena.net
Bogdanovich Recreation Center
1920 Cumbre Dr., San Pedro
Your kids will love this park for its two playgrounds, where a whale sculpture, lighthouse, tire swings and a pirate-themed play sculpture delight, but you’ll love coming here for the sweeping views of the city and the ocean. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this 20-acre park sits on one of the highest points in San Pedro. laparks.org.
Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.