It's easy to find parks without sand or "Sand Free Parks in Orange County" with this list. Thanks to the reader who wrote in requesting the information.
"I am looking for parks that don't have bark chips or sand. I would prefer the rubber padded flooring. My granddaughter is autistic and due to the sensory issues that come along with that she would rather spend hours touching the sand or wood chips. If I could find a park without either it would enable her to enjoy the slides, swings, etc. I'm sure there are many parents of autistic children that would enjoy knowing where these parks are at in Orange County."
This reader will be happy to know that the recycled rubber surface is becoming a preferred surface at many playgrounds.
Parks Without Sand (and Without Wood Chips)
I've listed the parks without sand by south county, central county, and north county so it's easier to find a sand free park near you.
There's also a list with "honorable mentions" for parks where the only sand is a separate sandbox.
I've noted which parks also have restrooms and which do not.
South Orange County
First, let's start with parks in South Orange County without sand. There are some cities that have more playgrounds without sand or bark. Here are some of the top south OC cities you can explore:
- Laguna Niguel
- Lake Forest
- Dana Point / Capo Beach
- Mission Viejo
Hidden Hills Park in Laguna Niguel
Neighborhood park with shade covers on the play equipment. No restrooms.
Niguel Heights Park in Laguna Niguel
This one has a safari/explorer theme and even a little bridge on the walking path. No restrooms.
Crown Valley Community Park in Laguna Niguel
This one is a parent favorite! Restrooms and splash pad at a mostly fenced park.
Clipper Cove Park in Laguna Niguel
The playground surfacing here makes it look like the ocean with a pirate ship for pretend play. No restrooms.
La Hermosa Park in Laguna Niguel
A small and skinny neighborhood park with some fun play elements. No restrooms.
La Plata Park in Laguna Niguel
It looks like sand in the photo, but it's not! A hidden neighborhood playground. No restrooms.
Reef View Node Park in Laguna Niguel
This one is hidden from street view, but a nice little playground with views. No restrooms.
MacKenzie Park in Laguna Hills
This is a really small neighborhood park that is about to get some improvements with some farm designs. No restrooms.
Darrin Park in Lake Forest
Love this neighborhood park for how easy it is to keep track of the kids here. No restrooms.
Portola Park in Lake Forest
Wide open spaces with a long tunnel slide near a dog park. Playground for 5-12 year olds. Restrooms.
Del Obispo Park in Dana Point
This is a small one mostly used while older siblings play sports. Restrooms.
Dana Crest Park in Dana Point
This neighborhood park used to be wood chips but now has recycled rubber playground surface. No restrooms.
Sea Canyon Park in Dana Point
Always a favorite neighborhood park near Dana Hills High School. Restrooms.
Shipwreck Park in Dana Point
This one used to be all sand which added to the shipwreck feel, but now the surface looks like the deep blue sea. No restrooms.
Madrid Fore Park in Mission Viejo
Many of the new & improved parks in Mission Viejo have accessible surfacing. No restrooms.
Cordova Park in Mission Viejo
This one is popular for its unique play structures. Restrooms across the street.
Central Orange County Sand Free Parks
These ones are in Central OC.
Bauer Park in Huntington Beach
You could call this one an almost-gated and beach-close playground. No restrooms.
Harriet M. Wieder Regional Park in Huntington Beach
Make sure you put the "Harriett M." into your nav system to find this park on Seapoint! (There is a DIFFERENT Wieder Park nearby on Lynne Lane in HB.) Restrooms.
Slater Avenue Playground inside Huntington Beach Central Park
This playground is INSIDE Huntington Central Park at the corner of Slater and Goldenwest. Restrooms right by the playground.
Sand Free Parks in Central Orange County (continued)
- Woodbridge Village Center in Irvine*
- Bosque Playground at Great Park Trails in Irvine*
- Veterans Sports Park in Tustin Legacy*
- Peppertree Park in Tustin*
- Bonita Canyon Sports Park (2-5 year old playground) in Newport Beach*
- Uptown Park in Newport Beach*
- Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park*
- Steve Ambriz Memorial Park in Orange*
- Serrano Park in Orange*
- Fred Barrera Park in Orange*
- Santiago Park in Santa Ana*
Sand Free Parks in North Orange County
- Eastside Community Park in Yorba Linda*
- Box Canyon Park in Yorba Linda*
- Arroyo Park in Yorba Linda*
- Brea Sports Park Playground*
- Wildcatter's Park in Brea*
- Santa Fe Park in Placentia
- Stanton Central Park in Stanton* - does have wood chips
- Lexington Park in Cypress*
- Pirate Park in Bellflower (not OC, but close)
- Heritage Park Play Island in Cerritos* (not LA, but close - pictured below)
Honorable Mentions (because they have a sandbox separated from the equipment):
- Pavion Park in Mission Viejo*
- Peter Green Park in Huntington Beach
- Larwin Park in Buena Park*
- Vista del Verde Park in Yorba Linda*
- Cabot Park in Laguna Hills*
- Costeau Park in Laguna Hills
- Knotty Pines Park in Laguna Hills
- Stockport Park in Laguna Hills
- Christopher Park in Mission Viejo
- Cordova Park in Mission Viejo
- Coronado Park in Mission Viejo*
- Lions Park in Costa Mesa*
- TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa*
- Great Park Playgrounds in Irvine*
- Portola Springs Community Park in Irvine*
- Plaza Park in Irvine*
- Valley Oak Park in Irvine*
- Tustin Sports Park in Tustin*
- Coastal Peak Park in Newport Beach*
- Grant Howald Park in Newport Beach
- Courtney's Sandcastle in San Clemente*
- Huntington Beach All-Inclusive Playground in the Sand* - this one is tricky because there is sand ALL AROUND, but none on the playground.
I hope that gives you some options! I will keep my eye out as I explore more parks. I know my "Fenced Parks" post has also been a popular one.
Originally published in June 2011.
