Aliso Viejo and Laguna Beach lead the count for most fenced parks in Orange County. My list of enclosed parks in Orange County started out with only 7 parks, but has grown to over 10!
Some moms call these playgrounds with fences "baby jail" and others call them "a lifesaver."
I had some great comments on my page on my old Facebook for this one:
Catherine said: "If you have more than one little one (such as 2 two yr olds in my case) I'll take a "jail" over constant heart attacks when one makes a run for the street and the other for the free fall off the 2nd floor playground. I love fenced in parks and can actually enjoy my kids knowing everyone is safe!"
Courtney added: "As a mom of 4-year-old twins, the fenced-in park was a God-send when my girls were about 18 months to almost 3 years old. There's nothing about a jail there at all. It's called peace of mind!"
So here are the parks I know about and will add to the list if as people send me suggestions . . .
Fenced Parks in Orange County
Here are the parks I know about that are completely fenced. I will add to the list if as you send me suggestions . . .
Grand Park in Aliso Viejo
Grand Park in Aliso Viejo:
- very small,
- near Aliso Town Center,
- no restrooms,
- great views.
Aliso Viejo Community Park
Aliso Viejo Community Park:
- is a much bigger park with a fenced in toddler area,
- has restrooms,
- can be busy with sports and school pickups.
Bluebird Park in Laguna Beach
Bluebird Park in Laguna Beach:
- one of favorite parks of all time,
- has restrooms,
- it’s bigger but manageable.
Village Green Park in Laguna Beach
Village Green Park in Laguna Beach:
- small park but fenced right off PCH near Crown Valley,
- no restrooms,
- not a lot of parking.
Lang Park in Laguna Beach
Lang Park in Laguna Beach:
- across from Montage,
- beautiful ocean views,
- has restrooms.
Courtney's SandCastle Universal Playground & Sensory Garden in San Clemente
Courtney's SandCastle playground is next to the Vista Hermosa Aquatic Center with a separate fenced sensory garden. Restrooms and plenty of parking.
Irvine Adventure Playground at University Park
Irvine Adventure Playground is a very large park that’s completely fenced, but can be super busy during school breaks and summer. There are nice restrooms in the nearby community center. Parking near the library or behind the community center.
Stanton Central Park and Splash Pad
Large 11-acre park with fencing all around (but still some access to the parking lot). Restrooms in the community center building.
Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove
Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove is a large park but completely fenced. There is a small entrance fee and whimsical play equipment.
Some parents complain it's "outdated" -- and I think the history adds to the charm. The kids love it and it even has a small splash pad in summer.
Crown Valley Park in Laguna Niguel
Crown Valley Park has a fence around the splash pad and the playground. Thanks to Heather from @OCParentGuide for pointing this one out.
38th Street Park in Newport Beach
38th Street Park in Newport Beach is fenced all the way around except for gate near restrooms. It's a small park and manageable. Parking can be a challenge, especially during summer.
Pirate Park in Bellflower
Pirate Park in Bellflower is not officially in Orange County, but it’s very close to the border of north Orange County and perfect for toddlers.
Seal Beach Pier and Playground
The Seal Beach Pier playground is called Eisenhower Park and it has a low fence surrounding the play structures with a latched gate for entering and exit.
Grijalva Community Park in Orange
This playground is not fenced on all sides, but it's tucked back in the corner of a huge park with fences guarding from accessing the main street running nearby.
Holderman Park in North Tustin - Heather says it is "great for toddlers. It's super small and is entirely fenced except the entrance. Only downside is no bathrooms." Play equipment is designed for 2-5 year olds only.
More fenced parks:
- From a reader: Perez Park in Costa Mesa
- From a reader: Montbury Park in Lake Forest - no playground
- From a reader: Birdcage Park in Long Beach - off Carson
- Harry M. Dotson Park in Stanton is an amazing fenced park, but those in the neighborhood of the park have been saying it's not safe in recently after a father of 5 was shot outside on a busy Saturday afternoon in April 2023.
Happy playing!
Originally published in April 2011.
