La Veta Park in Orange is a family favorite that sits tucked back in a neighborhood off Chapman Avenue.
It originally came to me via a mom who recommended it back in May 2009! The equipment hasn’t changed much from then to now at my latest update here in 2023, but it still is a favorite with the locals.
When we originally went for our park scouting trip – my daughter met a little playmate and I got the scoop from another local mom. Apparently, nearby Grijalva Park and this park are favorites in this area of Orange. It even had a nickname: The Nanny Park.
Directions to La Veta Park in Orange: Very easy to find off Chapman Avenue. From the 55 Freeway, take the Chapman Ave EAST exit. Turn right on Esplanade and then right on La Veta. The park is about a block ahead on your right and you will be parking on the street. If you are taking Chapman Avenue from Jamboree in Tustin/Irvine, take a left on Esplanade. [Address: 3705 East La Veta Ave, Orange] MAP TO LA VETA PARK IN ORANGE
Recommended by: A Fun OC Parks Reader
Highlights:
- Suited for little kids from ages 2 – 5 years old with this huge structure with at least six different kinds of slides, things to climb on, and climb through.
- This park has a fence separating the street from the playground and the park is small enough that you can see unobstructed across the entire park — so if your little one feels inclined to run freely across the lawn, they will not vanish from sight.
- Swings are nice (2 baby swings and 2 bench swings).
- Rocking horse type of gizmos that look like a horse, a dolphin, and two others.
- A large covered area for picnics that has electricity (someone was there having a party with a bounce house).
- It’s STILL a favorite! This is from a reader in 2023: I personally love La Veta playground. It is street parking but it is NEVER crowded. And it is perfect for many kids but especially if you have a 1-3 year old that you may avoid playgrounds with big structures. All my kids enjoy it (7, 4.5, 2) and I have the ease of it being easily accessible for my 24 mo without him needing much help. Also it is a fav summer park as it has great tree shade.
Be Aware:
- This playground is VERY dated compared to many of the other playgrounds in Orange County. It definitely needs an update. But if you live in the area and want a quick play stop, this is a good one.
- The park is not fully fenced so you want to watch your little ones – La Veta is a wide and somewhat busy street.
- Also on the play structure they do have openings that are a couple of feet off the ground so if your child is not skilled at climbing they will need help.
- Not much parking.
- Can be extremely busy on the weekends and gets hot after about 11am.
- There is a restroom at this park and in the few minutes I was scouting it out there were at least two cars that stopped by for the sole purpose of the driver getting out to use the restroom and then leave.
Checklist:
- Parking on the street only
- Bark play surface
- Restrooms and drinking fountain right near the street.
- Shade from big trees in the morning – especially liked the tree and bench right near the front of the playground
- Easy to view kids and plenty of places for the adults to sit.
- 3 cement slabs which looked like basketball courts, but no hoops. Maybe for badminton or volleyball? Maybe for a large tent or banners? Who knows?
- Official City of Orange information about La Veta Park
- Website for information on how to reserve picnic shelters at this park
- Nearest public library branch: City of Orange Public Library Main Branch
- Lots of restaurants off Chapman Avenue! We went to Taco Mesa for breakfast, 85 Degrees C was right next door, and In N Out in the same parking lot.
Parks nearby La Veta Park in Orange
Originally published in May 2009.
