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Home » Playgrounds by City

Darrin Park in Lake Forest

Darrin Park in Lake Forest is surrounded by apartments and homes, so it enjoys a steady stream of families with kids. 

It got a re-do in 2021 and it turned out awesome!

How to Get to Darrin Park in Lake Forest: Darrin Park is at the dead end of on Cherry Avenue off Trabuco Road near El Toro Road.  From Interstate 5, take the El Toro exit and head towards the foothills.  Turn right on Trabuco and make your first left onto Cherry Avenue.  MAP TO DARRIN PARK IN LAKE FOREST

Highlights:

A large covered picnic area within range of the playground makes for nice shelter and shade. The stairway and sidewalk directly to the picnic shelter is an upgrade from the old set up.

There are some paved walking paths for "exploring" and wide open grassy areas especially past the basketball court.

The playground is compact, so it's easy to see your children wherever they are playing.

There's half court basketball for shooting baskets, which is especially nice if you have teens to bring along with younger kids.

2 baby swings, 2 bench swings along with some ride-on spring toys and one of those bulky plastic merry-go-rounds.

There's a small 2-5 year old play structure - and a larger 5-12 year old structure with lots of climbing opportunities.

This big kid play equipment has a few drop zones to watch out for if you have really little kids. It also has a twisty tunnel slide which is not super tall, but still a favorite with kids.

Other kids were playing ball and chase with each other and no one was really on the equipment much.

I would go here often if I lived in the neighborhood to let the kids run and get outdoors.  Cherry Park is just the other side of Trabuco and it's got a new update, too!

Be Aware:

  • NO restrooms

Checklist:

  • Dedicated parking lot
  • NO restrooms
  • Recycled rubber play surface
  • Picnic tables and grills
  • Drinking fountain near playground and near basketball court
  • Half court basketball
  • Official City of Lake Forest park information 
  • Nearest public library branch: El Toro Library

Nearby parks in Lake Forest or Mission Viejo:

  • Seville Park
  • Rimgate Park
  • Serrano Creek Park
  • Pittsford Park

Originally posted in June 2011.

Photo Archive of What Darrin Park used to look like! What an improvement!

darrin park lake forest

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About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

More about me

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