Fun Orange County Parks

OC kids playgrounds and nature play trips

Heritage Park in Irvine with Water Play Fountains

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Heritage Park Irvine

Heritage Park in Irvine comes highly recommended by a Fun Orange County Parks visitor because of its beautiful lake, community center, Fine Arts Center and Irvine Heritage Library. It’s a great place for strolls and picnics.

Location of Heritage Park: From Interstate 5, take the Jeffrey Road off-ramp and turn towards the west. Turn right on Walnut and turn right into Heritage Park Circle near the library. Drive to the back of the lot for the playground and lake. MAP to Heritage Park in Irvine

Highlights:

  • WATER PLAY!  My kids went crazy with the fountain and it’s especially nice on these hot fall days. I didn’t see even see any slipping when we were there.

  • KID SIZE BASKETBALL! There’s a lower to the ground basketball hoop right off the playground, separated from the adult courts by a handball wall.
  • I loved the “shower head” play equipment (see below) where kids stand on the rotating bottom pedestal and hang from the top which also rotates.  I’ve seen these at other parks, but my kids can never reach the top and stand on the bottom. This one is smaller than most!

  • Fun teeter-totter and ride on dolphin. Set up for pretend play revolving around an ocean theme with a bait & tackle shop and equipment that looks like ships and boats.
  • I also liked the “climbing funnel” made out of net material. The kids loved it.
  • Easy to see the kids from most points in the park
  • There’s also an accessible “boat” – like the one at TeWinkle Park.  There’s a ramp and it fits a wheelchair. The best way to make it rock is for an adult to stand in the middle and almost do lunges back-and-forth.
  • Big lake with ducks and geese
  • Fine Arts Center, Irvine Heritage Library, Community Center all in the same area

Be Aware:

  • Kids will be drawn to the water play, so make sure you bring a towel and a change of clothes
  • Watch for goose poop! Wasn’t on the playground, but the sidewalks and some of the grass surrounding the park.
  • I wouldn’t think this is the best park for really little kids, although I asked a few parents how they liked it and they weren’t complaining. They just took a more active role in the playing by getting on the equipment with the kids.
  • Popular with school groups and moms clubs
  • Some parents worry about their kids near the lake


Checklist:

  • Large parking lot
  • Restrooms beyond the basketball courts; accessible restrooms in the youth center
  • Recycled rubber and sand play surface
  • Swimming pools, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball, baseball diamonds
  • Plentiful barbecues and picnic tables
  • Shady trees cover many of the seating areas
  • According to the City of Irvine, the fountains run from 10am-6pm daily
  • Official City of Irvine website for info on party reservations

Nearby parks:

Originally posted in October 2010.

 

Comments

  1. This is such an awesome park! However, there is a pond super close by (with turtles and ducks, so cool!!). I had 2 little ones with me and was a nervous wreck about making sure they stayed in the same area with me the whole time (1.5 & 3.5 years old).

  2. Thinking of throwing my sons first birthday here.. Trying to find into on reservations or park permits.. The link on the site isn’t working.. Anyone have any tips or info?

  5. Is it open today? Can’t tell. I wanna take my little ones there today.

  6. June 30, 2012
    Came here today with a couple 1.5 year olds and had a blast. The splash feature was running. The kids had no problem with the slides and climbing gizmos. Definitely recommend this park, it was clean and full of well behaved children and/or responsible refereeing parents. We will be back!

  8. You really have a lot of traveling adventure to share… I have been going aver your blogs and it is pretty amazing to share all your adventures. You are sure an outdoor person and it is so amazing that you are enjoying the outdoor with your family.

  9. My son and I love this park. The new play structure is a lot of fun and he loves the big boat (though it is a lot harder to rock than the one at tewinkle. Oddly. I have never noticed the water so we will have to go back again soon
    there is also a grey child resource center next to the fine arts center where you can check out toys and games, children’s books, parenting books, and get general info on all sorts of resources around the area.

  10. I am a park nerd. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have found your blog! I CRAVE green spaces for my kids to run around in. I shall be looking over your entire blog for ideas!! Love it!