Try a Laguna Niguel nature walk with the whole family. I cover Laguna Niguel Regional Park's main playground in depth. Did you realize there's a HIDDEN playground? Past the tennis courts. And some fun places to roam around and explore with the kids?
Location and Where to Park for a Laguna Niguel Nature Walk: Near the intersection of La Paz and Aliso Creek Road in Laguna Niguel. Take the Crown Valley exit (head away from the Shops at MV and toward Costco) to reach the park from the 5 Freeway and turn right on La Paz. You must have the current OC Parks parking pass to park on the grounds (or pay $3 during the week and $5 on weekend for parking). Bypass the main play area near the entrance and turn right toward the tennis courts. Park just beyond the tennis courts and the playground is right behind the restroom building. MAP to Laguna Niguel Nature Walk
Highlights:
- It's a manageable playground for multiple kids.
- Not as busy as the main playground.
- Benches for watching the kids.
- Nearby easy hiking trails for nature walks.
Be Aware:
- Since it's less used, there can sometimes be spiderwebs or dirt you might want to knockdown before you play. (I always carry a whisk brush in my car for this.) They have powerwashed when requested in the past.
- It's loud here because it's in between the tennis courts and the pickleball courts.
- Parking can be crowded here because of the courts.
- You need to pay to park inside Niguel Regional Park, but that also means it's less crowded at the playground.
- The little spring rider dragon isn't there anymore.
Exploring this Laguna Niguel Nature Walk:
- When we visited, we let the kids led us along the trail running by the eucalyptus grove backing the playground.
- They led the way - so we ended up crossing the street and the wooden bridge over the creek.
- There are some secluded picnic gazebos back there with a large expanse of lawn. The kids led us to the end of the grassy area (fenced off from Alicia Parkway) and we walked through an open part of the fence which led us to a steep road.
- You've probably seen this road driving by here - because people with model airplanes love to fly them from the top of this hill.
- Wildflowers were blooming and the views were amazing. There's a small restroom and drinking fountain at the top of the hill.
- See if the kids can find the X that marks the spot about halfway up the hill.
- If you want more nature walk ideas, then try my guidebook shop and weekly newsletter at OC Tiny Hikes!
Checklist:
- Recommend paying for parking at entrance off La Paz
- Recycled rubber and sand play surfaces (lots of dirt trails)
- Restrooms right in front of the playground
- Large sycamores and eucalyptus grove
- Very small playground so it's easy to see the kids
- It's a great place to let the kids run ahead and do some exploring on their own.
- My post about Laguna Niguel Regional Park (with video)
- My post about the lake walk at Laguna Niguel Regional Park
- Official OCParks.com website for Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Originally published in April 2009.
