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Home » Playgrounds by City

Lake Forest Park: Stop to Play, Go for a Nature Walk

Lake Forest Park sits on a sloping hill near La Madera Elementary School.  This is one of those parks that I passed by many times, because it just looks "eh" from the street. 

Serrano Creek Park is right across Lake Forest Drive and it has SO much to offer that this little playground pales in comparison. 

However, I wanted to cover it for the blog, so we stopped.  We didn't spend much time on the playground, but had a wonderful adventure exploring the nearby trails!

Directions to Lake Forest Park: Near the corner of Lake Forest and Trabuco on Serrano Road. From the I-5, take the Lake Forest exit. Follow it toward the mountains and turn right onto Serrano Road. Look for the park on your right. Park on the street. [Address: 24000 Serrano Road, Lake Forest] MAP TO LAKE FOREST PARK

Highlights:

  • The walking trails were the highlight of this park for us.  Fun bridges to cross and wild trails to navigate.
  • The location is awesome (near Bagels & Brew, grocery stores, Chipotle, Heritage Hill Historical Park and Serrano Creek Park).  You can walk to a lot of places from here.
  • The playground is small with only 2 small side-by-side slides.
  • We played frisbee on the grassy area - and kids will enjoy rolling down the hill.
  • Nice shade for picnics.
  • It has a shade cover!

Be Aware:

  • NO restrooms
  • NO swings
  • One of those arching ladders that parents love to hate, but children love to climb.
  • Parking is probably quite busy at school drop-off and pick-up times.
  • A creek runs along the bottom of the park and throughout the trails.

Checklist:

  • Parking on street (Be careful! It's a busy street.)
  • Bark play surface
  • No restrooms
  • Bring a frisbee
  • Benches, but no picnic tables or grills
  • Official City of Lake Forest park information
  • Nearest public library branch: El Toro Library

Nearby parks in Lake Forest:

  • Serrano Creek Park
  • Darrin Park
  • Rimgate Park
  • Pittsford Park
  • Cherry Park

Originally published in October 2012.

More Playgrounds by City

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  • colorful stackable blocks on dirt surface at Irvine Adventure Playground with blue sky and thin white clouds on a sunny day
    Irvine Adventure Playground at University Park
  • Adventure Playground in Huntington Beach Central Park 2025
  • Lake Forest Sports Park Playgrounds and Recreation Center

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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