Fun Orange County Parks

OC kids playgrounds and nature play trips

Castle Park (Northwood Community Park) in Irvine

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Northwood Community Park or Castle Park Irvine has an ACTUAL cinder block castle. It’s just an amazing park, not ordinary in any way. Here, kids can get lost in their imagination as they use the castle to play knights, dragons, kings, etc. Incorporates a creative variety of play areas with equipment unique to this location.

northwood community park irvine - playground

Location: On Bryan Avenue between Culver and Yale east of Interstate 5 in Irvine. (Address: 4531 Bryan Ave, Irvine). MAP to Northwood Community Park (Castle Park) in Irvine

Highlights:

  • The castle structure surrounds the park like a fortress which the kids absolutely love. Clamber over a bridge, duck your head in the tunnel, and scale walls and rocks to conquer the castle.
  • A tremendous variety of play areas with rarities like a tire swing and sand stations where kids scoop and transfer sand from sink to sink or sift it through chutes. Also plentiful ride-on horses and a little turtle.
  • Very clean. Lots of picnic areas in excellent condition. Has a huge soccer field, as well as baseball field in the back.
  • My favorite is the spiral slide on the structure nearest the castle.
  • Easy to see kids as they play on all the equipment – you’d only have to follow them if they get on the street or tennis court side of the castle (which is also fun:)

northwood community park irvine twisty slide and toddler slide
Be Aware:

  • Only way to get down from the castle once you get up there is down a fire pole or back down the stairs the way you came.
  • We once visited on a holiday and it was SWARMED with people. If you don’t like crowds, don’t come on busy weekends. Have a Plan B in mind and prep the kids.
  • There are sometimes day camps and after school programs held here.

northwood community park irvine playground overview with monkey bars

Checklist:

  • Parking is plentiful with two lots and on-street parking available. Always a space available.
  • Play surface is recycled rubber and sand
  • Very clean bathrooms
  • Shade over the picnic areas and shade covers over some equipment
  • Picnic areas equipped with grills – so make an evening of it
  • Drinking fountains and vending machines
  • Soccer field, basketball court, handball court, and half mile track
  • 2 lighted tennis courts
  • Community Center “modernized and expanded to 9500 sq. ft.” in 2013
  • Official City of Irvine website for info on party reservations
  • Nearest public library: Orange County Public Library – Irvine Heritage Park branch
  • Find nearby parks on my Central OC Parks and Playgrounds index

northwood community park irvine - tunnels at playground

Nearby parks:

northwood community park irvine - castle wall for pretend play

Originally posted in April 2009.

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize nature time since 2008. UNOFFICIAL information provided as a FREE community resource to over 300,000 OC families each year. Subscribe to my FREE email inspiring you with creative play ideas.

Comments

  2. Cheri says

    I used to play here when I was a little kid-it’s so amazing to take my kids and its exactly as awesome as I remember it being.

  4. Laurel says

    This is my go-to park since I live within walking distance. The adults are usually playing with their kids and are super friendly, my little guy has joined in with other kids and adults with no problem. There are multiple sand areas for sandy play, multiple play structures, and the kids LOVE the castle. There is lots of room for running. I’ve never encountered a time when there wasn’t enough room to play at this park. A community center is being built right now, scheduled to be done summer of 2013.

  5. michael crabbe says

    need to know if a catchers mitt was found at castle park that might be in lost and found. thanx

  6. Cory says

    We visited this park on Sunday and had a blast! I loved that there was so much for the little ones to explore. Not only were there plenty of places for my new-walker to play, but I felt really safe there because the bigger kid area was very separate and much more interesting for that bigger age group. So, the big kids had an area and the little ones could toddle around in their own area too. Intestingly, I really liked the people there too. The parents were really involved in the play, and for once, I wasn’t the only parent up in the structures! 🙂 great park! You never disappoint with your suggestions!

  8. Sharlene says

    My kids love the castle! It is a fun change of pace from the usual play structure. And the handball court next to the playground just sends me back into memories of my elementary school days. Two thumbs up!