Over 15 Playgrounds with Nearby Walking Trails in Orange County

In honor of Kids to Parks Day coming up on May 20th, 2017 — I’m celebrating with a special post about over 15 playgrounds with nearby walking trails in Orange County to inspire you to get outdoors and go exploring. Whenever we go to playgrounds, I’m always looking for somewhere to stroll. The playgrounds I picked for this post have walking trails RIGHT off the playground. You only have to park once and then walk into nature — or onto a walking path — or hiking trail. (Park pictured: Oso Viejo Park in Mission Viejo – see details in the parks list below).

Here’s a little video inspiration:

Remember to stay aware of your surroundings and, if possible, never walk alone. Use the buddy system for your safety!

Pledge to Visit a Park

For 2017, Northside is the main sponsor of Kids to Parks Day. They generously provided my family with 2 pairs of shoes to try. Of course, we took them straight to the park! The company’s mission is simple: “To design and build footwear that inspires families to get outdoors and have fun.” The box even says “JUST FOR FUN.” Sound familiar?

We chose some sturdy hiking boots for my son, but they are also appropriate for school or hanging at the playground.

My daughter wanted something more sporty that would work for tidepooling or the park during warm weather — but that she could wear with a skirt. Seems like a tall order, but Northside had just the pair! They were perfect for our sunset walk at Oso Viejo Park.

Please pledge to bring your kids to a park on #KidstoParksDay. I encourage you to visit www.kidstoparks.org and sign up so that your family can be counted in the national tally (it doesn’t have to be a National Park – and it doesn’t even have to be on the 20th).

You may win one of their cool prizes! Plus, every person who signs up will receive a special promo code from Northside. Keep checking their events as we get closer to May 20th. They are adding new park events every week!

I support this cause and National Park Trust every year — and hope you pledge every year, too!
Here’s my list in no particular order:

Concourse Park in Portola Hills

Walking trail is off the back of the playground and leads into Whiting Ranch wilderness trails.

Trail Distance: Walk for miles!
Trail Surface: Dirt

Lake Forest Park in Lake Forest

Very small playground leads to walks under eucalyptus.

Trail Distance: Short stroll
Trail Surface: Dirt

Serrano Creek Park in Lake Forest

Very nearby, Serrano Creek Park also has a path beneath eucalyptus groves.

Trail distance: Short stroll
Trail surface: Sidewalk

Pico Park and Canyon View Park in San Clemente

Both playgrounds lead right to groomed trails with views of the ocean and stairs if you want them.

Trail distance: Short stroll or easy exploring
Trail surface: Decomposed granite

Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach

This park links up with Aliso & Wood Canyons trails and Laguna Coast Wilderness.

Trail distance: Short stroll from playground to Carolyn Wood Knoll – connects to wider trail to “walk for miles!”
Trail surface: Dirt

Canyon View Park in Aliso Viejo

Past the playground, walk to trails leading into Aliso & Wood Canyons.

Trail distance: Short stroll around perimeter sidewalk connects to downhill hike into the canyon where you can walk for miles (but, remember, you have to walk up again!)
Trail surface: Dirt

El Conejo Park in Laguna Hills

Leads to trails to the LH on the hill behind Ralphs grocery store. You’ll gain elevation on this dirt trail.

Trail distance: Short stroll or exploring the hill trail
Trail surface: Dirt

Chapparosa Park in Laguna Niguel

You can go all the way to Salt Creek Beach or up the hill on a paved trail to a whole network of possibilities.

Trail distance: Short stroll or walk for miles!
Trail surface: Dirt & paved

Crown Valley Park in Laguna Niguel

Winding trails of Niguel Botanic Gardens above the playground.

Trail distance: Short stroll
Trail surface: Dirt & varied

Coastal Peak Park in Newport Coast

Leads to Pacific Ridge Trailhead and connects to Bommer Canyon below.

Trail distance: Short stroll or walk for miles!
Trail surface: Dirt & varied

Oso Viejo Park to Pavion Park in Mission Viejo

Perfect blend of paved and trails plus the ability to walk all the way up to Pavion Park through the Jeronimo Open Space.

Trail distance: Short stroll or walk for a couple of miles!
Trail surface: Paved with some areas of dirt trail

Cedar Grove Park in Tustin

A trail that leads up to Peters Canyon Park.

Trail distance: Short stroll or walk for miles up to Peters Canyon
Trail surface: Dirt

Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin

A very short trail that leads up the citrus hill to a lookout.

Trail distance: Short stroll
Trail surface: Dirt

Hart Park in Orange

Walk along the creek on the paved bike trail.

Trail distance: Short stroll or bring your bikes
Trail surface: Paved bike path

OC Parks Regional Parks with Playgrounds and Walking/Hiking Trails Nearby

Yorba Regional Park (paved trails surrounding the park for strolls)
O’Neill Regional Park (short nature trail between playground and nature center, plus many more trails)
Carbon Canyon Regional Park (trail to the redwood grove or just walk around the lake, plus many more trails)
Clark Regional Park (short trail lining the perimeter of the park)
Laguna Niguel Regional Park (walk around the lake)
Mile Square Regional Park (take a stroll inside the nature area)
Irvine Regional Park (large trail system from different points in the park)
Santiago Oaks Regional Park (short strolls or longer hikes)
Caspers Wilderness Park (playground in natural setting with system of trails nearby – or walk to the nature center and take a stroll through the short trail right outside)

Disclosure: As stated above, my family received 2 complimentary pairs of Northside shoes to try in conjunction with our Kids to Parks Day post. Make sure you’re signed up for my weekly Thursday night newsletter, because this week I’m also giving away one pair of Northside shoes.

It's always nice to share.