Accessible Playgrounds in Orange County
Accessible playgrounds in Orange County have play equipment designed for children with special needs. Many times, that means the actual play structure has ramps that accommodate children in wheelchairs.
It also means much of the play surface around the equipment is a flat recycled rubber surface.
I’ve seen accessible swings and “boats” which fit wheelchairs and friends can rock for fun.
It's been amazing to see the value cities are placing on inclusive parks now and making sure their cities have at least one park that works for everyone, which wasn't the case not that long ago!
Most Accessible Playgrounds
- George Upton All Access Playground at Carl Thornton Park in Santa Ana
- Wieder Regional Park in Huntington Beach
- Sweet Shade Park in Irvine with Universal Playground
- Universally Accessible Playground at Fountain Valley Sports Park
- Cherry Park in Lake Forest: Accessible Playground in the Neighborhood
- Courtney's SandCastle Universal Playground & Sensory Garden in San Clemente
- Box Canyon Park in Yorba Linda: Accessible Playground for All Pirates and Knights
- TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa: Angel's Playground for Expansive Accessible Fun
- Huntington Beach Playground Near Pier (All Inclusive)
- Pavion Park in Mission Viejo
And just a few more that aren't on the blog yet!
Playgrounds Without Sand
Parents and caregivers over the years have requested a list of playgrounds without sand for various reasons. My lists are always working projects, so please send me any additions or deletions. Go to my list of Sand Free Parks in Orange County.
Enclosed Playgrounds
This is another post that came as a result of a reader request! I am always so thankful for your ideas. Go to my list of Enclosed Playgrounds in Orange County.
Parks with Accessible or Inclusive Features
Some of the parks in Orange County have accessible or inclusive features, but are not fully accessible.
Go to these blog posts for a deeper description of what makes them partially accessible or inclusive.
- Tustin Sports Park (accessible features, except main play structure does not have ramps)
- Garden Grove Park has some all-inclusive features
- Citrus Park in Anaheim (brand new in 2023 – it has “new inclusive amenities” and it’s right next to the Anaheim Accessibility Center, however, just an FYI that the entire playground surfacing is bark)
- Columbus Tustin Park in Tustin (accessible features)
- Veterans Sports Park in Tustin (accessible features)
- Pittsford Park in Lake Forest (accessible features)
- Heritage Park in Irvine (accessible features)
- Northwood Community Park in Irvine (accessible features)
- San Miguel Park in Newport Beach (accessible features as of April 2025 renovation)
Finally, here's a link to a Los Angeles Universally Accessible Playground List.
Send an email to play@funorangecountyparks.com to suggest other accessible playgrounds. If you happen to source your social media post or article based on this blog post, I’d appreciate you citing me and providing a link back to my blog.
Originally published in November 2008.
