Parks with picnic shelters

Creekside Park in Dana Point sits right off of Stonehill Drive near Interstate 5. Many families call it “Stonehill Park.”

Craig Regional Park in Fullerton offers fun for kids with multiple playgrounds and an easy picnic spot for families near the Brea Mall.

Oak Park in Aliso Viejo is great for easy play dates and it has TONS of shade. Large shade covers over the play equipment and even the swings.

Melinda Park in Mission Viejo features lots of slides and a shade covered picnic area. Parents can see kids from benches near playground.

Channel Place Park in Newport Beach is a small playground that’s best visited without a car. Parking is difficult, especially during summer.

Dinosaur Park in Laguna Hills is the near Laguna Hills Community Center. Dino Park has a climbable whale bone fossil and a cave with fossils.

Ridgecrest Park in Aliso Viejo offers Saddleback Valley views and shady swings. Native garden, tennis courts, basketball court and restrooms.

Sergeant Matt Davis Park in Mission Viejo borders open space and offers views from Saddleback Mountain to the ocean.

Pittsford Park in Lake Forest has ramps for the main play equipment and other modifications to make some elements universally accessible.

Foothill Ranch Community Park in Lake Forest has a high-tech, giant-sized teeter-totter and shade covers over the picnic tables.