You asked for the best toddler friendly parks in Orange County and you helped with making the list!
Finding a toddler playground that works for that age is tough. Mostly because playgrounds in general are only rated for 2-5 year olds or 5-12 year olds.
I think it’s become a need for parents lately because playground renovations are happening and tend to lean towards older kids and new horizontal climbing opportunities. I hear complaints about all those rope and netting components of new playgrounds! Those don’t feel as toddler-friendly and can make parents anxious.
As you go through the list just understand that it’s not always easy to know/remember if a playground is rated for 2-5 year olds. It’s not always posted – or if it is – I might have missed it on my visit. So the ones I’m sharing here are recommendations from parents and caregivers, plus ones I’ve liked in my own experiences, but please make your own risk assessment at any playground.
So beyond the playground safety rating what makes a park get on a toddler-friendly parks list? I had no idea when I started this project what that specifically includes, but I quickly figured out that baby swings and restrooms are pretty nice to have! And a mom named Marlene put it into words perfectly: “. . . and I don’t have to climb up behind her on everything.” Yes! That is what makes toddler playgrounds work for caregivers and kids!
Make sure you read to the end because I link to lists for:
- Swing-with-Me Swings
- Universally Accessible Parks
- Petting Zoos & Animal Playgrounds
- Parks for Train Lovers
Best Toddler Parks in Orange County
It is 100% based on opinion and I can't really advocate for playing on equipment that's above the posted age. Just keep in mind that you might not like them when you get there and they might not be a good fit for your toddler. It's up to you to decide if it's appropriate for your family.
Sunset Park in Dana Point/Capo Beach
Sunset Park is one of my favorites anyways, but this little addition makes it extra fun with toddler sized play equipment.
- No baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Aliso Viejo Community Park
I always like to recommend this one because not only is it toddler-friendly, it is fenced so you don't have to be as concerned if you have a child who tends to stray.
- 1 baby swing.
- 2 bench swings (+ more bench swings at the big kid playground).
- Restrooms.
Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach
I love the views from this one! And there is a small part of it that works for toddlers. Plus, lots of pretend play can happen on the bridge.
- No baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Steve Ambriz Memorial Park in Orange
A lot of recommendations came in for this one, The smaller structure is a fun one.
- 4 baby swings!
- 4 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Castle Park (Northwood Community Park) in Irvine
The mom who recommended this said: "Yes, it's old AND sand BUT so many options for toddlers and I don't have to climb up behind her on everything. 1-2 hours of play." That sounds like a great recommendation!
- 4 baby/toddler swings.
- 4 bench swings.
- 1 tire swing.
- Restrooms.
Serrano Park in Orange
A nice little neighborhood park with a restroom.
- 1 baby swing.
- 1 bench swing.
- Restrooms.
Florence Joyner Olympiad Park in Mission Viejo
This one has a little clubhouse, a pirate ship, and an area for playing musical instruments.
- 2 baby swings.
- 4 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Rolling Hills Park in Fullerton
If you haven't been in a while, Rolling Hills Park in Fullerton has a fun structure for the 2-5 year old crowd with a lot of slides.
- 2 baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Portola Springs Community Park in Irvine
I love this one because it's easy to keep track of the kids here. It's kinda the perfect size for little ones!
- 2 baby swings.
- 3 bench swings.
- 1 accessible swing.
- Restrooms.
Concourse Park in Portola Hills
Concourse Park also got a lot of recommendations from parents. I have spent extended amounts of time here! The playground is awesome. It does back up to Whiting Ranch, so there can be wildlife in the area - like coyotes. We've personally seen rattlesnakes in the grassy area at the back of the park.
- 2 baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- 1 tire swing.
- Restrooms.
Acorn Park in Aliso Viejo
I love the little climbing tent here and the massive shade covers for summer days.
- 2 baby swings under shade cover.
- 2 bench swings under shade cover, plus 2 out in the open.
- Restrooms.
Central Park in Huntington Beach for Kids and Families
I tend to think of this as a big kid playground (because it is really good for big kids!). But there is also a pretty large toddler area down by the lake and away from the big kids.
- 1 swing-with-me swing.
- 2 baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Courtney's SandCastle Universal Playground & Sensory Garden in San Clemente
Any playground that is built to be universally accessible is usually a good one for new walkers, as well, because there are ramps rather than steps. This park is so huge that you are bound to find something that works for your toddler.
- 2 accessible swings.
- 2 baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Ridgecrest Park in Aliso Viejo
Ridgecrest Park in Aliso Viejo is another good one with smaller structures for younger kids.
- 2 baby swings.
- 4 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Creekside Park in Dana Point
When I think of Creekside Park, I think of the BIG play structures for big kids, but there is a separate section for younger kids with a teeter totter and little train & slide.
- 2 baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Bluebird Park in Laguna Beach
When you walk in the gates to Bluebird Park, you see the big rocket ship and playground in front of you. But if you walk in the playground and go up a few steps to your left, you'll find playground for little kids and a trike track that are both loads of fun! Did I mention it also is enclosed with a fence?
- 2 baby swings and 2 bench swings right on little kid playground.
- 4 more bench swings on big kid side.
- Restrooms.
Grijalva Community Park in Orange
This park has a clear line between the big kid area and the smaller kid area. There is a bridge with a little slide that separates the two.
- 2 baby swings.
- 4 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Lions Park in Costa Mesa | Airplane Park
This toddler area is small on a playground that's built for bigger kids, but there are swings, a teeter totter, and small area with a slide and tunnel. Can't forget the big plane, too. Plus, the diggers are always popular!
- 2 swing-with-me swings.
- 1 accessible swing.
- 1 bench swing.
- Restrooms.
Valley Oak Park in Irvine
Okay, sssshhhhhh. This is a gem! I love this park and I almost can't even tell you why, except it just works and my kids would play for hours at this park.
- 2 baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Plaza Park in Irvine
This is a sweet little park with a tractor on the big kid equipment and a little fruit stand on the toddler side.
- No baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa: Angel's Playground
Angel's Playground at TeWinkle Park is another accessible playground with ramps that work for toddlers.
- 2 accessible swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Box Canyon Park in Yorba Linda
This accessible park is in Yorba Linda, but the parking can be a bit of a challenge if you are visiting in a wheelchair since you have to park on a hill along a curb.
- 2 baby swings.
- 4 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park in Irvine
There is a toddler section to this big playground away from the main park. If you do end up at the main playground with more than one child, it can be a bit of a chore to keep track of everyone.
- 4 bench swings.
- 1 tire swing.
- Restrooms.
La Veta Park in Orange
More than one parent suggested this park and I know it's a favorite for those who live in the area. There are little spring riders and a nice compact little playground. Some complain it's dated, which it is. But others don't mind the classic feel because it means it's usually not too crowded!
- 2 baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restroom.
Lake Forest Sports Park Playgrounds and Recreation Center
This is a great community park in every sense because there is a recreation center, two tot lots, and fitness paths + trails near the park. Both tot lots have equipment suitable for toddlers. The one closer to the recreation center has the swings.
- 2 baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Sea Canyon Park in Dana Point
This park has a really cool story of Girl Scouts fundraising for this tot lot area! How cool is that? Thank you, Girl Scouts!
- 2 baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Heritage Park Play Island in Cerritos (LA)
Wandering the Play Island at Heritage Park in Cerritos is fun, but there is also a playground off the island which was recommended by a mom who suggested pairing with the Farmers Market on Saturday.
- 2 baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Pittsford Park in Lake Forest
There are some options for playing on equipment that's fun for pretend here along with a trike track and puppet theater.
- 1 accessible swing.
- 2 baby swings.
- 5 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Serrano Creek Park in Lake Forest
My kids spent many hours playing pretend at this playground. Horses come by on the trail from the stables, so it feels like there is always an anticipation if we were going to see a horse!
- 2 baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Pirate Park in Bellflower
This one is good for toddlers because it is fenced and also the play equipment is closer to the ground. It is in LA County, but close for North OC families. The park is only open during posted hours and closed for rain.
- No swings
- NO restrooms.
Mandeville Park in Laguna Hills
This is one of the few parks on the list without a restroom, but it's fairly close to a stop at Dinosaur Park on the way back to the freeway which DOES have a restroom.
- 2 baby swings.
- 4 bench swings.
- NO restrooms.
Cherry Park in Lake Forest: Accessible Playground in the Neighborhood
The toddler area has musical instruments and a smaller version of the big equipment.
- No swings.
- NO restrooms.
Barcelona Park in Mission Viejo
I'm pretty sure this is getting a re-do now or soon. So I hope they keep it as toddler-friendly.
- No swings.
- NO restrooms.
La Plata Park in Laguna Niguel
This one has no restrooms, but it's a smaller park for smaller kids which makes me love it anyways!
- No baby swings.
- NO restrooms.
Hicks Canyon Park in Irvine | Hicks Canyon Trail
Definitely a taller big kid structure, so you might only want to attempt if your toddler will stick to the smaller play structure? But a mom recommended as someplace she goes with her toddler, so I wanted to include here.
- No baby swings.
- 2 bench swings.
- Restrooms.
Here are a few more parks that were recommended for the list, but aren’t on my blog.
- George Bellis Park in Buena Park
- La Mirada Regional Park (LA)
- Holderman Park in Tustin (not on the city website)
- Margie L. Rice Park in Westminster (mixed reviews on this one)
This list will always be a work-in-progress — so please send in your recommendations to play@funorangecountyparks.com!
More Toddler Friendly Park and Play Ideas
Read my post about Swing with Me Swings
Universally Accessible Playgrounds in Orange County
47+ Petting Zoos and Animal Playgrounds in Orange County
30+ Train Parks and Railroad Museums in Orange County
6 Best Toddler Beaches with No Waves
And if you are just looking for a list of the best playgrounds in Orange County, I have a list of the Best Playgrounds in Orange County (by Feature). There are actually over 20 playgrounds in that post because I have my top picks, plus runner-ups. That post even has a checklist so you can have fun visiting and keeping track of your playground visits!