Playgrounds (for children)
Mother’s Beach
At Ocean Ave. and Admiralty Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Mother’s Beach
Beach Camera
Map
There’s lots to recommend Mother’s Beach — roofed picnic area, great kid’s playground, bar-b-que areas (I think, best check), calmer breeze since it’s not directly on the bay. But the water quality is always bad. It’s a marina backwater. Heal the Bay ALWAYS [...]
Oakwood Recreation Center
767 California Ave
Venice, CA 90291
Phone: (310) 452-7479
Oakwood Recreation Center
Map
Good for the ‘wood, from jungle gyms and kiddy swings to sports fields with bright lights for night games. Popular hang for a lot of Oakwood kids.
Ocean Park Playground
Ocean Front Walk & Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 9
Map
Popular beach-side gathering place for local toddlers and parents. Nearby parking, food concession, beach rental and rest rooms.
Playground at Rose & Ocean Front Walk
Rose & Ocean Front Walk
Map
Near the north end of the boardwalk madness, this large, sandy playground is surprisingly peaceful, has lots of good stuff to go crazy on and containment for safety’s sake. It’s convenient by car, bike path or boardwalk. Rest rooms right there.
Santa Monica Pier Playground
On the beach just south of the pier.
Map
Large expanse with focused play areas. Gobs to do, the full compliment of playground paraphernalia: swings, climbing ropes, monkey bars, a padded deck…rings even. Grassy gymnastics field. Enough stuff to tire out any brood. Rest rooms. Parking adjacent and nearby. Food? Head towards the pier.
South Santa Monica Beach Playground
Barnard Way & Sea Colony Dr.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Map
Nice smaller and generally quieter beach-side park near the border of Santa Monica and Venice. Parking-adjacent. Rest rooms nearby.
Venice Breakwater Playground
Breakwater-adjacent. Near Ocean Front Walk & Windward Ave.
Map
Full-service kiddie park overlooking the breakwater. You can’t park anywhere too near, but it’s pretty sweet once you’re here. Rest rooms a short walk across lawn. (B-rad Park isn’t its real name, but the nickname given it by a young friend. I’ll follow up on the actual name.)