Categories: Parks/Playgrounds

Adventure Playground – Irvine, California

This playground is hidden inside a neighborhood park and will have your imagination running wild! From a wooden castle to giant building blocks, this rugged park has lots to offer your kiddos! I happened upon this adventure park when I was searching for some new parks to visit with my kids.  We spent hours inside this park (and outside, there is a short trail next to the parking lot and another playground with a grassy field) Prepare to spend half the day here at Adventure Playground.


A summary of our visit to Adventure Playground

When we first arrived, we could not see the entrance to Adventure Playground.  It is a separate area found within University Park.  We parked in the lot next to the Community Center, which also has public restrooms available.  Stay to the left while walking past this building and follow the path until you come to the entrance.  You can’t miss it, the archway says, “Adventure Playground.”



Welcome to Neverland!

It has those lost boys/Tom Sawyer vibes as you enter.  The entire park is enclosed with one way in and out, which is a bonus for me when it comes to playgrounds and safety.  The entrance gate remains open during park hours, but the play area is far enough away for it not to be an issue.  Restrooms are near the entrance, so you do not need to leave the play area. Picnic tables are set up around this area overlooking the whole park with some canopies overhanging for shade.


First things first

The first thing we explored was the giant wooden fortress to the left.  With tons to climb on (this entire park is made for kids to let their imagination run wild with unstructured play, meaning your kid is meant to use the play equipment however they decide.  (Parental supervision is strongly encouraged)



What goes up, must come down

There are a few ways to go down the hill to the rest of the park.  A pathway, carefully climbing down, or using one of the two concrete slides.  This park is meant for you to experiment and try as you go! My kids used the concrete slide and had fun figuring out how to go down.  Watch out though! There is a drop (about a foot in length) at the end of the slides.  



Dirt, Sand, Mud, oh my!

This open area features log poles, a wooden bridge, a small stream of water, mud, and a sand digging site! Get ready to have loads of fun and get dirty!



Building Blocks

Next, we headed over to the building block area which had giant blocks for building anything! My kids love LEGO and had a blast in this area.  They worked together to build a house and spent quite some time here.



Butterfly Garden

We ventured over to the butterfly garden which was a sweet little area with flowers to wander through.  There was a butterfly mural to take a photo with as well. 



Final Thoughts

We loved this park and spent some time exploring before heading to University Park.  My kids loved the variety that both parks had to offer in terms of climbing and play activities.  This is a must-visit and we will be back again!


Details to plan this adventure:
  • 📍Address: 1 Beech Tree Ln, Irvine, CA 92612
  • 🅿️Parking/Fee: Free
  • 🎟️Entrance Fee: Free
  • 🗓️Hours: (Holidays observed) Adventure Park is closed on: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Closes early at 3 pm on 4th of July and New Year’s Eve
  • Adventure Playground: Monday-Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (This park is weather permitting. If it is closed, there is University Park and a community Library next door.)
  • University Park: Monday-Sunday from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
  • Restrooms: yes, there are restrooms inside Adventure Playground and some at the Community Center near the parking lot.
  • Requirements: shoes.  Shoes are required at all times to protect feet from natural elements.
  • Accessibility: Limited. Some walkways go around the park and through the playground, but there are no ramps to the large play equipment or accessible swings.
  • Shade: There are trees inside Adventure Playground to find shade under, but nothing covering the play equipment, so pack hats and sunscreen.
  • Play surfaces: Dirt, grass, gravel, sand, rubber turf, concrete paths, mulch/bark, and mud.
  • Trails/Miles: I would call it more of a garden walk in University Park and there is a small butterfly garden located in Adventure Playground.
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Pet Friendly: No pets allowed inside Adventure Playground
  • Picnic Area: Picnic tables are at the park entrance overlooking the whole area.  There are also picnic tables in University Park.
  • Food/Water: There were water fountains and food is permitted inside.
  • More Information: check out the facilities website here: Adventure Playground | City of Irvine

Recommended Items:
  • Hats/sunscreen
  • Water
  • Extra clothes

Other areas of interest nearby: University Park – University Community Park | City of Irvine

What are you waiting for? Go Explore!

travelwithyomama.com

An archive of family friendly adventures in Southern California that are low cost or free.

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