A Mom's Guide to the Best 14 Parks & Playgrounds in Santa Monica

Almost 10 years as a local in Santa Monica, and honestly? Playgrounds were basically invisible to me. Then I became a mom. Suddenly, those green spaces weren't just 'there' – they were lifelines. Turns out, 'safe' and 'green' become your love language when you've got a tiny tornado to wrangle.

Looking around for ducks, turtles and new friends at Douglas Park. A large play space for kids of all ages to explore! There's even a skating and scooting area alongside several tennis courts. Everything is free.

Since we don't have a backyard, it's been empowering for me to know what local parks and playgrounds are available for us in the neighborhood. It's also an awesome place to have a playdate with new friends! Luckily, Santa Monica is bursting with incredible parks and playgrounds that cater to both kids and parents alike. I've rounded up some of my personal favorites around town, highlighting why they're perfect for a fun-filled day out with your little one.

Enjoying a beautiful afternoon running around with our buddy in the beautiful lemon grove in Ishihara Park!

For the Energetic Explorers:

• Clover Park | 2600 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 

  This is a kid's dream! A massive field for those endless toddler sprints, a tall tower for climbing adventurers, and a huge sandpit for digging enthusiasts. There's a basketball court for your future Lebron James or Caitlin Clark. Plus, ample parking? Yes, please!

• North Beach Playground | 810 CA-1, Santa Monica, CA 90403

  If your kids love a good climb, this is the spot. The huge climbing apparatus, mini hills and swings will keep them entertained for hours, and the proximity to the beach and bathrooms is a major win.

• Aidan's Place at Westwood Recreation Center | 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

  Technically not in Santa Monica, but I'm gonna give it a pass. This playground is a gem. With inclusive equipment for all abilities and unique structures shaped like boats, trucks, and spaceships, it's a place where every child can play and imagine. Great parking.

For the Community Connection:

• Christine Emerson Reed Park | 1133 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90403

  Mommas, this one's for you! Double-gated fences mean peace of mind, soft turf for gentle landings, and tables for impromptu playdates or birthday parties. The community vibe is fantastic. I've met lots of really nice parents (ands kids!) here. It's also easy to grab a coffee at Holy Grounds across the street.

• Colorado Center Park | Broadway &, 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404

  This intimate urban park is perfect for meeting other parents and kids. It's a great place to make new friends while enjoying a unique urban setting.

For the Scenic Views:

• Ocean Park Playground | 2600 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405

  Epic beach views? Check! This playground offers stunning scenery while your little ones play.

• Pier Playground | 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

  Let their imaginations run wild with a captivating "dragon" and a pirate ship! And, well, the ocean views speak for themselves. The entire Santa Monica Pier is perfect for running around and being a tourist for the day.

• Palisades Park | Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

  Sweeping ocean views, beautiful palm trees, and a lovely walking path make this park perfect for a stroll with the stroller or a dog walk.

I still pinch myself sometimes that the Santa Monica Beach is our "backyard." There's an awesome swing set and kid size jungle gym by The Original Muscle Beach overlooking the Santa Monica Pier!

For the Unique Play Experiences:

• Pier Playground | 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401: Let their imaginations run wild with a captivating "dragon" and a pirate ship! And, well, the ocean views speak for themselves.

• Ishihara Park | 2909 Exposition Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404

  This Japanese-inspired playground is a relaxing oasis with large-scale equipment, including a tire swing and carousel. It's a truly unique play experience. I love the lemon grove, which makes you feel like you're in the countryside. There's also a community garden around the corner that hosts a free pancake breakfast every third Saturday of the month!

• Douglas Park | 2439 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

  Let your little ones discover urban wildlife with ducks and turtles while enjoying a variety of playground equipment. We haven't used the skateboard area yet, but our son loves watching the "big kids" ride their scooters and boards here. I love tennis and also can't wait to hit balls on the courts over here with my little guy!

• Goose Egg Park | 600 Palisades Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90402

  Petite but perfect for kicking a soccer ball or letting your little one "climb" on a tree trunk. If your baby is still chillin' and only crawling, this is a very peaceful place to spread out a picnic blanket and relax with a few toys.

• Virginia Avenue Park | 2200 Virginia Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404

  One of our favorites in the summer months thanks to the splash pad! This is a great park with a lot of community events since there's a library onsite. There's a fantastic farmers market every Saturday morning, featuring live music and local food vendors.

• Gandara Park | 1819 Stewart St, Santa Monica, CA 90404

  Just as classic park. Awesome playground area, parking lot and grassy areas for picnics.

Just some good ol'fashioned playground fun at Gandara Park near Pico Boulevard.

Why These Parks are AWESOME for Moms:

• Variety: Santa Monica offers a diverse range of parks, ensuring there's something for every age and interest...whether they're crawlers or runners!

• Safety: Many parks, like Christine Emerson Reed Park, prioritize safety with features like double-gated fences. If there's every a broken gate or park feature, you can use The City of Santa Monica mobile phone app to Submit a 311 request. I've reported hateful graffiti (see: Graffiti Removal) and broken latches (see: Park Grounds Maintenance). I've been blown away that these repairs have been fixed within 24 hours!

• Community: These parks are hubs for moms to connect, socialize, and build friendships. I've met so many amazing families here! Get outside the house.

• Scenery: Being immersed in nature matters and beautiful views make any outing better!

• Accessibility: Many parks offer parking and amenities, making them convenient for moms on the go. We've gotten to know our neighborhood so much better just by walking to these places.

Here's a convenient Google Maps list so you can see what's near you. So, lace up your sneakers, grab your sunscreen, pack lots of snacks, and head to one of these fantastic Santa Monica parks. You and your little ones are guaranteed a great time!