As the weather warms up the kids want to be outside, and there are some great areas for them to expend their energy better than the front yard. Pasadena has many amazing parks with different playground equipment, as well some other fun alternatives to keep them occupied. Want to add a spot we missed to the list? Send a note to editor@chapmanwoods.net and let us know!
Eaton Blanche Park
This is one of the most well-kept parks in the area, and is probably the closest park to Chapman Woods. It has nice playground equipment, picnic tables, and a large field for sporting events. Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 3100 E Del Mar Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107.
Grant Park
This 2.7-acre neighborhood park offers sport courts & fields, a picnic shelter & play equipment. It’s just a short drive from Chapman Woods at 232 S Michigan Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106. And Ginger Corner Market is conveniently located across the street so you can grab snacks or a sandwich from their deli.
Santa Anita Mall
The Santa Anita Mall has TWO excellent play areas, one indoors for the rare Southern California rainy days, and one outdoor playground on the second floor. The indoor area is great for toddlers. 400 Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
Michillinda Park
Also a hop, skip and a jump from Chapman woods, Michillinda Park is an excellent spot for a variety of playground equipment. A little bit noisy off of Huntington, but an excellent spot early in the morning, and has great little picnic areas for birthday parties. 3800 S Michillinda Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107. Closes at 8 p.m.
Lacy Park
The park features lush vegetation, open grass space, a rose garden, walking loops, tennis courts, and many other amenities and playground areas. Non residents have to pay a $5 entry fee on the weekends, but well worth it, such a beautiful park! Closes at 8 p.m. 1485 Virginia Rd, San Marino, CA 91108.
Caltech Campus
I know this is sort of random in the list of parks, but hear me out. Caltech has a beautiful campus with all sorts of beautiful water features (like the turtle garden) and pathways. This campus is perfect for an early morning stroll with your kids and they can bring a scooter or bicycle without worrying about traffic. Usually plenty of parking on California or Hill. 1200 E. California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125.
Playhouse Village Park
An excellent little playground near Old Town at 701 Union St, Pasadena, CA 91101. It’s small but has some nice playground equipment, a ramp for scooters and a sandbox area. Clean restrooms nearby and canopies for shade make this a great pit stop on the way to Target or Vroman’s Book Store.
Victory Park
North of the 210, this park has a playground, community baseball, softball & soccer fields with mountain views, plus an indoor gym & rec center. This is the park where the Rose Parade ends and you can see a whole bunch of floats! 2641, 2575 Paloma St, Pasadena, CA 91107 and closes at 6 p.m.
Huntington Library Children’s Garden
For $25 adult general admission (or free with membership) you can bring your kids to the wonderful Huntington Library Children’s Garden. A ton of fun little water features to help beat the heat, we recommend swim gear and Crocs! Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Tuesdays. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108.