Epic Playgrounds that Deliver Summer Fun

Larger-than-life playgrounds with crazy-cool climbing structures and mind-blowing amenities are popping up all over San Diego County. These are epic parks to check out with your family this summer!

Mast Park

9125 Carlton Hills Blvd., Santee

When you walk into Mast Park, it’s easy to lose count of all the things to do there! Not only does the park feature an awesome tree-house-inspired playground, there is also a beautiful Nature Discovery Area, dog parks, exercise equipment, nature trails, ping-pong tables, and even a food stand on weekends.

The play areas are split up by age. The shaded tot lot (for ages 2–5) has a play truck and plenty of fun things to climb, balance and jump on. The larger play area (for ages 5–12) is impressive as it boasts one of the tallest structures around with multiple slides and climbing features.

Insider tips:

• The parking lot gets busy—go at “off peak” hours if you can. • Bring your own supplies for ping-pong.

Maruta Gardner Playground

1100 W Mission Bay Dr., Mission Bay

This playground in Mission Bay’s Bonita Cove is like nothing you’ve ever seen—the unique ropes course and climbing structure (for ages 5–12) was designed to mimic Belmont Park’s Giant Dipper Roller Coaster. Younger kids can’t get enough of this place! The menagerie of swings includes three bucket swings on a spinner, tandem swings, and even a large disc swing that accommodates a few kids at once.

All article photos courtesy of @playdatesandpints

Insider tips:

• Bring sand toys for the large sand area. • Grab lunch or a treat at Belmont Park across the street.

Civita Park

7960 Civita Blvd., Mission Valley

It’s been fun to watch Civita Park develop, and now that this epic 14-acre park is done, it’s hard to stay away! Civita has a unique multi-level design that offers little pockets of fun for everyone. The playground is divided for different ages, which makes it safe, unintimidating and loads of fun. The play area for ages 2–5 is small, but unique as it has some challenging structures that inspire kids to climb and balance. There is also an awesome sand area with climbing logs.

The larger play area, designed for ages 5–12, has a spiderweb-type climbing structure that keeps kids occupied for hours. There is a bridge to the top of the structure (as well as other amenities) that meets ADA standards, so kids of all abilities can come and play. Expansive grass areas and paved paths offer plenty of room to walk, roll and run.

Insider tips:

• Park along Community Way to be close to the playground. The walk from the parking lot to the playground could tire little kids out. • Don’t miss the beautifully painted murals inside the tunnel. • Keep an eye out for the re-opening of the park’s fun splash pad!

Olympus Park

701 Olympus St., Encinitas

This epic park in Leucadia has something for every family member—toddlers who love to swing, older kids who like to skateboard, thrill-seekers who want to try the zip line, even your dog will love the walking paths. The park is designed on a hill, which lends itself to some of the most incredible slides I’ve ever seen, including a long, tube slide, a concrete slide and the most fun feature of the park—the turf “slide” (a hill covered with artificial turf), where kids can go “sledding!”

Insider tips:

• Parental supervision is recommended if you put little kids on the zip line – it has a kick-back at the end. • Bring a piece of cardboard to slide down the artificial turf hill.

Local mom and San Diego blogger Sandra Page can be found adventuring on Instagram at @playdatesandpints.

July 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com • 19