Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Fun park activities

Made for those who need to burn off excess energy in the fresh air with active, outdoor play.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Clover Park image 1
Clover Park image 2
Clover Park image 3
View all

Large open space with multiple sports courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas creates a lively yet peaceful environment. The park offers free workout stations and scenic views of an airport, attracting families and active visitors. Clean, safe, and well-maintained grounds support a variety of outdoor activities and relaxation.

Open spaces include a vast baseball field, several tennis courts, and a delightful playground for kids of all ages. Facilities stay clean with accessible bathrooms and convenient parking, while the park welcomes dogs and offers gorgeous views of the airport.

Open spaces invite throwing the frisbee and running around. Several tennis courts, a vast baseball field, and a delightful playground offer fun for all ages.

People are saying

"I found this park to be amazing and large."

"It's a great dog friendly place with lots of grass for walking."

"It's a fun family park with lots of space for activities."

Good to know

1

Clover Park is free to access for all visitors.

2

There are plenty of free parking spots available near the park.

3

Bathrooms at Clover Park are always clean and well-kept.

02
Douglas Park image 1

Park offers enclosed playground, tennis courts, and a skate bowl surrounded by shady and sunny areas. Atmosphere stays peaceful and calm with families and dog walkers, though weekends bring more noise and crowds. Fenced layout helps keep the space safe and easy to watch children.

A gated and fenced park offers a safe space for kids with a playground and plenty of open areas. A pond with turtles and ducks adds a peaceful touch, alongside walking trails and large oak trees.

Many fun activities exist for kids of all ages and sizes. A playground and a play area provide engaging spots for play and enjoyment.

People are saying

"It's a great spot for kids with a fun playground and open space."

"This park has a great playground and pond for families."

"It's a fun play area, especially for younger kids."

Good to know

1

Parking is metered, with free 2-hour parking at the back of the park.

2

Restrooms are locked after dark around 5:30 pm.

3

The park is gated, which helps keep children safe.

03
South Beach Park Playground image 1

Playground designed like a ship sits on a narrow strip near the beach with ocean views. It offers safe, fenced-in play areas geared toward young children and easy access from nearby paths and parking. The atmosphere is clean and family-friendly with plenty of shade and picnic spots.

A ship-themed playground offers a secure, fenced-in space with a gate, designed mainly for toddlers and young kids. Plenty of shady spots and easy access from the beach and parking make it convenient for families.

Playground offers a safe and fun space for children. Boardwalk strolls provide beautiful ocean views.

People are saying

"This playground park is beautifully designed like a ship, perfect for little ones."

"The playground's ocean views are beautiful and refreshing."

"The playground's ship design makes for a fun adventure."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a large county lot next to the playground for $10.

2

Public restrooms are available nearby for visitor convenience.

3

The playground is fenced in, making it safe for younger children.

04
Palisades Park image 1

Long green space atop a cliff offers amazing ocean views and spectacular sunsets. Calm and peaceful atmosphere features separate bike and pedestrian paths and live music performances. Benches and picnic areas invite relaxation while overlooking the beach and pier.

Offers breathtaking ocean views and well-maintained, scenic walking trails. The park features unique trees, open spaces, and spots for dogs, children, bicycles, and picnics.

Multiple family fun activities are available, making it a lively spot for walking, relaxing, and meditation. The area stays very clean and offers a consistently fun atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful ocean views from the park."

"I loved the beautiful ocean views from this park."

"I found Palisades Park to be very clean and fun."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, but affordable and secure options are available nearby.

2

The park offers beautiful ocean views, especially at sunset.

3

A musical band performs at the park on Sundays around 2 to 2:30 pm.

05
Airport Park image 1

Park includes separate dog areas with water stations and seating, plus modern playgrounds and well-maintained soccer fields. Atmosphere stays peaceful and safe, attracting families and casual groups for picnics and activities. Parking can be limited during busy times but remains generally accessible.

Offers two soccer fields with good turf and a fenced-in dog park split for small and large dogs. Features a modern playground with slides and seesaws, clean picnic tables, and a safe, well-maintained environment for kids and pets.

Clean surroundings and a fun playground make this spot enjoyable for activities. The area feels inviting and keeps things simple for a good time.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here were really clean and stocked."

"I found the dog parks clean, safe, and well-maintained."

"I found the park to be a great little spot for fun activities."

Good to know

1

The park has fenced areas for small and large dogs.

2

Restrooms at the park are clean and well-stocked.

3

Parking can be crowded, especially during peak times.

06
Crescent Bay Park image 1

Park offers stunning ocean views stretching from Malibu to Redondo Beach with peaceful shoreline and calm atmosphere. Two-level layout includes a gazebo, benches, pergola, and grassy picnic areas. Playground and bike rentals add family-friendly amenities.

A beach access lies a short walk from the park, offering plenty of space even when crowded. The park features a playground with swings and mini gymnastics equipment and provides a stunning sunset view over the water, making it ideal for picnics, weddings, or relaxing with family and dogs.

Offers a fun atmosphere that suits families and encourages a love for life and people. Activities here create a joyful experience for all ages.

People are saying

"The ocean views here are absolutely breathtaking."

"It's a beautiful park with lovely ocean views."

"I had so much fun observing diverse cultures."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at Crescent Bay Park, but it can be difficult to find.

2

Restrooms at Crescent Bay Park are often dirty and need maintenance.

3

Dogs are not allowed at Crescent Bay Park.

07
Memorial Park image 1

Park offers multiple sports courts including tennis, pickleball, and indoor basketball, with organized drop-in games and a strong pickleball community. It maintains a quiet, peaceful atmosphere despite being busy, with specialized areas like a skatepark and playgrounds for kids and dogs.

Lots of pickleball courts and specialized sport areas like tennis, baseball, and skateboarding make this park active and fun. A nice playground keeps kids busy while adults enjoy classes and leagues for tennis, basketball, and softball.

Open gym volleyball runs for hours and draws a busy crowd. Multiple courts offer fun games like pickleball and volleyball, keeping kids and adults entertained in a clean, active setting.

People are saying

"The pickleball courts here are well maintained and always packed."

"It's a fun place with a nice playground area for kids."

"It's so fun playing open gym volleyball here."

Good to know

1

Parking at Memorial Park can be challenging, especially during peak hours.

2

Free parking is available off 14th street by the tennis courts.

3

The skate park requires a paid entry fee for access.

08
DOG PPL image 1

Sprawling green space with leash-free areas and shaded seating creates a relaxed, safe environment for dogs and humans. The vibe stays chill and community-focused, with amenities like a cafe, grooming services, and water stations enhancing comfort. Strict dog policies and clean turf maintain a well-managed, welcoming atmosphere.

A sprawling green space offers a leash-free area where dogs can romp and play safely. This park stands out as an authentic and safe dog park with no comparable spots elsewhere.

Safe and clean spaces create a fun environment for dogs and owners. The community of humans and dogs adds to the enjoyable experience.

People are saying

"This dog park is the best place for your dogs to play."

"It's so dog friendly, my dogs never got tired of coming here."

"It's a fun, safe, and clean place for dogs and owners."

Good to know

1

Dogs must provide updated vaccine records and pass a temperament test to enter.

2

Tickets are required for special events, in addition to the monthly membership fee.

3

Dog PPL hosts themed events every weekend, including fitness classes for dogs and owners.

09
Tongva Park image 1

Park sits on a small hill with panoramic beach views and lush greenery. It offers a serene atmosphere with shaded walking paths and beautifully landscaped terraces. Modern playgrounds and unique art installations create a family-friendly environment that balances nature and design.

Offers beautiful views of the beach and ocean from elevated balconies. Features art installations that blend with playground structures, creating a unique environment. Includes a kids' playground with modern climbing and sliding equipment near the beach.

Innovative park design offers fun climbing and sliding activities for kids near the beach. Features include a conveyor slide and spinning cups, all in a clean, modern, and safe environment.

People are saying

"The playground and splash pad are fantastic for kids."

"This park is beautifully designed and great for families."

"The playground and splash pad are fantastic fun activities for kids."

Good to know

1

Kids up to age 12 may play in Tongva Park.

2

There is no parking in the park; paid parking is available a block away.

3

There are no washrooms available in the park.

10
Christine Emerson Reed Park image 1

Park offers quiet, hidden atmosphere with gated playgrounds featuring separate zones for toddlers and older children. Multiple sports courts including basketball and tennis provide varied activities. Cleanliness and safety stand out, making it suitable for families during the day.

Playground features include shade, a giant fence, soft ground, a sand pit, bucket swings, and slides for all ages. The park stays clean and offers a variety of activities with tennis courts separated from other areas.

Kids explore and have fun in a safe environment. Parents, nannies, and kids are kind, fun, and inclusive.

People are saying

"This playground has shaded areas and a secure double-gate entrance."

"This playground is really Kid Friendly with separate zones for different ages."

"The playground's fun activities are secure with a double-gate entrance."

Good to know

1

The bathrooms are kept clean and tidy by Santa Monica until 9 pm.

2

The playground is closed off with a double-gate entrance for extra security.

3

Metered street parking is available around the park.

11
Annenberg Community Beach House image 1

Outdoor space combines beachfront views with kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds and splash pads. Pool area buzzes with lively energy from families while maintaining a clean, comfortable atmosphere. Multiple seating and private areas create a versatile setting for gatherings and celebrations.

Sandy playgrounds and a splash pad offer fun spots for kids, with nearby seating for adults. Facilities include a clean pool, volleyball courts on the sand, and well-maintained bathrooms with outdoor showers.

Plenty of fun space exists for activities like swimming and beach play. Waves provide a nice swimming experience, and events like Library Day add variety to the fun.

People are saying

"The beach here is really clean."

"The beach here is so fun for swimming and watching the waves."

"The parks here have great playgrounds for kids."

Good to know

1

Free docent tours of the Marion Davies Guest House are available on weekdays from 12pm to 2pm.

2

Parking costs $12 for the day, with $3 for the first hour.

3

The pool is open to the public for $10 for adults and $4 for kids.

Discover more

Santa Monica, California

Area guide
Loading Map...