Dinosaur Park is the most common name I’ve heard for this amazing fossil-themed park behind the Laguna Hills Community Center at the corner of Alicia and Paseo De Valencia. I’ve also heard it called: Dino Park, Prehistoric Park, and Fossil Reef Park. It’s a great run-around park with 2 different levels and all sorts of play equipment.
Location: Corner of Alicia Parkway and Paseo De Valencia – behind the Laguna Hills Community Center. [Address: 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills). MAP to Dino Park in Laguna Hills
Highlights:
- Different areas appropriate for different ages
- Turtle fountains fun on hot days – work like drinking fountains
- Very clean indoor bathrooms at the Community Center
- Close to soccer fields so plenty of room to run
- Beautiful rose garden and flowering trees
- Fun discovering fossils and playing on “whale bones”
- Tunnels, bridges, and stairs for exploring
Be Aware:
- Access to tall tunnel slide on upper play area is precarious for toddlers
- I’ve heard of parents and taller kids bumping their head on low bars on upper play area (but they’ve recently painted it purple for greater visibility)
- The metal slides connecting upper to lower play areas can get really hot
- Surfaces on one structure is peeling near metal bridge on upper play area
- May compete for space with Community Center programs, city events, and soccer games at certain times of year
Checklist:
- Plentiful parking near Community Center
- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Starbuck’s across the street in Ralphs shopping center
- Bathroom building near to playground
- Numerous drinking fountains
- Shade covers, trees, and patio cover over picnic area
- Large picnic area with shade near snack bar, as well as two accessible picnic tables on upper level near swings
- Most impressive picnic area with COVERED barbecue grills
*Original post 4/5/08, updated with new photo slideshow in October 2008
