Creekside Park in Dana Point sits right off of Stonehill Drive near Interstate 5. It’s super easy for freeway access and very near Dana Point Harbor. I always describe this park as the one with the climbing wall – since it’s such a massive and distinctive feature. This is one of those parks which feels like it has different rooms for the kids to wander. (NEW slideshow in 9/09).
Location: On Stonehill between Camino Capistrano and Del Obispo along the San Juan Creek Trail. Address: 25743 Stonehill Drive, Dana Point. MAP to Creekside Park in Dana Point (Park not visible on map – see approximate location on north side of Stonehill).
Highlights:
- No less than 3 playhouses – more if you count the structures
- New shade covers over picnic tables near toddler area
- Great park to bike or walk to if you live in the area
- The climbing wall and rope nets are a big draw
- A separate, smaller play area for toddlers
- Kids love the tire swing
- Close to the beach and freeway – so nice breezes and easy access
Be Aware:
- I’ve experienced a small bee swarm and a few annoying gnats from the creek
- Fairly isolated and accessible to outsiders from the bike trail (if you come here alone)
- Some find it difficult with 2 or more small children – because 2 separate play areas make close supervision difficult
- Re-visited in Feb. 2010 and there is some broken equipment (double-slide is missing and boarded up) and a popular feature was broken (looked like a ferry boat which kids could move from one platform to another)
Checklist:
- Play surface is mostly bark
- Large timber play structures with plastic slides and painted metal bars
- Small dedicated parking lot with extra parking along Stonehill
- Not a lot of shade on play structures, but shade trees for parents on edge of playground
- Bathrooms very close to the play area
- Small grassy area for picnicking
- Enclosed dog park nearby
- Weekend birthday party locale
- Tiny Oranges has some great photos and their own take on this park
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
BEWARE of 6 y.o.’s getting locked in public restrooms! This was a new one to me, but an innocent enough situation where a perfectly capable 6 y.o. locked the single use restroom lock for privacy and then could NOT unlock it by himself….While the parent stood outside to reassure the child help was on the way, the child eventually unlocked the door after 5+ scary minutes. I think I’ll be standing by the restroom for privacy purposes vs. encouraging my youngster to lock the door after witnessing this story with a luckily happy ending….
Can't Wait to check it out! As always, a great review!
xoxo, K
I was actually at this park a couple of weeks ago with the kids! Great review. Glad to see your page on FB!