Cherry Park in Lake Forest is a great find for parents of preschoolers. With equipment designed for kids 2-5 years old, my son had a blast exploring the playground without needing much help from me. Usually, when exploring parks with my adventurous preschooler, I find my son gravitating towards playground equipment meant for ages 5 and up. It’s frustrating for him to not be able to climb up tall twisting poles and it is frightening for me as he leans through openings at the top of a tall play structures.
Location: From I-5 South exit El Toro Road. Make a left onto Avenida De La Carlota and a left onto El Toro Road. Turn right on Jeronimo Rd. and a left onto Cherry Avenue. The park is on your left had side with parking on the street. (Address is 22651 Cherry Avenue, Mission Viejo) MAP TO CHERRY PARK IN LAKE FOREST
Highlights:
- This park has a fantastic variety of slides that kept my preschooler happy. The large tunnel slide was our favorite. My son made me count over and over again as he attempted to beat his 4 second ride down the tunnel slide.
- On the tall play structures there are numerous barriers that help kids explore the slides and bridges with more protection. There are a few openings for a ladder, twisty pole and stair climbing, but they are small and have places for little ones to put their hands.
- The play area is filled with bark but there is also a separate shaded sand pit.
- There are 2 baby swings and 2 big kid swings.
- A sheltered picnic area makes for a nice playgroup gathering.
Be Aware:
- There is a wooden bridge on one of the paths next to the park. Under the bridge there is a big grated storm drain. I have a feeling that during rainstorms this area becomes more like a running stream. We visited the day after a small rainstorm and there were lots of mucky puddles. Definitely keep a close eye on your little ones as you explore that area. I found shards of glass in some of the puddles.
- There are concrete barriers that divide the playground from the grassy area. My son wanted to jump from the top of the barrier into the bark. Be aware that it’s a pretty steep drop.
- NO restrooms
Checklist:
- Bark and sand play surfaces
- Parking on street
- NO restrooms
- Drinking fountain
- Multiple picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the park.
- Basketball half-court
