I discovered Valley Oak Park in Irvine while searching for a good place to meet up with grandparents. It’s an ideal choice because of the level walking surface from the dedicated parking lot to the playground – and plenty of benches (not to mention, the proximity to the 405 freeway).
Directions to Valley Oak Park in Irvine: Easy to find from Interstate 405 and 5. From 405, exit Sand Canyon and go toward mountains. Turn left on Alton and take an immediate right on Valley Oak Drive. Turn left into the parking lot before you hit Barranca Parkway. If you are coming from the 5, head toward the 405 and turn right on Barranca. Then take the left onto Valley Oak Drive. MAP to Valley Oak Park in Irvine
Highlights:
- All-in-one kind of park complete with a grassy area, basketball court, play structures for all ages, sandbox, tennis courts, swings
- Excellent picnic area with grills – great place to bring lunch
- Even the recycled rubber play surface is decorated with oak leaves and acorns
- Hopscotch
- Very compact so it’s easy to see the kids everywhere
- I love meeting people here because it’s easy to find
- A variety of slides and crawl-through tunnels
- Good for both little kids and big kids (bring a basketball or soccer ball)
- Restroom and drinking fountain very near the playground
Be Aware:
- Can’t really think of anything to “Be Aware” of at Valley Oak. Except, I have seen the parking lot fill up.
Checklist:
- Parking in dedicated lot (maybe 10-15 spots)
- Recycled rubber and sand play surface
- Very nice restrooms and drinking fountain near the playground
- Shade under patio cover
- Easy to view kids
- Full basketball court
- Official City of Irvine website
- Nearest library branch: Irvine Heritage Park or Irvine University Park
Nearby parks:
- Quail Hill Loop Trail (hike/nature walk)
- Heritage Park in Irvine
- Orchard Park in Irvine
