Parque de Los Vaqueros in Placentia is nestled between housing tracts in a lush greenbelt near an elementary school.

Directions to Parque de Los Vaqueros: The official address for Park de Los Vaqueros is on Carlsbad Street, but I prefer to park in the small dedicated lot off of Yellowstone Avenue instead, which is off of Van Buren Blvd, about half a block south of Yorba Linda Blvd. (Address: 1200 N. Carlsbad Street, Placentia) MAP TO PARQUE DE LOS VAQUEROS

Highlights:

• While the play equipment is fairly standard but fun, the gorgeous trees are the real draw for me. Many birds and squirrels make their homes here, and I have witnessed some pretty adorable squirrel squabbles.
• I like to bring some lunch and spend some real time here, and there are plenty of shaded picnic benches and lots of shaded grassy areas to spread out a picnic blanket and just hang out and enjoy the trees.
• The playground itself is small enough that I feel like I can easily keep an eye on my four-year-old while sticking close to the littler guy.
• There is a lot of sand at this playground, and while it isn’t pristine, it’s much better for digging around in than the average sand/dirt areas I typically come across at playgrounds.
• Bench and baby swings

Be Aware:

• This park is a popular place for the neighborhood pooches to play and we have encountered some fairly large but friendly dogs here, so if a child is afraid of or allergic to dogs, this probably isn’t the best park to visit.

Checklist:

• Small dedicated parking lot
• Restrooms are located right next to the playground – and they even have soap!
• Play surface is mainly sand with some recycled rubber right around the play structures
• Drinking fountain
• Grills
• Picnic areas are available for reservation through the city of Placentia – see official city website for details.
• Official City of Placentia website
• Nearest Public Libraries: Yorba Linda Public Library and Placentia Library

Nearby Parks:

• Veterans Park
• Tri-City Park

Tri-City Park in Placentia has a beautiful lake in the center with a path that goes around it. There’s even a shortcut that goes across a couple of bridges that my toddler loves and runs for as soon as we start our walk. Tri-City is very near Brea Sports Park.

Location: Take the 57 Freeway to the Imperial Highway exit. Head in the opposite direction from Brea Mall. We came from the direction of Angels Stadium and turned right off the exit. Stay in the right lane and turn right on Kraemer Blvd. Turn right at Golden where the park entrance is very obvious. To park near the playground, make a left at the fork. (Address: 2301 N. Kraemer Blvd in Placentia) MAP TO TRI-CITY PARK IN PLACENTIA

Highlights:

• The lake takes the starring role over the playground which is relatively small compared to other nearby parks. The lake is even an “Orange County Historic Civil Engineering Landmark” because it used to be called the Tuffree Reservoir which held Anaheim Union Water District river water from the Santa Ana Canyon.
• We’ve spotted people sailing model boats on the lake many times and it’s very fun to watch. For tips on spotting wildlife, see the previous post about this park.
• Fun playground that’s not too large for comfort with a toddler. There are some openings along the sides but it’s not higher than you can reach, so it feels pretty safe.
• There are 4 toddler and 2 bench swings next to the play structure.
• Paved walking path is nice. You can do a loop or even park far away from the playground and make it a destination.
• Plenty of large, lush trees to spread out a picnic blanket under. I’ve done this myself numerous times and had some wonderful meals with the family.

Be Aware:

• Hot in the summer. No shade over the playground area, but there are plenty of trees just outside of the play area to cool off under.
• There are some very aggressive geese that spend a lot of time here. If they don’t think you have food they will typically ignore you. It’s bad to feed the ducks and geese anyway, so there’s no need to run into any trouble with them.

Checklist:

• To park near the playground, take the left fork just after you enter the park and follow the road around until you reach the parking lot.
• Playground play surface is bark. The walkways all around the park are paved and good for walking!
• Two restrooms are available – one near the main entrance to the park, and the other is by the entrance on the opposite side with a smaller parking lot area.
• There are LARGE picnic shelters available to reserve through the City of Placentia. I actually had my son’s first birthday party here, and it was great. The picnic shelters are just up a small hill from the playground.