One of my friends found this park and invited us to it this summer. It was a little tricky to find (my MapQuest directions were wrong) but once we found it we loved it. If it were closer to our house we would go more often. The park was wide and spread out (so bring a stroller if you have a 20 lb kid who doesn't walk yet!) But the kids loved all of the animal shaped slides and toys. Definitely worth $1!
I remember as a kid we would go to Atlantis Playcenter for fieldtrips. My kids enjoy Atlantis as much as I did as a kid. Its has wide open areas to play in. Plenty to do throughout the day, Bring a lunch and hangout all day. My kids love the dragon slide, perfect for kids over 3 years old. But, if your child is younger then there are otehr slides and things to do. This place is also really inexpensive and worth the money. I only wish that they would paint up the place and make it look new and taken care of.
There is a sister playground to Atlantis Play Center in LA. It's called Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel. I like how the restrooms here are painted with murals of mermaids and mer-men. It never seems busy when we visit. See the slideshow at FunOrangeCountyParks.com.
Cost is $1 per person. FREE parking. Gated and adults are not allowed without kids and kids are not allowed without adults.
I have taken my 2 year old and he loved it. His favorite was the Whale Slide and the Sting Ray Ride. I loved the dragon slide...he was hesitant at first, but tried in the end and loved it. Went with another parent and one would wait in the end and the other on the top. Great way to get the kids tired.
We brought our lunch and ate there at the park. They close at 2pm on the weekdays and if you go on the weekend I would suggest calling before hand to see if they have the park reserved already for a party.
Hidden behind the 22 Freeway this small park is fenced and features several different slides, play areas, and swings. There is alot of grass area to explore, plenty of shade. Nature sightings include bugs, birds, and bunnies.
Park costs $1 per person.