Central Park
add photosCentral Park is a San Mateo landmark. From the beautiful gazebo where hundreds of weddings have taken place to the Bianchi mini train that is a perennial favorite of anyone under five, Central Park is San Mateo’s signature park. It has lighted tennis courts, a playground and baseball field.
The Mini Train that operates in Central Park is a childhood delight. It typically runs on weekends from 11am-3pm, weekdays 10:30am-noon, and is closed on Thursdays. Please call (650) 340-1520 in advance to confirm hours of operation.
7 Reviews for Central Park
153
108
'10, '11, '12
0 families found this helpful
"Fun place to relax"
My son loves Central Park, especially that rinky-dink train which costs a fortune for two spins around the track. I agree with the others that the Japanese gardens are quite fun. We've also been lucky enough to stumble upon a Chinese music show in the community center, complete with a zither and erhu.
The playgrounds are totally exposed to the sun, so don't forget your sunhats, sunscreen and water. There are bathrooms on-site which is super convenient and plenty of picnicing areas especially if you bring your own blankets.
Send a Message 
Send a Compliment
It's helpful
0 families found this helpful
"Central Park is a mixed bag"
Central Park is a massive complex of playgrounds, rec centers, ball fields, concert lawns, and a beautiful little Japanese tea garden. We love the quiet tea garden with its Koi ponds, ducks, and lovely landscaping.
The playground area, however, leaves much to be desired. First off all, it is a very large and unfenced area, making it nearly impossible to keep kids corralled in one spot.
The swings are separated from play structures by a sand pit the size of the Gobi desert. And nearly as hot.
The reservable picnic area is located about a three day walk from the play area, which may actually be a good thing because at any given time, there is a Very Large Family Event taking place in picnic area. And by large I mean half the population of the United States. And apparently this half of the united states is deaf, because the people are so loud that they have caused small earthquakes. Seriously.
Because the area is so large, some kids are totally unsupervised. Big kids run amok, knocking down this little kids like steam trains.
Speaking of trains, Central Park has an adorable little steam train that just might make up for the beating your kid will take on the playground. Better yet, skip the playground and bring your little one to the Tea Garden for a family photo op, and then troll 3rd Ave for an enticing lunch spot. You are spoiled for choice! Some favorites of ours are Sushi Sam's and NiMo Sushi for lunch.
0 families found this helpful
"A great park for any age"
Located in downtown San Mateo (which has TONS of reasonably priced restaurants), this is a great park with a lot of things for everyone. There's a large playground, plenty of picnic tables, and a large grassy area if you just want to run around or kick a ball. On the weekends, they sometimes have a small train that kids can ride for a small fee. It doesn't look very impressive, but kids seem to have a great time. There's also a nice Japanese garden with a koi pond that is well stocked with beautiful fish.
If you forget the sunblock, you'll still be okay here. There are lots of picnic benches in the shade and most of the playground is well-shaded by large trees.
In the summer, the park hosts free Thursday evening concerts on the green. My 3 year old loves going to these concerts; we're there almost every time having a picnic while enjoying the music.
0 families found this helpful
"Lovely Japanese Tea Garden"
The play structures are old (I think I played on the same ones 35+ years ago!), but the train, albeit old, is still running, and for $1.50 for two circles around the track, it's great fun for the little ones. This bustling "city park" boasts tennis courts, baseball fields, picnic areas, and people doing Tai-Chi every morning. The Japanese Tea Garden is our favorite low-key hangout at the park; watch the koi fish being fed in the summer and meander through the foliage. My toddler loves to pick up dried leaves, drop them into the little brook, and watch them work their way over stones and waterfalls.
1 family found this helpful
"We enjoyed the sunshine at this Park."
This was a fantastic spot for a picnic. When we were in search of some sun, we travelled down to San Mateo. The playground was great, and we really enjoyed the Japanese Tea Garden there. My children loved seeing the Koi fish. Their eyes lit up with excitement, and wanted to feed them, but we found out that we could not.
1 family found this helpful
"large city park in great location"
Central park is a few blocks South of downtown San Mateo, with many amenities. There is a small train that runs in the morning, a couple of play structures, Japanese garden and Koi pond and lots of picnic areas. The playground does face a very busy street (El Camino) but has a very large Iron fence, so as long as you keep an eye on your kids you should have a great time.
1 family found this helpful
"Fine Japanese Garden for tots"
South of San Francisco, in the City of San Mateo, there is a smaller Japanese Garden open free to the public. It is part of Central Park in the middle of the downtown area. Small children can roam around without getting lost, and there are restrooms as well. There's a playground towards El Camino Real.
http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/index.asp?NID=718
What's Nearby? Hotels » Activities »
Find Hotels near Central Park »Find Activities near Central Park »
Find Restaurants near Central Park »
Get the inside scoop from parents who have been there!
