Grand Park

"Secret Park"

My boys and their friends nicknamed this park, "The Secret Park" because it's somewhat hidden off the beaten path, and because of it's enclosed gate.  They are referring to the tot lot at the top of the hill of this wide and grassy Grand Park.  

The amazing views across Orange County, the covered shade, and the completely enclosed fence make this park (the tot lot) one of our favorites.  Parking is easy to find on the street and the gate door closes.  

I took all of my kids here today (10, 8, 4, 2) and I was worried about the older ones having enough to do.  My little ones ran around and went down the slide while my older boys held races and obstacles courses around the structure and the "Tarzan hanging swings".  They had a blast.

On the down side, there are no bathrooms in this area and the local businesses down the steep hill (or drive) are not open to non-customers.  There are multitudes of rabbits that hop along the hillsides in Aliso Viejo and the evidence is seen in the small pellet droppings in the sand.  I have no idea if this is bad for my kids to play in it and I usually don't worry about it but it bothers me sometimes.  The structure is wooden and could lead to splinters in my kids feet who love going barefoot at parks.  Despite these things, we love this little play area!