Playgrounds come in all shapes and sizes around San Diego, and recently natural playgrounds are gaining popularity throughout the county. These environmentally friendly structures are created using mostly natural and even recycled materials which help to create beautiful, exciting playgrounds that are also fun and safe for kids of all ages.
Estrella County Park
9813 Estrella Dr., Spring Valley, CA 91977
The newest natural play area to hit the area is Estrella County Park in Spring Valley. The park features an amphitheater beautifully built into the landscape of the area, as well as natural play structures made of tree stumps and logs perfect for children to climb on and jump to. The park highlights native plants and trees which take shape around the path to and from the play area. You can also expect slides built into the hill of the play area and plenty of picnic tables for a group!
Insider Tips:
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- Parking here is limited to a small strip on the street.
- No shade covering anywhere within the park, lather up that sunscreen!
Jennifer Jones Memorial Nature Exploration Area within Gershwin Park
3549 Conrad Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
Added in 2019 to Gershwin Park is the Jennifer Jones Memorial Nature Exploration Area. The section includes 6,000 sq/ft of natural play space to help inspire imagination and play in a natural environment of tree stumps, logs, and rocks. The area, like all natural playgrounds, is built to be inviting and educational. It inspires open play within the trails marked with tree logs – perfect for fairy tales and tree stump tea parties.
Insider Tips:
- The park has a large grassy area perfect for a picnic, stop by Clairemont Square just a few minutes away to grab a picnic lunch. Within the Square, Arely (4961 Clairemont Dr. #A) is delicious!
The Nature Exploration Area at Morley Field
2221 Morley Field Dr, San Diego, CA 92104
One of the first natural play areas to hit areas an Diego back in 2015 was the Nature Exploration area located within Morley Field. At first glance, you might simply walk past as it blends in beautifully with the park. Give your kids a few moments to explore and soon enough you’ll be building forts with the materials left for you. Enjoy a boulder climbing area and even a table and chairs made from tree stumps.
Insider Tips:
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- This can be a tricky to find! It’s directly south of the Balboa Park Tennis Club.
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- Directly adjacent to Florida Canyon hiking trails, making it a perfect starting point for a day of nature exploration.
Junior Quail Trail within the San Diego Botanic Garden
230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas CA 92024
Located within the 37 acres of the San Diego Botanic Garden, you’ll find a garden designed for preschool aged children to connect with nature and their families. The area is located at the far end of the garden, in the former Eucalyptus Grove. It focuses on up-cycled materials, movement and learning from your surroundings. Logs laid down on the ground turn into balance beams, tree stumps into jumping platforms – and even games built into the ground full of pine cones, twigs, and rocks.
Insider Tips:
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- This area is located in the Garden which does require admission. Current daily rates are $10 for children, $18 for adults.
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- Bring that stroller! This area is located directly opposite where you’ll park – don’t want to get those little legs tired before they arrive.
