The Bay Area is full of climbing structures, tandem swings and even a bunch of parks that are designed to be fully-inclusive and wheelchair-friendly. Here are the best.
LessHead to the Civic Center for a two-for-one playground combo. These two massive climbing structures boast innovative design and cushioned artificial turf for children to play. Multi-sensory areas and traditional swings provide kids with different ways to move their bodies. The park even has elements that allow children in wheelchairs to swing and play. Bonus: Bi-rite just set up shop in the plaza so you can get your pre-playground coffee fix!
This San Jose playground is specifically designed to be fun for kids of all abilities. From the wheelchair accessible merry-go-round, to the concrete slides designed to prevent interference with cochlear implants, tons of planning went into the design of this awesome park. Climb on some bugs, bang on the chimes and make the dragonflies fly! Make sure you bring your hats and sunscreens (or pick a cloudy day) as shade is unfortunately scarce at this park.
Between the playground, the pool and the nearby Lindsay Wildlife Experience, it's easy to spend a whole day here. The playground has two separate areas, one geared toward older kids and one that's better for all ages with swings, slides and sand. Just down the grassy hill is the newly-renovated Larkey Swim Center, complete with a rockin' splash pad. If you're not too tuckered out, check out the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, too.
This park got a recent upgrade and we are loving all of the new additions especially the large, red climbing web and yellow spinning buckets. You'll get views of Mt. Tam, benches in the shade, plargounds for all ages and an easy-to-find location right across from Marin General Hospital.
Dragon-obsessed kiddos will love this playground featuring a medieval two-story castle with a fun slide that lets little ones run with their imagination. Rocking horses, swings, dragons and tunnels are all a part of the fun. There is even a gated area for tots that like to wander off. Tip: After running the kids out at the playground, stop by CuriOdyssey. This fantastic science and wildlife center for kids is just down the road from the park.
Hilltop is most well-known for its giant 70-foot sundial and its skatepark. If you haven't been there in a while, recent renovations will make you want to drop by for another afternoon of play. The massive cement slide is still in place (bring your cardboard if you have the need for speed) but the playground at its base is totally new and totally cool. Kids can climb on the tree-shaped merry-go-round and the rubberized flooring will protect from any falls.
South Bay parents have been flocking to this playground that includes two 3-foot climbing towers, a conical merry-go-round, toddler play area and log climbing structure. A splash pad and waterfall arch make this a perfect spot to gather on a hot day. Bonus: new shade sails were added to keep the sun off the kiddos.
Bring the towels and the bathing suits. This park has a great water play area with a bunch of different spray features and a little "river" that runs through it. If they get tired of that, there is a more traditional play structure. The park is also home to skate ramps and plenty of open, grassy areas.
This gorgeous park right off the main drag in downtown Saratoga has a great play area with lots of climbing options plus a large grassy section perfect for picnics. Little thespians will enjoy performing on the stage among the redwoods. A small trail heads from the play structure, up through the trees above the park, and drops you off by the stage. Or head down to the creek under the bridge to see what might swim, hop or fly around the water.
This playground is packed with fun and challenging play structures that kids could hang out in all day. Complete with a slide mountain, monkey bars, spire towers, water features, pendulum swings and a separate area for tots, it’s definitely one to check out. Tip: The playground is part of Beresford Park, which includes the Beresford Rec Center and the city’s only Community Garden.