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    Maruta Gardner Playground

    4.8 (29 reviews)

    Maruta Gardner Playground Photos

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    Lori R.

    We had a nice day hanging out at this playground with our kiddos. It's definitely sun worn, and probably needs a little update, but the kids enjoyed the unique play features. Bathrooms were close by and had soap and toilet paper well stocked. Cleanliness was as expected for park bathrooms but were overly scary. Parking was good in the morning but it does get very crowded as the morning turned into the afternoon. Plenty of grass area if you want to setup a shade tent and chairs, but very little seating and shade if you aren't bringing your own chairs. This isn't close to any restaurants or fast food, so if you don't bring food or drinks you're stuck. Ice cream carts do come around but nothing else. Totally worth the trip if you're prepared!

    Julia R.

    This is a fun new playground, but it does not have infant swings!!! Unbelievable. However, they have a cool slide that rolls. On the inside of one of the structures, they have several fun activities like a musical notes hitting something metal to make sound and then the other one is like a whole bunch of marbles on the wall that spin. They have like a little merry-go-round that your infant can go in but most of the older kids always take over and go really fast and I went on a weekday.

    Marilyn N.

    This is the BEST playground we've ever been to! Giant slide, around about swings, rope course, and so much more unique equipment you don't see at other parks. Just a short walk from Belmont park and a skip from the water .. wonderful way to enjoy a sunny day!

    Evee G.

    Some place for kids but only needs umbrella shades. My kid liked it just that the hot Sun was not good to cover the playground.

    Hammock
    Chanese T.

    Park is super cute and right on the beach. Visited from out of town and been here a couple of times. Very fun for ages 4-12

    Bay View
    Bacong F.

    This was such fun playground for all ages! The view was great and there were plenty of sitting area.

    Bradly P.

    WOO HOO as good as it gets! Yes I'm definitely talking about Maruta Gardner Playground located on West Mission Bay right across from Belmont Park! Pack your bags, your snacks, and kids and head on over right now! This is literally the Disney land for kids at a no cost cover charge as well as ample free parking! We arrived on a weekend around noon and it was fairly crowded and noticed all the kids climbing on baby blue and pink things from our car and as we slowly walked up closer we knew we were in for a treat. The park is nestled on the bay with gorgeous spectacular views and palm trees with the sun shining bright even in January. The architecture of the park was very well thought out and you can tell there was plenty of time and money put into this amazing place. There is anything and everything here a kid could ask for from swings, slides, and spinners! The trapeze is official here with kids climbing to the top and going down to kids sliding down the big pink mat pretending lava is on the floor when only trying to walk on the blocks at the end. My personal favorite is the carousel swing they have where it fits 3 kids and you push them like they are at a amusement park and they swing in a circle. They also have a sit down see saw where its fits 4 but just make sure the weight distribution is accurate for it it work. There is also a small park for 2-5 yr old's where they can practice skills such as climbing and balancing and also has a small slide as well. They also have fresh white beach sand where you can bring your sand toys and build a castle and imagine you are at the beach with beach chairs and a shaded umbrella over you. They also go 2 hammocks where you can lay on it and swing till you fall asleep . The floor is padded with a rubbery type like substance which can prevent injury if your child trips and falls from running and hits the ground first. Around the park is absolutely beautiful with palm trees, grass, and a nice sidewalk to use for either running, skating, or taking a nice walk in Americas Finest City San Diego. Overall a stunning park located in mission bay where you can let the kids loose and have a great time. There was also a guy out there making huge bubbles where the kids thought that was so much fun while they were running and chasing them trying to pop them. What are you waiting for and hurry up and bring them here because I guarantee this place wont disappoint and your pockets will still be full!

    Mickayla M.

    Beach playgrounds are such a SoCal thing- but winter weather calls me to them way more than hot, busy summer days I also knew going into this playground I needed backup- AKA daddy-because it offers some serious climbing . My 3 year old loves to challenge his body and this provided that opportunity while also offering lots of entertainment for the 14-month old. Tons of climbing, circular swings, hammocks, spinners, balance beams, climbing bridges... the list goes on. Not to mention, the sand is so fine and soft. The beach is just a skip away Ample, easy parking Bathroom and drinking fountains Plenty of parent seating and grassy hills for picnics

    Diana H.

    Awesome place for kids so much fun !! So many options for the kids and for sure you can stay a couple hours , without the kids getting bored

    Park entrance

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    4 years ago

    Super unique play structures and a beautiful setting! We will definitely return here.

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    3 years ago

    love this park. Had to pick up some trash and broken pieces on glass on sand, other than that, its great for kids. Nice view of bay.

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    Ask the Community - Maruta Gardner Playground

    Review Highlights - Maruta Gardner Playground

    Overall a stunning park located in mission bay where you can let the kids loose and have a great time.

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    The Children's Park

    The Children's Park

    4.3
    (36 reviews)
    6.4 mi

    We also enjoyed The Children's Park in Downtown, San Diego, CA…read more When you walk towards the Children's Park, you'll be going through a walkway surrounded by water and you'll see birds swimming. The park is gated and safe for kids. Our son loved the playground. The park is across from The Children's Museum. They also have public bathrooms available with security. The park was nice and clean. There are a few picnic tables outside the park. Check it out! Happy Yelping :)

    This is more based on the dog park that's on the same lot as the Children's Park. This one uses…read moreturf, which i find has it's benefits on the days after a rainstorm since it doesn't get muddy. There are four big pine trees with separate retaining walls around three of them for owners to sit down. With it being so close to the bay, there's often a nice breeze that goes through the park. There's no divide between small dogs and big dogs, so it's best to just keep an eye on your dog, and many owners around here are usually respectful. The street parking immediately adjacent to the park is free, however, it has a limit of 30 minutes, and the parking meter workers are strict on it if they're around. I bring my dog here around lunch time because those who live/ work in the area tend to bring their dogs during their break time and my dog gets his socialization time. They close 8am-11am MWF for maintenance/ cleaning. Currently, both gates are broken so it's not as secure as it should be, and who knows when the city will actually fix it. There're a few agility structures and a water dispenser. The children's park itself looks pretty cool for kids with a lot of structures with slides and swings. There's also another separate area with fixed exercise equipment that looks well- maintained. The water feature in the park is a water feature, not a pool.

    Photos
    Where can you find a large art sculpture and the many areas made of wood and the climbing is for exercise.
    Where can you find a large art sculpture and the many areas made of wood and the climbing is for exercise.
    Childrens park one of the best educational parks and for the many structures you can have fun the whole day.
    Childrens park one of the best educational parks and for the many structures you can have fun the whole day.
    The Children's Park in Downtown, San Diego, CA

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    The Children's Park in Downtown, San Diego, CA
    Tweet Street Park

    Tweet Street Park

    4.2
    (25 reviews)
    6.2 mi

    We took our girls here and was a bit disappointed overall. It's a small playground at the end of…read morethe street with a big fence separating the freeway below. Large chunks of the rubbery floor were missing. Leaves, needles and sticks were everywhere and plenty of moisture got built up on the structure so luckily we had a towel to wipe some of it off the slides. There's a path where we saw lots of dog owners and dogs walking and they used the trash can at the playground to drop off the dogs poop, so there was a pervasive feces smell at the playground. While the structure was appropriate for the 2-5 year age group, it didn't feel safe or sanitary given that kids could run into the street or accidentally step in or put dog poop in their mouths.

    Tweet Street Park is located Downtown San Diego in Cortez Hill on 9th and Date right off the 163…read morefreeway. It's a lovely small community park for children ages 2-5. I have been coming to this park for years since its very peaceful and great for younger kids to get out and play without always trying to find your kids in larger parks and always hovering over them making sure there safe. It offers street parking around all the condos and has 7 chairs to sit at under shade provided by the trees. There is a small trail to walk on with bicycle parking as well. The children park has 2 swings for toddler's and slides. It offers 3 bouncy springers along with ABC's and a planet universe chart for kids to learn and play at the same time. Tweet Street Park is great for smaller younger kids without always worrying about your kids safety since there always insight. It's always great to come out here in this beautiful San Diego weather and watch your kids get active and play.

    Photos
    Tweet Street Park
    The rules at Tweet Street park.
    The rules at Tweet Street park.
    The entire playground at Tweet Street park.

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    The entire playground at Tweet Street park.
    Tecolote Shores North Park

    Tecolote Shores North Park

    4.7
    (23 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    Love love love this sturdy, well made, accessible park. The options for kids of all abilities is…read moreamazing, and should be highlighted. I'm kicking myself for not taking better pictures. Next time, promise! We bring my daughter here to get her energy out when we come to Sea World, and honestly, I always find myself wishing Fresno would put something like this in. There are two areas and it's unclear if it's all Tecolote or another park all together but you can't miss the options. Large grass area. This one is further from restrooms but the area more south (that doesn't have the outdoor gym equipment) is right next to a children's restroom -all individual locking stalls. Hand washing station outside. We love these parks!!

    This park is amazing! There is so much to do for the kids. I love that they have workout structures…read morefor the adults, too. I'm giving 4/5 stars because there are unfortunately homeless loitering in the pavilions sometimes, trans propaganda written on the sidewalks regularly, and the benches and tables can be quite dirty. Also, the bathrooms have large black widows above the toilets. I know these are things that can't be controlled 24/7 but it would be nice to have a homeless / propaganda free area for my kids at such a wonderful playground. Do be warned, if you're a parent coming alone with more than one young child, it is scary. Your kids can get out of eyesight in an instant with how much there is to do. Just a word of advice for my fellow parents out there! I could barely keep up with my two by myself.

    Photos
    Tecolote Shores North Playground in Mission Bay
    Tecolote Shores North Playground in Mission Bay
    Bridge
    Bridge
    Kids climbing a slanted ladder

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    Kids climbing a slanted ladder
    Civita Park

    Civita Park

    4.6
    (175 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    Civita Park in Mission Valley has quickly become one of my go-to spots, especially since it's just…read morea short drive from home. It's super accessible with ample parking, and I love that there are multiple entry points and routes you can take depending on how long of a walk you're in the mood for. This park truly has something for everyone. There's a splash pad, basketball courts, a great playground for kids, and even a giant chess game, which is such a fun and unique touch. It's also an amazing place to walk your dog--I bring mine here all the time, and he absolutely loves all the open grass and the variety of paths we can explore. One of my favorite features is the set of stairs that lead up toward the residential areas and the dog park. If you take them all the way up, you're rewarded with really pretty views at the top, which makes the little climb totally worth it. Overall, Civita Park is clean, well-designed, and perfect whether you're looking to be active or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon outdoors. Definitely a Mission Valley gem!

    Pros: Spacious, plenty of walking paths, with nice clean facilities, which include 2 family…read morebathrooms with baby diaper changing stations and several drinking fountains. There's also a row of small fountains for kids to play, run through and splash in. Cons: It's a really nice park ON A COOL DAY. Lately, with temperatures 10 to 19° above "normal average" - or maybe it's just the new normal - it's hard to recall the last time we got to experience a cool day. But here, the way the gazebos, tables, and benches are set up reflects a pretty severe case of denial that this is Southern California, and not quite within walking distance from the beach. It WILL get hot whenever it damn pleases, with or without notice. It did so in February already, in case you missed it. We came a few times for the farmers market. Both days were unfortunately " 80°F" her weather report, which in reality feels like 92°F, and we had to scramble to find a little bit of shade, so that we could eat our street food without passing out from heat stroke. We huddled awkwardly on the curb under a small tree. Other people passing by with food in their hands looked at us with envy. NOT A SINGLE PERSON sat on the readily available benches with tables, because they were in the blazing sun, yet lacked any shade. Never mind an umbrella, not even holes to put one in!! Denial much?? It's really sad, because it's a beautiful place. It just DESPERATELY needs more shade for the visitors to feel comfortable without clinging to trees or the bathroom walls.

    Photos
    Civita Park
    Tunnel Mural
    Tunnel Mural
    Basketball court! Can you make a basket?

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    Basketball court! Can you make a basket?
    Liberty Station NTC Park

    Liberty Station NTC Park

    4.6
    (171 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    We're fortunate to be able to walk to all Liberty Station has to offer. ,…read more Dog walks along the water, shopping Trader Joe's or Vons, Sephora. My optometrist is there and the Scripps clinic takes walk-ins for lab work and other services. Tender Greens, Ikuru sushi is simple and very good. Liberty Public market has all kinds of food options, Con Pane for coffee, bread and yummy carbs! Solare for Michelin recommended Italian food. The Joan performing arts center is home to Cygnet Theater company now in its second season there, it's the perfect date night spot. Kayak rentals in the summer behind the hotels and events of all sorts at the Park - Every weekend there is something going on! Grateful to have all this in walking distance to our house !

    Recently walked throughout the private townhomes available at Liberty Station and was impressed…read more The grounds are meticulously maintained and managed. The inner courtyards have water features and outside patios and communal benches. Private parking for residents is a bonus! The best part is being so close to all the area businesses! Trader Joe's, Vons, Scripps Medical and urgent care, the Joan, the Lot, Sephora, Chick-fil, Tender Greens and many, many more! There are also three schools within walking distance and so many restaurants too! There are also open sports park fields used for soccer and other sports! It's a family friendly and safe neighborhood.

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    Liberty Station NTC Park
    Liberty Station NTC Park
    Liberty Station NTC Park

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    Maruta Gardner Playground - playgrounds - Updated June 2026

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