I love parks like that--so nice when there's a toddler area and a separate section for the older kiddos. Plenty of space to run around too! There are swings for the smaller kids and the older kids, plus that cool swing ride for the bigger kids. And I love when they have lots of slides and different ways to climb--keeps them entertained forever! read more

Ohh Nealon Park, how I love you. Let me count the ways: 1. You are a fully accessible park with activities for everyone. 2. You have room for your small and large friends alike, including parents, which makes my achy back and knees so happy. 3. You're well-maintained with plenty of parking, manicured landscaping, and all park equipment in good working condition. 4. You're fully fenced in so I don't need to worry about my child running into traffic or straying too far. 5. You're close to coffee and food shops. 6. You're great for birthday parties, with tons of space and tables! Whether you're a parent of a human child or a dog child, this park is fantastic. Fenced in playground, large open grass area, and plenty of shade. Wonderful little gem that we're lucky to have in the area! read more

Loved this park. Great fenced in playground with multiple structures that catered to big and small kids, including this merry go round structure that the kids were obsessed with. There's a huge green space, tennis courts and it's great for picnicking. There's side of street and also some limited lot parking. The green space is pretty dark after sunset and isn't well lit, playground was still usable after dark. Overall, great location! read more

Nealon Park - Parks Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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Such a fun park! My kids (ages 5 & 8) spent a solid 2 hours here. They loved the giant slide and the 3 person swing so much! There was a good amount of people here on a Saturday, but it felt like plenty of seating and shade/sun for everyone to spread out. The only slight let down was that the 2 zip lines weren't working, so I deducted a star. The parking on the street was okay because we grabbed the last spot, but it looked like they were going to update and add spaces at the beginning of this month. This is a low gate park which gives good assurance there won't be any escapees ;), and you don't have to be quite as vigilant for older kids. They also have clean bathrooms really close by in front of the nursery school; Always appreciate that. read more

I visit this Park at least once a week. I use a walker, go down Roble to El Camino, grab some newspapers, shop at Safeway, and grab a coffee and go up Middle to sit on a bench to read the papers. I love watching the kids in the playground, the kids playing soccer or throwing a ball with their parents on the large grassy area, folks playing with their dogs, kids riding bikes all around. I want to complement the City employee who cleans the women's bathroom. It's very clean. Kids make it a challenge on the weekends! And the employees who empty the trash and keep the lawn in great shape! read more

Great place to play pickleball if you can find a court. It's usually pretty full since they're only 4 pickleball courts. But occasionally I'm able to find it pretty free on a Saturday morning (but that is rare and not a usual occurrence). There's a lot of parking. There's street parking, parking by the court, and parking in the lot past the courts. So I don't usually have trouble with parking. read more

Nealon Park - 4 Pickleball courts - Parks Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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Hi neighbors, I'm a mother of a 2-year-old and wanted to share something disturbing that happened today (June 30th) at Nealon Park in Menlo Park around mid-morning, near the large tree trunk area by the playground. A nanny was there with a group of children and had a bunch of toys laid out. My son briefly picked up a toy and then walked away to chase a ball. A minute later, he ran back toward the toys. Before I could catch up, this nanny forcefully grabbed my son's arm, and he started screaming in distress. She looked at me and said, "We are not sharing toys right now." She continued pulling on his arm even as I was approaching. At no point did I give her permission to touch my child, and no words were exchanged before this happened. I was shocked and upset. I managed to take a photo of her as we were leaving. I'm sharing this here to see if anyone recognizes this caregiver or has had a similar experience. I've reported the incident to the appropriate authorities, but I feel it's important for other parents and guardians to be aware. This photo was taken in a public park and is being shared strictly for community safety and awareness. If you know who she is or have seen concerning behavior before, please comment or message me privately. Our kids deserve to feel safe when we take them out to play. read more

Nealon Park - Parks Near Me - Menlo Park, California

Fantastic park with play structures for kids of all ages. They have a lot of cool play structures that I haven't seen at other playground and can certainly entertain a little one for awhile. There are park benches around and also some shaded areas. Right next to the playground is a tennis court and an open field as well. Plenty of parking in the surrounding area. If I lived closer, this would probably be one of our go-tos. read more

Nealon Park - Parks Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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Nealon Park Review Nealon Park is easily one of the standout parks in the Menlo Park area--tons of space, tons of vibes. The off-leash dog area is a major win if your pup needs to let loose and embrace their inner track star. Just a heads up though: no separate zones for big vs. small dogs, so if your mini doodle isn't down to scrap with a golden retriever, maybe keep a close eye. Formalities fly out the window once the zoomies kick in. Open leash park (baseball field) operating from 8AM-10AM and is typically packed with local doggo. Plan accordingly. Menlo Park itself leans local--mostly mellow folks, families with stroller squads, and the occasional Stanford undergrad getting their steps in between seminars. The playground? Straight-up toddler paradise. Think colorful jungle gym meets sensory wonderland. If your child's under 10, they'll be locked in for hours. Pro tip: weekends are prime time for birthday parties, so expect balloons, bounce balls, a rogue bubble machine, and at least one speaker bumping Kidz Bop at 11am. One unique feature: there's a little alleyway that connects the park straight to downtown Menlo, so if you're the type to reward your dog walk with a latte or a croissant, it's a solid move. Plus, there's a daycare (Little House) right near the restrooms--which might explain all the pint-sized foot traffic during weekday mornings. If you're new, bring a paddle and slot it in the waiting queue--simple system, but don't expect to just waltz on. The paddle queue setup is honestly reminiscent of old-school arcade days--just placing your quarter on the machine like, "I got next." In this case, it's a paddle, but the energy's the same. It gets competitive fast. I once watched a sweet grandma drop a topspin serve that had some tech bro shaking his head like he just got hustled by Serena Williams in a visor. Think Bob Barker in Happy Gilmore (RIP legend)--unexpectedly lethal The only downside? Getting a court can feel like you're trying to get a reservation at French Laundry. But once you're in rotation, the matches move fast, the competition is real, and the vibes are good. Just bring a little humility--and maybe an ice pack. read more

Enclosed neighborhood park that has plenty of play structures. Street parking and bathrooms, picnic area with four picnic tables are available. Surrounded by some trees so i suspect there to be some shaded areas when it's sunny. read more

Nealon Park - Parks Near Me - Menlo Park, California

We were happy to come across this playground. It has one of the longest continuous structures I have ever seen! There's essentially one long ramp that has various slides and climbing structures coming off of it, that leads to a net tunnel that then leads to the tallest tube slide. The entire playground is fenced in, and also includes a van themed toddler structure, a ring/circle swing, a firepit themed mini-structure, and a merry-go-around esque swing structure that spins. My kids were entertained for longer than usual! There are picnic tables, and a huge lawn area outside of the fenced area. We went on a pretty sunny/hot day, and felt there were enough portions of the playground that were shaded by umbrellas. read more

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One of our favorite playgrounds for our young toddler. PROS: - Huge play structure with slides, netted walking, glider, swings, etc. - Structure(s) that accommodate both younger (i.e. baby swing) and older (i.e. glider) kids - Gated play area makes it safer for kids - Picnic tables both inside and outside the gated playground area make it a viable option for small parties (though no way to formally reserve - have to show up early); a few different benches for parents who need to sit / rest while watching their kids - Very clean bathrooms with multiple stalls - I've seen reviewers complain about limited parking, but we've never had a hard time - note that there is parking alongside two sides of the baseball field / near the community center, not just alongside the playground+tennis courts - Large grass areas if you want to do tummy time / picnicking CONS: - Very little shaded area within the playground for kids - bring sunblock / hats on sunny days! - Being picky, but I wish it was a soft flooring vs. tanbark (like Magical Bridge) - Sometimes the older + younger kid mix can be a bit much near the bigger slides / netted walk area - I've consistently seen leftover takeout boxes or alcohol glass here vs. other parks OTHER: - The baseball field doubles as a dog park, but the hours are off and I've never seen people there. read more

Love the tennis courts here (yeah, I know that love means nothing in tennis). This is a great place to meet with a bunch of regulars who love to play tennis and live for tennis. read more

Plenty of parking space and huge playground with multiple play structure for small and big kids. My daughters love this park!

Trees to provide shade, as well as coverings over the playground equipment. Plenty of picnic tables. A large playground with unique equipment for all ages. However, there are tiny parking spots. read more

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there is some dog park here at least not that I could find. You can walk your dog on leash and it's very grassy and pretty I guess. Go to Willow Park if you want to run your dog but make sure to read my review there first. read more

little of everything and more...this is a unique park with play features not common at most parks...tall play structure complete with rope bridge and twisting tube slide, and smaller slides...manual spinning swing ride being popular, but only 4 seats...some kids want to stay on forever...climbing rock features...monkey bars....toddler monkey bars and train shaped play structure...a zip line, but disabled march 2022 (not sure if it is permanently closed)...entire playground is gated, but toddler area is not separated... read more

Nealon Park - large play structure - Parks Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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It's always nice to come to this park! The playground area is enclosed so it's safe for kids ! Parking might be a challenge on a nice day but there's always the residential areas to park! Some part of the playground is shaded but it does get really hot on a sunny day! Bathrooms are also available nearby and are fairly clean ! Definitely recommended place for a chill out day for the kids ! read more

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Nealon Park is a really pleasant location where you can find space to play tennis, read a book, walk your dog, or take your kids to play at the jungle gym. It's a well-maintained park and people are very nice and respectful in the area. It's located right near a Draegers grocery store as well as a Safeway, so its really convenient to grab something to eat or drink and walk over to enjoy it in Nealon Park. They also allow dogs off-leash on the baseball field at certain times, which is great for those who own dogs. I consider Nealon Park a mini gem of Menlo Park and worth a visit if you're looking to explore the neighborhood. read more

This lovely park is a great place to visit for people of all ages, with a wide variety of activities available. A modest toddler area, an energetic splash pad, a quaint river section where you may get wet your feet, a dynamic climbing zone, a well-equipped skate park, and an entertaining sandbox are some of its attractions. Diverse features are thoughtfully included to ensure that there is something for everyone. It is suggested for parents who have young children who are not very fond of the water to bring swimsuits or extra clothing. The park also has a covered area that's great for birthday celebrations or barbeques. My three-year-old was utterly mesmerized by the experience, so I can't help but feel envious of those who live closer to this jewel! read more

Pretty small park, but it seems to be pretty popular. I took my dog on a Saturday afternoon around 2PM. The park is dog friendly but requires that you keep them on leash. There are a good number of trash cans and water fountains around and also men and women's restrooms that are fairly clean. There were a number of kids birthday parties, so the children's play area was really busy. Bonus - lots of parking, but my GPS took me to the parking right on the street that made it difficult to back out because of oncoming traffic. There's parking closer to the baseball field that looks to be safer and easier to exit. read more

Nealon Park - Parks Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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We LOVE this playground!! Super cool play structures with a play area for tots as well! Lots of fun, unique swings and fast slides. Nice field area behind the playground as well. The entire playground is enclosed and there's lots of benches and shade here too! It can be pretty packed, so make sure you get here early. read more

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Pretty nice enclosed park. The swing/grab bars were out of order. The bathroom was clean. There is a preschool near the park as well. Easy parking. read more

This is the most fun park my son has ever seen. He loved the big tunnel slide and just exploring everything there.

When you have a toddler who just wants to run around, a fully enclosed playground is key. And Nealon Park doesn't disappoint. They just put down new wood chips so the entire play area is great. I also love that there are bathrooms right there, and plenty of parking. There is also a smaller playground behind the daycare. It looks like you can just walk into it when school isn't in session, and it's great for little kids. There are also tennis courts and a baseball diamond. read more

Nealon Park - Parks Near Me - Menlo Park, California

Nealon is a clean, centrally located, nine acre park. The playground is not particularly exciting, but it's not bad either and is compact enough for a parent to watch two kids from the picnic tables. The park also offers five tennis courts to Menlo Park residents and those willing to climb the fence. read more

Nealon Park - Parks Near Me - Menlo Park, California

Not a dog park... meaning no place to let your dog off leash. Good clean bathrooms and lots of kids playing on structures which is fenced in. read more

Great playground area with security fence around, different slide sizes, climbing wall, baby swings, baby and me swings, a pic nic table, and an open green space outside fence. read more

Nealon Park - View from a bench, playground - Parks Near Me - Menlo Park, California

I love Nealon Park because you have close parking. Clear view of all the surrounding and the place is well kept with lots of tall foliage. read more

Nealon Park - Lovely picnic table - Parks Near Me - Menlo Park, California

First visit - ok park. More rules than I've ever seen posted and probably broke 4 of them. Just a 50 yard length fenced in area with no water, little shade, and no benches or place to sit. Had two nice conversations with regulars, pretty much empty otherwise at 3pm. Add a watering station and a bench or two. read more

A nice local Park just a short walk from my apartment. If you've got kids in your life, there's a huge playground for them. Lots of friends meet to let their dogs run around on the playing field. Neighbors meet new folks in the Community here with their dogs of all sizes. Several park benches to spend time relaxing. Closeby Safeway and Peets Coffee just a couple blocks away on el Camino real at Middle avenue. Also, there's a nail and beauty salon in the shopping center. Petco Unleashed is there, too , so you good give your doggie a self-service bath. Good eats at Rubio's , mexican restaurant or the deli at Safeway. Have fun and get all your needs met here in my neighborhood in downtown Menlo Park. read more

The only aspect of the park I have experienced has been the "dog Park". I love taking my dog there, for those of you go or will go he is the big fluffy husky who washes his feet in the water bucket and sometimes answers to his name, Kiba. I digress. I am glad there is a park that I can bring my dog to and take him off leash. The area is actually the enclosed baseball diamond at the back of the park that dog owners get to use from 8-10am M-F (when its not raining). The space is big enough for 50+ dogs of all sizes to be running free while owners watch from inside. Pretty much all the dogs are well behaved and the ones that aren't tend to have reponsible owners who handle them well. My one complaint with the park is that peewee baseball parents always complain about us using the area and complain the city that they want us off "their turf". I think a few hours in the morning weekdays is a small price to pay for having a baseball field at your disposal. And more importantly, how many baseball fields are there in the area and how many dog parks are there? So peewee parents, stop complaining and then teach your little thumbsucker to throw a ball correctly, its pretty embarrassing. read more

probably the nicest park in menlo park, in my opinion. the grassy area is really green and lush, and perfect for a picnic or lounging. even your pooch will like it, as i've seen many a pup rolling around happily in the grass. there's a softball field at one end of the park, tennis courts at another end, and a clubhouse/community center at another. in the center of the park is a daycare for the little ones. there's also a nice-size playground structure at the front end of the park (middle avenue side). plenty of parking here, so you should have no problem finding a space for your wheels. something for everyone here at nealon park. read more

Very nice park but not too toddler friendly as some play stations for kids 12 and up are too close to the little kids (5 and under). Not enough toddler swings. Parents, , watch your kids at all times in all parks, please! Not too long ago this tiny girl climbed up one of the activities there and caught me by surprise while pushing my kid on a toddler swing. The girl could have fallen from a very high point. read more

I am writing this as a review for the "dog park." Weekday mornings around 8-10 you can bring your best furry friend to the baseball field, a nice enclosed space to let the dogs run free and play off leash. Most of the dogs (and their owners) are friendly and playful. There are a few aggressive ones, but as long as you keep an eye on your dog it shouldn't be a problem. Most people are good about cleaning up after their dogs, and some will even tell you to do the same (I know, but give me a minute, he's mid-poop!!). It's a great place to let the dogs loose and just let them roll in the grass and wrestle with each other. My dog is always happy after a day at the park, and even though she is covered in dirt, it can't be beat. read more

Dog owners NOTE: when the dog park is open it is only open for a few hours in the morning (although there are no signs that state this). And, it's not really a true "dog park" but rather a place where dogs can sometimes run off-leash. I was going to be in the neighborhood so I brought the pooch along, promising her that she would get to hang with some new dog pals if she was well behaved while we ran some errands in the Palo Alto/MP area. Well, Nealon Park made a liar out of me. We got out of the car and wandered around looking for the dog-centric area and the only thing I could find was a sign that said dogs were only allowed off leash in the designated off-leash area (which meant there was an off-leash area around although it didn't indicate where that might be). I asked a passerby and was told that the dog park was in the middle of the baseball field (that is closed for lawn repairs)...which doesn't make clear sense, but I guess locals are OK with it. If you happen to live in the immediate surrounding area this is a decent park to walk through, as it has a small children's playground, tennis courts and well manicured lawns. However, if you are not within walking distance I wouldn't bother coming here as aside from some nonsensical signage, this park doesn't leave an impression either way. read more

Live around the corner and I love being able to take my dogs here in the baseball field!

Dog park, baseball field, large mostly shaded playground, and tennis courts here. The dog park is located in the enclosed baseball field, which is the perfect size for lots of romping and running before the heat of the day. It's open to k-9's 8-10am. Work is underway to add a dog gate in the outfield which users have been asking for for years. All that's needed to make this place more perfect is some evening hours, and running water. The nearby kid's playground is fairly nice, just needs a water feature too in the sunny part :) read more

This is a good place to take the dogs in the morning but note that it's only open to dogs off-leash until 10am everyday. My dogs love chasing the ball or other dogs. It's the entire softball field so it's a big area for them to run. They are exhausted by the time we get home. Good spot, much better than the Willow dog park. I'm taking a star away because of the limited hours. read more

I just found this spot today and love it! It's nice to finally find a group of responsible dog owners. There were only a couple of tiny, aggressive dogs that would charge some of the larger dogs while barking their heads off (can't lead to anything good!). Most people were conscious of when their dogs pooped on the field and picked it up, although there were a couple that seemed oblivious to their dogs because they were so busy socializing with others. At least everyone's good about pitching in to pick up at the end of the two hour off leash window. Overall, I think this is a great spot and look forward to taking my dog here daily. read more