Discover the best kids playgrounds in Hermosa to Manhattan Beach. One Manhattan Beach playground has slides, ducks, a pirate ship, and more! Then, there’s the Hermosa Beach playground with a bike path, bridge, and merry go-round. Do you want to know these spots and the best Hermosa to Manhattan Beach playgrounds?
As a mom of two, get the scoop on the beach playground spots you can’t miss for fun, variety, safety, and even some relaxation. This is all the info you need for the best, close to the beach playgrounds of Hermosa and Manhattan detailing their equipment, suitability by age group, safety features, amenities, restroom availability, proximity to coffee shops, and whether they are gated. Let’s explore…
So…I am a playground mom. I say that because I literally raised my kids at the playground, almost every single day. No joke. Now I should say, a huge part of that is my proximity to the playground helping me visit the playground almost daily, but I also really, really, really love a good playground.
I should also mention, I visit playgrounds even when I travel (went to some awesome ones in Australia!) and therefore, my love for the playground and what playgrounds mean to me runs deeper than my city lines.
It’s a place of memories. The playground is also a necessity for kids to explore and run, socialize, be outdoors, and sometimes…it can be a break for their adults depending on the type of playground.
So before you read, just know I consider myself a bit of a playground expert in that I have been to these spots hundreds of times. I also look for certain characteristics of a playground and so I mention my favorite places in this list. I hope this list (in NO particular order) of beach playgrounds of Hermosa to Manhattan Beach bring some joy to your kids and to you as well.
These are NOT all the playgrounds, but these are my top picks.
Help maintain the beauty of our playgrounds, and all shared spaces, by placing trash in the proper receptacle and teaching our children, also, how to respect our environment and others so we may all continue to enjoy these places for many years to come and future generations.
Hermosa Beach Playgrounds
I love each of these playgrounds so much! Consider the time of day you are going and how many people you are going with. Some playgrounds are more sand than others, very in size, and also, some are better if you are okay with parking far and taking a walk to get there.
Valley Park
This is the largest park in Hermosa that is best for groups, all kids, sports, dogs, and all activities. It’s in a central location to the ocean, shops, and right next to the Greenbelt for walking. Be safe at the large intersection of Gould and Valley when getting to Valley Park, and enjoy!
- Location: 2521 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
- Size: Very Large
- Equipment: Universally accessible play set with swings, slides, and climbing features.
- Age Range: All ages, including toddlers and older kids.
- Nature Sights & Outdoor Benefits: Large grassy fields and shade trees; great for running and picnics.
- Educational Benefits: Diverse equipment enhances physical and social skills.
- Seating/Picnic Options: Multiple picnic tables, BBQ grills, and benches.
- Food Proximity: Eateries on Pier Ave or down at the beach are a mile away, and Hermosa Valley Farmers Market on select days. Many food choices on PCH is a short 3-5 minute drive away.
- Weather Suitability: Outdoor facilities; limited shaded areas, not ideal for rain.
- Safety: Open layout with good visibility; supervision recommended.
- Tips: Arrive early for better parking and picnic spots. Great for group gatherings.
- Amenities: Picnic tables, amphitheater, fire pit, basketball court, and open fields.
- Restrooms: Yes.
- Closest Coffee Shop: Java Man Coffee House, approximately 0.7 miles away.
- Gated: No.
- Parking: Easy. There is parking all around the park on the street and a small parking lot on Valley Drive.
Sea View Parkette
I love this place. It’s a “baby playground”. Expect to see little, little people here so it’s not great for bigger kids that want to run around. It’s busy after school hours, but during the day it’s a perfect toddler playground and for kids that love to play in sand. Bring sunscreen because there is no shade in the sand area. The sand can get hot too!
- Location: 1870 Prospect Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
- Size: Very small/Parkette
- Equipment: Small play structure suitable for very young children.
- Age Range: Best suited for toddlers and young children.
- Nature Sights & Outdoor Benefits: Almost ALL SAND. Lots of sand play AND there is a WATER feature (faucet on play structure). My kids get wet, sandy, and messy here. It’s tons of fun, but a change of clothes may be necessary. Quiet parkette with a small green, grassy area within the neighborhood; perfect for enjoying fresh air.
- Seating/Picnic Options: Small seating areas, a short brick wall to sit on, and one picnic table.
- Food Proximity: Closest grocery is Trader Joe’s (0.7 miles away).
- Weather Suitability: Fully outdoor setting, not ideal during rain. All sand so not good on cold days.
- Safety: Fully enclosed with high hedges; provides a secure environment.
- Tips: Despite its name, the park doesn’t have sea views. Best for a quick outing.
- Amenities: Picnic tables, restroom.
- Restrooms: Yes.
- Closest Coffee Shop: Starbucks, Lazy Acres, Vons, Java Man Coffee House, all within 1 mile away.
- Gated: Yes.
- Parking: Difficult. You have to park in the neighborhood or be lucky that it is not a busy time and can find a spot. Parking and coming here between 2-3pm is not great because the traffic can be too busy.
Fort Lots-o-Fun
One of my top fave, especially when I want to be in a gated place and even sit down for a while. This place is ideal for a little “nature” exploration with a very small dirt path…but to little minds it’s full of fun to be had! My kids find leaves, bugs, flowers, and love the dirt path. This is a sweet park for budding young minds. Also, perfect for babies because there is lots of safe areas to play.
- Location: 1102 6th Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
- Size: Very small/Parkette
- Equipment: Large wooden play structure with slides; no swings.
- Age Range: Ideal for children 7 and under.
- Nature Sights & Outdoor Benefits: A cozy park with open space and ocean breezes nearby. There is an ocean view.
- Educational Benefits: Encourages climbing, coordination, and pretend play.
- Seating/Picnic Options: Several benches and a couple of picnic tables.
- Food Proximity: Within 1 mile of small eateries and grocery stores like Vons.
- Weather Suitability: Outdoor setting
- Safety: Fully enclosed, making it ideal for young kids.
- Tips: Limited parking, so plan accordingly. Bring snacks and water, as facilities are minimal.
- Amenities: Rubber flooring, benches, small grassy area.
- Restrooms: No.
- Closest Coffee Shop: Java Man Coffee House, approximately 0.8 miles away.
- Gated: Yes.
- Parking: Difficult. It’s in the neighborhood so plan to take a walk if it is a busy day.
South Park
I love the huge, open field here and the walk path all around. A great spot for families and kids that love to run.
- Location: 425 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
- Size: Large
- Equipment: Playground with climbing structures, swings, merry go round, sand, bridge, climbing ropes, hills, an excavator digging tool, woodchips, and slides.
- Age Range: Toddlers to older children.
- Nature Sights & Outdoor Benefits: Community garden and large green, grassy spaces with trees for shade. Path for walking, kids scooters and bikes, jogging.
- Seating/Picnic Options: Picnic tables and benches near the play area. Even has kids picnic tables.
- Food Proximity: Local eateries are down at the beach…ten minute walk.
- Weather Suitability: Outdoor; limited shade. Not suitable for rainy days.
- Safety: Family-friendly environment, but supervision is advised due to the open layout and varied equipment.
- Tips: Explore the community garden for a quick nature lesson (inquire before).
- Amenities: Open play field.
- Restrooms: Yes.
- Closest Coffee Shop: The Boy & The Bear Coffee Roastery, approximately 0.5 miles away drive on PCH.
- Gated: No.
- Parking: Difficult. The parking lot is tiny…plan to walk and possibly park in the neighborhood.
Manhattan Beach Playgrounds
Polliwog Park
- Location: 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
- Equipment: TWO Large playgrounds with sections for toddlers and older children, including slides and climbing areas. Pirate ship. Ropes. Huge slide.
- Age Range: All ages.
- Nature Sights & Outdoor Benefits: Features a duck pond, botanical garden, and plenty of open grassy areas. ONLY ONE HALF IS GATED…the other is OPEN and NEXT to the pond. There is an enclosed dog play area in the top area of the hill by the playground. There is a huge path all around this park and it leads to ANOTHER playground within Polliwog Park.
- Educational Benefits: Interactive features promote problem-solving and creativity. Duck pond offers a nature experience.
- Seating/Picnic Options: Picnic tables, shaded areas, and an amphitheater with seating.
- Food Proximity: Close to Manhattan Beach Farmers Market and small local cafes. Must drive. Target is just a few minutes away.
- Weather Suitability: Fully outdoor; not ideal during rain.
- Safety: Open sightlines; well-maintained. NEXT TO POND! There is NO barrier between the path and the pond.
- Tips: Great for family picnics or events; check the amphitheater schedule for free events.
- Amenities: Amphitheater, pond, open fields, and botanical garden.
- Restrooms: Yes.
- Closest Coffee Shop: Coffee is approximately 0.6 miles away. There are tons of places in Manhattan Beach Downtown which is a short seven minute drive.
- Gated: No.
- Parking: Easy. Street Parking.
Note: They have summer concerts here at Polliwog Park!
Adventureplex
This place is an indoor play space.
Location: 1701 Marine Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Drop-In Play Times:
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Select Sundays: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed for private parties
- Reservations: Required for two-hour sessions; reserve here. AdventurePlex
Equipment & Indoor Activities:
- Five-Level Play Structure: Features mazes, tunnels, and slides, promoting physical activity and exploration. AdventurePlex
- ToddlerTown: An imaginative play zone tailored for younger children. Grocery shop. Kitchen. Blocks. Soft foam floors. Ride on toys.
- Reading Corner: A cozy area encouraging literacy and quiet time.
- Sports Court: Available during drop-in play for various sports activities.
Age Range: Suitable for toddlers to children aged 8.
Educational Benefits:
- Encourages social skills through group play.
- Stimulates cognitive development via interactive and imaginative activities.
- Promotes physical health through active play structures.
Seating & Amenities:
- Seating areas for parents and caregivers are available.
- Restrooms are accessible within the facility.
- On-site vending machines offer snacks and beverages.
Food Proximity: Several eateries and coffee shops are within a 5-10 minute driving distance.
Weather Suitability: As an indoor facility, AdventurePlex is ideal for play regardless of weather conditions.
Safety Measures:
- Staff conducts regular cleaning of equipment and communal areas.
- Reservations limit the number of participants, ensuring a safe environment.
- Temperature checks and verbal screenings are performed upon entry. AdventurePlex
Tips:
- Participants are required to wear grip socks; bringing an extra pair is advisable.
- Check the AdventurePlex calendar for special events or schedule changes.
- I have been there for hours before, so ALWAYS pack a lunch because every time I have gone, there is no snack bar.
Gated: The facility is secure, with controlled entry and exit points to ensure child safety.
AdventurePlex is awesome for a change of pace and when it’s s gloomy day to be outside. DO check the scedule and make an online reservation before going ( I have found it to be closed for camps or have some off regular hours before). There is a fee for drop-in play and it is less expensive than some other play places, or you can purchase a membership.
More Play Places Outside of Hermosa to Manhattan Beach
While the above are some of my favorite playgrounds by the beach, I also like a few playground spots in the surrounding areas. Don’t miss these when you want something new, and some are indoors.
Verterans Park in Redondo Beach – Free parking on the Farmer’s Market Thursdays and go early to find parking. The playground has two areas and so much interactive play. There is the beach right there for a walk near the bike path, and also the Redondo Beach Pier is a ten minute walk.
Dig It Torrance – This is one of the very best indoor play places of the South Bay. It’s huge with so much to do! Kids can create, climb, and play to their hearts content here. All indoors and the space is fairly new and kept clean.
South Play – A hidden gem, but I can’t gatekeep this one! It has a massive ball pit and is next to a French cafe. This is a great spot for baby to young kids under 5 years old. Smaller space. All indoors.
Please note that while efforts have been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to check the current status of each playground before visiting, as amenities and conditions may change over time.
If you ever spot broken or damage to the equipment, you can report it the “GO Hermosa!” app.
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