If you're new to Ventura and have kids, one of the first things you might be asking is: Where are the best playgrounds in Ventura? Not just any playground, though—you’re likely looking for well-maintained equipment, fun and varied play structures, shaded areas, and safe, family-friendly environments.
In this guide, I’ll share my top five picks for the best playgrounds in Ventura, California. These parks offer a great mix of fun, community, and convenience. Whether you're a local or considering moving to Ventura, this list will help you explore the most kid-friendly spots in town.
By the way, I’m Grant Leichtfuss, your go-to resource for all things Ventura real estate. I publish hyper-local content like this every week. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Ventura, whether it’s in 9 days or 9 months, let’s connect for a quick, no-pressure call and see if we’re a good fit.
Let’s dive in.
1. Arroyo Verde Park: Ventura’s Most Inclusive Playground
Location: Foothill Road & Day Road
Shade Rating: ☂️☂️☂️☂️☂️ (5 out of 5 umbrellas)
Arroyo Verde Park is a hillside gem nestled in the Ventura foothills. After the Thomas Fire in 2017 destroyed the original playground, the city rebuilt the space with a powerful vision: create Ventura’s first fully inclusive playground for children of all abilities.
The result? A 10,000+ square foot play area featuring:
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Colorful rubberized play surfaces
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Embankment climbers and sensory garden
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Swings, hammocks, and balance beams
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Shaded gathering areas and nearby restrooms
Thanks to the surrounding trees, Arroyo Verde earns a perfect 5 out of 5 umbrellas on the shade scale. This is a must-visit for families and a standout among Ventura parks.
2. Camino Real Park: A Local Favorite for Family Playdates
Location: Dean Drive & Varsity Street
Shade Rating: ☂️☂️☂️ (3 out of 5 umbrellas)
Spanning over 38 acres, Camino Real Park is a community hub located in Ventura’s college area. It features three playgrounds, but the standout is near the tennis courts.
While the sand-based play surface may be controversial (some parents love it, others not so much), the equipment is excellent: monkey bars, slides, swings, and a bridge.
Bonus tip: This is also where the Ventura Parents Club meets on the second Saturday of each month. It's a free, welcoming group run by my wife, perfect for making friends and building community.
While the equipment is mostly in the sun, there are shade trees nearby, earning Camino Real 3 out of 5 umbrellas.
3. Kellogg Park: Newer Equipment and a Neighborhood Vibe
Location: Ventura Avenue & Kellogg Street
Shade Rating: ☂️☂️ (2 out of 5 umbrellas)
Over on the westside, Kellogg Park features modern playground equipment with a variety of engaging options: slides, swings, a rope bridge, teeter-totter, and even a fun digger/excavator toy that kids love.
There’s a 1/3-mile walking loop around the park, perfect for stroller naps or light exercise while your kids play.
Because this is a newer park, the trees are still small, and there’s not much natural shade yet. For now, it earns 2 out of 5 umbrellas.
4. Thille Park: Great for Birthday Parties
Location: Thille Street & Saratoga Avenue
Shade Rating: ☂️☂️☂️ (3 out of 5 umbrellas)
Thille Park is centrally located and offers two play areas, both in excellent condition. You’ll find slides, swings, and bridges—all on a wood chip surface. It’s not my favorite material, but it gets the job done.
One standout feature here is the covered gazebo, which can be reserved through the City of Ventura. If you're looking for a playground for a birthday party, this is a great option.
Shade is similar to Camino Real, with large trees nearby but not over the equipment itself. Thille earns 3 out of 5 umbrellas.
5. Marina Park: Newly Installed Summer of 2025!
Location: Pierpont Area, near the beach
Shade Rating: ☂️ (1 out of 5 umbrellas)
Just steps from the ocean, Marina Park is a local favorite with stunning coastal views. The previous equipment struggled with the coastal elements—salt and wind—but the city installed new equipment in the Summer of 2025!
Features include:
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Net climbers and swings
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Tot lot and large play structure
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See-saw and rubberized safety surfacing
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New benches and gathering areas
And don’t worry—the iconic pirate ship is still nearby!
Unfortunately, there’s not much natural shade here, and the city wasn’t able to add any during the renovation due to budget constraints. Marina Park scores just 1 out of 5 umbrellas on the shade scale.
Final Thoughts: Best Parks and Playgrounds in Ventura
Whether you’re a long-time local or a new resident, Ventura’s parks offer a wide range of kid-friendly playgrounds, scenic settings, and welcoming communities. From the fully inclusive design of Arroyo Verde to the up-and-coming improvements at Marina Park, there’s something here for every family.
Looking for more insights about family living in Ventura? Or ready to explore homes near Ventura’s best parks? Reach out to me anytime. I’m here to help you feel right at home in one of California’s most family-friendly coastal communities.
