6 Parks in Newport Beach That Your Kids Will Love
If your kiddos are beach-ed out and are eager to switch things up, a day at the park may be the perfect pivot. Trade sandcastles for slides and swings by visiting one of Newport Beach’s beautiful parks! Whether you’re planning a family picnic by the beach or want to let your little ones romp around on a playground, this list of parks in Newport Beach will keep them entertained all day long.
Possibly one of the best parks for kids in Newport Beach, Marina Park sits on 10.5 acres and is home to a nautical-themed playground, outdoor fitness circuit, basketball courts and more. Families love enjoying picnics on the large grass area and popping across the street to the other side of the Balboa Peninsula for some time on the sand. Also part of this park in Newport Beach is a sailing center where people of all ages can rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. And when your littles get hungry, be sure to head up to Lighthouse Café for a meal with a view! This restaurant sits right next to the grassy area and playground, serves brunch and dinner, and even has a kids’ menu.
Irvine Terrace Park is situated just south of the Newport Beach Country Club on Pacific Coast Highway. And while its location may seem busy, it’s a rather serene park in Newport Beach with great views of the harbor through the pines. There’s lots of lawn space should you want to throw down a blanket and picnic, and the playground is fun for kids of all ages. There are swings, slides, a teeter-totter and more for your little ones to enjoy.
Newport Beach Civic Center Park
For a little bit of art, a whole lot of natural beauty and plenty of space to explore with your kids, add Newport Beach’s Civic Center Park to your must-visit list! Situated on Avocado Ave, just a quick stroll from Fashion Island, this 14-acre park is home to a 1.23-mile walking trail that weaves along natural wetlands. As you and your kiddos stroll through, you’ll also come across several outdoor sculptures and art installations, like the iconic and larger-than-life white bunnies that sit in a circle. For a full sculpture exhibit walking tour, download the MyNB app!
While Coastal Peak Park may not be as coastal as some of the others on this list, it is chock-full of amenities. Perched high up in the Newport Coast hills and close to the trails of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, this recreation spot is a haven for kids looking to play the day away. The playground equipment can keep kids of all ages entertained all day. There’s a sandbox, huge grassy fields, spinning chairs, a climbing rock and a paved path that circles the play area, which is perfect for scootering and biking.
Located only a block from the beach, West Newport Park is a paradise for not only kids but parents too. Many adults use it to get their steps in or walk their pups, but kids will love the three playgrounds along this stretch. You can’t miss this park when you’re driving between Huntington Beach and Newport Beach on Pacific Coast Highway. Restaurants and shops line one side, while West Newport Park sits on the other side. Seashore Drive is the best place to park, but you’ll want to pop across the street to visit Vacancy Coffee for a morning brew.
Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park
As they say, location, location, location! One of the best things about this park in Newport Beach is its proximity to all the fun. Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park sits right on the sand, mere steps away from the Balboa Pier. There’s a playground with swings, barbeques for grilling, a large grass field for sports, public restrooms and fire pits right on the sand. Families can enjoy the best of beaches or stroll over to Balboa Village, which is home to the iconic Balboa Fun Zone, for a ride on the Ferris wheel. There are also tons of restaurants and dessert shops nearby too.
