Parks in Cupertino

Since our move we have been enjoying discovering new ways to entertain our kids. Before while living  in San Diego we lived in a house and had our own backyard with a swing set and sand/water table. Now that we downsized our apartment complex barely has a courtyard, with trees.

So we were happy to find that our new city has many different parks with different play structures. One of the things I love the most of these playgrounds or parks is the fact that they have a "kiddie" section designed for children 2 - 5 years of age and they have a fence around it so they can run free without getting too far away from parents. Here are our 4 favorite parks:

1.- Creekside Park: This park is the second largest on the list, it has two large fields to play soccer, baseball, football or volleyball in. In addition it has two basketball courts and two separate play structures. One of these play structures is a younger child section for ages 5 and under, what makes it even better is the fact that it is fenced in. This means children have the liberty of running, walking or wandering around without leaving this section. There is also a sand pit for kids to play in. There are restrooms and BBQ area too. This park is located at 10455 Miller Ave. 

2.- Portal Park: We love this park! it has 3 different play structures and a large sand area for children to play in. Each play structure is different and unique. They are all very entertaining! and best of all there is a large green area for children to run and play ball in. This park does have restrooms and water fountains. It also has BBQ area with benches. On any given day you will see geese waddling around eating from the grass. This park is located on North Portal Ave. 

3.- Sterling Barnhart Park: This is a small park with only one play structure that is geared more towards older kids 5+. There are swings and some benches to enjoy a snack on, there is also a water fountain and a short path to walk around flowers. This park does not have restrooms which is one of the things I don't like about it, however for a little break from daily life it is a great option. There is bench that has a chess board on it, we've seen people play there. This park is located at 10486 Sterling Blvd. at Barnhart Ave.

4.- Memorial Park: This park is one the largest we've seen in this area, it has a large pond that always has ducks and geese in it swimming along. There are 2 separate play structures, a large open grassy field for you to play ball or just run, BBQ area has benches too and there is a large fountain. There is also an amphitheater. One of the main reasons why we like this park so much is that it is next door to the Quinlan Community Center, which means that Adventure Girl can be in class while we take Adventure Boy to the playground. In evenings there are people walking or jogging so it is the perfect place to exercise too.

Mountain Hawk Park

Last weekend my family and I were at Mountain Hawk Park, it is located at the end of Olympic Parkway in the Chula Vista area. This park has plenty to offer.

Two very different play structures:

There is also water fun! So make sure to bring a bathing suit and run through the water "sprinkler" fountain section... it is refreshing.

There is a beautiful view of Otay Lake and the road that leads to Tecate.



Plan to spend the day at the park with your family and friends. Even though there are kiosks and plenty of picnic tables on weekends we suggest taking a canopy or tent to enjoy some shade, along with some chairs. There is also a big green area where you can run, play football, or any other game. You may also ride bike through their bike trails.

This park has it all and the location  makes it even more unique!