1 / 2Tongva Park
π Santa Monica, CA
Four distinct hilltop zones - Observation, Discovery, Garden, and Gathering - feature sculptural climbing structures, native plantings, and sweeping ocean views. Free entry, free parking nearby, and restrooms on-site.
π Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children aged roughly 6 and up who enjoy climbing challenges and imaginative play on non-traditional structures. Toddlers will find fewer age-specific features since swings and conventional slides are absent. Daytime visits maximize both safety and the ocean panorama.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β1,765 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Oana Gusatu
8 months ago
βThe kids play area is pretty basic but has some interesting features, mainly for climbing and better suited for older kids. No traditional structures like swings or slides.β
Anna V Garibay
a year ago
βThe most beautiful urban park I have seen in Los Angeles. Itβs not that big and itβs not that small. As I entered the park I noticed brightly colored structures that looked like sculptures. It wasnβt until I could make out that certain parts of the structures resembled things youβd see in a playground that I found out that indeed these structures were part of a playground. So, I think itβs incredibly cool that a playground could ever look like art. There are climbing gyms, rock climbing thingies, slides and more. The park has many paved paths and the vegetation and trees are harmonious with these paths. The park isnβt flat which makes it very interesting. Thereβs an amphitheater area. There are restrooms. I got a kick out of the fact that the gender silhouettes of the menβs and womenβs sides arenβt the usual stick figure ones but rather more realistic silhouettes with interesting poses. I mean, you wonder why they made them so loose and free. Theyβre pretty random. Kind of weird. lol. Thereβs actually a park security attendant stationed by the restrooms. That thereβs a security person on the grounds will give you an idea that the overall safety in the park can be dubious. There are also a few of these security personnel throughout the park. Itβs a sad reminder that our society has gotten to the point where manifestations of socioeconomic injustices are present in a place designed for children and recreation. I didnβt see any children of course but it was a drizzly day. The park is named after the indigenous people that inhabited our immediate region. On one hand itβs good they are recognized, but you have to wonder what they feel about it and if they were consulted. This park definitely is a place to reflect on past, present and ongoing reminders that things of beauty cannot cover up the dark side of humanity. However, parks are places where nature is allowed to resist the concrete world around it and its defiance pays tribute to the cultures that preceded us which were better caretakers of the world around us. There are meters around the park.β
Louise Boilevin
a year ago
βTongva park , This park Here in Santa Monica California has lots of native plants here and kids playground and no washrooms , its also a chilled park type , thier are rental scooters here , its got good viewing balconies on the upper park level overlooking Santa Monica beach β±οΈβ
π¬ What parents mention
Overview
Tongva Park in Santa Monica replaces conventional playground equipment with bold sculptural forms that double as public art. Brightly colored climbing structures rise across Observation Hill and Discovery Hill zones, challenging kids who enjoy open-ended climbing rather than prescribed play paths. Native plant gardens wind between zones, and upper balconies deliver direct views to Santa Monica Beach. Rental scooters are available at the park perimeter.








