San Jose Parks and Playgrounds

Use this guide to find parks and playgrounds in San Jose where parents and kids can play and spend time outside together. Browse practical details to help you choose a place for your next outing.

Parks and playgrounds

  1. Trails + play + picnicAlum Rock ParkAlum Rock · children's playground, hiking and designated bike and horse trails, picnic areas, lawns, water, and restrooms
  2. Picnic + gardens + attractionsKelley ParkCentral San Jose · reservable and first-come picnic areas, Japanese Friendship Garden, History Park, open grounds, and nearby family attractions
  3. Play + picnic + horseshoesRainbow ParkWest San Jose · two age-based playgrounds, picnic areas, barbecues, horseshoe pits, and restrooms
  4. Play + courts + dog areaRoy M. Butcher ParkCambrian · two age-based playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, softball field, picnic space, dog areas, and restrooms
  5. Play + water + basketballMcLaughlin ParkEast San Jose · two age-based playgrounds, children's water-play feature, half basketball court, picnic areas, and barbecues
  6. Lake trail + play + action sportsLake Cunningham Regional ParkEast San Jose · lakeside trail, age 2–5 playground, action sports park, picnic areas, fitness route, and restrooms
  7. Farm play + gardens + picnicEmma Prusch Farm Regional ParkEast San Jose · two younger-child playgrounds, inclusive farm-themed playground, barn, orchards, gardens, science center, picnic areas, and restrooms
  8. Play + lake trail + sportsAlmaden Lake Regional ParkAlmaden · three age-based playgrounds, lake trail, basketball, bocce, volleyball, horseshoes, picnic areas, amphitheater, and restrooms
  9. Play + BMX + courtsCalabazas ParkWest San Jose · three age-based playgrounds, BMX track, basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis, picnic areas, and restrooms
  10. Play + courts + fieldRamac ParkSouth San Jose · two age-based playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, lighted softball field, picnic area, and on-site portable restrooms
  11. Play + picnic + barbecueRamblewood ParkEvergreen · two age-based playgrounds, reservable and open picnic areas, barbecues, restrooms, and lawn
  12. Lake paths + play + picnicVasona Lake County ParkLos Gatos · about 10 miles from San Jose · Playground and paved paths beside Vasona Lake
  13. Play + dog park + table tennisDel Monte ParkDel Monte · youth playground, separate dog areas, table tennis, open lawn, picnic areas, water fountain, and restrooms

Wildlife to look for nearby · July

These are examples of wildlife parents and kids may notice in parks and natural areas in and around San Jose.

  1. California poppiesOrange cups opening during sunny weather · Sunny open grassland and slopes
  2. Long wildflower successionChanging yellow, blue, white, and purple blooms · Public grassland, sunny slopes, and woodland edges
  3. Warm-season pollinatorsBees and butterflies moving among blooms · Flowering grassland and open-space edges
See the seasonal nature calendar

Explore more in San Jose

Find more family-friendly ideas and local guides for your city.

See San Jose guides