Parks and Recreation

If you’re a local parent, the realization has already hit you that summer vacation is upon us and you need a game plan for how to spend all that extra time with your kids.

While Encinitas doesn’t have any shortage of camps, beaches and activities, there are days when you want to just have a leisurely picnic, hang out and let the kids simply play. That’s where our city parks come in handy. Over the next few weeks, we’ll take a look at all of Encinitas’ major play parks from a parent’s perspective to help you while away a few days until school starts again.

DOWNTOWN/OLD ENCINITAS

(95 N. Vulcan)

When it comes to playtime, Cottonwood is probably the most popular park in the city. The large playground comes with a seesaw, a rock-climbing structure, the rock-hewn water feature (turned off due to drought conditions), swings and an elaborate jungle gym.

If the kids want to explore, there is a trail along the south side of the park. Come early enough on a weekday and you may be able to score a spot in the gazebo for a shady lunch; otherwise, there’s ample lawn space to set up a blanket. Getting there early also helps ensure you get a space in the small parking lot, so you don’t have to go to the dirt lot across Vulcan and haul kids and supplies across what can be a busy stretch of road. Restrooms are on-site, as are basketball and tennis courts.

(1045 S. Vulcan)

This small park is a favorite for parents of small tots because most of it is fenced in. The playground equipment is also comfortably scaled for smaller kids; their older siblings can play on the basketball courts. There is a nice swath of grassy area to stretch out on, as well as picnic tables. But even though it’s a great park for the small fry, parents should know that there are no restrooms.

(Cornish Drive and D Street)

Pair a visit to this park with a trip to the library across the street and you have the perfect doubleheader for a mellow summer day. Get books and snacks at the library (and use the restroom while you’re there) and then go to the upper level of the park to enjoy the view and have story time al fresco. The park’s lower level has playground equipment and benches for parents. If your kids are shy around dogs, note that they share the lawn area during off-leash hours.

(400 B St.)

Parents who want to get a breath of fresh (salt) air can come here to the playground that's just steps from the sand. Early morning or late afternoon hours are especially prime in order to beat the beach crowds. There are swings and a jungle gym with an adjacent grassy area. Restrooms and the beach snack bar are conveniently nearby.

And Speaking of Parks …

The City Council at its June 15 meeting will review a proposal from Patrons of Encinitas Parks to help raise money to build the Encinitas Community Park on the Hall property. The nonprofit organization’s plan would be similar to the Friends of the Encinitas Library’s agreement with the city to raise money for the Encinitas Library. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall, located at 505 S. Vulcan Ave. For more information, visit cityofencinitas.org.

Family Fun

Encinitas Chiropractic offers fun for the whole—and holistic—family at its summer open house June 18. Among the offerings are a family yoga class, live acoustic music, photo portraits and a children’s art station to make a Father’s Day gift. Money generated from a raffle and massage therapy sessions will be donated to the Surfrider Foundation. The event takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 681 Encinitas Blvd., Suite 312. RSVP is encouraged. For more information, call 760-753-3488 or visit areyouadjusted.com.