Pepper Grove Playground

Spring break will soon be upon us, and if you’re looking to engage the kiddos with some physical activity while they’re out of school, the playground at Pepper Grove in Balboa Park may be just what the doctor ordered. Of course, you don’t need it to be spring break to visit the playground—go any day.

The play area is quite large and set up to have one area for older children and another for the younger kids. Children can climb on jungle gyms, enjoy a ride down a slide, test their balance on a balance beam, or simply play in the giant sand box area.

On the west side of the playground, there’s a large grassy area for the kids to run around, kick a soccer ball, or just play tag. Trees provide plenty of shade in the area, so bring a blanket to spread on the grass for a nice picnic in the park overlooking the newly expanded Japanese Friendship Garden in the canyon below. If picnicking on the grass isn’t your thing, there are plenty of concrete tables under the pepper trees to sit and munch on a snack or lunch.

It’s a great place to have the kids blow off some steam, and if you’re a resident and go on a Tuesday, you may want to sneak in a museum visit for Residents Free Tuesday.

What You Need To Know

Location: South of Space Theater Way on Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 (See map below.)

Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Cost: Free, unless a permit for a larger group is needed. Call for information.

Phone: (619) 235-1169

Websites:

http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-park/pepper-grove-playground

http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/regional/balboa/peppergrove.shtml

Tips: Most of the playground is set well-back from busy Park Blvd. However, there is no fence separating the playground from the street, so watch out for kids chasing the errant ball towards the road. There is a parking lot that serves Pepper Grove, but like all lots in Balboa Park, it fills early in the day, so parking can be a challenge. If you’re so inclined, the #7 and #215 buses stop at Park Blvd. and Inspiration Point Way, about 400 feet away from the playground. There are public restrooms in the area.