Last updated Oct. 29, 2026. Visit Glendale CA is an independent local guide and is not affiliated with the City of Glendale, Community Services & Parks, Glendale Aquatics, or Los Angeles County Parks. Park hours, splash-pad seasons, reservation fees, and amenity status change — always confirm on the city’s pages or by phone before you go.
Glendale packs a lot of kid time into a compact city: shaded playgrounds, three free splash pads, seasonal wading pools, an all-inclusive Shane’s Inspiration play area, picnic pavilions you can book for birthdays, and a wilderness park with campfire programs in the Verdugos. This page lists 22 City of Glendale parks that work especially well for families — street addresses, neighborhoods, playground age ranges when the city publishes them, water play, restrooms when listed, picnic/BBQ notes, sports courts, dog rules, parking tips, hours, and a one-line “Best for” tip. Related reading: Things to Do in Glendale · Places to Eat · Glendale Neighborhoods.
- Parks on this page: 22 City of Glendale parks (kid-focused picks verified against the city’s Facility Directory / GIS parks layer as of Oct. 29, 2026)
- Free splash pads (seasonal): Pacific, Fremont, and Cerritos — schedules on Glendale Aquatics
- Inclusive playground standout: Maple Park’s Shane’s Inspiration playground (ages 2–12), with Maple Inclusive Play Day most third Saturdays
- Typical park hours: Many neighborhood parks 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Brand Park opens at 6:00 a.m.; some canyon / wilderness sites close about one hour after sunset
- Birthday picnics: Reserve shelters online at MyGlendaleParks.com (non-refundable $50 permit fee applied to the final reservation)
- Own a kids’ business near a park? Tip corrections via contact. Featured placement: Advertise With Us.
Jump to:
Comparison table ·
Big family parks ·
Splash pads & wading pools ·
Neighborhood playgrounds ·
Trails & wilderness ·
Mini-parks ·
Summer water play ·
Shade & rainy-day tips ·
Birthday picnic reservations ·
Dogs & park rules ·
Nearby food ·
FAQ ·
Sources
Quick comparison
Playground and splash-pad columns summarize what the City of Glendale Facility Directory and Glendale Aquatics publish. “Dog-friendly” here means leashed dogs are generally allowed in city parks — Glendale does not currently operate a city off-leash dog park (see Dogs section).
| Park | Address | Playground | Splash / wading | Restrooms | Dog-friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Park | 1601 W Mountain St | Ages 2–5 & 5–12 | Seasonal wading | Yes (listed) | Leashed |
| Verdugo Park | 1621 Cañada Blvd | Ages 2–12 (2) | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Pacific Park | 501 S Pacific Ave | Ages 2–5 & 6–12 (shaded) | Splash pad | Yes (by splash/play) | Leashed |
| Maple Park | 820 E Maple Ave | Ages 2–12 inclusive | — | At community center | Leashed |
| Palmer Park | 610 E Palmer Ave | Ages 2–5 & 5–12 | Seasonal wading | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Fremont Park | 600 Hahn Ave | Ages 2–5 & 6–12 | Splash pad | Yes (community bldg.) | Leashed |
| Montrose Community Park | 3529 Clifton Pl | Ages 2–5 & 5–12 | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Lower Scholl Canyon | 2849 E Glenoaks Blvd | Ages 2–5 & 5–12 | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Deukmejian Wilderness | 3429 Markridge Rd | No city playground listed | — | Yes | Leashed (trails) |
| Glorietta Park | 2801 N Verdugo Rd | Ages 2–5 & 5–12 | — | Yes (listed) | Leashed |
| Nibley Park | 1103 E Mountain St | Ages 2–5 & 5–12 | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Carr Park | 1615 E Colorado St | Ages 5–12 | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Griffith Manor Park | 1551 Flower St | Ages 2–5 & 5–12 | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Emerald Isle Park | 2130 Lenore Dr | Ages 2–12 (new shade) | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Dunsmore Park | 4700 Dunsmore Ave | Ages 2–5 & 5–12 | Seasonal wading | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Glenoaks Park | 2531 E Glenoaks Blvd | Ages 2–5 & 5–12 | Seasonal wading | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Pelanconi Park | 1000 Grandview Ave | Ages 2–12 | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Cerritos Park | 3690 San Fernando Rd | Ages 2–12 | Splash pad | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| New York Park | 4525 New York Ave | Ages 2–12 | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Adams Square Mini-Park | 1020 E Palmer Ave | Ages 2–12 | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Elk Mini-Park | 800 E Elk Ave | Ages 2–12 | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
| Harvard Mini-Park | 425 W Harvard St | Ages 2–12 (city picnic list) | — | Confirm on site | Leashed |
Big family parks
Start here if you want multiple play zones, room for a picnic, or a full afternoon without leaving the park.
Brand Park
Regional~31 acresNorthwest
Playground: Separate play areas for ages 2–5 and 5–12 (City Facility Directory).
Splash pad / pool: Seasonal children’s wading pool (public summer season closed for 2026; private rentals and Summer 2027 public season listed by Glendale Aquatics).
Restrooms: Available (listed with park amenities in secondary park directories).
Picnic / BBQ: 23 non-reservable picnic tables (first come, first served) and 9 barbecues. Jumpers allowed with a wading-pool rental per city picnic rules.
Sports / other: Basketball court; 2 unlit softball/baseball fields; hiking and biking trails; Brand Library & Art Center, Doctors House, and Whispering Pine Tea House & Friendship Garden on site.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Park / library lots and street parking along Mountain Street — fills on weekends and library event days.
Hours: Daily 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
ADA notes: Brand Library complex and main park paths are the most accessible entry points; trail grades increase quickly into the Verdugos.
Best for: Combining a playground stop with a short family hike and a Brand Library visit.
Source: City — Brand Park · Facility Directory · Glendale Aquatics — Wading pools
Verdugo Park
Regional~38 acresEast
Playground: 2 playgrounds, ages 2–12.
Splash pad / pool: None listed.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival (not itemized on the facility card excerpt used).
Picnic / BBQ: 12 barbecues; 25 non-reservable picnic tables; 79 reservable picnic tables (permit required); jumper permit with picnic rental. Five reservable sections (max 100 each) with BBQ, sink, and food-prep / electrical outlets in sections 2–4.
Sports / other: 1 unlit softball/baseball field (permit); 4 unlit outdoor basketball half courts; horseshoe pit; paid community garden plots.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: On-site park lots off Cañada Blvd; busy on tournament and large-picnic weekends.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: Large family reunions and birthday groups that need reservable picnic sections.
Source: Facility Directory — Verdugo Park · Picnic facilities
Pacific Community Center & Park
Community parkSouthSplash pad
Playground: 2 playgrounds — ages 2–5 (covered) and ages 6–12 (partially covered), with shade structures and poured-in-place surfacing from the city’s Pacific Park Shade and Water Play project.
Splash pad / pool: Splash pad (free, seasonal). 2026 hours commonly 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; see Glendale Aquatics for the current calendar. Redesigned splash pad opened to the public May 27, 2025.
Restrooms: Adjacent to splash pad and playground (city park page).
Picnic / BBQ: 2 reservable picnic pavilions (max 50 each; BBQ + handwash sink per shelter); jumper permit with picnic or center rental (jumpers on grass adjacent to shelters).
Sports / other: Lit little-league field; multi-purpose field; outdoor exercise equipment; lit multi-use court (basketball + pickleball); indoor gyms; community meeting rooms.
Dogs: Leashed outdoors; indoor center spaces follow facility rules.
Parking: Community center / park lot on Pacific Ave.
Hours: Park (incl. playgrounds & restrooms) 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. daily; community center and splash-pad hours vary by day/season (city table).
ADA notes: City CIP notes ADA-compliant improvements with the shade / water-play upgrade.
Best for: Hot-day splash-pad mornings with shaded toddler equipment nearby.
Source: City — Pacific Community Center & Park · Pacific shade & water play CIP · Glendale Aquatics
Maple Park & Community Center (Shane’s Inspiration)
NeighborhoodInclusive playgroundSouth
Playground: 1 all-inclusive Shane’s Inspiration playground, ages 2–12. Maple Inclusive Play Day (MIP Day) is typically the third Saturday of each month, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Splash pad / pool: None listed.
Restrooms: Available via the staffed community center during center hours.
Picnic / BBQ: 18 non-reservable picnic tables; 2 barbecues; jumper permit with facility rental.
Sports / other: Tennis court; walking paths; multi-use fields; fitness equipment; gymnasium / indoor volleyball; meeting rooms and computer lab inside the center.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Lot / street around Maple & Adams.
Hours: Park 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. daily. Community center Mon–Thu 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Fri–Sat 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sunday rentals only.
ADA notes: Inclusive playground with ADA-accessible features (city descriptions).
Best for: Mixed-ability playdates and families who want a staffed community center next door.
Source: City — Maple Park & Community Center · Facility Directory · CSP June 2026 newsletter (MIP Day)
Fremont Park
Renovated 2025Splash padCentral / west
Playground: 2 new playgrounds — ages 2–5 (covered) and ages 6–12 (partially covered), with slide, swings, and sensory features from the Master Plan build-out.
Splash pad / pool: Splash pad with viewing grandstand (free, seasonal). Confirm daily hours on the Glendale Aquatics calendar.
Restrooms: Exterior-accessible restroom in the community building (renovation materials).
Picnic / BBQ: 2 reservable pavilions (max 60 each) with BBQ, sink, food-prep area, and electrical outlets; jumper permitted. Non-reservable tables also on site.
Sports / other: Artificial-turf soccer field; tennis courts with dual-use pickleball; basketball; outdoor exercise equipment; Glendale Model Railroad Society open houses on select Mondays/Saturdays; community rooms.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Park lot (CIP added 26 spaces) plus street parking on Hahn.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: Post-renovation splash pad + playground combo close to downtown.
Source: Fremont Park Master Plan · Facility Directory · Glendale Aquatics · Picnic facilities
Montrose Community Park
Community park~14.5 acresNorth
Playground: Ages 2–5 and ages 5–12.
Splash pad / pool: None listed.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 5 barbecues; 12 non-reservable picnic tables.
Sports / other: 2 lit softball/baseball fields (permit); 1 unlit basketball half court; 2 lit tennis courts (free).
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Park lots off Clifton / Broadview area.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: North Glendale families who want fields and two age-separated playgrounds.
Lower Scholl Canyon Park
Picnic pavilionsEast
Playground: Ages 2–5 and ages 5–12.
Splash pad / pool: None listed.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 3 reservable pavilions (max 80 each) with BBQ, sink, and electrical outlets; jumper permitted; also barbecues and a mix of reservable / first-come tables on the facility card.
Sports / other: Picnic-focused park below the broader Scholl Canyon open-space / athletic complex.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Park lots off E Glenoaks Blvd.
Hours: 7:00 a.m. to about one hour after sunset (city listing).
Best for: Big birthday pavilion rentals with room for a jumper.
Source: Facility Directory — Lower Scholl Canyon · Picnic facilities
Splash pads, wading pools & skate
Palmer Park
NeighborhoodSkate parkSouth
Playground: Ages 2–5 and ages 5–12.
Splash pad / pool: Seasonal wading pool (also available for private rental). Public 2026 season closed; Summer 2027 public days listed as Friday & Sunday by Glendale Aquatics.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 2 reservable pavilions (max 50 each) with electrical outlets, BBQ, and sink; jumper permitted; 20 reservable picnic tables / 4 barbecues on the facility card.
Sports / other: Unstaffed skate park; fitness equipment; lit outdoor basketball full court and half court.
Dogs: Leashed (keep clear of skate bowl and pool deck rules).
Parking: Street / lot along Palmer Ave.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: Families with a skater and a younger sibling who needs a playground.
Source: Facility Directory — Palmer Park · Glendale Aquatics · Picnic facilities
Cerritos Park
NeighborhoodSplash padNorthwest
Playground: Ages 2–12.
Splash pad / pool: Splash pad (free, seasonal). 2026 aquatics calendar: daily mid-season; weekends-only shoulder dates — confirm current hours.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 1 pavilion (max 30); propane gas BBQ only; jumper permitted; 6 reservable picnic tables.
Sports / other: Compact neighborhood park focused on play and splash.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Lot / street on San Fernando Rd.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: A quick northwest-side splash-pad stop without driving across town.
Source: Facility Directory — Cerritos Park · Glendale Aquatics · Picnic facilities
Glenoaks Park
NeighborhoodWading poolEast
Playground: Ages 2–5 and ages 5–12.
Splash pad / pool: Seasonal wading pool (private rental available). Public 2026 season closed; Summer 2027 public days listed as Monday & Saturday.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 3 barbecues; 7 non-reservable picnic tables; Joe Bridges Clubhouse available for rent; jumper with clubhouse rental.
Sports / other: Basketball half court; tennis court; outdoor volleyball court.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Street / small park area on E Glenoaks.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: East-side toddler play plus a clubhouse birthday option.
Source: Facility Directory — Glenoaks Park · Glendale Aquatics — Wading pools
Dunsmore Park
NeighborhoodWading poolLa Crescenta / north
Playground: Ages 2–5 and ages 5–12.
Splash pad / pool: Seasonal wading pool. Public 2026 season closed; Summer 2027 public days listed as Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 2 barbecues; 22 first-come picnic tables; rentable community building; Wi‑Fi noted on facility card; jumper allowed with permit per city picnic list.
Sports / other: Unlit tennis court; permit-required baseball/softball field.
Dogs: Leashed. Nearby LA County Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park (3901 Dunsmore Ave) has a separate county dog park — not a City of Glendale facility.
Parking: Park lot on Dunsmore Ave.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: North-end families stacking playground time with a future wading-pool day.
Source: Facility Directory — Dunsmore Park · Glendale Aquatics
Neighborhood playgrounds
Glorietta Park
NeighborhoodNorth / Verdugo
Playground: Ages 2–5 and ages 5–12.
Splash pad / pool: None listed.
Restrooms: Available (listed in secondary park directories).
Picnic / BBQ: 6 barbecues; 6 non-reservable picnic tables.
Sports / other: Lit softball/baseball field; tennis courts via private vendor rental (city notes).
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Lot / street on N Verdugo Rd.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: North Verdugo corridor playgrounds with room to run.
Nibley Park
NeighborhoodEast
Playground: Ages 2–5 and ages 5–12.
Splash pad / pool: None listed.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 1 barbecue; 9 non-reservable picnic tables.
Sports / other: Unlit basketball half court; 2 unlit tennis courts (free).
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Street parking near Mountain & Don Jose.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: A quieter east-side playground with free tennis courts.
Source: Facility Directory — Nibley Park
Carr Park
NeighborhoodSouth / Colorado
Playground: Ages 5–12 (city facility card).
Splash pad / pool: None listed.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 10 non-reservable picnic tables.
Sports / other: Outdoor fitness equipment.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Street parking on E Colorado / Verdugo edge.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: School-age playground stop near Colorado Street errands.
Source: Facility Directory — Carr Park
Griffith Manor Park
NeighborhoodNorthwest
Playground: Ages 2–5 and ages 5–12.
Splash pad / pool: None listed.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 7 non-reservable picnic tables; rentable community room (818) 548-2184.
Sports / other: Unlit full outdoor basketball court; jumper allowed with permit per city picnic list.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Street / small park frontage on Flower St.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: Northwest neighborhood playdates with a reservable indoor room backup.
Emerald Isle Park
Neighborhood~6.4 acresNorthwest
Playground: Ages 2–12; city newsletters describe a 2024 playground replacement with rubberized surfacing, shade structures, and expanded ages 2–5 space.
Splash pad / pool: None listed.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 9 non-reservable picnic tables.
Sports / other: Unlit basketball half court; 2 free unlit tennis courts.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Street parking on Lenore Dr.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: Shaded newer playground gear on the northwest hillside streets.
Source: Facility Directory — Emerald Isle Park · CSP July 2024 newsletter
Pelanconi Park
NeighborhoodNorthwest
Playground: Ages 2–12.
Splash pad / pool: None listed.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 3 barbecues; 8 picnic tables (city facility card).
Sports / other: Softball/baseball field; basketball half court.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Street / park edge on Grandview Ave.
Hours: Typical neighborhood hours 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (confirm posted signs).
Best for: Northwest picnic + playground without driving to Brand Park.
New York Park
Neighborhood~1.85 acresLa Crescenta / north
Playground: Ages 2–12.
Splash pad / pool: None listed.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 3 non-reservable picnic tables; 3 barbecues.
Sports / other: Unlit full-court outdoor basketball.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Street parking on New York Ave.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: A small north-end playground when Dunsmore feels too busy.
Trails & wilderness
Deukmejian Wilderness Park
Regional open spaceTrailsNorth
Playground: No city playground listed — this is a wilderness / trails park.
Splash pad / pool: None.
Restrooms: Yes (park amenities).
Picnic / BBQ: 8 non-reservable tables; 2 reservable shelters (max 12 each; no onsite cooking). Deukmejian shelters / amphitheatre / Stone Barn: (818) 937-7428.
Sports / other: Hiking trails; amphitheater; historic Stone Barn Nature Center (free admission during posted hours; workshops and day camps). Seasonal campfire programs and a “Wander the Wilderness” weekend shuttle from neighborhood parks (when offered).
Dogs: Leashed on trails; clean up required. Check CSP wildlife alerts (bear sightings have been posted).
Parking: Park lot at Markridge Rd entrance; can fill on cool weekends.
Hours: 6:00 a.m. to about one hour after sunset.
Best for: Older kids who want a real trail day, nature center stop, or campfire program — not toddlers needing swings.
Source: City — Deukmejian Wilderness Park · Facility Directory · Stone Barn Nature Center · CSP June 2026 newsletter
Mini-parks (quick playground stops)
Adams Square Mini-Park
Mini-parkSouth
Playground: Ages 2–12 (city picnic amenities / facility listings).
Splash pad / pool: None.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival (mini-parks often lack full restroom buildings).
Picnic / BBQ: Small set of picnic tables (city lists about 3).
Sports / other: Compact pocket park.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Street parking on E Palmer.
Hours: Typical 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: A 20-minute toddler burn-off near Adams Square shops.
Source: City full parks list · Picnic amenities · City GIS parks layer
Elk Mini-Park
Mini-parkSouth
Playground: Ages 2–12; city CIP describes a playground replacement project (2025 schedule).
Splash pad / pool: None.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: 9 non-reservable picnic tables.
Sports / other: Pocket park play focus.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Street parking on Elk Ave.
Hours: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Best for: Nearby south-side apartments needing a walkable playground.
Source: Facility Directory — Elk Mini-Park · Elk playground CIP
Harvard Mini-Park
Mini-parkCentral
Playground: Ages 2–12 (listed on the city’s picnic amenities playground roster).
Splash pad / pool: None.
Restrooms: Confirm on arrival.
Picnic / BBQ: Limited — treat as a quick play stop.
Sports / other: Pocket park.
Dogs: Leashed; pick up waste (city trail guidance / Municipal Code § 6.08.010). No city off-leash dog park.
Parking: Street parking on Harvard.
Hours: Typical neighborhood hours; confirm posted signs.
Best for: A short central Glendale playground break between errands.
Source: City picnic amenities · City GIS parks layer (Harvard Mini Park, 425 W Harvard St)
Summer water play (splash pads & wading pools)
- Free splash pads (2026 season published by Glendale Aquatics): Pacific (501 S Pacific Ave), Fremont (600 Hahn Ave), and Cerritos (3690 San Fernando Rd). Typical peak hours 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; shoulder weekends-only dates appear in October — always check the live aquatics calendar.
- Wading pools: Brand, Palmer, Glenoaks, and Dunsmore. Glendale Aquatics states public wading pools are closed for the 2026 season, with Summer 2027 public operating information posted (June 14–August 15, 2027) and private party rentals bookable beginning Jan. 4, 2027 at MyGlendaleParks.com. Ages 8 and under; parent participation required.
- What to pack: Water shoes, towels, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Follow lifeguard rules on inflatables/toys at wading pools.
Shade, heat & rainy-day tips
- Best built-in shade: Pacific’s covered ages 2–5 playground and Fremont’s covered toddler area; Emerald Isle’s newer shade structures; Maple’s community center terrace/rooms as a backup.
- Hot afternoons: Aim for splash pads before lunch, then move to indoor community-center activities (Pacific / Maple Activity Cards for drop-in gym time when available).
- Rain or extreme heat: Brand Library & Art Center (at Brand Park), Stone Barn Nature Center hours at Deukmejian, and staffed community centers beat exposed playground metal.
- Trail caution: Deukmejian and Brand hillside trails heat up fast — bring water, start early, and check CSP wildlife alerts.
Birthday party picnic reservations
The City of Glendale books picnic shelters and many community rooms through MyGlendaleParks.com. For picnic reservations: check availability, add the date to your cart, and pay the non-refundable $50 permit fee (applied to the final reservation). Staff contact you within about 3 business days to finalize remaining fees. Customer Service for most picnic sites: (818) 548-2184 or (818) 548-2752. Deukmejian shelters: (818) 937-7428.
Popular kid-party pavilion parks (city picnic brochure):
- Fremont Park — 2 pavilions, max 60 each; BBQ, sink, outlets; jumper permitted
- Palmer Park — 2 pavilions, max 50 each; jumper permitted
- Lower Scholl Canyon — 3 pavilions, max 80 each; jumper permitted
- Verdugo Park — 5 sections, max 100 each; jumper permitted
- Pacific Park — 2 pavilions, max 50 each; jumper on adjacent grass
- Casa Adobe de San Rafael (1330 Dorothy Dr) — pavilion max 100; jumper permitted; no onsite cooking; historic grounds (no playground on the facility card)
Ask about approved jumper vendors, alcohol rules, and set-up/clean-up time (fees cover the full window you occupy the site). How-to steps: City — How to Make a Reservation.
Dogs & park rules
- Leash up: City trail guidance requires dogs on leash; pick up waste immediately (Municipal Code § 6.08.010).
- No City of Glendale off-leash dog park yet: A city dog-park CIP has evaluated sites, but there is no opened city off-leash park to list here. Nearby option: LA County’s Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park dog area at 3901 Dunsmore Ave (county facility — confirm county hours/rules).
- Typical park hours: Many parks 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Brand from 6:00 a.m.; some canyon/wilderness sites close about an hour after sunset.
- Common sense rules: Reserve fields and large picnic sections when required; follow splash-pad and pool posted rules; alcohol and amplified sound usually need permits.
Sources: City Trails · Glendale Municipal Code Ch. 6.08 · City dog park CIP
Nearby food after the park
Pair playground time with spots already covered on our Places to Eat in Glendale guide:
- After Brand / northwest parks: Porto’s Bakery (315 N Brand Blvd) for potato balls and takeout that survives a car ride back to the park.
- After Pacific / south parks: Mini Kabob (313 ½ Vine St) for quick Armenian grill takeout.
- After Maple / Carr / Adams Square: Raffi’s Place (211 E Broadway) or Zhengyalov Hatz (318 E Broadway) a short drive north.
- After downtown-adjacent Fremont: Damon’s or Carousel on Brand for a sit-down family meal.
- Kid-dessert run: Check the Places to Eat page for gelato and bakery options before promising sugar at the playground.
Run a kids’ class, party vendor, pediatric office, or family restaurant near a Glendale park? Editorial park listings stay free and sourced. For a labeled Featured placement on Visit Glendale CA, see Advertise With Us — no prices on this page; we’ll walk through options if you reach out.
FAQ
How many parks does Glendale have?
The City of Glendale Community Services & Parks department maintains a full roster of parks, mini-parks, community centers, and historic sites — dozens of entries on the official list. This page highlights 22 that work especially well for kids; it is not every city facility.
Which Glendale park is best for toddlers?
Pacific Park’s covered ages 2–5 playground next to a splash pad, Fremont’s renovated toddler area, Maple’s inclusive Shane’s Inspiration playground, and Emerald Isle’s newer shaded equipment are strong toddler picks — confirm shade and water-play hours the day you go.
Where are the free splash pads?
Pacific Community Center & Park, Fremont Park, and Cerritos Park. Hours are seasonal and published by Glendale Aquatics.
Can I reserve a park for a birthday party?
Yes. Use MyGlendaleParks.com for picnic shelters, pay the non-refundable $50 permit fee to hold the date, and finish remaining fees with staff. Popular pavilion parks include Fremont, Palmer, Lower Scholl Canyon, Verdugo, and Pacific.
Are dogs allowed in Glendale parks?
Leashed dogs are the norm in city parks and on city trails; pick up waste. Glendale does not currently operate a city off-leash dog park. A nearby county dog area sits at Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park on Dunsmore Ave.
Is there an inclusive playground in Glendale?
Yes — Maple Park’s Shane’s Inspiration all-inclusive playground (ages 2–12). Maple Inclusive Play Day is typically held on the third Saturday of each month.
Sources
- City of Glendale — Community Services & Parks
- Full Listing of Parks, Facilities & Historic Sites
- City GIS — Parks FeatureServer (names & addresses)
- Brand Park
- Facility Directory — Brand Park
- Facility Directory — Verdugo Park
- Pacific Community Center & Park
- Pacific Park Shade and Water Play Feature
- Maple Park & Community Center
- Facility Directory — Maple Park
- Fremont Park Master Plan
- Facility Directory — Fremont Park
- Facility Directory — Palmer Park
- Facility Directory — Montrose Community Park
- Facility Directory — Lower Scholl Canyon Park
- Deukmejian Wilderness Park
- Facility Directory — Deukmejian
- Stone Barn Nature Center
- Facility Directory — Glorietta Park
- Facility Directory — Nibley Park
- Facility Directory — Carr Park
- Facility Directory — Griffith Manor Park
- Facility Directory — Emerald Isle Park
- Facility Directory — Dunsmore Park
- Facility Directory — Glenoaks Park
- Facility Directory — Pelanconi Park
- Facility Directory — Cerritos Park
- Facility Directory — New York Park
- Facility Directory — Elk Mini-Park
- Elk playground CIP
- Picnic Amenities
- Picnic Facilities Subject to Reservation
- How to Make a Reservation
- MyGlendaleParks.com
- Glendale Aquatics — Wading Pools & Splash Pads
- Glendale Aquatics — Wading Pool Locations
- City Trails
- City Dog Park CIP
- Glendale Municipal Code Chapter 6.08 (Dogs)
- CSP June 2026 Newsletter
- CSP July 2024 Newsletter (Emerald Isle playground)
- LA County — Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park
- Visit Glendale CA — Places to Eat in Glendale
Amenity counts and hours come from City of Glendale Facility Directory cards, park pages, aquatics schedules, and the city GIS parks layer. If a restroom or court was not listed on the card we used, we say “confirm on site” rather than guess. Visit Glendale CA is independent and not affiliated with the City of Glendale.
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