Douglas Park: Pint-Sized Nature Adventurers Welcome

Last week I mentioned that the explorers and I are on a mission: To discover the best parks for exploring nature in Los Angeles. Douglas Park in Santa Monica is just a few minutes from our house and seemed like a good place to start.

You wouldn’t know this place had much to offer in the way of nature play from the front. In fact, all you can see from the very busy Wilshire Blvd. is the lawn bowling court. But turn down either 25th St. or Chelsea Ave. and you hit the jackpot: An expansive park that takes up an entire city block.

Entering from California St., you’ll find an enclosed playground area, which is perfect for the preschool and under crowd. There are several play structures, two separate sets of swings – even two teeter-totters. All this and a ton of sand amidst it all.

Just past the playground is a wide-open expanse of concrete. From May through September this is a popular water play area. In the off-season, it makes a great place for older kids to practice their biking, skating and skateboarding skills.

Beyond the water play area is what we came for: The natural setting I’d heard such great things about. There are several ponds with wide, stroller-friendly walkways meandering in-between. The little explorer went nuts running from bridge to bridge getting down on his stomach and staring into the water, then repeating.

There are plenty of ducks and pigeons here to fascinate little ones. We even saw a turtle.

We ventured away from the main pond area down to a side pool and had the spot all to ourselves. I was surprised to find that my usual “runner” of a 2-½ year old happily sat down on a rock in the water and stared at the ducks for quite some time.

And that’s what I’d been hoping for: A total nature connection.

Three Simple Ways to Connect With Nature at Douglas Park

• Go on a safari. How many different animals can you find in 5 minutes?

• Picnic in the park. There are more than enough picnic tables to ensure you’ll find just the right spot. Or put a blanket down on the grass instead.

• Do some birdwatching. Look up. You might be surprised what you find. We saw some pigeons in formation headed who knows where!

Park Amenities

• Park takes up approximately one entire city block
• The fenced in play area is perfect for the preschool & under crowd
• Several separate play structures suitable for new walkers, toddlers, even preschoolers, plus two separate sets of swings & two teeter-totters
• Plenty of sand areas to explore
• Park features a water play area from May through September
• About a dozen picnic benches are available outside the playground area
• Natural features include several ponds, ducks, turtles & pigeons, plus a lovely tree-covered area surrounding it all
• One restroom area
• There is no parking lot & metered parking is all that’s available along the surrounding blocks; venture just one more block over & there is free two-hour parking (be sure to check signs for restrictions!)
• Beware: We did come across a homeless person sleeping under a tree, so be watchful
• Given the smallish size of the park and the enclosed play area, this place is best suited for the 5 and under crowd

Douglas Park is located at:
2439 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403