Burton...The Park with Everything!

Probably the most popular park for families in all of San Carlos is Burton Park.  This park has activities for everyone.  There are two play areas - one for very small children, and another that is good for kids 3-11.  The play areas have swings, slides, monkey bars, and lots of structures to climb on/ through.  There is a large grass area near these structures that are good for playing soccer or catch.  There also are several picnic tables, mostly with shade.  The park has a cool water feature with jets of water coming out of the ground, which is nice on a hot day.  There's even a large sand play area, that is covered to keep it cool.  The park also includes basketball courts, tennis courts, and a large field that is used for baseball and soccer games. 

Pictures: Fun at Burton Park

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Crestview Park

Crestview Park is a good place for families to go play.  We enjoyed the swings (they have swings for babies and big kids), including the tire swing.  You can climb, swing and slide on the play structures.  The play structures are in the sand, so you may want to bring sand toys. Some of the park was shaded, but the play area is in the sun. If you want to play soccer or basketball it is great place to go, because they have a big soccer field and well maintained basketball courts.  One nice thing about the park is that is has bathrooms and a water fountain.  The park also has a few benches and nice views.

Cedar Park

A great park for kids ages 2-12.  There are no bathrooms and one water fountain - though it doesn't usually work!  Dogs are allowed on the grass and hillside - not on the playground property. The park has one play structure with two slides, a fire pole, rings (for monkey bars), and something that is tricky to climb on - though its fun when you reach the top.  There is a big yellow twisty slide, and two small slides for younger children.  Kids (ages 3-6) also have a good space to play under the structure.There are two basketball hoops, and a pretty good hill for walking your dog. Some of the park is shaded, but the play structure is not.  We enjoy playing in the sandbox, though you should probably bring your own sand toys.  Although there are only four swings, its good because two are for babies, and two are for bigger kids.  Cedar is a medium-sized park, and Ally gives it 3 stars.

Hiking in Big Canyon Park

Lots of trees and winding trails is what you'll find at Big Canyon Park.  The park is best for children four and up, and when you visit you'll see why we say no three year olds.  Although the trails are well-maintained there are sections that may be too steep for little kids.  The trail is sometimes shaded and sometimes not, so on a sunny day it can get pretty hot.  Don't forget to bring your water, because there are no water fountains (or bathrooms).  At least none that we saw, because we didn't finish the whole trail.  We did hike to a high point, and enjoyed a great view sitting on a bench.  Next time we'll bring some water and try to walk the whole trail.