Downey is a city nestled in Southeast Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is considered an aspect of the Gateway cities with exciting activities for visitors and locals.
Downey is home to over 100,000 people. The city is friendly and has diverse attractions to keep everyone busy during their visit.
Downey features picturesque parks and green spaces with engaging activities to make an unforgettable time. Whether you are a visitor or local of this charming city, you will undoubtedly fall in love with the parks.
Let’s explore the best parks in Downey, CA
Parks in Downey, CA
1. Wilderness Park
Wilderness Park is among the best parks in Downey, CA. It is a beautiful destination for birthdays, social events, and picnics.
The Park is endowed with two lakes and picnic areas with tables and barbeque grills. The area is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wilderness Park has something for your kids. The play area is designed for kids between 2 and 12. At the back is a bike path called the San Gabriel Bike Trail, which runs together with the dry LA River.
Anglers are allowed to fish in the Park’s two ponds. If you are walking along the ponds, you will spot ducks and herons.
There are lots of grassy areas for sitting, and along the trails are benches where you can also picnic. Restrooms are available during the hours of operation.
If you are driving, parking costs around $5, but there is street parking that costs nothing. This small Park is a place worth hiding in during summer.
Address: 10999 Little Lake Rd, Downey, CA 90241, United States
2. Apollo Park
This Park is a clean, safe destination for a family hangout. Apollo Park has it all. The surroundings are covered with greenery and scenic spots for your views.
Sports lovers can play on the nice basketball court or sit and watch others do so. The grassy area is also perfect for playing soccer. If you come with kids, you can let them out in the play area with enough facilities for their fun.
People can bring their lunch to the picnic area and relax with friends and family. Parents can sit there and watch over their kids at the playground. Recently, carousel-shaped lighted patios were added at the picnic area with handicapped-friendly tables.
People who want to work or do light sports will enjoy a great time at Apollo Park. It is a lovely and peaceful location for outdoor buffs. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit.
Address: 12544 Rives Ave, Downey, CA 90242, United States
3. Furman Park
Another must-visit park in Downey, CA, is Furman Park. It spans over 15 acres with state-of-the-art facilities for an outdoor experience. Numerous activities go on in this Park, including sports, picnicking, and bike riding.
If you love light exercise, you can come here for jogging, walking or running. There is ample space to give you the comfort you desire. Along the walking trail is exercise equipment.
For the kids, the Park boasts two playgrounds for various age groups, with swings and slides for their comfort. Adjacent to the walking trail is a water fountain where visitors can obtain a drink.
There are basketball courts for sports enthusiasts. Behind it is the restroom area for public use.
Furman Park is a great place for kids and adults to create memories. It is undoubtedly one of the most fun parks in Downey, CA.
Address: 10419 Rives Ave, Downey, CA 90241, United States
4. Heritage Park
Heritage Park
This historic Park is in Santa Fe Springs and is perfect for a romantic getaway. Heritage Park also offers a classic wedding venue for lovers who want something unique.
Reservation is available from May through October and is accepted one year in advance. Festivals are celebrated throughout the year, including family reunions and other gatherings.
As a historic location, the Park tells a story about the Indians who were the first migrants to this location. This is evident in the thespian exhibits nestled with the trees on the Park’s western side.
The Park existed in the 1800s and was renovated in 1988. Historic buildings within the Park offer great views as you stroll around. At the entrance, railroad exhibits are characterized by vintage AT&SF steam locomotives.
The Carriage Barn, the most prominent building constructed during Mexican Rule, houses a museum that tells much about California’s past. Birds like pheasants and exotic peacocks are spotted in the Park. The atmosphere is neat, with plenty of parking.
Pictures don’t do justice to this place. But the most important is that access is free.
Address: 12100 Mora Dr, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, United States
5. Dennis the Menace Park
This is one of the top parks in Downey, CA. Downey is a welcoming location to visit. It is a hidden gem off the beaten path with many amenities for everyone.
Dennis the Menace Park boasts a playground with play equipment for all ages. There is a large, grassy area for relaxation. People bring books to read in this area.
Enjoy a picnic after walking through trails or playing at the sports ground. At the left of the greenery is a large picnic area, a playground, and a ninja course.
The Park can be crowded sometimes, but it holds memories for every visiting family. You will have a fantastic time when you visit.
Address: 9125 Arrington Ave, Downey, CA 90240, United States
6. Independence Park
Among the best parks in Downey, CA, is Independence Park. It is a great place for fun lovers who want a unique outdoor experience. Although intimate and small, many activities are happening here in the evenings.
Tennis, pickleball, and baseball fields are located at different points of the Park. You will find other players enjoying a great time here. Skaters also have an impressive skate park here where they have fun.
The kids’ play area has numerous facilities for all ages, from swings to slides and climbing structures. The Park provided one adaptive swing chair for disabled visitors.
Walk towards the picnic area and locate a nice picnic bench with grills for a family hangout. The grassy area with tall trees provides shade to the Park.
You will enjoy this hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Besides, it is well-maintained.
Address: 12334 Bellflower Blvd, Downey, CA 90242, United States
7. Treasure Island Park
Treasure Island Park is one of the smallest parks in Downey, CA. It spans only four acres but has everything you need for a great time.
The landscaping is dotted with native, drought-tolerant plants, giving aesthetically pleasing views. If you love a small, intimate park, you will love what this Park offers.
The curvy pathway is perfect for strolling hand-in-hand with your lover. A fresh morning of decent exercise will give you something excellent to start a new day. There is a play area for kids, with impressive structures for your little ones.
Treasure Island Park is an exciting place to be. A few benches and trees provide shade for relaxation. Picnickers and families with young children will enjoy the Park more.
Address: 9300 S Bluff Rd, Downey, CA 90240, United States
8. Liberty Park
To start a new day in a unique way, take a walk through Liberty Park in Downey, CA. This Park has everything you need for an exceptional outdoor experience. It is located south of the Auto Square.
Over the years, it went on a wonderful transformation. Having been established several years ago, people fondly remember the Park, which is one of the reasons it does not lack patrons.
Take a walk and enjoy the beautiful breeze of Downy on a cool evening. Play your favorite game, such as pickleball or volleyball.
The place is well-maintained to keep everyone comfortable. Bathrooms and other conveniences are also neat.
The picnic areas are popular and can hold a large gathering. It has perfectly manicured lawns, giving out some outdoorsy feeling. There is a bike route on the outskirts of this Park, a perfect way to let off some steam.
Address: 9750 Washburn Rd, Downey, CA 90241, USA
9. Rio San Gabriel Park
Rio San Gabriel Park is a dog park in Downey. It is an average park where you can take your dogs for a walk and unleash them to run around with other dogs.
Decent-sized big dogs are separated from the smaller ones, which is a great idea. This Park also has another area for kids and adults who bring their dogs.
The place is always nice and clean. However, its shades are few. For the kids, there is a playground with good equipment. Near the riverbed is a softball court. The grassy area is another place to find peace on a fantastic day.
Rio San Gabriel Park is welcoming and neat. Its multiple bathrooms are also neat. You will find numerous spots here to park your car.
Address: 9612 Ardine St, Downey, CA 90241, United States
10. Golden Park
Your visit to Downey is not complete without heading to Golden Park. It is one of the city’s best parks, with many attractions for kids and adults.
If you are looking for a perfect location to relax and have a good time, you are in the right place. The environment is well taken care of with functional restrooms.
Numerous areas have shaded tables and beautiful vistas. Visitors who want to exercise their bodies can find workout equipment, including basketball and baseball courts.
Its kids’ playground is a fun spot for kids of all ages. There is a walking path for a stroll with the family or when you need a lonesome walk.
Locals enjoy Golden Park, as is evident in the number of them who visit. It is best to visit in the morning hours.
Address: 8840 Golden Ave, Downey, CA 90242, United States
11. John Anson Ford Park
John Anson Ford Park, located in Bell Gardens, is a large park spanning 37.4 acres. It is suitable for walking, jogging, picnicking, and family activities. If you want to experience nature, this spot has spectacular views.
In addition to its natural scenery, the Park boasts several sports facilities, such as a baseball court, a basketball court, a soccer field, and a swimming pool. It also features a beautiful pond where you can spot some water animals.
The kids’ playground in the Park has excellent equipment for running around, climbing, sliding, and swinging. John Anson Ford Park features a bike path, shady trees, picnic tables, and benches.
A drinking water fountain is available for quenching parched throats. You will also find parking lots and restrooms for your convenience.
Address: Scout Ave, Bell Gardens, CA, 90201, United States
12. Spane Park
This is a city-owned park nestled in Paramount, CA. It is an open park with some of the basic amenities.
There is a pond area with ducks and other aquatic animals. It is always kept neat, making it ideal for strolling. Children will love watching the ducks spotted around the water body. Fishing also goes on here, especially for those taking fishing classes.
The Park has enough shade for many people. There is a playground for older kids with standard equipment and a little one for the younger ones.
Besides, Spane Park features many benches and greeneries. Sports lovers can walk up to the basketball and baseball diamond courts. An outdoor amphitheater is also situated here.
Address: 14400 Gundry Ave, Paramount, CA 90723, United States
13. Lakeview Park
Lakeview Park is a great destination to take the kids to during the holiday. It is a local park with numerous fun activities. The Park was recently transformed and well-maintained.
Although not a big park, it has a picnic area with grills and a shaded portion for small celebrations. There is a little pool for children.
The sports field has different activities you can engage in, including baseball, basketball, and soccer. Visitors can relax in the green area in the evening and take in the views of the Park.
Address: 10225 Jersey Ave, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, United States
14. Smith Park
This Park is a fun and convenient location with easy access for a family getaway. It is a community park located in Rivera.
The Park is suitable for walking around with lots of space for your comfort. It has two playgrounds for younger and older kids with rubber sheds for safeguarding. You will find the soccer field on the Rosemead side; street parking is close to it.
Close to the gate are the baseball fields, and somewhere further, a football stadium serves as a soccer field.
Other amenities include walking trails, an aquatic center, a skate park, picnic areas with BBQ, and restrooms. Smith Park has all it takes to make your day memorable.
Address: 6016 Rosemead Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660, United States
15. Veterans Memorial Park
Veteran Memorial Park is scenic and has many facilities. It is an excellent place to take a break from work and hide in for lunch or other activities.
You will find many benches under trees here, where you can sit back and enjoy a wonderful time. If you would rather walk or hike, there are great trails for all skill levels.
It is excellent to bring kids to play at the playground while you sit under the shades and keep an eye on them. Guests who bring barbecue can head to the picnic area to grill them. Those with planned parties can reserve any of the four recreational centers.
Overall, the Park is small and intimate. It is where families and friends can take refuge away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Address: 6364 Zindell Ave, Commerce, CA 90040, United States
Plan Your Trip to Downey
If you are visiting Downey soon, consider exploring any of these parks in Downey, CA, and its environment. They have excellent activities for all ages.
Downey is a fantastic getaway destination for all. You surely enjoy your stay in the city.