Glendale is home to some beautiful parks that offer a wide range of activities including playing sports, relaxing, playground area for kids and of course to have a picnic. Let’s look at, what I think, are the best parks in Glendale.
What are the best parks in Glendale
As mentioned, Glendale has many parks and outdoor areas. Finding the best park to visit in Glendale is based on preference. The below parks are my personal favorites, however you or someone else may enjoy other parks more that are not listed. So lets jump into my picks for best parks in Glendale.
Nibley Park
1103 East Mountain Street
Glendale, CA 91207
Located near residential houses in a mountain area this small park is quiet and great for some alone time. The park is open from 7am to 10pm and has a single playground for kids. What I enjoy about this park is that it does not get crowded and is usually quiet.
Approximate Acres : 2.34
1 unlit outdoor basketball half court & 2 unlit tennis courts (free)
Mayor’s Bicentennial Park
1987 Loma Vista Drive
Glendale, CA 91208
This park is also fairly small and secluded within the mountains near Glendale community college. it has one playground for ages 2-12 and 4 picnic tables. What’s great about it is the location, scenery and is usually not crowded. It opens at 7am and closes at sunset.
1 playground – Ages 2-12 & 4 NON-reservable picnic tables (first come, first served)
Lower Scholl Canyon Park
2849 East Glenoaks Avenue
Glendale, CA 91206
One of my favorite parks to visit. Although quite a drive up the mountain the scenery is wonderful and provides a calm feel. Located in the Verdugo Mountains in the eastern part of the the city, Lower Scholl Canyon park features large grass area, great for ball games or picnics. It also has four barbecues, one playground for ages 2-5 and one playground for 5-12 and many picnic tables. Nearby is also a golf course. I highly recommend this park if you have never been there. It opens at 7am and closes at sunset. There are also some great hiking trails as well.
Approximate Acres: 6.2
- 4 barbecues
- 1 playground – Ages 2-5
- 1 playground – Ages 5-12
- 9 NON-reservable picnic tables (first come, first served)
- 33 reservable picnic tables (permit required)
- jumper permit available with picnic facility rental
Glorietta Park
2801 North Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
This park is on the larger side as it has large grass area where people practice sports like soccer and baseball. There are also a few tennis courts for rent. The park has 2 playgrounds the kids will surely enjoy. One is for ages 2-5 and one is for 5-12. What I love about this park is the playground for the kids. It’s large and kids love it. Also the park is nice and clean and quiet as well.
Approximate Acres: 8
- 6 barbecues
- 1 playground – Ages 2-5
- 1 playground – Ages 5-12
- 6 NON-reservable picnic tables (first come, first served)
- wedding venue
- 1 lit softball/baseball field (permit required)
- Tennis court rentals (private vendor)
Brand Park
1601 West Mountain Street
Glendale, CA 91201
One of the most well know and famous parks around Glendale and beyond. This park is huge and has plenty of grass area for picnics and games. There is also 2 playgrounds for the kids and the playground for 5-12 is large. The park does get crowded at times as it is famous. If the kids are old enough and hiking is a options, there are great trails behind the library within the park that is enjoyable and leads to a great view from the top of the mountain.
Approximate Acres: 30.4
- 9 barbecues
- 1 playground – Ages 2-5
- 1 playground – Ages 5-12
- 2 meeting rooms available for rent
- 23 NON-reservable picnic tables (first come, first served)
- wedding venue
- 2 unlit softball/baseball field
- 1 seasonal wading pool (also available for private rental)
- hiking and biking trails
Emerald Isle Park
2130 Lenore Dr.
Glendale, CA 91202
One of the most calming and peaceful parks to visit. This park is a drive into the Glendale mountains and is secluded in the mountains. The park is fairly small but has a nice plush grass area for a picnic. There is a single playground for kids but the beauty of this park is how peaceful it is. It is one of the most relaxing parks you can visit in Glendale.
Approximate Acres: 6.3
- 1 playground – Ages 2-12
- 9 NON-reservable picnic tables (first come, first served)
- 1 unlit outdoor basketball half court
- 2 unlit tennis courts (free)
Casa Adobe de San Rafael (aka Dorthy park)
1330 Dorothy Drive
Glendale, CA 91202
While not a park to go and play but more of a historical area this park is definitely relaxing. If your just looking to get away and relax a bit this park is perfect. There are no playgrounds for kids though. It is located in a residential area and does have a historic home within the park.
Approximate Acres: 1.6
- 10 reservable picnic tables (permit required)
- bouncer/jumper permit available with rental of picnic tables
- wedding venue
These are my favorite parks to visit in Glendale. This is just a personal take and others may feel different. If there are any you feel should be on the list, leave a comment below.
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