Central park playground

If you’re in downtown Pasadena and need a solid spot to let the kids burn off some energy, this one checks a lot of boxes. It’s a newer setup, so the equipment is in good shape and the bouncy surface underfoot is a nice touch — parents of wobbly toddlers especially will appreciate that. The shade trees actually do their job, which matters when you’re in the San Gabriel Valley and it’s 90 degrees by noon. There are separate zones for the little ones and older kids, so you’re not constantly pulling a 3-year-old out of the way of a flying 8-year-old. Parking is available, and being right in the urban core means it’s easy to tack on before or after errands.