Mendocino Park

Locals with little ones have quietly claimed this spot as one of Richmond’s better-kept secrets for the under-5 crowd. The swings get a serious workout on weekday mornings, and the water feature gives toddlers something to lose their minds over on warm days — bring a change of clothes, trust me. Parents actually stick around here, partly because the layout makes it easy to keep an eye on kids without hovering, and partly because the picnic tables and BBQ area make it worth turning into a longer outing. The native plantings attract birds and the occasional interesting bug, which honestly keeps curious toddlers entertained just as much as the play equipment. It’s a genuinely low-key neighborhood park, and that’s exactly the point.