The Montclair Park is a great park for kids of all ages. The park features two separate playgrounds, nestled in an abundance of tall shaded trees. It sits near a lake, where you can watch for turtles and ducks, or take a nice stroll around. There’s also a small skate park perfect for amateur skaters, along with barbecue pits, and plenty of tables for weekend gatherings. This park offers lots to do.
While the monkey bars and swings were fun, the real star for my boys was the old western town above the playgrounds. We visited the town store, got haircuts from the barber, and pretend rode our horse and buggy through town.
I loved that the western town was old and bare, which made for great pretend play opportunities.
Montclair Park is a short stroll (less than half mile) from Montclair Village, a perfect place to stop before or after you play. The Village offers choices of coffee shops, bagels, pizza, ice cream, or gourmet chocolates if you’re feeling fancy. I suggest parking near the park, then walking over to the village – parking can be tricky in Montclair.
Visit nearby Lake Temescal Regional Park for hiking, fishing and swimming >>
Montclair Park Features
Location: 6226 Moraga Ave in Oakland
Unique Features: Tot lot play structure includes several little slides and climbing opportunities; tunnels to crawl through; musical area with drums and piano-like instruments; little house structure with a table and benches for playtime or snacktime. Big kid play structure has two slides, monkey bars, stairs, sliding track ride, and climbing features. The western town area features wooden structures modeled after businesses and a stage-coach-themed climbing structure. There is an old basketball hoop at the skate park area. Open grass leads to a baseball field. Four tennis courts. Location near Montclair Branch Library and Montclair Village shops and restaurants.
Swings: Baby bucket swings and big kid swings are all located in the bigger kid play area.
Fenced in? The tot lot is mostly fenced in but has no gate at the entrance. The older kid playground is not, but is surrounded by hills on two sides. Both play areas are near the small lake.
Surfaces: Both playgrounds received fresh, cushy rubber mat surfaces in June 2022.
Bathroom: Single stall with steel fixtures, but it’s pretty bare-bones.
Lunch tables & seating: Several benches are scattered throughout and several tables are near the Western town area. There is a drinking fountain at the restroom (not a refill station).
Parking: Metered street parking on Moraga Ave (park side) and Mountain Blvd; paid parking garage a few blocks away in Montclair Village off La Salle Ave. Across the street from the park is timed, free parking, for those who want to cross busy Moraga Ave.
Shade: There are lovely big redwoods that provide shade to the big kid playground and Western Town for most of the morning, while the tot lot is shaded in the afternoon.
Pros: Mixed-age appropriate; lots of wide-open space; unique imaginative play areas; new surface in playgrounds.
Cons: Playground structures are a bit dated; expansive playground areas could make monitoring multiple aged groups difficult; goose poop; some graffiti; limited free parking.
After spending time at the park, don’t miss all the wonderful shops, restaurants, and activities in Montclair Village!
