Roberts Regional Recreation Area— Oakland

This somewhat enclosed playground in the middle of nature trails is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to get out of the “city.” 

Leading up from the parking is a long ramp that opens to the playground and grassy area. While it’s not totally enclosed, it is tucked away with not many ways in and out. I felt comfortable having the kids play and myself standing along one of the walls giving a good vantage point. The play structure has five slides (tube, short, sidewinder, spiral, double) steps, ladders, climbing walls, ramps, bridges, and so many fun activities you don’t see at other parks. The play area also has a large seating boat, a giant boulder for climbing, covered benches, and a swing set a bit away from the play area with a chair, bucket, and standard swings.

The pool is right near the parking lot (small fee see website) and plenty of trails for a short or long nature adventure.

While there is street parking on Skyline Blvd, I’d strongly encourage paying the parking fee. You’ll be safe inside the parking lot and won’t need to do a long trek through the redwoods just to get to the playground. However, if you’re like me and want to park and swim and explore at all the East Bay Regional Parks parks without limitations, get the family pass that includes all of that for a year for only $105.

There are bathrooms.

Note: this park can tend to be “in the clouds” so bring a jacket and a towel for the slides just in case.