Children's Wonderland Park in Vallejo

This large playground is clean, very well maintained, and fenced in. The only downside is there is an admission fee of $2.00 a person for anyone over 2. While this is an affordable amount, it does make this a park that I treat as a special visit, and not our everyday playground. There are also multi-visit passes available for a discount.

In addition to the various jungle gyms, there are some very cool pretend play areas. There are large tepees and a canoe together that even includes markings on the ground that look like a river full of fish. One corner holds a large model dinosaur for climbing on along with rocks and hidden fossils to find. A small stream will flow along one side of the sandy fossil area with the press of a button.

There is a large teapot that kids can go inside and slide out of. Small teacups that can spin a little surround the teapot. Inside the pot, a button will make steam come out of the spout. There is a big checkerboard. Real game pieces are available, or the kids can stand in the squares. On different visits to Children's Wonderland Park, we've sometimes seen checker game pieces, and sometimes chess pieces. An old-fashioned fire truck and big pumpkin carriage are ready for climbing and pretending. And in the last corner of the playground, another jungle gym is designed to look like a miniature row of shops complete with a little train alongside.

There are usually a few park-supplied toys like balls or hula-hoops placed out in the grassy areas for the kids to use. Picnic tables are available and can be reserved for birthdays or other parties. Several times when we've visited the playground there have been little craft activities put on by the staff. They only happen at scheduled times, but I suspect some sort of activity happens every day. While the staff is usually teen aged, and not the most dynamic craft teachers ever, the little projects aren't something you get from other playgrounds.

Children's Wonderland Park also holds many special events. Special craft days, pet adoption days, or discounted admission day are all common. They've even hosted evening outdoor movie nights. To find the most current list of upcoming scheduled activities at Children's Wonderland Park, visit Vallejo's Greater Recreation District's classes and recreation page at: http://www.gvrd.org/classes.html and then click on the link to Children's Wonderland Park. You can also call that park to inquire about that day's activities at 707-980-8004.

Children's Wonderland Park is located on Amador St. in Vallejo across from the park district offices, near the little league fields, and only a few blocks up from the police station. The playground is open in the summer from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.