Menlo Park offers a unique blend of convenience, natural beauty, neighborhood charm, and community amenities with an emphasis on family. Menlo Park family fun includes a little something for everyone. There is no shortage of neighborhood parks, pools, and other spots, like the zoo, that’s perfect for kids of all ages - and adults, too! A lot of the family activities in Menlo Park just happen to include some opportunities to get a little exercise in a fun way along with plenty of family togetherness.
Pools
Burgess Pool and Burgess Aquatic Facility
501 Laurel St
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 330-6600
Belle Haven Pool
100 Terminal Ave
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 330-2232*
*Late Spring through Summer call the pool directly at 650-330-2237
Hours: (Mid-June to Mid-August) Monday-Thursday 9am-6pm and Friday-Saturday 12pm to 5:30pm Closed Sunday
Zoo
Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
1451 Middlefield Rd
Palo Alto, CA
(650) 329-2111
This Palo Alto zoo combines the features of a zoo and museum, both focusing on families. Kids will love the Buzzz Exhibit, a newly designed African bat cave, a specially designed ridge for resident bobcats Rufus and Tule, and fun, interactive science classes.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 4pm
Nature Preserve
Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center
2775 Embarcadero Rd
Palo Alto, CA
(650) 329-2506
This area isn't a park, but a protected bay area with a 120-acre salt marsh and other natural features. The entire family can observe many native plants and animals in their natural habitat. You just might even spot some rare animals during your visit here.
Parks
Flood Park
215 Bay Rd
Menlo Park, CA
This beautiful 21-acre park features a baseball field, special playground area for children, and plenty of open space. There is plenty of room to run and play or you can relax under a shady oak tree on a hot summer day.
Officer Jack Lyle Memorial Park
Middle and Fremont Streets
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 330-2211
Named after a Menlo Park police officer killed while on duty, this park includes several attractive features including an athletic area, two children's play areas, sand area, swings, and slides. Located near the Roesner House, the park's brightly colored play structures are a big attraction for children. Older kids will appreciate a spacious soccer field. You'll also find a sandbox area complete with slide and swing sets. Beaches, picnic areas, and playgrounds round out the features of this popular community park. Parking is free.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Recreation Centers
Burgess Recreation Center and Park
701 Laurel St
Menlo Park, CA
Amenities at this park, located in Menlo Park's Civic Center, include baseball and soccer fields, picnic area, and a pool area with a separate baby pool. Rooms can be rented for a day or for an entire weekend for private use for events such as weddings, birthdays, or corporate events. The center includes full kitchen facilities and a place to barbeque. Work up an appetite playing tennis, baseball, or skating. In keeping with Menlo Park's theme of balancing work and play, the center can be used for business purposes or serve as a place to relax with the family.