Kids World is the mother of all playgrounds in Santa Barbara. Located at Alameda Park, Kids World is the area's most popular playground for children between the ages of 2-12. Kid’s World is also a monument to the people of Santa Barbara, because they are the ones who built it.

  • Features: Alcohol Not Allowed, Parking On Street, Picnic Site, Playground, Reservable Areas, Restrooms
  • Dog Policy: Dogs Not Allowed

The sprawling wooden play area was built in 1993 by hundreds of community volunteers under the supervision of Leathers & Associates, an Ithaca, N.Y.-based contractor that specializes in creative public play spaces and has designed over 1000 playgrounds around the country. Volunteers pitched in their time, skills and money to put up the wooden structure in about a week. The playground is a one-of-a-kind facility, drawing kids and families seven days a week.

Kids World is a unique playground inspired by children's fantasies and wishes. There's a huge whale to sit on, a large shark to scramble over, cubbies to hide in, high wooden bridges to run across, a rope climb, a tire bridge, and towers on which to relax. This 8,000 square foot playground also contains a castle, swings, slides, and more. A special enclosed section for toddlers keeps them safe from energetic "big" kids. There is also a stadium seating section for parents to relax and watch their kids play.

Two reservable sites exist in the playground and include "The Castle" and "Whale" picnic areas. Both seat approximately 30 and are great for children's’ parties. Restrooms are available next to Kids World.

Kids World is in the northeast corner of the two-block Alameda Park, also known as Alameda Plaza, which is split by the 1400 block of Santa Barbara Street. Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden is across Micheltorena Street from Kids World.

Portable Barbecues

Portable barbecues and camp stoves that are self-contained, enclosed with a lid, and raised at least six inches off a surface may be used on any permanent picnic tables at this park or by permit such as a rental or special event. If there are no permanent picnic tables available at this park and it is not a permitted event then no barbecues are allowed at this park. Barbecue users must remove hot coals and ash from the park, unless a hot coal-disposal receptacle is provided.

Directions

From the 101 freeway take the Garden Street exit and turn towards the mountains. Alameda Park and Kids World will be on your left between Sola and Micheltorena Streets. There is usually plenty of free parking nearby. If there is an extraordinary amount of parking available that might mean that it is street sweeping day and that you will be ticketed if you park on that deliciously empty street.

Panoramas