Chanticleer Ave County Park

Price

Free

Duration

1 to 2 hours

Best Ages

0, 10

About

Located on Chanticleer Avenue, the park combines a playground, picnic grounds, and a dedicated dog park into a multi-use outdoor space that serves families, dog owners, and the broader community simultaneously.

For families, the playground and picnic area are the main draws. The equipment is well-maintained and appropriate for the 0-10 age range, while the picnic grounds provide a comfortable space to extend the visit with a packed lunch. The shaded areas make afternoon visits manageable even on warmer days.

The adjacent dog park adds an unexpected entertainment dimension for kids who love dogs. Watching dogs play and run in the off-leash area is captivating for most children, and dog-owner parents can integrate play and dog exercise into a single outing.

Chanticleer Ave County Park shares its address with LEO's Haven Accessible Playground, meaning a visit here can seamlessly extend into an inclusive playground experience next door. The two together make for one of the better free park outings on the east side of Santa Cruz.

Free access, no admission, well-maintained, dog-friendly.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Not Available

Kid Meals

Not Available

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings; any clear weather day

Wait Times

None

Nearby Food

41st Avenue in the Capitola/east Santa Cruz area is about 10 minutes away with many dining options.

Why Kids Love It

Playground, picnic area, and a dog park all in one place, kids who love dogs get double the entertainment watching pups run free.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • Adjacent to LEO's Haven Accessible Playground, these two parks together create an excellent combined stop.
  • The dog park draws active, friendly dogs that kids often love to watch and pet (with owner permission).
  • Picnic grounds are a good spot for a packed lunch between playground sessions.
  • The Chanticleer Ave corridor has several parks and green spaces in close proximity.

What to Bring

  • Snacks and picnic lunch
  • Water
  • Sunscreen
  • Dog if you have one

Cost Info

Free Admission

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$0, free county park

Tips to Save

  • Free park with a dog park, great for families with dogs.
  • Adjacent to LEO's Haven Accessible Playground for a longer visit.

Hours & Contact

Hours

Saturday
8AM-8PM

Have a Question?

Frequently Asked Questions

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