Is Tecolote North Playground free?

Yes, the playground and adjacent parking lot are free.

What makes Tecolote North Playground better than other Mission Bay playgrounds?

Visitors consistently rate the equipment design higher than comparable parks — the multi-level structure with rope elements and varied climbing challenges keeps kids engaged longer.

Is there bay swimming access at Tecolote North?

Yes. Calm Mission Bay water is directly adjacent to the playground. The shallow, sandy bottom is suitable for toddler wading and family swimming.

Are there restrooms at Tecolote North Playground?

Yes, restrooms are available on-site.

Can I use BBQ grills near Tecolote North?

Tecolote Shores South (a short walk away) has BBQ grills and picnic tables available on a first-come basis. Tecolote North itself does not have grills.

Tecolote North Playground

Name: Tecolote North Playground
Address: 1344 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA, 92109, US
Telephone: +1 619-533-4207
Rating: 4.8

Rating

4.8(113)

Price

Free

Duration

1-2 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 2-10

About

Tecolote North Playground is consistently one of Mission Bay's most praised playgrounds, and it earns that reputation through genuinely well-designed play equipment that keeps kids engaged longer than the typical public playground.

Located at the northern Tecolote Shores section of Mission Bay at 1344 E Mission Bay Dr., the playground features multi-level climbing structures with rope elements, varied challenge levels, and enough variety that kids move between areas rather than queuing for one popular feature. For parents, this translates to longer playtime before the 'I'm bored' declaration.

The bay swimming access adjacent to the playground is a major bonus. Mission Bay's Tecolote Shores section has calm, shallow bay water that's appropriate for toddler wading and kids' swimming, with a gradual sandy bottom. On a warm San Diego morning, the pattern of 30 minutes playing → wade in the bay → back to playground → repeat is a proven formula for an exhausted-but-happy family.

Restrooms are on-site, free parking is available in the adjacent lot, and the neighboring Tecolote South has BBQ grills for families who want to cook. A combined Tecolote North + South visit, with a picnic lunch cooked on the grills, makes for one of Mission Bay's best free family day templates.

Hours are not formally listed on the Google entry, but the park is accessible during daylight hours and often into the evening in summer.

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

Available

Kid Meals

N/A

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Morning visits for calmer conditions; combine with bay swimming for a full morning out

Wait Times

No wait; public playground

Nearby Food

Mission Beach restaurants are about 10 minutes by car. Bring a packed lunch — the on-site tables and nearby bay make for a pleasant picnic setting.

Why Kids Love It

Tecolote North Playground is Mission Bay's premier playground for younger kids, with some of the most highly-rated play equipment on the bay. The structure is designed to be genuinely challenging — not just a single slide — with multiple climbing challenges, rope features, and platforms that keep kids engaged for a sustained period. Add the bay swimming access right next door and you have a setup that makes most kids reluctant to leave.

Pro Tips from Parents

This playground consistently gets higher ratings than most Mission Bay playgrounds — the equipment design is notably better.
Tecolote Shores South (with BBQ grills) is a short walk away — visit both to get grilling and the best playground.
On-site restrooms make this practical for families with young kids.
The bay water access is calm and shallow — excellent for toddler wading.
The adjacent parking lot is free and rarely full during weekday mornings.