Tecolote Shores South Playground
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-3 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 2-10
About
Tecolote Shores South Playground at Mission Bay is the kind of spot that keeps families coming back weekend after weekend because it delivers multiple activities in one free location. The playground, the bay swimming, the picnic grills, the open lawn — it all works together in a way that lets different family members do different things simultaneously.
The playground structure is one of the better ones on Mission Bay, with substantial climbing equipment and slides suited to a range of ages from toddlers to older grade schoolers. The design keeps multiple kids engaged rather than everyone queuing for the same slide. Equipment is well-maintained by the city.
Beyond the playground, the gentle bay shoreline is the real bonus. Tecolote Shores South sits on the eastern side of Mission Bay where the water is calm and shallow. Kids can wade, splash, and dig in the wet sand while parents watch from the grassy lawn above. Outdoor showers on-site help rinse off sand before the drive home.
The BBQ grills and picnic tables make this one of Mission Bay's best spots for a full family day out. Arrive early on weekends to claim a shaded table — the mature trees over the picnic area fill up fast. Weekday visits feel noticeably different: quiet, uncrowded, and genuinely relaxing.
Parking is free in the on-site lot, which is a significant convenience compared to beach-side locations with metered parking. Hours run 6:30am to 9pm daily — long enough for both morning and late afternoon visits in summer.
Age Suitability
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
Weekday mornings or early afternoon; the bay-side location is usually breezy and pleasant even in summer
Wait Times
No wait; public playground
Nearby Food
No on-site concessions. Mission Beach boardwalk restaurants are about 10 minutes by car. Bring a packed cooler for the best experience; there are picnic tables and grills on-site.
Why Kids Love It
Tecolote Shores South Playground is one of Mission Bay's most beloved playgrounds because it combines a substantial play structure with direct access to the calm bay shoreline. The large climbing equipment and slides entertain kids for extended stretches, and the grassy areas leading down to the water's edge give families a natural transition from play to wade time. The nearby picnic areas and BBQ grills make it easy to turn a playground visit into a full family afternoon.
What Parents Say
“I just run through here but there are always kites, BBQs, and beach strollers close by. There are lots of stuff to play climb on for little ones too!”
Pro Tips from Parents
- Restrooms and outdoor showers are on-site — useful when kids wade in the bay.
- Picnic tables and BBQ grills are available on a first-come basis; arrive early on weekends.
- The bay water here is calm and shallow — good for toddler wading but watch for boat wake near the swimming area.
- Tecolote North Playground is a short walk away for families with older and younger kids who need different equipment.
- The grassy picnic area has shade from mature trees — stake out a shaded table early on warm days.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen
- Towels
- Water shoes
- Snacks and cooler
- BBQ supplies if planning to grill
- Sand toys
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 admission and free parking on-site.
Bring food — no concessions at the playground.
Tips to Save
- Free parking, free playground, calm bay water.
- One of Mission Bay's best free family setups.
- Pack a cooler and make a half-day of it.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 6:30AM-9PM
- Monday
- 6:30AM-9PM
- Sunday
- 6:30AM-9PM
- Tuesday
- 6:30AM-9PM
- Saturday
- 6:30AM-9PM
- Thursday
- 6:30AM-9PM
- Wednesday
- 6:30AM-9PM
