Kids World: A Santa Barbara Playground Paradise
Discover Santa Barbara's beloved Kids World in Alameda Park: a whimsical, community-built playground offering endless fun for children and a cherished family destination.
Kids World, nestled in Alameda Park in downtown Santa Barbara, is a sprawling 8,000-square-foot wooden playground designed for children aged 2-12. Built in 1993 by community volunteers, this beloved park features a whimsical castle, swings, slides, bridges, and unique structures like a climbable whale and shark. With a dedicated toddler area and stadium seating for parents, Kids World offers a safe and engaging environment for families. Its central location, adjacent to Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden and near downtown amenities, makes it a convenient and cherished destination for both locals and tourists seeking a fun-filled day.
A brief summary to Kids World
- 1400 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, Upper East, California, 93101, US
Local tips
- Visit during off-peak hours (weekdays or early mornings) to avoid crowds, especially during school holidays and summer weekends.
- Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch at one of the many picnic tables in Alameda Park after playtime.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden to feed the ducks and turtles.
- Keep an eye on your children, especially in the larger play structures, as it can be easy to lose sight of them.
- Check the City of Santa Barbara's website for any scheduled maintenance or closures before your visit.
Getting There
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Walking
From State Street in downtown Santa Barbara, walk east on E Micheltorena St towards Santa Barbara St. Cross Santa Barbara Street, and you'll see Alameda Park on your left. Kids World is located in the northeast corner of the park. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes from the main downtown area.
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Public Transport
Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses serve the downtown area. Check the MTD website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the MTD Transit Center at 1020 Chapala Street, take any bus that stops near the intersection of Micheltorena Street and Santa Barbara Street. From there, it's a short walk east to Alameda Park and Kids World. A single ride fare is $1.75.
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Driving
From Highway 101, take the Garden Street exit and head towards the mountains (north). Turn left onto E Micheltorena Street, then turn right onto Santa Barbara Street. Alameda Park will be on your left. Street parking is usually available, but be aware of street sweeping schedules to avoid tickets. Parking is free. Limited parking is available directly adjacent to Alameda Park on Santa Barbara Street.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Santa Barbara. Simply request a ride to 1400 Santa Barbara Street. The drop-off point will be directly in front of Alameda Park. A short ride from downtown Santa Barbara will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand.
Discover more about Kids World
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