I had a pretty great childhood, but I didn't have a park with a playground surrounded by redwoods. This park is amazing!! But wait, there's more! It's not just for kids here, as there are often people sitting or lying amongst the redwoods... reading, listening to the creek, or even forest bathing. I've done this and let hours slip away while I just zenned out here. It's also in a fantastic location- right next to the MV Library and the Friends of the Library Bookstore. It is a smaller park, and it's a very peaceful place. Come and enjoy, and please leave no trace. =) read more

It's tranquil. Beautiful. Quiet. And full of peace. It's a great place to read, walk talk or see dogs and humans shuttle to and from.

On our Mother's day weekend getaway we were in need of a few nearby places to walk to from our vacation spot to walk off the food and get the kids energy out. This park is located near the heart of Mill Valley restaurants and had both a play structure and a super fun creek. The kids (and grandpa) took off their shoes and walked through the water before going up to play and swing. Perfect spot for our 2 and 4 year old to do some exploring and playing. We came back the next day and had water shoes and a few more toys for the area. This location also has a picnic spot in the middle of tall trees that feels like a forest escape only a short distance (like 100ft) from the sidewalk. Very neat place if you're in the area. Kept the kids busy for about an hour. Playground is OK, total experience was the 4-5 star. read more

Old Mill Park - Creek at the park! - Parks Near Me - Mill Valley, California

Small park close to mill valley restaurants and shopping businesses. There's a play structure for younger kids and four swings. Seems to be a popular place for professional photo shoots because of the beautiful redwoods. There isn't dedicated parking and on street parking which can be challenging to find based on the time and day, since there's an elementary school and a church next to the park. read more

Old Mill Park - Parks Near Me - Mill Valley, California

This felt like a small park but I didn't get to see all of it. It's a really good park for a picnic. I took a sandwich here today and really enjoyed it right in front of the little amphitheater. There's a couple of different areas with benches. There's even benches near the library which is literally next to the park. I like that this park is very close to downtown where you can walk around afterwards. These redwoods remind me of Muir woods. It gets crowded over the weekend with a lot of families. read more

Great little park that feels like your away from the world. Lots of redwood trees and a creek. There was also a Shakspeare play playing near by. Great for dogs. read more

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Really cute little park in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Parking wasn't the easiest, but people seemed to be leaving pretty regularly, so it also wasn't terrible. The park itself isn't very big, but for a quick trip into the redwood trees to just feel like you're a bit closer to nature, this place delivered. read more

This is a gem! The park goes on for blocks and is well maintained. There are restrooms, a play area, bar-b-ques, and an amazing creek that flows through it. The paths are easy walking and dogs are allowed on leash. It is shaded by beautiful, majestic Redwoods, and meanders behind the Library, and along the creek providing lots of areas for playing, picnicking, and taking in the flora and fauna. The play structures are great and very close to the restrooms. The paths and stairs are easily accessible. Street parking can be a challenge depending on the day and time of day, but I've not had a problem finding a spot within a few blocks. The amphitheater is available for rent and hosts some interesting and fun plays, performances, as well as private events and weddings. Out dog loves the creek and the shade. We love that it isn't too crowded most of the time. Enjoy. read more

Old Mill Park - Our dog after being dried off after a long afternoon of wading, running, and frolicking in the creek (on leash). - Parks Near Me - Mill Valley, California

Old Mill Park is a great place to hang out with the kiddos when it's hot out. The playground has equipment that is toddler-friendly, and there is plenty of space for kiddos to run around. Lots of picnic tables, and shaded areas as well. One big downside to this popular park is there are a lot of adults who bring kids here, but many are not actually supervising the kids. My son is 19 months old, and if I wasn't right next to him the entire time, he would have been run into, pushed over, and stepped on by other kids. There were definitely other parents who were equally appalled by the kids throwing sand and running up the slide as toddlers were sliding down. I definitely understand that we can't watch kids 24/7, but at least look up from your phones long enough or engage with your kids during play so they don't hurt other kids. Parking can be difficult on a hot day, but the neighborhood is quiet so walking a few blocks is also lovely. There are bathrooms here, although they were gross the last time I was there a few days ago, so I actually didn't utilize the facilities. read more

Hands down our favorite park north of the bridge. The redwood grove and stream, along with a playset, big & little swings, and a giant concrete turtle provide endless possibilities for play in both built and natural environments. The trees give unparalleled shade in the summer, and bathroom & picnic facilities make an hours-long stay comfortable. Street parking is usually possible within a block or two. read more

Now here is a taste of old Mill Valley. It's in a valley, and it's the site of an old mill. Hence, Old Mill Park. Catchy name, huh? This is not one of those parks with a large lawn area to play volleyball. Instead, it's a little of Muir Woods just beyond the central business district. These may be second-growth redwoods, but I doubt it. And the woods are so dense that parts of it are always shady. So, on those rare days when southern Marin goes above 90 degrees, this is the place to come. There is also a little stream running along the edge, and a hiking trail along that stream. The Dipsea Trail runs through this park too, on the way to the infamous 674 steps. There are typical park things here, too. A cute playground. Picnic tables. Barbecue grills. Restrooms and water fountains. No parking lot, but it's easy to find parking. So it is a community park. It's just, well, a *different* kind of community park. No wonder people pay millions to live in this town: places like Old Mill Park. read more

It was a very cute park. We went for the last Movie in the park. It was our first time. I love that there was a little park and bathrooms. Reminds me of the Drive-ins. I would go again but more prepared and sooner. Get there to get a seat and give the kids time to play. We left early, but will try again when it starts up again. The park however is in good shape and a great place for children of all ages. It's clean and friendly read more

Old Mill Park - Parks Near Me - Mill Valley, California

Such a beautiful, relaxing park. I love the glorious, majestic redwoods surrounding the playground. The real appeal to me is the historical, otherworldly feel you get being around the greenery, breathing in the fresh air, while exploring the great outdoors. My kids enjoying "hiking" down through the rocks/stream below the trail accessible from the parking area, climbing to the park above. We also checked out the cool replication of the former saw mill, hung out near the aforementioned stream admiring the clear flowing water and moss-topped rocks, and reveled in the uniqueness of basically being in a forest that happens to house a playground. What a fun way to share history with your family! Old Mill Park is an enjoyable, memorable (don't forget free!) activity and must do for anyone visiting or living in the Bay. read more

Decent park. Nothing too magnificent, but conveniently located at the dipsea trail head. There were some strange things about the park, though. Beautiful plastic (?!?!) autumn leaves scattered around the grounds...... and some people in the distance who looked like they were re-enacting scenes from the crucible. read more

Old Mill Park - Parks Near Me - Mill Valley, California

This is a great local park, but there are two problems: 1. A lot of runners and other folks use or pass through the park and there is no visible signage that there are restrooms. As a result, a lot of people urinate and defecate in the area. It would be helpful if there were signs at the entrances to the park and on the side of the restroom facility itself so that everyone was aware there are restrooms. It's pretty disgusting. 2. There is a major trash problem at this park due to overflowing trash bins and trash bins that do not secure properly and are emptied by rats, squirrels and crows. Mill Valley seems to have a MAJOR crow problem and is desperately in need of better trash receptacles to mitigate the problem at all parks, including Boyle Park. read more

Old Mill Park is absolutely beautiful. We took a trip here recently for a hike up the steps near the park. We found good parking on the hill side of the park in a lot and walked through checking out the bridge, mill and beautiful landscaped giant trees. There was a party which looked like a nice group. It was catered by a BBQ team and it looked great. I even offered to buy a couple sandwiches. ;) I had never been there before, although I had been through Mill Valley often growing up. I love to discover new-to-me nice parks. read more

This is such a beautiful park! It's full of redwood trees so there is no shortage of shade. A great park to visit on a warm summer day. There is a creek running through the park for the 2 legged and 4 legged to enjoy. Several areas with picnic tables and a play area (though it is currently closed). This park has it all! Restrooms are open during covid. read more

Ensconced in tree and shade...almost in a mini ravine..... Like this park with bathrooms. More often than not, we commence our hike journeys here. Via kick-ur-butt steep staircases, one can hike his way past $1MM homes and pop out at the Panormana Highway, going as far as Stinson, have lunch---siesta on beach, and then long gruel home.... Great place to start a day's visit. read more

This is an awesome park that I've sadly only spent time in a few times. Yesterday I loved watching a free (great) performance by the Curtain Theater company (who offers a series of annual summertime performances in the beautiful Old Mill Park Amphitheater). We ate a picnic, relaxed, and enjoyed the show under a canopy of trees, near a creek. read more

Old Mill Park - Parks Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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I seriously cannot believe that this doesn't have 5 stars!!! It is by far one of the most beautiful parks I have been to and soooooo much fun!!! I have a two year old and he loved the play structure, the swings but most of all the trees and the river. It is GORGEOUS and the river is shallow enough to let my 2 year old safely play there. There is also an open space where older kids where playing ball. This is for sure a park for all ages and has a beautiful spot for picnics. read more

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A cute playground in an absolutely beautiful setting. We were looking for a place near downtown Mill Valley where the kids could run wild - and we found it! This is only a 10 minute walk from the middle of town, and is full of walkers, joggers, hikers, and dogs passing through. There is a small picnic area. Most impressively, there is a creek running through the park. read more

Such a magical spot. I loved cycling to this park and soaring on the swings, stretching my legs up into the air so they seemed to fly above the old mill itself. Invigorating, loamy beauty. I have brought my daughters to pass on the enchanting memories. read more

Old Mill Park - Parks Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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I don't ever seem to get much time to myself. I find a quiet beauty in solitude. That way I make sure that I don't get lost amongst the chaos of daily life. Sometimes I get sucked up in it, and forget about all the small things that really make me happy (sounds cheesy I know) on the inside. I grew up in Mill Valley. Yes folks, one of the few born in San Francisco and raised in Marin. I am a local, through and through. Tonight I got a few minutes to myself, after a crazy day at work and just walked through the park. I was able to meander through my old slides, and swings, and see how they really aren't that big anymore. That they're really quite small and my booty doesn't fit in them anymore......oh sigh of sadness...... The trees are large and the shadows are incredible. If you squint a little, something I do often considering my sight really isn't too perfect these days, the houses around the edges softly disappear and it becomes as it did many years ago. Quietude, peacefullness.....just natural beauty that has almost been eaten up by, well, us. Behind the park, through a small residential street lies the Dipsea steps which are fun to run if you feel physically advantageous that day or evening. Just up the block is the library, so go and grab a book and just sit for a moment. Downtown is only one block away, so tea and good food await you when you're done. It made me miss the purity of my childhood, and how bitter and jaded I have become today. But the beauty of it all, is that I realized that. I realized how I've changed and how coming back to a place so simple as this reminds us of how sometimes we can remember how it used to be, and lighten up a little. Yes, it really is the small things in life that are beautiful. Sometimes it just takes a minute to realize that. read more

I love Old Mill Park. It is a block from the library and several to town and an overall fantastic place to bring a picnic with children on a hot summer's day. The park is set within giant redwoods and therefore well shaded. There is a fairy ring of redwoods that creates a magical space. The playground features swings and a play structure, but the children often take off on their own to create games within the trees. Children of all ages play in this space and it really is special. I knocked off one star because the bathrooms are spartan, cold and somewhat grimy. However, if you require more civilized environs to drop trow, head up to the library! Also, if you have a small child who is a runner or wanderer -- one who takes off... this isn't the best spot. Poor line of visibility because of the big trees and no fencing could be a bit stressful in those situations. read more

I am no longer amused when my daughter says, "Look mommy, there's a mouse eating a pretzel!" Well, sweetie, it's not actually a mouse. read more

What a magical & enchanting park! It's got a nice play structure & swings with giant redwoods towering and surrounding it. The park setting is beautiful & breathtaking. The kids enjoyed running around this forest and along the creek. It's very relaxing and tranquil. Very nice backgrounds for picture taking! read more

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This is a great play structure nestled in a glen of beautiful redwoods. There is a nice clean bathroom and some park benches and some seating right in the redwood circle. It is within walking distance to downtown Mill Valley. There are some swings and slides. It is colder at this playground than other areas because it is under the redwood canopy. Needed a scarf. read more

This is a breath taking place where you can get married among the redwood trees. It's located behind the Mill Valley library. You're guest can use the bathroom in the library. Street parking near the library can be tough to find. Reserve the Amphitheater through the Parks and Recreation. The fee is only $150. Consider hiring shuttle service to your reception site or have a site close enough that you and your guests could do a post ceremony parade! Not sure if you would actually need a permit to do this. Maybe the parade could stay on the sidewalk and be relatively quiet with a tambourine here and a flute there. It's about 4 blocks from The Outdoor Art Club. However, it's not a straight shot and four blocks is a long way for guests in heels! Cons - although there are benches, if your guest list is over 50, consider renting chairs. Without easy parking and no changing room, the bride, bridesmaids, groom, and groomsmen would have to take a shuttle or maybe arrive by cab. There are several picnic tables that come with reserving the Amphitheater. read more

Great little park with a stream running through. Good play structure and bathrooms nearby. read more

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If you were getting married (destination wedding) would you get married in Muir Woods or Old Mill Park? Muir was my first choice but I can invite less people, it's more expensive, has more restrictions, and parking is complicated. However I've been to Muir Woods. I haven't been to Old Mill Park. Thanks for your help! read more

We got married in this beautiful park on the stage. Lovely little redwood grove hidden behind the library.

A bit cold, a bit dreary, but there's a great grove of redwoods here... and there's usually some random person up on the stage swordfighting or something. read more

Small, quiet park nestled in the Redwoods. If you are going to head out on the Dipsea trail, make sure to plan out the path before! Few (if any) signs that lead the way through the Mill Valley neighborhoods. read more

Old Mill Park - Dipsea trail head at Old Mill Park - Parks Near Me - Mill Valley, California