Located between metro Baquedano and metro Salvador, Parque Balmaceda always has something going on.
This is where you will find many young couples lounging on the grass or in one of their many park benches (a great getaway from their parents' house).
I particularly enjoy going to Parque Balmaceda for soccer games and training in the summer since the park is huge there are tons of empty patches of grass to play in (just beware of mini ditches where you can twist your ankle as well as the many street dogs that will try to play with you or steal the ball).
On the weekends there are tons of things happening here at any given time. From what Ive seen, the teens get together to sell second hand clothes or art as well as pine over a new boy band (I think one of the one direction fan clubs hang out here).
There are also groups of cheer teams practicing in one of the main grass areas. It is fun to stop and look as they throw both girls and guys up in the air and how they gracefully (and other times not as gracefully) catch them.
You can also see the groups of guys and girls who play real life D&D (or something along those lines). They come dressed up in traditional 1900's clothing and they fight with fake swords and what not...very cool!
They also host many different ferias and fairs here. One time they even had free skin cancer checks (one of the coolest things the municipality has done for those that might not have gotten checked otherwise).
On Sunday mornings they even have workouts in the park! You can do Zumba for free, lead by an awesome instructor.
This is also a great alternative to the office or busy restaurant if you work close. Many sit and have lunch with coworkers (or alone) on the benches or they bring a blanket to sit on the grass.
There is also the Cafe Literario, where on any given day, their patio is filled with students studying and people working while enjoying a coffee or juice.
Tip: If you are passing through on a run or bike ride and need to use the bathroom, I recommend asking the guard at Cafe Literario, most likely hell say yes if you say please. read more