From the center of Santiago, I take the 504 straight to parque Inés de Suárez. I meet here every…read moreThursday night with friends to play soccer in their large open grass park and we are always surrounded by dogs playing, people practicing various sports and runners taking advantage of the large dirt paths. Tips: If you get a good group of friends together you can rent their "futbolito" fields with synthetic grass (they rent by the hour) or come early on a Sunday and take advantage of their basketball courts They have public bathrooms you can use for free (at least during the week) This is a very great park but after it rains there are always large puddles (to be expected) and sometimes there are holes, so be cautious when running as you can easily twist an ankle. If you are here during the 18th of September celebrations they usually close for close to the date as they hold a big "fonda" here.

About a 10 minute walk from the metro Plaza Egaña, this community sports center is the perfect spot…read morefor all ages and sports fanatics. They have both an indoor and outdoor basketball court as well as tennis courts and playgrounds for children. There are changing rooms, bathrooms and showers as well! Above all else though, this is a perfect soccer option. They have both a larger synthetic soccer field (5-6 players per side) as well as a smaller, cement field (4 players a side) and an indoor court on those rainy days. The prices range from 15 to 25 mil an hour, depending on where you are playing (the synthetic field costs 25). Everything is very well maintained, nicely lighted and sometimes, if there isn't anyone scheduled after you, the owners will let you play a little longer without charging. Besides renting by the hour, the center also hosts very inexpensive soccer championships (basically just enough to cover the cost of the field and the referee fee). Overall, a great, safe option to play pichanga with friends. Call ahead of time to reserve the soccer fields or basketball/tennis courts.

Complejo Deportivo José Manuel López, located just a few blocks from the Ñuble metro station, is a…read moregreat place to play a game of soccer or basketball. The main reason I gave them a 4-star review is not because of the quality of the areas they provide, but because of their great initiative of opening up their services for free to the residents in the area. They also hold different sport workshops and championships for residents of all ages. I am currently playing in their "Liga Interbarrios" and I have been blown away by the organization and community support. Every Saturday kids, teens, young adults as well as older adults play - basically all ages and genders are welcome! What's more is this is all for free. Free fields to play on, free ref's and equipment! This is the best way to get kids off the streets or better said, off their couches and being active. I have played on almost all of their fields except for their fake grass one. They have a cement "baby" field outside, right next to a small playground for kids. A fake grass one that is always closed and 2 larger indoor pitches that are separated by large nets. Plus they have bleachers for family and friends to cheer their loved-ones on (sometimes it can get intense when teams come with their rowdy "hinchas"- very exciting). They also have changing rooms and bathrooms although, ladies, remember to bring your own toilet paper as they do not have any. A great initiative and I hope more communities will follow suit!