In the quaint little town of San Anselmo, CA (which happens to be tucked in between San Rafael and…read moreFairfax) lies "Imagination Park". For those that choose to visit, this is a very tiny park with only a couple of benches for sitting. Do not expect to see a playground nor is there even a water fountain or public restroom. And keep the dogs at home as this is not a pet-friendly park. The space itself is equivalent to that of a backyard of a standard house. Located right off of San Anselmo Ave. and tucked right in between Magnolia Ave. and City Hall Ave. in downtown San Anselmo, this park eventually came to life back in June 2013. This idea was spearheaded by film director George Lucas who directed mega blockbuster films such as the entire Star Wars Saga, the Indiana Jones franchise as well as American Graffiti. It is very easy to find as the location itself is just steps away from the San Anselmo Public Library as well as the Town Hall. I came here on a warmer than normal summer day on 7/15/2023 at around 4:10pm. After parking my SUV just a block away, I was awed with the beautiful collection of pink/lavender flowers with the plaque that reads Imagination Park directly above it. But the real treat here is the life-size statues of one of Star Wars most recognizable and beloved characters, "Yoda", And directly on the other side is a statue of Harrison Ford who played "Indiana Jones" in all 5 of the movies spanning from 1981-2023. While you're here, its nice just to let your imagination run wild (hence the name "Imagination" Park) and just appreciate how influential George Lucas is in all of his movies. He actually used to have a residence in San Anselmo before relocating to the more private and open Lucas Valley. So for all you movie fanatics young and old, do yourself a favor and check this place out if you're in the area. My rating, a unanimous five stars.

Once again, I've warned you my fellow Yelpers and random visitors perusing the Yelp app, don't set…read moreyour expectations too high when it comes to the size of the park. It's situated next to the San Anselmo Library, extremely small and not what you imagined (no pun intended). There are two statues here - Yoda and Indiana Jones, don't expect anything else. Be respectful when visiting this park. It's a lovely hangout spot like one of the Yelpers mentioned, go get some coffee and sit here and reminisce, or do whatever you want to kill time. It's definitely not a park with monkey bars and swings for the kids, so carry on. No hiking and no trails. Stop by if you're in the neighborhood and chillax. 'Til next time ~ cheers and see you on Yelp soon! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/imagination-park-san-anselmo?select=c6MF24JXpCU3GQUUhgfMDQ

We loved Pixie Park! We had a close call at Hal Brown Park when our oldest disappeared from view…read moreand we didn't know which way to go to search for him -- toward the marsh or toward Bon Air Road. We were delighted to find Pixie Park, so safe because of its gate. We had many years of fun there. We held several birthday parties there and the Halloween Parade and the Spring Fair were highlights each year.

Pixie is more than a playground - it's a community that has come together to care for the park…read morethrough a co-op model, and a special, safe gathering place, steeped in history. Pixie is gated for kids' safety and is specifically designed for children ages 0 to 6. Throughout the year, there are wonderful events - a Halloween parade, a Father's Day social, music classes, play dates, etc - for the Pixie community, all organized and paid for by the all-volunteer co-op. My kids and I love going to Pixie both for the park itself (sandbox, swings, little cars, monkey bars, slides and more) and for the new and old friends we meet there. Finally, I like that Pixie is an inclusive community. You do have to join the park to visit it (other than during monthly open houses, which are great!), but there are a range of options for doing so - there are heavily reduced rates for members who have more time to volunteer, grandparents, military, and those can can't afford to pay.

Such a fun park for kids! We brought our 15 month old and my friends brought their 2 year old. The…read morepark has an area for younger kids (2 years and up) and an area for older kids. My daughter was too young for either area, but she really enjoyed watching the dogs on the open field running around. I was only in town visiting, but would definitely recommend this park for any parents wanting to get outside and let their kids get their energy out!

So many nannies there we couldn't get a swing for our grandkid. Very nice park beside that it's…read morecrowded.

This park is fantastic for kids of all ages. Our favorite part is the huge blue circle that spins…read more There are also swings and play structures and all u see gorgeous Redwoods in the heart of downtown Larkspur.

I've reviewed over 2 dozen parks and don't give 5 stars very often. This one deserves it. Location…read moreis super refreshing. What made me want to visit is the fact that it's in a forest of trees! I admit however, it was a bit odd that when I arrived, the "forrest" was about 1 block long. It's literally a bunch of trees in the middle of suburbia which I'm not complaining about, but it just caught me off guard. For those that need or want shade, this is the perfect place. More shaded areas in this playground than I've ever been to at any other spot. This place is littered with trees all super tall. Safety is all about access and the perimeter. The backside is surrounded by a tiny river. Frontside is surrounded by a wood fence which is quite fitting for the environment. Yes, there's a bathroom. Nice that the play structures are separated into a few play areas. This is good for separating children of different ages, but also keeps it from getting too crowded. Picnic benches too. Very nice "feel", that I can't quite explain that I've never felt at any other park. Truly a unique place. It may seem odd that the play structures are metal amidst nature, but the colors and design still go well with the environment. Funny that one of the play structures mimics a treehouse. Mulch everywhere which is great. Sand is so 1900's. Although parking wasn't tough, I think I got lucky. The street leading to this place is quite narrow. You'll find yourself taking turns w/folks coming towards you in the opposite direction b/c the street is just that narrow. This place is definitely worth visiting despite what could be a challenge with the parking situation.

Would give it 4 stars if it wasn't for people not picking up after their dogs. Stepped in dog shit…read moretwice trying to find a good spot to hang my hammock. Yesterday I had an interrupted view of the mountain. Tried going back to that spot today only to step in dog shit. Find another spot ( not as good) & again, more dog shit. Now look at what view I have of the mountain.

Guys, there is a designated dog park here for a reason. Okay to the woke mob, friendly reminder,…read morethis is not a dog park, it is a park park. Have had at least two incidents with entitled Karens like this, one of whom told ME to leave. Ah dah dah, was here first and also wait for it am not bothering other people or telling them to 'come pet my dog' like you. Some folk here are really irresponsible and just don't seem to be aware that this is an all-purpose grounds. Can't have some strange animal for example just coming up and invading a kid's soccer game. That wouldn't be good. If you have to keep on saying to people that your mutt is friendly then perhaps you need some reflection and a moment of skepticism there. Wouldn't say that a lot of the folk who go here are particularly friendly. Had an awkward guy come up asking about covid restrictions as if he was soap boxing or politicizing about something ...huh? Come on. This is just a park. However, yes, you do get a good view and there's volleyball, though not sure if you can just join or if there's a lesson arrangement or something, would happily do that. Until then, respect my walking and will do yours as well. Ugh, the Marin Karen Crazies just like to roll up in parks with dogs for some reason. Why they not trained? Is this some feminist ...dog whistle? Not quite sure what to really do here besides visit that cool @$$ dock.

It's fairly impossible to review Phoenix Lake itself in so much as touching its surface qualifies…read moreas a punishable offense. But you can review the trail around the lake which steers you completely clear of touching the water at all. The trail around Phoenix lake's circumference is easy, taking less than 1 hour to traverse. Leashed dogs are welcome. It'd be difficult to get lost. I always hike it counter-clockwise. If you're coming from San Francisco to hike but what you really want to do is have brunch, the brief hike around Phoenix Lake will allow you to achieve both your goals. Owing to the drought, the lake has looked quite sorry in the past few years but right now it's looking quite nice. Less dirt, more water There's a small parking lot and port-a-potties at Natalie Coffin Green Park, the entrance nearest the lake and trails, but you'll rarely find parking there. Parking on the nearby streets is also generally prohibited (welcome to Ross!). The best way to enjoy this space is to park for free behind the Ross Post Office and walk yourself all the way down Lagunitas Road until you get to the park, the full parking lot, and the lake. The benefit is that you'll actually then get in enough exercise to justify your brunch. It'll take a bit longer but it's an easy stroll to the lake and back. The hike around the lake has its ups and downs but never even begins to qualify as difficult. I'm not generally a fan of such a short, non-strenuous hike but must admit that the lake was looking remarkably pretty on a recent hike.

Almost 4 mile trail. Absolutely stunning views. If you're a photographer (like me) don't rush…read morethese trails. Walking sticks are handy! Some Bicyclist have zero road side courtesy be very careful. Lots of locals who know these grounds very well. Newbies beware, and take your time.

When I first saw this park, I had no idea what to make out of it. As others have said there's a…read morelower part and an upper part. Today, I explored the upper part, where the actual large house is. Right next to it they have all kinds of beautiful gardens. They're doing a fantastic job in growing all kinds of wonderful flowers and vegetables. There's also plenty of places to have a picnic, with plenty of picnic tables, places to sit and so on. This is a really magical place to visit. Don't miss this place.

Gorgeous little community garden with park attached! Many people know of this spot for the small…read moreand intimate park attached to this massive estate, but I am head over heels for this garden!! It is a hodgepodge of steps and walk ways that make for an engaging and fun experience. Not ADA accessible, sadly. As this is a very old estate I do not know if there is intention to change that. This is a calming and simple reminder of the importance for ADA activities in nature. Lovely spot with dedicated gardeners who have clearly spent hours on their unique and creative spaces.

Dawn Falls Trail is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Larkspur, California. It's considered to…read morebe a moderately challenging route. It will take about an hour to walk through this beautiful redwoods round trip to the Dawn Falls. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running. The best part of the Dawn Falls trail is that it's not crowded but you may still see a few other people while exploring. This trail is open year round but the best time is from January through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. However, I do see local dogs roaming without their leashes. Only a few parking spots deter many visitors. However, if you will be willing to be patience, there will on a parkingspot for you. This trail is maintained so clean here, so please no littering! Enjoy!

*****pay attention *****…read more Word, to the ignorant drivers who have never been on switchbacks DO NOT come here. As you blast down the very single car lane, not paying attention and laughing away isn't cute. Be mindful of cars and pediatricians. Believe it or not its not all about you! The road to the trail is all kinds of messed up. It's a single lane through a neighborhood with very little turnouts. Believe it or not, there are huge redwoods along this road. If you have never been on a road like this, please park at the bottom of the road!!! PLEASE! Even the folks who were walking up the road to the trail aren't alert. It's sooo fun to be surrounded by people who believe it's all about them yes, im being harsh, but it was that bad!

Albert Park isn't much but it's appreciated by those who can partake of this new park...swings,…read morechildren's play area, greens to picnic upon, picnic tables to assemble and have community events. presently, it's temporarily closed so the entirety of it's magnificence in the urban environment isn't readily accessible.

We took the smart train down to San Rafael and it was nice to find this park after lunch. It's a…read morelot of fun for young kids, I think anyone under 6 years old would have a lot of fun here. It was clean and all the structures look great.

Dog friendly park with outstanding views. Near the prison - get some fresh air after you visit all…read moreyour friends there. Probably a great place to take your children. Point out the prison in the distance. Let the kids know if they act up thats where they will end up. Thats parenting at its best. Views for days. And you can have the place mostly to yourself - if you have a dog who isn't well socialized that might be very important. A designated trail snakes near the main road if you want to get in some steps. Rinks was pestering me about going to Sausalito - I dont know what it is with the ladies and that town. Over priced ice cream? Too bad... this is all you get for today. All the best children's books have scary and threatening undertones... plus the inmates shouldn't be the only ones to enjoy the views.

Nice park, scenic trail, dog-friendly, kid-friendly, and bike-friendly. Great exercise, wave to…read morethe Ferry as they go by or watch the windsurfers take on "Jaws". Thanks to the City of Larkspur for keeping up the landscaping; they do a stellar job keeping this hidden gem of a park looking immaculate. A few parking spaces available at no charge while you take a stroll or jog with your furry friend.