I live walking distance from this gem of a playground and have taken both my girls there from ages 6 mos to about 3-4 years. Sometimes we still go even though the youngest is early elementary aged and they're clearly the older (est) ones there. This humble small lot is literally a toy graveyard, and excitement abounds if you happen to find one where the batteries still work and it makes sounds/ lights! There's also a small slide, 2 swings, it's totally enclosed, have some bench seating and toddler picnic table, 2 baby swings, turf ground + sand pit, and some shaded areas. (It can also get really sunny and warm.) Street parking is typically easy around two of the lot perimeters. It's one of the few lots where I could let my 2yo kids roam without worrying too much that they'd wander off or get hurt. Yes, there's a little steep "lip" heading into the sand pit (might make for a surprise butt-slide) and you'll still need to watch to make sure your kid doesn't get clocked in the head by someone on the swings. And for sure you may not want your kid eating everything that's there. But by and large it was one of the safest playgrounds and we met up with lots of (adult) friends there to chat while the kids played. We actually got some conversation in!! And our kids made some friends. On the weekdays, a bunch of nannies would bring their kids over and sit, picnic, change diapers on the ground, and chat. Super friendly. I'm so thankful this lot exists for my kids. read more

Great park. Love that it's fully gated. There is shade from the trees around the edges and around the picnic tables. Short picnic table for the kids read more

Totland Playground gets props for excellent PR. one gets a mental image of a vast area of play space for youngsters. nada. there's a single play structure, a swing, some sand, a "clubhouse". the rest is multi-generational. -trees, green grass, picnic tables. tall trees. something kids might enjoy. realistically, young adults et al. would enjoy these spaces more. just street parking, no parking lot seen. there's some toys on the perimeter of the playground that may be free to use. due diligence suggested to make sure it's safe for the youngsters to play with. seems to be closed during the covid pandemic. read more

Large, spacious and clean. There are plenty of activities for kids all ages from tots and to older kids. They have a ton of picnic tables, a bathroom, a huge sand pit with a water feature and overall, it's a great public Berkeley park just a few minutes from North Berkeley BART. As an added bonus, they have a ton of great push carts and toys donated to the park that live there. Overall, Totland is a great park. We schlep here from South Berkeley just for our son to enjoy this nice rec area that has plenty of room for him to run around. read more

Totland Playground - Playgrounds Near Me - Berkeley, California

Best play ground for a toddler to hang out in, in the Berkeley area. As someone suggested it is like a graveyard for toys but still my babe loves playing with any type of toy so he doesn't know any better. They also have a great play structure for the littles to play on! Plus ample parking! read more

My son and I went for the first time after a friend suggested the park. We usually go to Tot park in Oakland, Joaquin Miller, or GG park. This was a great option to add to our list! He loved how many friends and toys he had to interact with there! read more

Totland Playground - Playgrounds Near Me - Berkeley, California

A family favorite of ours. We brought our kids here when they were little. Now, we join them with their kids. The water play fountain in the sandbox continues to be a hit. read more

Totland Playground is absolute godsend for parents who need relief and kids who got so much pensed up energy, they are literally bouncing off the walls. Sounds like your situation? Take the little ones down to Totland Playground for not your average run-of-the mill excitement. Totland playground has got your swings, slides, and sand pit like most city parks. But what sets this park apart are all the cool toy ride alongs. As soon as we open the enclosed gate and enter the park, my son darts to the nearest tricycle, buggy, scooter, or whatever has wheels. When he gets bored with that he's off to the slide or swings. There are also plastic balls available for kids to throw or kick around. A little area for playing in water and sand is there too, but I won't let my kid near it. Then there is the bathroom which is not always the cleanest but keep in mind, it is a public bathroom and at least they have one. That being said, every time I use it, it has never locked and I am always sure to carry with me at least two towels to put on the crooked changing table; there is nothing worse than an uneven baby changing table. The park can get a bit crowded due to its popularity among parent clubs, nanny clubs, mommy and baby clubs, and such. I've been taking my kid here since he was three months and the crowd and traffic have remained the same. You'll find here newborns all the way up to kids 6-8 years of age. (+++ ) Totland playground has the charm of easily becoming every parent and kid's go-to spot after a visit. (+) street parking/no meter (++) toys for kids to play with are in good condition, and not too run down. More importantly, it gets the job done. (-/+) public restroom available; bring extra towel or two for use on the changing table. read more

See all

Twin parents unite! This place is really awesome, and I really love how communal it is. This is the perfect place to take children's under the age of two. They can run around and play on the playground sets (which are low to the ground and cater to younger children), and parents can set out a lunch and sit and grass and really make a day out of it. There is one bathroom on the premises, which gets kind of busy but there's no long lines, so easy to get in and out. There's also a sandy/beachy area for kids to play in the sand and with some water. Be aware that this place is in a residential part, so you may have to park on the street within the neighborhood (and allot more time for parking). Definitely will be back to this place, as it's very easy to navigate if you're single parenting or going somewhere with a bunch of children. read more

This is a lovely spacious park, all enclosed, designed for the under 3 crowd and their parents. There are plenty of baby swings, benches, tables for birthday parties, grassy areas for crawling, and even a bathroom that is surprisingly clean. The slides are very low and safe. We used to go here all the time. My older son was doing something else today, so I took my three year old. He enjoyed the water and sand play area, but he is definitely aging out of the play structure. Toddler families love this park. read more

Found this park on a whim! We're from Vallejo but happened to be in the area and found this park on yelp. It's a gated area, looks like a day care or school. Lots of toys laying around for all kids to play with, playground, swings, sand area. My toddler loves it! read more

Great park for Toya totally fenced in, I appreciate this because my little ions moves fast. It's smaller than it looks on picture's and tends to be pretty crowded. Over all it's clean and we felt safe. read more

We LOVE this park but sadly Berkeley made a ill-timed renovation so it's closed all summer. Thought people who don't live super close would like to know it's still under construction despite the website saying it's closed until June 30th. We made the trek today, super excited to see the new park. We don't live nearby so we were very disappointed to see dirt piles and a sign saying closed until August 25, 2015. Despite the disappointment we can't wait to see the new and improved Totland and will be back on August 26th! read more

Totland Playground - City website says it's closed through June 30...nope! - Playgrounds Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Abandoned toys and tot vehicles litter the lawn in a way that makes the youngest of our breed jump for joy. The kids roam at the top of the food chain here, protecting their territory, marked by their food and jackets strewn over benches; their chaperones watching from a close distance so as to not disturb the purity of their playtime. Said chaperones are overjoyed by the fact that this place is indeed reality - a place free of charge, free of hyper supervision, free of the tyranny of administrators and compliance. It can become a zoo; a wilderness where the fittest and biggest survive (and get the best toys), but that's a cost this chaperone will pay. "One day...", I tell my child, "One day...you can play with whatever you want to here. You can go down whatever slide, or be swung in whatever swing you'd like." Until then, my child will wait in the sand with the tonka trunks. Waiting. read more

See all

This playground is amazing! There is lots of stuff to take advantage of at this playground. There is a playstructure for little toddlers, a big kid slide, several swings, a merry go round, sand box plus loads and loads of toys for the kids to play with. Though some of them are kind of broken, some of are quite functional. My little one was hesitant at first to play with everything and just gravitated towards the swings but then started branching out to the slides and toys and eventually the sand box. During our visit there, there was a gentleman who came by to play children's songs which was nice. There's a bathroom available with changing station. There's also picnic tables and grassy areas where you can have a picnic. I only wish the Newark/Fremont/Union City area had an area like this. read more

This park is just perfect for toddlers. There are plenty of play structures and equipment for the children. I appreciate the park is fenced in making it a safe haven for kids. The building is colorful & cheerful. And there is a decent bathroom that includes a changing table- bravo! read more

Totland Playground - Playgrounds Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

Everything that 'michealle r.' said, with the addition that it's just 3 blocks from North Berkeley BART, making it easily accessible by pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike. Not surprisingly, Totland doesn't allow dogs, but don't let that deter you as it's _also_ only 4 blocks away Ohlone Park's enclosed dog park. read more

Totland Playground - Playgrounds Near Me - Berkeley, California

so glad to have found this place! My 13 month old son has been pretty active and I've been finding different small-kid-friendly park. This place is a perfect place for us. Tons of toys, grass area, sand area, a couple of swings, picnic tables. I was able to relax while my baby was having fun. read more

It's a great place for babies and toddlers. My two buddies love the sand play area. Some people also host birthday parties in the park!

On Saturdays he wakes me when the sun begins to shine which feels a little early, but we're rolling out by nine to toddle down to Totland, our favorite place for play to while away a couple hours of such a lovely day. For toddlers, it's a wonderland -- so much to see and do swings, and sand, and lots of toddler toys left just for you! The play structure is safe enough for Mom to just let go kick back, relax, and laugh to watch them bobble to and fro. There's shade and tables, water, and it's all kept safe and clean Each time we've been, he babbles about all the things he's seen the toys, the slide, the cars and trucks, but in the end he's always most excited about his new-found friends. read more

My kids love this park. My son is almost 4 years old and he loves to play in the sand area that has running water. My daughter likes the slides. I love that this park is gated all around so that I don't have to worry about a child running into the street. I had no issue finding parking and because the park isn't that large, a restroom was onsite and nearby. read more

I dig Totland big-time but I have to dock it a star because some of those cast-off old toys are a freakin' death trap.

Seemed like a nice safe place for toddlers but I haven't been here in the summer when supposedly parents let their kids soak their asses in the public water play areas. There are plenty of toys, and at least four cars for kids to "drive" around. It was a fun time, I would recommend going. It was nice and quiet in the morning and there are a good amount of benches and shaded areas. read more

My little diva loved this park! It is sandy and a little crowded depending on the time of day you go, but little ones don't mind. She especially loved the not so gently used ride on toys. The bathroom could use some TLC, but I was thankful there was a changing table. Fun for little ones! read more

Totland Playground - Having fun in the sand. - Playgrounds Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

This is just an average playground except for one detail: Toys. Seems like many gently-used trikes, play kitchens, and toy bulldozers are sent here instead of craigslist. This is a practice that should spread to other playgrounds. The play structures are over sand, and mant kids were barefoot. I saw no trash anywhere. read more

My husband and I brought baby N (almost 1 years old) here on Sunday. 4 baby swings, so no waiting for one to free up. Love that! Lots if toys for tots to play with. Grassy area to throw a blanket out and relax. The park is housed in a nice neighborhood. This will be a wonderful place for baby N to place once she's walking. Minus one star because of sand instead of wood chips. read more

I see my mistake. It is another Berkeley tot playground closed (King Park), not this one. Thank you, City for catching this

I'd give this place a 4 star, if I lived in the neighborhood. What makes this park great: - Completely enclosed but not too small. Some of the tot enclosures I've been to are way too small. This one is large enough that my super duper energetic 2 year old has plenty of room to run around but just small enough that I can see every angle while seated. - Mixture of sand and grassy area. Many tot lots are either sand, grass or squishy flooring but not a combo, so it's nice to have both. - They have baby swing and big kid swing. Many parks have either or but not both. My 2 year old is just starting to get into the big kid swing, so this is nice. - They have baby slide and big kid slide. Again. this is great for young toddlers like mine. - Toys: there were 2 plastic cars, 2 - 3 other ride toys, 1 - 2 barely functioning push toys, 1 - 2 borderline functioning trikes. This is not a place you pay to get in, so you shouldn't expect fancy toys. They are very well loved, and kids don't care how dirty or well worn they are. As long as they are safe, I don't mind them at all. This is a nice feature and more parks should adopt this practice. - Parking: no problem with street parking! Why this place is a 3 star for me: - I don't live in the walking distance from this park but live within walking distance to Linda Park in Piedmont and 5 min. drive from Frog Park. Linda Park is a similar park with toys and sand. Although Totland is much larger and has more slide/swing options, it is 20 min. drive from my house, so I don't think it's a destination park for me. If I'm in the neighborhood or visiting a friend in Berkeley, I'd come back to Totland. But, I wouldn't go out of my way to come to this park. It's a very nice neighborhood park, so if you live in the area with a little one, this is your gem. Lucky you! read more

I have to agree with the positive reviews of this park. Our group (7 adults, 1 6 year old, 2 18 mo olds, and 2 babies) had a great time the other day. This park has nice sized equipment for the toddlers and shared toys. What makes this park so great is that it is big enough but not so big you lose the kiddos! It is fenced which is wonderful with toddlers! It also has restrooms. There are some tables and seating for the adults to visit and grass to sit in. read more

What a great park! We stumbled upon this while exploring Berkeley for the day and so glad we did. The whole area is fenced in and there's great trees for shade and benches. There's a few play structures, but nothing really big to be very concerned if the kiddos are playing on them. There are bathrooms as well. Fun little sand play area, beware there is water in this area and my little dude enjoyed it a little too much. He left in just his jacket and mom's nursing cover up tied around his waist like a sarong Overall, wonderful park! We will definitely venture back here the next time we are in the area. read more

This is one of my favorite parks in Berkeley. I am not from the area, but I will drive 25 minutes going here for my toddler to enjoy this park. We went on a midday Saturday afternoon and enjoyed a nice picnic while my 3 year old played in the sandbox. I love the cleanliness of the whole playground and that this park is closest to my favorite coffee shop. read more

This place is seriously awesome! My 2 yo daughter made tons of little friends her age! All of the parents are super friendly and I enjoyed the conversations I had with fellow mamas (and some papas)! I usually get nervous about gym apparatuses because some may be built too tall, with several openings at the top that little toddlers can jump off of and etc. but this newly built apparatus is especially designed for little toddlers like my 2 year old energetic toddler; I was able to sit back and watch her enjoy the structure without feeling like she could get injured. It was sooooo hard to get my toddler to leave-- we cannot wait to go back to this charming Toddler Gem in Berkeley! read more

Bathroom, big kid and little kid swings (although not right next to each other), water table, old trikes... something for everyone. We had my son's 4 y.o. b-day party here and it was perfect. Now he takes art class here, and it's a great place to kill an hour with the toddler. My only fear is that the city of Berkeley will somehow mess things up with the imminent "improvement" project. NOTHING NEEDS TO CHANGE HERE! read more

I brought my god baby here almost a year and a half ago and she loved it . Great picnic benches to sit and eat and watch the kids. I love that people recycle toys and being them here. Very clean park . Should've came here first instead of spending $$$ at habitot read more

I really really like Totland because it's fenced, has a nice grassy area, and is teared towards toddlers (which I have). There's also a nice amount of shade to put down a picnic blanket. Also, four swings! Yay! On the negative side, a lot of the play equipment and the ground gets VERY hot in the sun, so you really have to be careful on hot days. Also, I have a very love/hate relationship with the water feature. Since it's not fenced in separately from the rest of the park there is absolutely no way to keep my bubs from playing in it, and some days mama just don't want to change clothes and a diaper at the park. Also, for safety, I would suggest putting up a fence around the water area. Some of the older kdis that frequent the park turn it into a lake, which could be pretty dangerous for littles. Oh, and please bring back the toys! All in all, it's one of my favorite parks. read more

We loved Totland!! So many toys and interesting things for toddlers. Dozens of lil buddies running around and interacting. Everyone is careful to keeps the gates closed. Excellent!!! Three years and under recommended. I saw a few really grumpy older kids but the big park is just a few blocks down the road. read more

Another perfect playground in the Bay Area in which nothing in Southern California (where I'm from) can equal. In this case, it is very well indeed perfect for little tots. And while there is a perfect play gym for ages 14 months to 4 years, the little ones are very much magnetized to the sand box with a little water reservoir. And not that I'm looking, but there are a lot of hot moms that come here. Which, you know what that means, it means great breeding happens in the Bay Area. And it's a shame to admit this, but Mads Mikkelsen the actor makes me look like a bad father. Actually, it wasn't really Mads -- only a father that happened to look very much like him with his rugged Dutch looks. You see, this guy was such a handsome and amazing do-this, do-that father, that I look like a second-rate guy next to him. He wasn't trying to show-off, he just looked really good at, you know, being that amazing dad with his little ones on the playground. Teaching, talking smart words, looking amazing doing it. Anyway, I'm pontificating. #vocabulary read more

See all

Really great for early walkers up to running climbing jumping toddler. Do you some bathroom with a changing table. Great little corner lot in Berkeley. read more

I stopped taking my kids there because every time I go, there are a few children age 2 to 4 or so running around naked using the slides and other equipment available there. Only bugs me because my kids have to use the same pieces of equipment and play structures as the ones those children rub their naked butts against. Doesn't seem the most sanitary... read more

so glad i found this place! i've heard about it for years and during the last few hot days we've had, i was seeking solace for shade and space to let the 2 year old run free. this place is perfect. yes, some of the equipment is donated and old but for the most part, they are all in good working condition. it's a HUGE plus that there is a working bathroom! there's plenty of grassy area for a picnic and even some tables if not already being used. it was great to have so many benches available for those of us who are 8 months pregnant and just want to sit and watch. read more