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The Atlantis Play Center, located at 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, California, is a 4-acre, ocean-themed children’s playground that has been a beloved community attraction since its opening in 1963. Inspired by the mythical island of Atlantis, the park was designed to offer a unique, imaginative play experience distinct from the standard playgrounds of its time.
Atlantis Play Center, Home to Unique Play Structures
The park features whimsical, nautical-themed concrete sculptures, including the iconic “Danny the Sea Dragon” slide, “Wally the Whale” (with a slide for a tongue), rocking seahorses, and a Viking ship. These structures blend artistic heritage with playful functionality. Some original play structures, such as the octopus merry-go-round and teeter-totter, have been removed due to wear or safety concerns.
Splash Pad: A splash pad with playful animal sculptures is included in the entry fee and is open during the summer. It is a popular spot for cooling off, although the water flow may not be as strong as at other splash pads.
Visiting Atlantis Play Center
The center is divided into various play zones, each featuring ample shaded areas for relaxation and rest. Atlantis Play Center sets the standard for children’s parks. It offers spacious open areas, clean restrooms, imaginative play zones, and a safe environment.
Adults are not allowed without kids, and kids are not allowed without adults. There is a large picnic table area for groups. Birthday parties can be hosted in the birthday pavilion, where you will find King Triton’s throne.
Safety and Accessibility: The park is fully enclosed, with a single entry and exit point, which enhances safety by ensuring that children and adults must be accompanied. Paved walkways make the area stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, and restrooms are conveniently located near the main picnic area, providing a secure and accessible environment for all visitors.
Admission and Hours
Admission: $2 for ages three and older (adults also). Children under two are free. This playground is one place no child ever forgets, and an adult will return with their children to enjoy the Atlantis play center again. Atlantis Play Center is ideal for kids aged 2 -7, offering a fun-filled day in the lost city of Atlantis. The park provides ample shaded picnic areas and a reservable “King Neptune’s Pavilion” for birthday parties or group events. Only two exclusive rentals are permitted per month, which can be booked by contacting (714) 741-5168.
Atlantis Play Center History
Atlantis Play Center was built on a former federal airstrip with the vision of creating “something creative emerging from a sea of asphalt. Play structures at Atlantis Play Center were created by Benjamin Dominguez (except for the splash pad), who was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, in 1894. Benjamin blended the artistic medium of his Mexican heritage with his vision for a children’s active play space in the 1950s United States.
Atlantis was the theme of Garden Grove Park, and the city hoped it would put them on the map and simultaneously satisfy the needs of the city’s youth population. Benjamin Dominguez created a serpent slide that wound down a hill and an open-mouth whale whose tongue was a slide for children. Benjamin Dominguez died in 1974 at the age of 80. He was buried in South San Gabriel next to the son who brought him to this country.
Getting There:
Atlantis Play Center 13630 Atlantis Way Garden Grove, California. Website. Contact: (714) 892-6015 for general inquiries, (714) 741-5200 for picnic or pavilion reservations, or (714) 741-5168 for exclusive rentals. There is plenty of free parking in the area. Park Website.
Nearby Attractions
Little Saigon, Westminster, California
Little Saigon is the largest Vietnamese shopping hub outside of Vietnam. The Vietnamese community takes great pride in Little Saigon and warmly welcomes visitors to its vibrant community. To fully experience this vibrant community, it’s recommended to park your car and take a walking tour. During your stroll, you can explore various attractions, including roast duck and pho restaurants, souvenir shops, food markets, and bakeries.
Stanley Ranch Museum Garden Grove
Since then, the Garden Grove Historical Society has preserved historic buildings from destruction by relocating them to the ranch. The buildings at Stanley Ranch include a replica of the first Garden Grove fire station, the Stanley Ranch house, a water tank, a general store, several Queen Anne-style cottages, a barbershop, and a garage that Walt Disney used. In total, sixteen historic buildings have been saved and relocated to the Stanley Ranch Museum, creating a historic village.