Photo: Ed R. Levin County Park
Photo: Sreevidhya Sethuraman
Photo: Kodandaram Ponnaluri
Ed R. Levin County Park
★4.7(2,774 reviews)FreePark
🕑 3-5 hours for a full experience, though families can easily spend a quick 1-2 hours at the playground and picnic area👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Younger children enjoy the playground and easy picnic areas, while older kids and teens love the challenging hiking trails, cycling paths, and the famous hang gliding launch site. The dog park is a hit with animal-loving kids of all ages.🧡 Saved by 350+ families
About
Ed R. Levin County Park is a sprawling 1,500-acre outdoor playground perfect for active families who want room to explore. With everything from gentle hiking trails and playgrounds to fishing ponds and wide-open spaces for kite flying, this park offers something for every energy level and interest,plus those spectacular South Bay views make for amazing family photos.
Highlights
- ✓Multiple playgrounds with modern equipment and shade structures
- ✓Sandy Wool Lake for fishing and nature watching
- ✓Scenic hiking trails ranging from easy loops to challenging climbs
- ✓Large dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs
- ✓Wide open fields perfect for kite flying, frisbee, and running around
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends to snag shaded picnic tables near the playground,they fill up fast during peak hours
- 2.Bring kites! The open fields near the parking area have excellent wind conditions and are perfect for flying
- 3.Pack layers,temperatures can vary significantly between the shaded trails and sunny open areas, and it gets breezy near the hilltops
- 4.The Sandy Wool Lake area is best for young children with its gentler terrain and fishing opportunities (California fishing license required for adults)
- 5.Download a trail map before you go,cell service can be spotty in some areas of this massive park
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings or early weekend mornings (8-10am) for cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. Spring (March-May) offers the greenest hillsides and wildflowers, while fall provides comfortable temperatures and clearer views of the South Bay.
What to Know
Parking fee is $6 per vehicle on weekdays, $8 on weekends and holidays. Restrooms and water fountains are available near main areas. Food is not sold on-site, so pack snacks and plenty of water, especially for longer hikes.
Seasonal Notes
Summer can be very hot with little shade on trails, so mornings are essential. Winter and spring bring muddy conditions after rain,check trail status before visiting. The park occasionally closes trails during extreme fire danger in late summer and fall.
Nearby Eats
Head to Milpitas Square or McCarthy Ranch Shopping Center (10 minutes away) for family-friendly options like Chipotle, In-N-Out Burger, or BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse with their extensive kids' menu.
More Activities Near Milpitas
Park
Augustine Park
Free
Augustine Park is a welcoming neighborhood park in Milpitas that offers a solid mix of active play options for families. With playground equipment for younger children, basketball courts for energetic kids, and plenty of open green space for running around or spreading out a picnic blanket, it's an ideal spot for a casual afternoon outing without the crowds of larger regional parks.
Park
Cardoza Park
Free
Cardoza Park is a well-loved Milpitas neighborhood gem that offers something for every member of the family. With its combination of modern playground equipment, wide-open grassy fields perfect for running and games, basketball courts for active tweens, and plenty of shaded picnic spots, it's an ideal destination for everything from quick afternoon outings to full-day family gatherings.
Park
Tom Evatt Park
★4.3Free
Tom Evatt Park is a versatile Milpitas community hub perfect for active families looking to mix sports and play. With a well-equipped playground, multiple baseball fields, tennis courts, and plenty of picnic areas, there's something here for everyone whether you're planning a quick playground visit or an all-day family outing with games and lunch.
Library
Milpitas Library
★4.7Free❤️16
The Milpitas Library is a modern, family-friendly hub that goes far beyond books. With an extensive children's section filled with colorful displays, regular storytimes, and hands-on educational programs, it's become a beloved destination for local families looking for both entertainment and enrichment.