University Park
About
University Park is a welcoming neighborhood park in Arlington that offers everything families need for an active outdoor day. With well-maintained playgrounds for different age groups, sports facilities including baseball fields and basketball courts, and plenty of open green space, it's an ideal spot for letting kids burn off energy while parents relax at a picnic table or join in the fun.
Highlights
- ✓Multiple playground structures for different age groups
- ✓Full-sized basketball courts for pickup games
- ✓Baseball fields perfect for casual practice or watching local games
- ✓Wide open green spaces ideal for picnics and free play
- ✓Shaded areas for parents to relax while supervising
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring sports equipment like soccer balls, frisbees, or baseball gloves to take full advantage of the open fields and courts
- 2.Pack a picnic lunch and claim a shaded spot early on weekends when the park sees more families
- 3.The basketball courts are usually less crowded on weekday mornings if your kids want uninterrupted play time
- 4.Bring bikes or scooters as the paved paths are perfect for young riders learning to navigate
- 5.Check local league schedules before visiting as baseball fields may be reserved for games on weekend mornings
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday afternoons or weekend mornings during spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable. Early morning visits on weekends offer the best chance at having playground equipment available before sports leagues arrive.
What to Know
University Park is free to visit with accessible parking available on-site. There are no food vendors, so bring your own snacks and drinks, and restroom facilities are available.
Seasonal Notes
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for extended outdoor play. Summer visits are best in early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat. The park remains open year-round, though playground equipment may be hot during summer midday hours.
Nearby Eats
Head to nearby San Jose Boulevard where you'll find family-friendly chains like Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread, both offering quick meals and kid menus just a few minutes' drive from the park.
More Activities Near Arlington
Ed Austin Regional Park
Ed Austin Regional Park is a sprawling Arlington playground paradise that gives active families plenty of room to roam. With multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, extensive walking trails perfect for bike rides or stroller walks, and wide-open green spaces ideal for picnics and games, this park offers everything you need for a full day of outdoor family fun without the crowds of Jacksonville's more touristy spots.
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park is a sprawling 110-acre outdoor paradise along the Ortega River that offers something for every family member. From well-maintained playgrounds and miles of paved trails perfect for biking and strollers, to a fishing pier where kids can try catching their first fish, this park provides hours of nature-based fun without feeling remote or inaccessible.
Patton Park
Patton Park is a versatile community park in Arlington that offers something for every member of the family. With well-maintained playgrounds for various age groups, open sports fields perfect for pickup games, and shaded pavilions ideal for birthday parties or picnics, it's a go-to spot for active families seeking outdoor fun without the crowds of larger parks.
Seawalk Pavilion
Seawalk Pavilion offers families a beautiful waterfront escape with a scenic boardwalk perfect for leisurely strolls, fishing adventures, and watching boats glide by. Open 24/7 and completely free to visit, this Jacksonville Beach gem provides a relaxing outdoor experience where kids can enjoy the sea breeze, spot marine life, and burn energy in a safe, open environment right along the Intracoastal Waterway.