Andulka Park (Every Park in Riverside, California)
Did you know there are over 50 parks in Riverside? This year my family is on a mission to visit all of them, and then share all the info with you! You can learn more about our “Every Park in Riverside” goal here.
Let’s start with one of our favorites: Andulka Park!
About Andulka Park in Riverside
There’s a lovely walking path, a great playground, and lots of space to run around. It’s in a nice area of Riverside, and the hillside nearby plus numerous trees can sometimes make it feel a little shadier and more “nature filled” than some other parks.
Andulka is located just down the hill from Sycamore Canyon/Ameal Moore Nature Center and the Canyon Crest Town Centre (where you’ll find Ralph’s, Arcade Coffee, Handel’s ice cream, etc.)
A Visit to Andulka
When we go to Andulka Park, we usually start by parking near the playgrounds or tennis courts if possible. There is a large parking lot at Andulka, and usually parking isn’t an issue, but if there’s a baseball game going on at the baseball fields it can sometimes get crowded.
Often we’ll start off with a walk around the park’s walking path. There’s a big path around the entire park that is about a half mile in all. It’s a paved sidewalk, and then there’s also a dirt path right next to the sidewalk if you prefer a softer surface for walking or running.
In addition, there’s a shorter walking path that goes behind the tennis courts. This one is sandy dirt only, so it’s not as ideal for strollers, scooters, or wheelchairs, but is a pretty little add-on.
After walking around the path a time or two - perhaps with strollers, scooters, or bikes in tow - we’ll head to the playground.
There are two playground at Andulka - one for bigger kids and one for toddlers. I’ve been here with toddlers and teens and everywhere in between, and they always seem to find something to do.
There are swings, monkey bars, slides, and everything you’d expect at a basic playground, with a rubber (flat) surface. For many years, my children referred to this as the “roller slide” park because there is one of those slides with tubes that you can slide down - it’s fun, but we’ve also pinched fingers here a time or two!
The playground is accessible for wheelchairs, with ramps that lead onto the equipment, and there is an accessible swing. However, there are not really any other accommodations (no special equipment).
After spending time at the playground, perhaps we’ll throw a football around on the grass or shoot hoops at the basketball court before heading home. Or, we might go to the rocky area near the trees beyond the basketball and volleyball courts - there’s a big wall my children like to explore over here.
In addition to the playground, there are quite a few other amenities at Andulka Park:
There is a small splash pad (right next to the playground) that runs during the summer (Riverside’s splash pads typically run from Memorial Day to Labor Day). It’s quite small, but could be fun for little ones on a hot day!
There are tennis and pickleball courts here, and they seem to always be in use! Be aware that it does cost money to reserve a tennis court (something I actually didn’t realize until writing this post!) You can find more info here at the iTennis Riverside web site. So you won’t just be able to show up and play. They do offer lessons if you or your child are interested in learning tennis!
Next to the playground, there are two large basketball courts, and there is also a sand volleyball court. I often see families over by the volleyball court playing in the sand with sand toys, if there’s no game going on.
As mentioned, there is a walking path and lots of open grass for playing or relaxing. There’s space to throw a football, fly a kite, gather a group of friends, and more.
There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park. A few are single tables under shade pavilions - I believe these can be reserved for birthday parties (more on that in a sec), but be aware the pavilions aren’t very big.
Finally, there are two baseball fields that get used for Orange Crest Pony Baseball, or if no one’s there, you can use them too. When there’s a game going on, there is sometimes a snack shack open - very reasonably priced!
I hope that gives you a glimpse into Andulka Park, and that you can visit soon too!
Answering Questions about Andulka Park
In case you have more questions, here is some more info about Andulka Park:
Where is Andulka Park located?
Andulka Park is in the Canyon Crest area of Riverside, not too far from UCR, downtown, and Mission Grove. The address is 5201 Chicago Ave, Riverside, CA 92507. It’s on Chicago between 14th/MLK Jr and Alessandro.
Is there a playground at Andulka Park? For what ages?
Yes, there are two playgrounds at Andulka (right next to each other). One is recommended for ages 2-4, the other for 5-12. (My kids enjoy both!)
What is the playground surface made of?
The playground surface at Andulka is rubber - the blue/green flat surface you’ll find at many playgrounds in Riverside. It used to be really torn up but they repaired it in 2024 or so… hopefully it stays in better shape!
Is the playground enclosed by a fence?
No, the playground is not enclosed.
Where do I find more info about Andulka Park?
For questions about Andulka Park, contact Riverside Parks and Rec. You can learn more about tennis here.
Are there bathrooms at Andulka Park?
Yes, there are bathrooms at Andulka, located near the baseball fields and also some by the tennis courts. They are pretty typical park bathrooms (not amazing, but better than nothing).
Is Andulka Park wheelchair accessible?
Here is some info about features I’ve noticed at Andulka Park that might be helpful for wheelchair users:
The longer walking trail around the majority of the park is paved sidewalk that seems wide enough for a wheelchair. This walking path is mostly flat, but there is one section (on the end farthest from the playground) that features a steeper hill.
The playground surface is wheelchair-friendly rubber.
The playground features a ramp that leads onto the play structure, and there are ramps going from the sidewalk down into the general play area. However, there’s not a whole lot to “do” once on the playground (to my knowledge, there are no inclusive merry go rounds, ground spinners, etc.)
The parking lot features several accessible parking spots (for use with a placard).
The dirt path behind the tennis courts seems more difficult to use than the other paved walking path (the dirt/sand makes it difficult for my kids to use a scooter, or for us to push a cheap umbrella stroller, for example).
Is Andulka Park stroller friendly?
In general, yes! I’d bring a stroller if you want to take a walk around the walking path that goes around the whole park, or if you’ll have your hands full while walking from the parking lot to the playground.
You can read above for more info about wheelchair accessibility, which is often helpful info for stroller use as well!
Is there food available to purchase?
If there’s a baseball game going on, the concession stand is usually open, it seems. Also, sometimes there are vendors walking around with carts selling snacks. I wouldn’t count on there being food, but you may find something available, especially on a weekend.
Are there any costs for parking or admission?
Nearly everything is free, except using the tennis courts does cost money.
What else is nearby Andulka Park?
Andulka is in Canyon Crest, which is a nice neighborhood in Riverside that’s near-ish to UCR. Just up the hill from Andulka, there is a nice shopping center with a Ralph’s grocery store, and LOTS of places to eat: Handel’s ice cream, Arcade Coffee, Hangar 24 Brewery, Pepito’s Mexican food, Georgie’s Mediterranean Food, Crest Cafe, Nekter smoothies, and more!
Just beyond that, you’ll find Ameal Moore Nature Center and Sycamore Canyon, which is a lovely place to hike and explore on a cool day (no shade, so avoid on a hot/summer day). Ameal Moore Nature Center sometimes offers kids’ activities, especially through IE Kids Outdoors.
There are a few other parks near-ish to Andulka, so if you wanted to extend your fun, or if you get to Andulka and it seems too crowded or something, you could try Castleview Park, Taft Park, Dario Vasquez Park, Bordwell Park, or Hunter Hobby Park which are all in the same neck of the woods.
Finally, during the school year, you can sometimes ride the “trolley” bus in this area around UCR.
Can you host birthday parties at Andulka Park?
Yes, I think Andulka would be a lovely place for a birthday party.
As far as I know, the picnic shelters here are not very big - they just cover one picnic table, and they aren’t in necessarily the best locations (the one by the playground is also close to the parking lot). I’ve never seen a reservation notice posted here personally, but the City Parks and Rec Guide indicates there are two shelters available for rent. if you want more info on renting picnic shelters, visit the Riverside Parks and Rec site here and they can get you the official info.
Personally, I’d plan just to find your own spot, perhaps near a picnic table that’s not under a shelter (or bring your own folding tables) and set up your own pop-up tents for shade if needed.
The last time I was at Andulka on a walk, I saw a party happening in the late afternoon with just a bunch of camping chairs and blankets and some folding tables for food, and it looked really lovely!
How long should we plan to stay at Andulka Park?
Between a walk around the path and then playing at the playground, enjoying a picnic, etc. you could probably stay for an hour or two! Of course, sometimes kids won’t last that long or your schedule may not allow - a shorter visit works too.
What should I bring to Andulka Park?
At a community park like Andulka, you can often just show up as-is and enjoy! However, here are some things you may need:
sunscreen, hats, and other sun protection during peak UV hours
reusable water bottle filled with water (there are a few water fountains but they aren’t always working well)
snacks or a picnic meal for you and your child
… and here are some things you may want to have:
stroller for your little one if you want to take a walk around the walking path
scooters/bikes/roller skates + helmets if your child wants to ride around the walking path
football or frisbee to throw on the grass, or a kite on a breezy day
volleyball, basketball, or wiffle ball and bat (or baseball gear) to enjoy at the courts/field
sand toys to play in the sand at the volleyball court if no one is playing volleyball there.
Can I bring my dog to Andulka Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Andulka, as long as they’re on a leash and you clean up after them.