The East Bay has tons of great parks, from Heather Farm in Walnut Creek to perennial favorite Moraga Commons in Moraga. If you’re looking for something smaller and more manageable, yet still full of unique activities, check out Larkey Park in Walnut Creek.
Larkey Park is located just on the Walnut Creek side of the city’s Pleasant Hill border. You can access it from nearby Geary Road, taking the Treat Boulevard exit on 680 if you’re visiting from points North or South. Larkey Park isn’t huge, and parking is usually easily available.
What To Do at Larkey Park
There are several great things to do at Larkey Park. The park has a swim center which is open during the Summer months, complete with a splash pad for your kids. There’s a big, hilly, grassy area with picnic tables and barbecue pits. I’ve been to several parties there, and it’s a popular place to hang out, relax on the hill with a picnic, or play ball for families.
Larkey Park also has two playground areas. One is designed for bigger kids ages 5-12 and is relatively nice and well maintained. There’s a train-themed climbing toy for your young railfans, and nearby picnic tables where you can hang out and have snacks.
There’s also a tot playground for the under 5 set. The best thing about this is a row of comfy Aridondack chairs where parents can relax and keep an eye on their kids on the playground.
The Lindsay Wildlife Experience
Larkey Park is also home to the wonderful Lindsay Wildlife Experience museum. You can visit the museum–which is good for a few hours of entertainment in and of itself–or you can visit the museum’s turkey vulture Lord Richard, who hangs out in a big cage out front (watch your fingers!). Staff members sometimes bring birds outside for more extensive shows for kids, too.
The park has good public restroom facilities which are adjacent to the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, and are well maintained and kept clean. If you ever find an injured wild animal, Lindsay is the place to contact, and it’s good to know where the museum–which doubles as an animal hospital–is located.
Larkey Park is more subdued and calm than giant parks like Heather Farms in WC, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a fun local activity in Walnut Creek, and especially if you’re visiting with the kids. Park in the lower lot, or park by Lindsay Wildlife and walk into the main park area.
Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society
If you have a little extra time during your Larkey Park visit—or if you happen to have a train enthusiast in the family—don’t miss the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society. Located in the northwest corner of Larkey Park at 2751 Buena Vista Avenue, this volunteer-run club features an enormous, meticulously detailed HO-scale model railroad layout.
Throughout the year, the Society hosts regular open houses where visitors can watch model trains crisscross towering bridges, meander through miniature towns, and chug along meticulously crafted landscapes. Club members are on hand to answer questions and share the history and artistry behind model railroading. It’s a fun (and delightfully unexpected) addition to a day out at Larkey Park. Check their website for open house schedules and admission information.
