Kid-Friendly Outdoor Adventures Around Los Angeles: 40 Wild Ideas From Sea Caves to Swan Boats!
Kid-friendly outdoor adventures around Los Angeles are closer than most parents think: tide pools and sea caves in Malibu, swan boats in Echo Park, kayaks in Marina del Rey, train rides in Griffith Park, horseback rides under the Hollywood Sign and free telescope nights at Griffith Observatory. Below are 40 family adventures with ages, stroller notes and parent tips for each.
Fall and winter are the sweet spot for getting outside here. The air cools down, the trails dry out, and gray whales start swimming past the coast. Whether you have a toddler in a carrier or a teen who swears they're bored, there's a trail, a pier or a paddle on this list that fits your crew this weekend.
Key Takeaways
Easiest with a stroller: Whittier Narrows Nature Center, the LA County Arboretum, Bolsa Chica's boardwalks, the Malibu Lagoon trail, Franklin Canyon's duck pond and the first stretch of Fern Dell.
Best free outings: Fern Dell, Bronson Caves, Debs Park Audubon Center, Madrona Marsh, Travel Town, Bolsa Chica and Griffith Observatory's public telescopes.
Best for big kids and teens: Horseback riding at Sunset Ranch (ages 8+), rock scrambling at Vasquez Rocks, the Escondido Falls hike and stand-up paddleboarding in Marina del Rey (ages 12+ with a parent).
Best ocean adventures: Tide pools at Leo Carrillo, Point Fermin and Crystal Cove, plus whale watching from Point Vicente, Point Dume or a Long Beach boat during gray whale season.
Before you go: Check for Red Flag Warning park closures, low tide times and fall/winter hours, since many LA County parks switch to shorter hours on Nov. 1.
Easy Hikes and Nature Walks for Little Legs
These are our favorite first hikes for families: short loops, shady creeks, nature centers with live animals and big views without a big climb. Start here if your kids are new to trails.
Address: 4100 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 6 a.m.–6 p.m. (Nov.–Feb.); closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: Yes on the park roads and sidewalks; the ridge trails are dirt
This Baldwin Hills park packs a lot into one stop: a fishing lake near the entrance, playgrounds, picnic lawns, restrooms and hillside trails with sweeping views of downtown and the Hollywood Sign on clear days. It's a great "choose your own adventure" park because little ones can feed their curiosity at the lake while older kids tackle the hills.
Anyone 16 or older needs a California fishing license to fish the lake. A vehicle fee may apply on weekends and holidays, so check the park page before you go.
Parent Tip: The trails get steep fast. Let the kids pick one hill to "summit," then reward them with a picnic by the lake.
Address: Fern Dell Dr. at Los Feliz Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Griffith Park is open daily, 5 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best ages: Toddlers and up
Stroller-friendly: The first stretch near the entrance is mostly even; past that it turns to dirt with a gentle climb and some stairs
Fern Dell feels like a secret jungle tucked into Los Feliz. A shady path winds past ferns, tropical plants, little bridges and a trickling creek, and it stays cool even on warm days. There's a playground and a historic restroom building near the entrance, so it's an easy outing with toddlers.
Want more? The trail keeps climbing toward Griffith Observatory, which makes a fun goal for kids who still have energy to burn.
Parent Tip: Street parking along Fern Dell Drive fills up early on weekends. Arrive before 10 a.m. and pack your own snacks rather than counting on a café.
Address: 3200 Canyon Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Hours: Daily, 5 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best ages: 3 and up
Stroller-friendly: Only for jogging or all-terrain strollers; it's a dirt and gravel fire road
Superhero fans, this one's for you. A short, mostly flat walk of about two-thirds of a mile round trip leads to an old rock quarry tunnel that starred as the Batcave in the 1960s Batman TV show. Kids love running through the tunnel and spotting the Hollywood Sign from the canyon.
It's a quick, big-payoff adventure that pairs well with a picnic or a stop at Griffith Observatory afterward.
Parent Tip: Park along Canyon Drive and bring a small flashlight so kids can play "cave explorers" in the shady tunnel.
Address: 4700 N. Griffin Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Monday–Wednesday
Cost: Free
Best ages: Toddlers and up
Stroller-friendly: The Children's Woodland Trail is a flat, roughly 10-minute walk
Tucked into Highland Park, this free nature center feels miles from the city. The flat Children's Woodland Trail is perfect for preschoolers, while older kids can try the 20-minute Butterfly Loop, which has a few hills. Bring binoculars for birdwatching around the ponds.
Public restrooms are open during center hours. No dogs are allowed, and no food or water is sold, so pack your own.
Parent Tip: The small free lot closes at 4 p.m. If it's full, park on Griffin Avenue and walk up.
Address: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to sunset
Cost: Parking is $3 per hour or $12 for the day
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: The main lawn and picnic area are the easiest spots with wheels
Will Rogers reopened in November 2025 after the Palisades Fire, and families can once again spread out a blanket on the big Main Lawn, picnic under the trees and watch the horses on the historic polo field. The ranch house and stables were lost in the fire, so there are no house tours right now.
Several trails, including the Backbone, Rustic Canyon and Rivas Canyon trails, remain closed, and parts of the Inspiration Loop close at times for trail work. Closures can change, so check the park's page the day you go.
Parent Tip: Treat this one as a picnic-and-play day. Bring a ball or a kite for the lawn and keep hiking plans flexible.
Address: 2600 Franklin Canyon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Hours: Closes at sunset; call (310) 858-7272 for Sooky Goldman Nature Center hours
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: Yes around the reservoir loop and the accessible duck pond; other trails are dirt
It's hard to believe this peaceful canyon sits just above Beverly Hills. Kids can watch ducks and turtles at the pond, walk the easy 0.3-mile Discovery Trail through a black walnut woodland, and visit the Sooky Goldman Nature Center for exhibits and free nature programs.
Older kids can tackle the longer Hastain Trail for city views. The park may close during Red Flag Warnings.
Parent Tip: Park in the upper lot next to the Nature Center when you have little ones, since the pond and Discovery Trail are right there.
Address: 2300 Walnut Ave.
Burbank, CA 91504
Hours: Trails open sunrise to sunset; check the website for Nature Center hours
Cost: Free to visit
Best ages: 2 and up (kids under 12 must hike with an adult)
Stroller-friendly: The city doesn't recommend strollers on the hikes
Burbank's hillside nature center is the starting point for trails into the Verdugo Mountains. Preschoolers will love Story Owl Hour, made for ages 2 to 5, and the center also hosts guided walks and moonlight hikes.
Trails can close during extreme heat, and rattlesnakes live in these hills, so stay on the trail and keep kids close.
Parent Tip: Call (818) 238-5300 before a hot-weather visit to make sure the trails are open.
Address: 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd.
Newhall, CA 91321
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday; closed Mondays and Christmas Day (call (661) 259-7721 to confirm nature center hours)
Best ages: 3 and up for the nature center, 6 and up for the waterfall trail
Stroller-friendly: The nature center area is accessible; the Waterfall Trail is not
This shady canyon near Santa Clarita mixes a hands-on nature center with wild animal presentations, creekside trails and a big dose of history. Kids can visit the Oak of the Golden Dream, where gold was found in 1842, years before the famous Gold Rush.
The Waterfall Trail is about 0.6 miles with creek crossings, narrow sections and steep steps, ending at a small seasonal waterfall. Watch for poison oak and keep little ones close.
Parent Tip: Park only in the main lot. Parking along Placerita Canyon Road is not allowed and is enforced.
Address: 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Rd.
Agua Dulce, CA 91350
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (from Nov. 1); closed Mondays
Best ages: 5 and up
Stroller-friendly: Not really; bring a carrier for babies
Giant tilted sandstone slabs make Vasquez Rocks feel like another planet, and it has starred in plenty of sci-fi shows and Westerns. Kids love climbing the lower rocks, spotting lizards and exploring the trails, while the Interpretive Center offers animal presentations and exhibits.
Stay on the designated trails and out of the marked habitat restoration area. There's very little shade, so plan a morning visit and pack more water than you think you need.
Parent Tip: Park in Lot 3, closest to the famous rock formations, so the littlest hikers save their energy for climbing.
Address: Topanga Canyon Blvd. at Chatsworth St.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Best ages: 7 and up for scrambling, with close supervision
Stroller-friendly: No
This jumble of sandstone boulders in the northwest Valley is a legendary spot for local rock climbers, and it's a thrilling place for older kids to scramble on the lower rocks while watching climbers tackle the big walls. There's also a hiking trail around the rocks.
There are no fences or rangers on the rocks, so this one is best for confident kids with a hands-on adult.
Parent Tip: Skip it after rain, since wet sandstone crumbles easily and gets slippery.
Address: 1200 N. Canyon Blvd.
Monrovia, CA 91016
Hours: About 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays (check the website before you go)
Cost: $5 per vehicle on weekdays; $6 on weekends and holidays
Best ages: 5 and up
Stroller-friendly: No, it's a dirt canyon trail
A real waterfall at the end of a shady canyon trail is a big win for kids. From the trailhead behind the Nature Center, the falls are about three-quarters of a mile away, while the trail from the park entrance is about 1.7 miles each way.
The trail follows a creek under oaks and sycamores, so it stays cooler than most foothill hikes.
Parent Tip: Start from the Nature Center trailhead with younger kids to keep the hike short and sweet.
Address: 1000 S. Durfee Ave.
South El Monte, CA 91733
Hours: Nature Center Tuesday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (from Nov. 1); closed Mondays
Cost: Nature Center programs are free; the nearby Recreation Area charges $10 per vehicle
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: Yes, the Nature Center has stroller- and wheelchair-accessible trails
This 400-acre natural area has four lakes and riparian woodland, and winter brings migrating ducks and other waterfowl. Ask about the free loaner binoculars and turn the walk into a bird-spotting game.
Next door, the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area (750 S. Santa Anita Ave.) adds fishing lakes, playgrounds, bike rentals and pedal boats through Wheel Fun Rentals. Kids 5 to 15 can join the free Jr. Fishing Club on Saturdays.
Parent Tip: The Recreation Area is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, while the Nature Center is closed only on Mondays, so Tuesday is a nature-walk-only day.
Address: 3201 Plaza del Amo
Torrance, CA 90503
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Sundays and Mondays
Cost: Free
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: The Nature Center is accessible; preserve paths can be slippery after rain
One of LA's last vernal-pool wetlands, Madrona Marsh comes alive after winter rain. Inside the Nature Center, kids can meet live snakes and turtles and play in the hands-on Kids' Den, then head across the street to explore the preserve.
Free Friday Fun programs for ages 3 to 6 (with an adult) run 10 a.m. to noon, and free nature walks happen Saturday mornings. No dogs, bikes or picnics are allowed in the preserve.
Parent Tip: Go a few days after a good rain, when the pools fill up and the frogs and birds put on a show.
Waterfalls and Mountain Trails in the Santa Monica Mountains
The Santa Monica Mountains offer rock pools, waterfalls, movie history and wide-open meadows. Many parks here close during Red Flag Warnings, so check before you head out.
Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Rd.
Calabasas, CA 91302
Hours: Day-use parking, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; visitor center Saturdays and Sundays, noon–4 p.m.
Cost: Parking is $12 for the day, or $3 per hour
Best ages: 5 and up for the Rock Pool hike
Stroller-friendly: Yes on the accessible Anne Skager Trail (asphalt and compacted gravel)
The easy 2.5-mile round-trip walk to the Rock Pool leads to towering volcanic cliffs where Planet of the Apes was filmed. Older kids can keep going to the M*A*S*H filming site, about 6 miles round trip, where an old jeep and ambulance still sit in the meadow.
The park offers family-friendly programs, including a bird walk on Nov. 7 and Archaeology Day on Nov. 14, 2026. Skip swimming in the Rock Pool, since the water quality can be poor.
Parent Tip: Families with strollers or toddlers should head for the Anne Skager Trail, which is mostly flat and about half a mile each way.
Address: 27200 Winding Way
Malibu, CA 90265
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: $12 parking at the Winding Way lot
Best ages: 6 and up
Stroller-friendly: No, the canyon trail has several creek crossings
The tallest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains makes a memorable payoff for school-age hikers. You'll walk about a mile up a paved road (watch for cars on the blind curves), then about another mile through oak woodland with creek crossings to the lower falls.
The falls flow best after winter rain and can be just a trickle in dry weather. The upper falls are closed to the public.
Parent Tip: There are no restrooms past the parking lot, so make a pit stop before you start.
Address: Lynn Rd. and Via Goleta
Newbury Park, CA 91320
Hours: Main parking lot open 8 a.m. to sunset; Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center staffed Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cost: Free parking
Best ages: 4 and up on foot; babies in a carrier
Stroller-friendly: Only for rugged jogging strollers; there's a small set of uneven stone steps
This easy 1.5-mile loop rolls through grassland and chaparral with mountain views, a wide wooden bridge and lots of chances to spot hawks, rabbits and deer. It's one of our favorite "first real hike" trails because it feels wild but stays manageable.
Pair it with a stop at the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, about a 0.3-mile walk up a gravel road, which hosts workshops and art shows through the year. Older kids can extend the day on the 1.8-mile route to a seasonal waterfall in Point Mugu State Park.
Parent Tip: This park may close during Red Flag Warnings, so check the National Park Service page the morning you go.
Address: 2903 Cornell Rd.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Hours and fees: Please check the website for current details
Best ages: All ages
Paramount Ranch lost its famous Western Town in the 2018 Woolsey Fire, but the surviving train depot and chapel still spark plenty of imagination. The National Park Service is building four new structures on the old footprints, with construction expected to finish in 2027.
The area around the buildings is closed during construction, but the trails stay open. The easy Medicine Woman Trail winds through oak grassland and is a nice choice for little hikers.
Parent Tip: Bring a picnic and a magnifying glass for bug hunting under the oaks.
Tide Pools, Whale Watching and Coastal Adventures
LA's coastline is a free outdoor classroom. Go at low tide, wear shoes with grip and teach kids to look closely without picking up animals or moving rocks.
Address: 3720 Stephen M. White Dr.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, noon–5 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors. Parking is $3 per hour ($9 daily max).
Best ages: All ages
Start inside this free aquarium to meet local sea creatures, then head outside to the Point Fermin tide pools, which stretch about half a mile from Cabrillo Beach toward the Point Fermin Lighthouse. It's the perfect combo for preschoolers who want to know what they're looking for before they find it.
The aquarium leads free, all-ages tide pool walks with a naturalist, including one on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Kids must be with an adult, and sneakers are a must.
Parent Tip: Steer clear of the old concrete ruins and any storm-drain runoff, and keep an eye on the waves at all times.
Address: 31501 Palos Verdes Dr. W.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Hours: Museum open daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: Admission by donation
Best ages: All ages
Perched on the cliffs next to the Point Vicente Lighthouse, this small museum focuses on gray whales and is one of the best spots in LA to watch them from shore during their December-through-April migration. Kids can learn about whales inside, then scan the ocean for spouts from the clifftop.
Restrooms are on site, and the park grounds make a great picnic stop with sweeping ocean views.
Parent Tip: Bring binoculars and visit on a calm, clear morning, when spouts are easiest to see.
Address: 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Malibu, CA 90265
Hours and parking: Please check the website for current details
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: Yes, the Malibu Lagoon Trail is flat, packed soil and at least 5 feet wide
About 200 bird species visit this saltwater marsh, so even a short walk can turn up pelicans, herons and sandpipers. The accessible trail runs a little under half a mile each way, with wildlife-viewing spots and signs along the route, and ends right at the beach.
It's an easy outing for babies and grandparents alike, and a calm alternative to busier Malibu beaches.
Parent Tip: Print a simple bird checklist at home and let kids check off every species they spot.
Address: Cliffside Dr. and Birdview Ave.
Malibu, CA 90265
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free 2-hour parking at the top of Point Dume (very limited)
Best ages: 4 and up
Stroller-friendly: The short bluff-top paths are compacted gravel, with a boardwalk to the viewing platform
The bluff-top whale-watching platform at Point Dume is a favorite spot for spotting gray whales from December to mid-April, and the views of Malibu's coastline are spectacular. Below the bluffs, tide pools hide sea stars, anemones, urchins and crabs.
Westward Beach Road has been closed since an August 2026 erosion event, so the lower parking lot is unavailable and portable toilets replace the regular restrooms. Check the State Parks page for current beach access before planning a tide-pool visit.
Parent Tip: Parking in the surrounding neighborhood isn't allowed, so arrive early to grab one of the limited free spots at the top.
Address: 35000 W. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Malibu, CA 90265
Hours: Day-use parking, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Cost: $12 per vehicle for the day or $3 per hour (special rates may apply on peak days)
Best ages: 3 and up
Stroller-friendly: Not on the rocks; beach wheelchairs can be borrowed by calling (310) 457-8143
Leo Carrillo turns a beach day into a real expedition, with reefs, tide pools and sea caves to explore and a rock arch that makes kids feel like pirates. You might spot sea anemones, crabs and snails tucked into the pools.
The outdoor showers take $1 tokens, so bring a few singles to rinse sandy feet before the drive home.
Parent Tip: Check the tide chart and arrive about an hour before low tide. Remind kids to look, not touch, and to never turn their backs on the ocean.
Address: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802 (cruises depart from Dock #2 at Rainbow Harbor)
Times: Daily at noon and 3 p.m.
Cost: Cruise plus aquarium admission is $80.95 for adults, $64.95 for kids 3–11 and $75.95 for seniors 62+
Best ages: 5 and up
Gray whale season runs roughly December through April, when the whales migrate along the coast, and Harbor Breeze Cruises partners with the Aquarium of the Pacific on whale-watching trips. Pairing the boat ride with aquarium admission makes for a full, unforgettable day.
Dolphins often steal the show, too. Pack layers, because it's much colder on the water than on the dock.
Parent Tip: If your child gets carsick, ask your pediatrician about motion-sickness options before you book, and have them sit facing forward with eyes on the horizon.
Address: Interpretive Center, 3842 Warner Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Hours: Reserve open daily, 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; Interpretive Center Monday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and Tuesday–Sunday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cost: Free, with free parking
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: Yes, with gravel and packed-sand trails and boardwalks
More than 200 bird species visit this coastal wetland, including osprey, black skimmers, terns and avocets. About four miles of flat trails and boardwalks make it easy to explore with little ones, and free docent tours help kids learn what they're seeing.
Restrooms are next to the Interpretive Center. Dogs and bikes aren't allowed.
Parent Tip: The lots fill up on weekends, so go early in the morning when the birds are most active.
Address: 8471 N. Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Hours: Day use, 6 a.m. to sunset
Cost: $15 per vehicle; $20 on weekends, holidays and peak days
Best ages: 3 and up
Crystal Cove's protected shoreline has some of Southern California's best tide pools, at spots like Reef Point, Pelican Point and Treasure Cove. It's a state marine conservation area, so everything stays in the pools.
Restrooms and showers make it an easy full beach day, and docents sometimes lead tide pool walks. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach.
Parent Tip: Pair a low-tide morning with lunch at the historic beach cottages area to make it a full family day trip.
Address: Green Pleasure Pier
Avalon, CA 90704 (ferries depart from Long Beach and San Pedro)
Ferry: About 1 hour from Long Beach and 1 hour 15 minutes from San Pedro
Cost: One-way Catalina Express fares are $46.50 for adults (12–54) and $36 for kids 2–11; infants need a ticket (taxes and fees only)
Best ages: 3 and up
A boat ride to an island is the ultimate kid adventure. Once you're in Avalon, the 45-minute Glass Bottom Boat Voyage from Green Pleasure Pier lets kids spot bright orange garibaldi and swaying kelp without getting wet (from $33.97 for adults and $30.57 for kids 3–11).
Kids under 7 must travel with an adult on the ferry. The winter schedule runs through March 31, 2027, and parking at the Long Beach terminal is $26.95.
Parent Tip: Book the earliest boat over and a late-afternoon boat back so the day doesn't feel rushed.
Kayaking, Paddleboarding and Swan Boats
Getting out on the water feels like a big adventure, even on a calm lake. Everyone wears a life jacket, and it's worth reading our kayaking safety tips for kids before your first trip.
Address: 751 N. Echo Park Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Hours: Open 7 days a week; check the website for fall hours
Cost: $13 per person per hour for adults; $7.50 per person per hour for kids 17 and under (reservations required)
Best ages: All ages with an adult
Pedaling a giant swan boat across Echo Park Lake is one of LA's sweetest family traditions. Kids love steering past the lotus beds and the fountain, and the boats glow with LED lights after dark.
The lake is ringed by a walking path, so younger siblings can stroll and watch the ducks while the rest of the family pedals.
Parent Tip: Book a sunset slot so you get daylight on the water and twinkling lights on the way back.
Address: Marina del Rey Boat Rentals, 13717 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Cost: Double kayaks from $30 per hour; stand-up paddleboards from $23 per hour
Best ages: 4 and up in a double kayak with a parent; 12 and up on their own board or kayak alongside a parent
The calm, protected water of the marina is ideal for first-time paddlers. Kids must be at least 4 and know how to swim for a double kayak, and kids under 12 ride in the same kayak as a parent. Life vests are included, and boats must be back before sunset.
Prefer a beach launch? Pro SUP Shop sits right on Marina "Mother's" Beach (4175 Admiralty Way), where the water has no surf and there's a playground and restrooms for snack breaks. Kids 12 and under wear a life jacket, and youth vests are included.
Parent Tip: Mornings are usually calmer before the afternoon wind picks up, which makes paddling easier for small arms.
Address: 32132 Castaic Lake Dr.
Castaic, CA 91384
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 6 a.m.–7 p.m. (from Nov. 1); closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Cost: $15 per vehicle (cash or card; no bills over $20)
Best ages: 5 and up for paddling
The 197-acre lagoon at Castaic Lake has calm, shallow water that's perfect for a family paddle, and drop-in kayaking runs about $20 per hour. Trout are stocked in the cooler months, and a fishing pier on the east side of the lagoon makes it easy to try casting with kids.
Check the website for any algae advisories before you go, and keep kids and dogs out of the water when an advisory is posted.
Parent Tip: Pack a picnic and make it a paddle-then-fish day while the kids still have energy.
Fishing Adventures, Including Fishing After Dark
Fishing teaches patience, and it's even more fun when the sun goes down. In California, no fishing license is needed on a public ocean pier, but anyone 16 or older needs a license for inland lakes. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife license rules for details.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Hours: Pier open daily, 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Cost: Free to fish; no license required on this public pier
Best ages: 5 and up
Casting off the end of the pier as the sun sets and the lights of Pacific Park flicker on is pure LA magic. The bait and tackle shop at the far west end rents rods and is open daily from 10 a.m. until sundown, so you can try fishing without buying gear.
Size and bag limits still apply, and each person can fish with up to two lines at a time. The pier closes at 10 p.m., which gives you a few hours of evening fishing in fall and winter.
Parent Tip: From November through March, the beach lots next to the pier drop to $8 on weekdays and $12 on weekends.
Address: 15501 E. Arrow Hwy.
Irwindale, CA 91706
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 6 a.m.–6 p.m. (from Nov. 1); closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Cost: $15 per vehicle
Best ages: 5 and up
This big county park has a fishing lake, boat rentals, playgrounds and a nature center. LA County also hosts special Moonlight Fishing nights here for $10 per person, a fun way to fish after dark with kids.
Remember that anyone 16 and older needs a fishing license at this inland lake.
Parent Tip: Moonlight Fishing nights are scheduled throughout the year, so check the county page for upcoming dates and bring headlamps and warm layers.
Horseback Rides, Train Rides and Bike Rides
For kids who love horses, trains and wheels, these adventures deliver big smiles with very little hiking required.
Address: 3400 N. Beachwood Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Rides: Mulholland Trail Tour (about 1 hour) and Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour (about 2 hours) daily; a seasonal evening tour
Cost: Please check the website for current prices
Best ages: 8 and up (riders must be at least 8; weight limit 240 lbs.)
Guided horseback rides head into the hills of Griffith Park with big views of the Hollywood Sign and the city below. No riding experience is needed, and helmets are provided, which makes this a confidence-building adventure for kids who love horses.
Book ahead, especially for weekends and evening rides, and only through the ranch's own website or its authorized partners.
Parent Tip: Street parking on Beachwood Drive is tight on weekends, so consider rideshare and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
Address: 5200 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Mondays
Cost: Free admission and parking; miniature train rides are $4 for ages 12+ and $3 for kids 11 and under and seniors 65+
Best ages: All ages
Kids can climb around historic steam locomotives and railcars at this free outdoor museum, then hop aboard the miniature train for a loop around the grounds. It's a dream outing for train-obsessed toddlers and preschoolers.
Rides run all day, starting shortly after opening, with the last ride 30 minutes before closing.
Parent Tip: Combine it with a picnic in Griffith Park or a visit to the LA Zoo just down the road.
Address: Perry's Beach, 2400 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Cost: Please check the website for current bike rental prices
Best ages: All ages, with tagalong bikes and child seats for little ones
Stroller-friendly: Yes, the beach path is flat and paved
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs right along the sand, so a family bike ride here comes with ocean views, palm trees and plenty of people-watching. Rental shops along the beach offer bikes for every size of rider, so nobody has to bring their own.
The path is flat and wide, which makes it easy for young riders, but it gets crowded on sunny weekend afternoons.
Parent Tip: Ride north toward the pier in the morning, when the path is quieter, and reward everyone with a treat at the end.
Gardens, Zoos and Family Farms
Sometimes the best adventure is a garden path full of peacocks, a train you can ride or a goat you can pet. These spots are easy, stroller-friendly favorites.
Address: 5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry at 3:45 p.m.); closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Cost: Please check the website for current ticket prices; parking is free
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: Yes, paved paths (the zoo is hilly); strollers rent for $15 single or $20 double
The LA Zoo is a full-day adventure in the hills of Griffith Park, home to giraffes, gorillas, elephants and much more. Kids under 2 get in free but still need a ticket, and a shuttle helps tired little legs on the hills.
Parent Tip: Animals start heading inside around 4 p.m., so arrive in the morning for the most activity.
Address: 1418 Descanso Dr.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Christmas Day
Cost: $20 for adults; $8 for kids 3–12; free for ages 2 and under; free parking
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: Yes on the paved paths, though some are narrow, uneven or steep
Descanso's oak woodland and gardens are made for exploring, and kids head straight for the model train garden, which now features Botanical Dinosaurs. When it's running, the Descanso Railroad ride-on train costs $5 per ticket, and riders must be at least 30 inches tall.
The ride-on train wasn't running in late October 2026, so check the website before promising a ride.
Parent Tip: Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit with toddlers.
Address: 301 N. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.); closed Christmas Day
Cost: $18 for adults; $8 for kids 3–12; free for ages 2 and under
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: Yes, with about 2.5 miles of paved paths
Free-roaming peacocks steal the show at the Arboretum, and kids love spotting them strutting across the lawns. About 2.5 miles of paved paths wind past waterfalls, ponds and gardens from around the world.
Ask kids to stay about 10 feet from the peafowl and never feed, touch or chase them. Pets aren't allowed.
Parent Tip: Turn the visit into a peacock scavenger hunt and see who can spot one with its tail feathers fanned out.
Address: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd.
Moorpark, CA 93021
Hours: Farm market, Animal Center and pick-your-own close at 5 p.m. starting Nov. 1; Christmas on the Farm runs Nov. 27–Dec. 24, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: Admission varies by season; parking is free
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: Yes, strollers and wagons are welcome
This working farm in Moorpark is a classic family adventure, with an Animal Center, tractor-drawn wagon rides and plenty of room to run. Animal petting and duck feeding cost a little extra, and outside food for the animals isn't allowed.
The farm is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Read our guide to Christmas on the Farm at Underwood for holiday details.
Parent Tip: Dogs aren't allowed (except service animals), so leave the family pup at home.
Address: 7075 Campus Rd.
Moorpark, CA 93021
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (last tickets at 3:45 p.m.)
Cost: $12 general admission; $10 for kids 3–12 and seniors; free for ages 2 and under; free weekend parking
Best ages: All ages
Stroller-friendly: Mostly paved; the lower aviary path is gravel
This small zoo is where students train to become zookeepers and animal trainers, so the shows feel personal and full of fun facts. Plan around the 12:15 p.m. training demo, the 2:30 p.m. wildlife presentation and the 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. feeding demos.
It's compact enough for toddlers and full of surprises for older kids.
Parent Tip: Pair it with Underwood Family Farms, just a short drive away, for a full Moorpark adventure day.
Stargazing and After-Dark Adventures
Some of the best outdoor adventures happen after sunset. A night under the stars is a memory kids keep for years.
Address: 2800 E. Observatory Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, noon–10 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; closed Mondays
Cost: Free admission; paid parking (credit card only)
Best ages: 4 and up for telescope viewing
Kids can look through a real Zeiss telescope for free every night the building is open and the sky is clear, and solar telescopes let them safely see the sun during the day. The terraces also offer one of the best city-lights views in LA.
Skip the parking hunt and take the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station. It runs daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., costs 50 cents, and kids 4 and under ride free.
Parent Tip: Expect short waits to get inside on busy nights, and bring a jacket since the hilltop gets chilly after dark.
Best Outdoor Adventures by Age
Babies and toddlers: Fern Dell, Debs Park, Franklin Canyon, Malibu Lagoon, Bolsa Chica, Travel Town, the Arboretum and Echo Park swan boats are easy with a stroller or carrier.
Ages 4 to 7: Bronson Caves, Satwiwa Loop, Cabrillo tide pool walks, Leo Carrillo, Madrona Marsh, Underwood Family Farms and a double kayak with a parent in Marina del Rey.
Ages 8 to 12: Sunset Ranch horseback rides, Vasquez Rocks, Monrovia Canyon Falls, the Malibu Creek Rock Pool and pier fishing in Santa Monica.
Teens: Stand-up paddleboarding, the Escondido Falls hike, scrambling at Stoney Point, a Catalina day trip and Moonlight Fishing at Santa Fe Dam.
What to Know Before Your Outdoor Adventure in LA
Check for fire-weather closures: Starting Oct. 15, 2026, state, federal and local agencies close parks across the Santa Monica Mountains during Red Flag Warnings, including Leo Carrillo, Malibu Creek, Will Rogers and Rancho Sierra Vista. Beaches usually stay open.
Know what's closed: Eaton Canyon's trails and waterfall remain closed through Dec. 31, 2027, after the Eaton Fire. Abalone Cove's beach and tide pools in Rancho Palos Verdes have been closed since 2024 because of landslide movement, and the Griffith Park pony rides have been closed since 2022.
Mind the new hours: Many LA County parks switch to shorter fall and winter hours on Nov. 1, and several are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Pack smart: Water, sunscreen, hats, snacks, layers and a small first-aid kit. Closed-toe shoes with grip are a must for tide pools and rocks.
Find more ideas: Browse our outdoor places to go with kids and LA County's trails guide.
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Takeaway
Kid-friendly outdoor adventures around Los Angeles don't require a long drive or a big budget. Pick one new spot this month, whether it's a shady stroll through Fern Dell, a train ride at Travel Town or a low-tide hunt at Leo Carrillo, and let your kids lead the way.
Check hours and closures the day before, pack plenty of water and snacks, and keep the plan simple. The best family adventures are the ones where everyone wants to come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best kid-friendly outdoor adventures around Los Angeles?
Top picks include tide pooling at Leo Carrillo and Point Fermin, the Fern Dell trail, Bronson Caves, swan boats on Echo Park Lake, kayaking in Marina del Rey, Travel Town's train rides, horseback rides at Sunset Ranch and free telescope viewing at Griffith Observatory. Match each outing to your kids' ages and energy.
What are easy hikes for toddlers in Los Angeles?
Fern Dell in Griffith Park, the Children's Woodland Trail at Debs Park, Franklin Canyon's Discovery Trail and the accessible trails at Whittier Narrows Nature Center are short and toddler-friendly. The Satwiwa Loop is a great next step at 1.5 miles, though a carrier works better than a stroller there.
Where can kids go tide pooling near Los Angeles?
Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu, the Point Fermin tide pools in San Pedro and Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County are top spots. Go about an hour before low tide, wear shoes with grip and look without touching. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium also offers free guided tide pool walks.
Do kids need a fishing license in California?
Kids under 16 don't need a California fishing license. Anyone 16 or older needs one for inland lakes like Kenneth Hahn or Santa Fe Dam. No license is required on public ocean piers such as the Santa Monica Pier, though size and bag limits still apply.
Where can families see whales from shore near Los Angeles?
Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Rancho Palos Verdes and the Point Dume whale-watching platform in Malibu are two of the best shore spots during gray whale migration, roughly December through April. Bring binoculars and pick a calm, clear morning. For a closer look, take a whale-watching cruise from Long Beach.
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