One of the silver linings of 2020 was the discovery of so many kid-friendly hiking trails in and around the Los Angeles area. With limited places to venture to, and few places left to be truly socially distant, morning hikes on the weekends, over school breaks and during the holidays have kept the kids active (and off our furniture).

Below, I compiled a list of a few of our favorites, and I’ll continue to update this page as we continue exploring!

Eaton Canyon

Fees: Free, but requires reservation (www.ecna.org)
Parking: Lot
Address: 1750 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena, CA 91107

We’ve only been once, but this is one we will definitely return to. Given the lack of rain, the creek was a dry rocky terrain with tall bushes and cactus — aka paradise for my kids as they got to walk across the creek, climb over rocks and play hide and seek.

El Escorpion Park

Fees: Free
Parking: Street parking
Address: 24501 W Vanowen St., West Hills, CA 91307

Moderate hiking trail for toddlers, as this one has some hills. My 2-year-old didn’t last long but my 4-year-old wanted to keep trekking. While we went in search of the Cave of Munits, we never made it (I think it’s about a mile or so in), but we thoroughly enjoyed the journey. It’s a gorgeous trail on a hillside with huge canopy trees. I hope to someday make it to the caves!

Ferndell Nature Trail

Fees: Free
Parking: Street parking
Address: Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Easy, short hiking trail (only ~half a mile roundtrip) with bridges, tunnels and gorgeous tropical plants to explore with your little ones. If they have more energy, it’s a good jumping off point to other trails in Griffith Park. It will be great in the summer since there is plenty of shade.

Malibu State Creek Park

Fees: $3/hour, $12 for the day.
Parking: Lot
Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

This is one of our favorites. With the dramatic mountains and gorges from earthquakes and erosion as your backdrop while hiking, you definitely feel far away from the city. The kids love throwing rocks into the creek, walking through the creek when it’s shallow enough, and keeping an eye out for wildlife (we saw deer the last time we were there). I recommend coming to this one early to avoid crowds and the heat since there is little shade.

placerita canyon NaTure Center

Fees: Free
Parking: Lot
Address: 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall, CA 91321

This 350-acre natural park has become our weekend go-to spot. We’ve often come across a nature guide giving short talks about different animals while we are there. During our last visit, my son was enthralled by the hawk presentation and stood there asking questions for over 30 minutes. With lots of different trails, its easy to find somewhere new to explore each time and paths are paved and easy to follow. Some of the trails also have a lot of natural shade from the canopied trees - perfect for hot summery days!

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

Fees: Free
Parking: Lot
Address: 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91350

This is another favorite that we’ve frequented several times. Featuring over 932 acres of spectacular rock formations, the kids love rock climbing, exploring the terrain and looking for caves to hide in. There is no shade here so be careful in the summer and it can get very windy so dress appropriately in the fall and winter. This has always exhausted our kids enough to result in nice long naps mid day!

White Point Nature Preserve

Fees: Free
Parking: Lot
Address: 1600 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731

Paved hiking trails on over 100 acres of restored costal sage habitat. There’s a nice ocean breeze and views as well as some animal sightings—we saw rabbits and birds the last time we were there! We can’t wait to go back in the spring when the poppies are in bloom, and in the summer to see the sunflowers.

Family Friendly Hiking Trails