Kid Stuff: Playgrounds in L.A.

by Mar Yvette - Citysearch Editor - 367 Reviews - 111 Lists

Updated: April 10, 2009

Got kids? Just because you've got an intractable three-year-old who'd rather climb your curtains than quietly sit for storytime doesn't mean you're doomed to a life of chaos, exhaustion and baldness (you know, from all the hair you've been pulling out). Let that little one run free while still being contained at some of the best playgrounds in Los Angeles.

Born to Be Wild

  1. 1 Armand Hammer Golf Course
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    601 Club View Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90024 (map)

    This modest Westwood Park is tucked away from traffic behind lush trees and the bordering Los Angeles Country Club. Here, families can picnic, barbecue, climb through the playground or simply enjoy lounging in the green expanse while admiring the waterfall.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Griffith Park
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    4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)

    Don't worry about getting sand in your shoes: The beautifully maintained "Shane's Inspiration" playground located at this famous park is set on cushioned groundcover and grass. If the enormous jungle gym with bridges and slides isn't enough, there are armchair swings, tire swings and a driving area for tykes on wheels.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Roxbury Park
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    471 S Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

    Set at the base of Beverly Hills and Century City high-rise apartment buildings, this sprawling public space has something for everyone: Picnicking, sunbathing and taking the tots for a romp on the pirate ship-themed playground are surefire ways to have a good time.

  4. 4 Coldwater Canyon Park
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    12601 Mulholland Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

    It's never too early to teach children about caring for Mother Nature. A true eco-sanctuary, this lush and lively park is where families can enjoy the fun playground as well as participate in tours of the tree nursery and arboretum.

  5. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Pan Pacific Park
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    141 S Gardner St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)

    This sprawling public space features a fenced-in playground that's perfect for tykes running around (and moms and dads who don't feel like doing the same).

  6. 6 Joslyn Park
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    633 Kensington Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

    There's a reason famous moms with little ones can't get enough of this Santa Monica park: The spacious fenced-in playground is a safe haven with slides, swings and other kiddie favorites. Oh look, there's Jennifer and Violet!

  7. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended The Americana at Brand
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    889 Americana Way #330, Glendale, CA 91210 (map)

    Glendale goes glamorous with this new shopping and dining center, which also boasts a roped-in playground replete with slides and a central water fountain.