10 Best Hikes for Kids in Los Angeles

Last updated: October 3, 2026 · By Joel Kuznetsky

From waterfalls and caves to giant rocks, duck ponds and incredible views, these are Los Angeles hikes where there’s enough adventure to keep little legs moving.

Taking kids hiking sounds great in theory. Fresh air. No screens. Exercise. Nature. Maybe even a nice family photo where everyone looks happy to be outside together.

Then, approximately seven minutes into the hike, somebody asks: “Are we almost there?”

That’s why choosing a hike with kids is completely different from choosing one for adults.

Adults will walk three miles uphill because someone promised them a nice view at the end. A 5-year-old needs a little more convincing.

Is there a waterfall?

Can we climb on something?

Are there ducks?

Is there a cave?

Can we see the Hollywood Sign?

Are there giant rocks that look like they belong on another planet?

Those things matter.

So for this list, we weren’t simply looking for the easiest trails in Los Angeles. We wanted hikes that give kids a reason to keep walking.

We also considered the things parents actually need to know before putting everyone in the car: realistic distance, difficulty, age range, bathrooms, parking, shade, heat, dogs, stroller compatibility and whether the destination is worth the effort.

One important note before we start: Los Angeles hiking conditions can change quickly because of wildfire recovery, rain, trail damage, extreme heat and temporary closures. Always check the official park website on the morning of your hike, particularly after storms or during periods of high fire danger.

Here are 10 of our favorite places to introduce kids to hiking around Los Angeles.

1. Ferndell Nature Trail at Griffith Park

Best first hike for little kids

If you’re trying to convince a 3- or 4-year-old that hiking is fun, don’t begin with a three-mile climb up an exposed mountain. Start here.

Ferndell is tucked into the western side of Griffith Park and feels surprisingly removed from the city considering where you are. The path follows a shaded canyon filled with ferns, tropical plants and a small stream-like water feature. According to the City of Los Angeles’ Griffith Park guide, more than 50 species of ferns grow along the winding trail.

That’s part of what makes Ferndell different from many LA hikes. Instead of walking through dry chaparral under direct sun, young kids get greenery, little bridges, water, rocks and things to investigate along the way.

The basic Ferndell walk is short enough that you don’t need to make reaching some distant summit the goal. For younger children, walking through the canyon and exploring is enough.

Families with older or more capable kids can continue uphill toward Griffith Observatory, turning a tiny nature walk into a legitimate hike. The City specifically identifies Fern Dell as one of the trail areas from which visitors can walk toward the Observatory.

• Location: Ferndell Nature Trail, Fern Dell Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
• Distance: The Ferndell portion itself is a short walk. Your total distance depends heavily on whether you turn around or continue toward Griffith Observatory.
• Difficulty: Easy if you stay in Ferndell. Moderate once you start climbing toward the Observatory.
• Best ages: 2 to 8 for Ferndell itself. Older kids can continue farther.
• Best for: A child’s first “hike,” preschoolers, nature exploration and families who want the option to keep going.
• Stroller-friendly? Parts of the lower area are much more manageable than a traditional hiking trail, but we wouldn’t plan the extended Observatory hike around a stroller.
• Shade: Excellent by Los Angeles standards in the lower canyon. Once you leave Ferndell and climb higher, expect considerably more sun.
• Bathrooms: Facilities are available elsewhere within Griffith Park, but don’t assume there will be a restroom exactly when your preschooler announces an emergency. Use one before starting.
• Dogs: Griffith Park allows dogs on leash on designated trails.
• Parking: Public parking is available around the trailhead areas, but Griffith Park gets extremely busy on weekends.
• Cost: Free.
• Why kids like it: Water, plants, bridges, rocks and the feeling of exploring rather than simply walking uphill.
• What parents should know: Ferndell is almost too easy to call a hike if you only do the lower section. That’s also exactly why we love it for very young kids. You can create a positive first experience instead of turning hiking into an endurance test.
• Make it a bigger day: Continue toward Griffith Observatory if everyone is doing well, or combine Ferndell with another Griffith Park attraction.
• Website: https://www.laparks.org/griffithpark/

Our parent move: Don’t announce that you’re taking a preschooler on a hike. Tell them you’re going to explore a little forest in Griffith Park. Same activity. Much better marketing.

2. Discovery Trail at Franklin Canyon Park

Best nature walk when you don’t want to drive far from the city

Franklin Canyon Park is one of those LA places that makes you wonder how something this quiet exists between Beverly Hills and the Valley.

The park covers 605 acres and includes oak woodlands, grasslands, chaparral, a three-acre lake, a duck pond, picnic areas and more than five miles of trails.

For younger children, we’d start with the Discovery Trail.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority rates it easy and lists it at only 0.3 miles round trip. It loops through black walnut woodland along the canyon bottom, which means you’re giving kids a legitimate nature experience without committing the entire family to a long hike.

Then explore the lake and pond.

That’s the secret to Franklin Canyon with young kids. You don’t need to measure success by mileage. Walk the trail, look for birds, visit the water and have a picnic.

Older children who want a real challenge can eventually graduate to the 2.3-mile Hastain Trail, but MRCA rates that route moderate to strenuous. Don’t accidentally choose it because the trailhead looked interesting and then discover your 4-year-old has joined a mountain expedition.

• Location: 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
• Distance: Discovery Trail is approximately 0.3 miles round trip.
• Difficulty: Easy.
• Best ages: 2 to 8 for the Discovery Trail and lake exploration.
• Best for: Toddlers, preschoolers, bird watching, first hikes and low-pressure family outings.
• Stroller-friendly? There are accessible areas around the park, including an ADA-accessible duck pond, but trail surfaces vary. A carrier gives you more flexibility if you have a very young child.
• Shade: Good in portions of the canyon and woodland, although conditions vary depending on where you wander.
• Bathrooms: Yes.
• Parking: Yes.
• Dogs: Allowed on leash.
• Cost: Check current park information before visiting.
• Why kids like it: The lake and duck pond give them something to look for instead of asking how much farther they have to walk.
• What parents should know: This is a better choice when the goal is “spend a couple hours outside” than when the goal is “conquer a mountain.” That’s a feature, not a weakness.
• Website: https://mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/franklin-canyon-park/

Our parent move: Bring lunch. A short hike followed by ducks and a picnic is a much better introduction to nature for many 3-year-olds than dragging them through two miles because an app labeled the trail “easy.”

3. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area

Best hike for kids who want to climb and explore

If your kid thinks walking is boring, take them somewhere that looks like another planet.

Vasquez Rocks is one of the most visually dramatic natural areas in Los Angeles County. The 945-acre park in Agua Dulce is filled with enormous tilted rock formations created by geological forces over millions of years.

Kids don’t need to understand the geology to appreciate them. The rocks are huge. They can explore. They can scramble around appropriate areas.

And if some of it looks vaguely familiar, there’s a reason. Vasquez Rocks has appeared in numerous movies, television shows and commercials.

There are multiple hiking and equestrian trails through the park, including a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, so you can make the outing as short or ambitious as your family wants.

For younger kids, we wouldn’t obsess over completing a particular loop. Exploring the main rock formations and taking a short hike through the landscape can be plenty.

The park also has an interpretive center, picnic tables, educational programs and animal ambassadors, giving you more to do if hiking alone isn’t enough.

• Location: Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, Agua Dulce, CA
• Distance: Variable. There are several trails, so choose your route based on your children’s ages.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate depending on the route and how much scrambling you do.
• Best ages: 4 and up. Older elementary kids who enjoy climbing may absolutely love it.
• Best for: Adventurous kids, geology, climbing around, photography and children who need something more exciting than a dirt path.
• Stroller-friendly? This would not be our stroller pick. Bring a carrier for children who aren’t reliable walkers.
• Shade: Limited. This is important.
• Bathrooms: Facilities are available at the park.
• Water: LA County says a water fountain is available inside the Interpretive Center during its business hours. Bring your own water anyway.
• Parking: Available.
• Cost: Check LA County Parks for current information.
• Why kids like it: Giant rocks beat “look at this lovely shrub” for most 6-year-olds.
• What parents should know: Don’t confuse “kids can climb around” with “everything is safe to climb.” Rock scrambling adds fall risk, and adults need to set boundaries appropriate to the child’s ability.

Heat is the other major issue. This is not where we’d choose to be with young children in the middle of a hot summer afternoon.

• Website: https://parks.lacounty.gov/vasquez-rocks-natural-area-and-nature-center/

Our parent move: Let the rocks be the destination. You don’t need to force a specific mileage number to make this count as hiking.

4. Solstice Canyon Trail

Best waterfall hike for kids

Waterfalls are one of the great parenting hacks of hiking.

“Would you like to walk two miles?” No.

“Do you want to find a waterfall?” Yes.

Solstice Canyon in Malibu gives you that payoff without requiring a brutally difficult hike.

The National Park Service rates the Solstice Canyon Trail easy to moderate at approximately 2.1 miles round trip. The route follows a year-round creek through a riparian environment and eventually reaches historic ruins and a waterfall.

Along the way, you’ll pass the remains of an old stone hunting cabin. Near the waterfall are the ruins of the Roberts Ranch house, which was designed by prominent architect Paul Revere Williams.

That gives kids several little destinations instead of one endless walk. Creek.Ruins. More ruins. Waterfall.

For families, we recommend returning along the gentler Solstice Canyon route rather than automatically adding the steeper Rising Sun Trail. The Rising Sun option provides beautiful Pacific views, but the switchbacks turn a relatively manageable family outing into a more demanding hike.

• Location: Intersection of Corral Canyon Road and Solstice Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265
• Distance: Approximately 2.1 miles round trip on the main Solstice Canyon Trail.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
• Best ages: Around 4 or 5 and up for children accustomed to walking. Younger kids can come if you’re prepared to carry them.
• Best for: Waterfalls, creeks, ruins and kids who need a destination.
• Stroller-friendly? The National Park Service says the trail is paved for roughly the first half-mile, but later portions include uneven terrain, narrower trail and small creek crossings. Don’t plan on taking a standard stroller all the way to the waterfall.
• Shade: Better than many LA hikes. Portions follow a shaded creek environment.
• Bathrooms: Yes. NPS lists a restroom roughly 100 feet up the main trail from the parking lot.
• Water: Drinking fountains are available near the parking lot and farther up the trail, but bring plenty of your own water.
• Dogs: Yes, on a leash no longer than six feet.
• Parking: Free parking is available, but this is the catch. Solstice Canyon is extremely popular and parking is limited, particularly on weekends.
• Cost: No activity fee is listed for the trail, although visitors should always check current park information.
• Why kids like it: A creek, old ruins and an actual waterfall give them multiple reasons to keep going.
• What parents should know: “Waterfall” doesn’t mean Yosemite. Southern California water levels vary tremendously. The experience changes depending on rainfall and season.

Also, don’t drink from the creek. NPS specifically warns that stream water is not safe to drink.

• Best time: Cooler months and mornings are ideal. After appropriate rainfall the water can be more impressive, but heavy rain can also produce closures and hazardous conditions. Check before going.
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/solstice-canyon-trail.htm

Our parent move: Get there early. A wonderful kid-friendly hike becomes substantially less wonderful when the parking lot is full and you’ve already promised everyone a waterfall.

5. Inspiration Point at Will Rogers State Historic Park

Best “real hike” with a big payoff

When your kids are ready to graduate from nature walks to something that feels like an actual hike, Inspiration Point is a great next step.

Will Rogers State Historic Park sits above Pacific Palisades on the former ranch of actor and humorist Will Rogers. The park itself makes the outing interesting before you even start hiking, with historic ranch grounds, stables, lawns and the polo field.

The Inspiration Point route is roughly two miles round trip. California State Parks describes the route as a wide horse path with panoramic views over canyon hillsides, West Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.

On a clear day, those views are a legitimate reward for making the climb.

This is more demanding than Ferndell or Franklin Canyon’s Discovery Trail, so we’d save it for children who can comfortably walk a couple of miles and understand that part of hiking involves going uphill.

• Location: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
• Distance: About 2 miles round trip.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate for adults; more legitimately moderate for little legs.
• Best ages: Roughly 5 or 6 and up, depending on hiking experience.
• Best for: Views, older kids, a first “summit” experience and families who want something beyond a nature walk.
• Stroller-friendly? No. Use a carrier for children who may need help.
• Shade: Limited on portions of the hike. Bring sun protection.
• Bathrooms: Facilities are available around the main park area.
• Parking: Parking is currently limited.
• Dogs: Check current park rules before bringing a dog.
• Cost: State park parking fees may apply.
• Why kids like it: There’s an identifiable destination and a great view when you get there.
• Important 2026 update: Will Rogers reopened with limited access in November 2025 after being closed because of the Palisades Fire. As of the current California State Parks update, the Inspiration Loop Trail is only partially open, while some other trails remain closed. This is one hike where checking the official status immediately before leaving home is essential.
• What parents should know: Do not rely on an old hiking blog or saved map here. Fire recovery continues, and trail availability can change.
• Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=626

Our parent move: If the trail status doesn’t work on the day you planned to visit, don’t improvise around a closure. Pick another hike on this list and come back when the full route is available.

6. Malibu Creek State Park

Best choose-your-own-adventure family hiking day

Malibu Creek is less about one perfect kid hike and more about having an enormous outdoor playground where you can adjust the adventure to your family.

The park covers more than 4,000 acres and offers hiking, biking, camping, bird watching and picnic areas. The landscape includes creek environments, rocky hills and scenery that has been used extensively for film and television.

For families with younger children, one of the most useful options is the Anne Skager Trail.

California State Parks lists it at approximately 0.58 miles each way. It’s generally flat, with an asphalt and compacted-aggregate surface, interpretive panels and picnic areas along the route. Accessible parking and restrooms are nearby.

That’s a fantastic option if you want to introduce a child to hiking without immediately committing to rough terrain.

Families with older kids can venture farther into the park and build a more substantial hike.

One particularly fun piece of history is the M*A*S*H filming site. California State Parks reported in April 2026 that the bridge to the M*A*S*H site had been reinstalled. Reaching that area is a longer outing, though, so don’t treat it as the default hike for a preschooler.

• Location: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
• Distance: Anne Skager Trail is approximately 0.58 miles each way. Longer routes are available throughout the park.
• Difficulty: Easy on Anne Skager; potentially much more challenging depending on where you continue.
• Best ages: All ages if you choose the route appropriately.
• Best for: Families with kids of different abilities, picnics, beginner hiking and gradually progressing to longer adventures.
• Stroller-friendly? Anne Skager is one of the better options on this list for families needing an accessible surface, although California State Parks notes that past fire damage affected portions of the trail. Check current conditions.
• Shade: Mixed. Some areas are exposed and can become very hot.
• Bathrooms: Yes, including restrooms near the picnic areas and Anne Skager trailhead.
• Parking: Yes. Standard California State Parks parking fees apply. Parking can fill during busy events and weekends.
• Dogs: Dogs are generally restricted in California State Park backcountry trails, so check the specific current rules for where you plan to walk.
• Why kids like it: Creeks, rocks, wildlife and the ability to explore without the whole day depending on reaching one summit.
• What parents should know: Malibu Creek gets hot. Very hot. A route that feels easy at 9:00 a.m. can feel completely different at 1:30 p.m. in August.
• Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=614

Our parent move: For a first visit with younger kids, stop trying to maximize mileage. Do Anne Skager, explore, eat lunch and leave with everyone still liking hiking.

7. Eagle Rock at Topanga State Park

Best for older kids who want a destination that feels like an adventure

Eagle Rock is where this list starts getting more ambitious.

Topanga State Park contains 36 miles of trails through grassland, oak woodland and the Santa Monica Mountains, with views toward the Pacific.

Eagle Rock itself is a giant sandstone formation that gives older kids a much more interesting goal than “we’re walking until Dad decides we’re done.”

From the Trippet Ranch area, hikers can work their way toward Eagle Junction and the enormous rock formation beyond it. The exact route and mileage can vary depending on how you structure the hike, but this is not one we’d casually choose for a toddler.

It’s much better for elementary-age kids who already know they enjoy hiking and are excited by rocks, views and a little adventure.

• Location: Topanga State Park, 20828 Entrada Road, Topanga, CA 90290
• Distance: Route-dependent and substantially longer than the beginner hikes on this list.
• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Best ages: Roughly 7 and up for kids with some hiking experience.
• Best for: Older kids, rock formations, big views and families ready for a more substantial hike.
• Stroller-friendly? No.
• Shade: Limited on significant portions of the route.
• Bathrooms: Facilities are available around established day-use areas; confirm what’s open before your visit.
• Dogs: No. California State Parks specifically says dogs are not allowed on Topanga’s trails, fire roads or backcountry.
• Parking: Available at designated park access points. Check current fees and conditions.
• Why kids like it: Eagle Rock looks like a destination. Getting there feels like accomplishing something.
• Important 2026 update: Topanga State Park reopened many day-use facilities, backcountry service roads and trails in June 2026 following the Palisades Fire, but several areas remain closed, including Rogers Road Trail, Bent Arrow Trail, Josepho Spur Trail, Rustic Canyon Trail, Lower Topanga Day Use Area and Trails, and Temescal Canyon Trail.

Check the official closure list before choosing your route.

• What parents should know: This isn’t a great spontaneous “we have two hours before lunch” hike with small kids. Bring water, snacks and sun protection and know your route before leaving.
• Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=629

Our parent move: Save Eagle Rock until your kid has already completed a few shorter hikes successfully. You want this to feel like leveling up, not like punishment.

8. Eaton Canyon Falls

Best San Gabriel Valley waterfall adventure

Eaton Canyon is one of the classic family hiking destinations in Los Angeles County for a reason.

There’s an actual destination kids understand: A waterfall.

The natural area sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in Pasadena and offers access to the Eaton Canyon trail system along with a nature center.

The hike toward the falls is longer and more rugged than something like Ferndell, and families should expect uneven terrain and creek crossings depending on conditions. That’s exactly what makes it exciting for older kids. Instead of walking along a featureless dirt road, they’re navigating rocks, water and canyon terrain with something waiting at the end.

• Location: Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center, Pasadena, CA
• Distance: The commonly used waterfall route varies depending on your starting point and current access, so check the official trail map rather than relying on a random mileage figure from an old hiking post.
• Difficulty: Moderate for children.
• Best ages: Around 6 and up for capable walkers. Younger kids can do portions, but this isn’t our favorite toddler hike.
• Best for: Waterfalls, creek crossings and kids who already enjoy outdoor adventures.
• Stroller-friendly? Not for the waterfall hike.
• Shade: Mixed. Canyon sections provide some relief, but significant sun exposure is possible.
• Bathrooms: Check facilities at the nature center before heading onto the trail.
• Dogs: Yes, but LA County requires dogs to remain leashed.
• Parking: Free on-site parking is available.
• Reservations: LA County says reservations are no longer required for entry.
• Cost: Free entry.
• Why kids like it: Creek crossings make the journey part of the adventure, and the waterfall provides a clear destination.
• What parents should know: Eaton Canyon can get extremely crowded. LA County specifically warns that overcrowding occurs and recommends choosing alternate trails when lots are full.

Heat is also a serious issue here. The County notes that rescues occur because of heat stroke involving both hikers and dogs. Don’t look at a forecast of 95 degrees and decide this is a good opportunity to “wear the kids out.”

The park may also close during heavy rain because of flash-flood risk.

• Website: https://parks.lacounty.gov/eaton-canyon-natural-area-and-nature-center/

Our parent move: Go early, preferably on a weekday or quieter morning. Eaton Canyon at 8:00 a.m. and Eaton Canyon in the middle of a packed weekend can feel like two completely different hikes.

9. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

Best hiking-plus-playground family day

Sometimes the smartest family hike is somewhere that gives you an escape hatch.

If hiking lasts 45 minutes and everyone is having fun, great.

If hiking lasts 18 minutes and someone declares nature unacceptable, you can go do something else.

That’s one reason we like Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area for families. [Note: use official park listing rather than relying on entity data.]

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area sits in the Baldwin Hills and combines trails and city views with large grassy areas, picnic opportunities and other park amenities. It works particularly well for families who want outdoor time without making the entire outing depend on whether their child enjoys hiking that day.

You can explore the park’s trail network, take in views across Los Angeles and then transition into lunch or another park activity.

It’s also centrally located compared with many of the mountain hikes on this list, which matters more than people admit. A “perfect” kid hike that requires 90 minutes in the car each way isn’t always the perfect family activity.

• Location: Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, Los Angeles, CA
• Distance: Variable depending on your chosen trail.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate depending on the route.
• Best ages: All ages.
• Best for: Family groups, picnics, younger hikers and combining a walk with a broader park day.
• Stroller-friendly? Some developed areas of the park are much more stroller-friendly than traditional hiking trails, but individual trail surfaces vary.
• Shade: Mixed. Bring sun protection.
• Bathrooms: Yes.
• Parking: Available. LA County parking/entrance fees may apply depending on the day and current fee schedule.
• Public transportation: On weekends and holidays, LA County currently lists a Baldwin Hills Parklands shuttle connecting the Metro Expo La Cienega Station, Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook and Kenneth Hahn. Children under 5 and seniors ride free; check the current schedule before relying on it.
• Why kids like it: Hiking isn’t the only activity. That’s sometimes exactly what you need.
• What parents should know: Kenneth Hahn is a large recreation area rather than one famous kid trail. Look at the map beforehand and decide what you actually want to do instead of arriving and hoping the perfect route reveals itself.
• Website: https://parks.lacounty.gov/kenneth-hahn-state-recreation-area/

Our parent move: Bring a picnic. Tell the kids you’re going to the park and taking an adventure walk, rather than selling the entire day as a hike.

10. Fryman Canyon / Wilacre Park

Best Valley-adjacent hike for families ready for a little exercise

For families in Studio City, Sherman Oaks and the surrounding Valley, Wilacre Park is one of those incredibly useful places to have in your back pocket.

You don’t have to drive to Malibu. You don’t have to turn it into an all-day expedition. You can simply go hike.

The Fryman Canyon area offers a network of trails and fire roads through the eastern Santa Monica Mountains. It’s popular with local hikers because it gives you real elevation, canyon scenery and a workout without leaving the city.

That also means this isn’t the hike we’d choose for a toddler’s first nature experience. There are hills.

For elementary-age kids who have already done some walking, however, Fryman is a good progression from the flatter trails on this list.

• Location: Wilacre Park, 3431 Fryman Road, Studio City, CA 91604
• Distance: Depends on your route. Families can turn around early rather than committing to a full loop.
• Difficulty: Moderate for kids.
• Best ages: Around 6 and up, depending on fitness and hiking experience.
• Best for: Valley families, exercise, local hiking and children ready to handle hills.
• Stroller-friendly? Not our recommendation for a hiking stroller outing.
• Shade: Some shaded sections, but don’t count on continuous shade.
• Bathrooms: Check current MRCA facility information before leaving.
• Dogs: Leash rules apply; verify current park regulations.
• Parking: Parking is available near established access points but can become busy.
• Cost: Check current MRCA information.
• Why kids like it: It feels like a genuine hike without requiring a huge drive from the Valley.
• What parents should know: The convenient location can make people underestimate the terrain. Bring water and treat it like a hike, not a neighborhood stroll.
• Website: https://mrca.ca.gov/

Our parent move: Turn around before the wheels come off. With kids, completing the entire adult loop is far less important than getting back to the car while everyone is still feeling successful.

Which LA Kid Hike Should You Choose?

The best hike on this list depends much more on your child than on our ranking.

If you’re taking a 2- or 3-year-old on their first nature walk, start with Ferndell or Franklin Canyon.

If you have a 4- or 5-year-old who needs something exciting to keep moving, we’d look at Vasquez Rocks, Solstice Canyon or an easy route at Malibu Creek.

If your elementary-age kid is starting to genuinely enjoy hiking, Inspiration Point, Eaton Canyon and Fryman Canyon give them more of a challenge.

And if you’ve got an older kid who wants a real adventure, Eagle Rock starts moving into legitimate hiking territory.

Don’t choose based on which trail has the most impressive Instagram photo.

Choose based on the smallest pair of legs coming with you.

How Far Can Kids Actually Hike?

This is one of those parenting questions where pretending there’s a universal formula isn’t especially helpful.

A 5-year-old who spends weekends outside may happily hike three miles.

Another 5-year-old may decide after 0.4 miles that walking is an antiquated form of transportation.

Terrain matters too. Two flat miles through a shaded canyon are not the same as two exposed miles with 700 feet of climbing. Heat matters. Sleep matters. Whether they ate breakfast matters. Whether their best friend came along can somehow matter enormously.

Instead of starting with a mileage goal, start with a positive experience. For toddlers and preschoolers, a half-mile of exploring can absolutely count as a hike. As kids get comfortable, increase the distance gradually.

The goal isn’t to produce a 6-year-old who can complete a 10K. The goal is to produce a kid who hears “Want to go hiking?” and doesn’t immediately disappear into another room.

The Secret Is Giving Them Something to Find

Adults can enjoy hiking simply for the sake of hiking. Young kids often need a little more motivation, so give the walk a mission. Tell them you’re looking for a waterfall, trying to find the giant rock, counting lizards or hiking high enough to see the ocean. Having something to look forward to can make the distance feel much less important.

That’s one reason we like hikes with obvious destinations or things to discover along the way. Solstice Canyon has a waterfall and ruins, Eaton Canyon has a waterfall, Vasquez Rocks has enormous rock formations, Ferndell has water and lush plants, and Franklin Canyon has a lake and ducks.

The destination doesn’t have to be spectacular. A bridge, creek, interesting rock or good spot for a snack can be enough. The point is to make the hike feel like an adventure rather than simply asking a kid to walk a couple of miles.

Snacks Are Hiking Equipment

For adults, hiking essentials include water, proper shoes and sun protection.

For parents, add snacks. Lots of snacks. Not one granola bar divided among three children. Actual supplies.

A kid who was happily discussing lizards 10 minutes ago can suddenly experience a complete systems failure because they haven’t eaten since breakfast. Bring more water than you think you’ll need too. Los Angeles trails can become dangerously hot, particularly in inland canyons where temperatures climb quickly.

This is not the place to teach a lesson about finishing what you started. If somebody is overheating, unusually tired, dizzy or clearly struggling, turn around. The mountain will still be there next weekend.

Morning Usually Wins

There are exceptions, but if we’re hiking with young kids in Los Angeles, we’ll take 8:00 a.m. over 1:00 p.m. almost every time. It’s cooler. Kids have more energy. Popular parking lots are less chaotic. Trails are often less crowded. And you’re not calculating whether you can make it back before darkness.

During hotter months, starting early becomes a safety decision rather than merely a convenience.

Check the forecast for the trail location, not just your house. Malibu, Pasadena, Griffith Park, Calabasas and Agua Dulce can have dramatically different conditions on the same day.

Don’t Trust the Word “Easy”

This may be the single most important lesson in hiking with children.

“Easy” usually means easy for an adult hiker.

It does not necessarily mean easy for a 4-year-old.

A trail can be rated easy and still contain hills, loose rocks, creek crossings, direct sun or enough mileage to exhaust a young child.

That’s why we’ve included age guidance and parent notes rather than simply repeating trail ratings.

You know your kid better than an app does.

What to Bring Hiking With Kids in Los Angeles

You don’t need to turn a two-mile family hike into an Everest expedition, but a little preparation makes everything easier.

Bring plenty of water for every person, more snacks than seem reasonable, sunscreen, hats and appropriate shoes. A small first-aid kit is smart, particularly once you’re venturing farther from developed park areas.

For younger children, consider a carrier even if they’re capable of walking. A kid who happily walks a mile away from the car is not necessarily a kid who happily walks the mile back.

We’d also download or screenshot the trail map before leaving. Cell service can become unreliable surprisingly quickly in the Santa Monica Mountains and Angeles-area canyons.

And teach kids one rule early:

We stay on the trail.

It’s better for them, better for wildlife and much better for the habitat.

A Word About Waterfalls

Several hikes on this list involve waterfalls or creeks, which can make them especially exciting for kids. Just remember that water levels in Los Angeles change dramatically throughout the year. A waterfall that looks impressive after a wet winter may be a trickle later in the season, and an easy creek crossing can become dangerous after a storm.

Never enter a closed trail just because you drove a long way to see the waterfall, and don’t assume moving water is safe for kids to play in or drink. After significant rainfall, always check the official park website before heading into a canyon, since flash flooding, damaged trails and temporary closures are real concerns.

Strollers: Be Realistic

There is a major difference between a trail where you can push a stroller and one that’s actually enjoyable with a stroller. For a stroller outing, we’d favor developed areas and accessible trails such as portions of Franklin Canyon or the Anne Skager Trail at Malibu Creek.

For rocky routes, waterfall trails and canyon hikes, a child carrier is usually the better option. Even a good jogging stroller has its limits, and remember that whatever you push downhill may eventually have to come back uphill.

Don’t Make the First Hike Too Hard

This is probably our biggest piece of advice. It’s easy to find a beautiful 3.8-mile trail and assume your kid can handle it because they walk around Disneyland all day. It isn’t the same. Disneyland has churros.

Start smaller than you think you need to. If your child finishes a one-mile hike and wants to keep going, that’s a win. If you drag them through four miserable miles while promising the car is “not that much farther,” you may finish the hike, but you probably aren’t making them excited about the next one. Leave them wanting another adventure.

The Best Kid Hike in Los Angeles Is the One They Want to Do Again

Los Angeles is an extraordinary place to raise a kid who likes being outside.

Within the same metro area, families can walk through fern-filled Griffith Park, explore giant sandstone formations, follow creeks to waterfalls, climb into the Santa Monica Mountains and look across the Pacific Ocean.

You don’t need expensive equipment.

You don’t need to drive to Yosemite.

And you definitely don’t need to hike 10 miles.

Start with something manageable.

Bring snacks.

Give them something to find.

Let them stop and investigate bugs and rocks even though you’re pretty sure the purpose of hiking is technically to continue moving.

Turn around when it’s time.

Then, on the drive home, ask the question that actually matters:

“Where should we explore next?”

That’s how hikers are made.

Explore More With Afterschool Search

Our goal at Afterschool Search is to make it easier for Los Angeles parents to figure out what to actually do with their kids.

That might mean finding a soccer league, comparing summer camps, discovering a great playground, choosing an indoor activity for a 95-degree Saturday or finding a trail where your 5-year-old won’t ask to be carried after the first 300 yards.

As Afterschool Search grows, you’ll be able to discover activities, classes, camps, sports, events and family destinations throughout Los Angeles in one place.

Explore more things to do with kids at AfterschoolSearch.com.