With a Japanese Garden, Model Airplanes, And More, This Southern California Park Is the Ultimate Family Destination
By Natasha Kayes|Published July 31, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Even in the urban and suburban areas of cities like Los Angeles, there are pockets of calm – places where families can escape for the day and enjoy a breath of fresh air along with a range of fun activities together. There is one park that my grandfather used to take me to that is still a great place for family and friends to enjoy a break. You will find Woodley Park in Van Nuys, California, a spacious oasis in the suburbs of LA.
Woodley Park is an expansive park located in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area in the Los Angeles suburbs with numerous amenities and activities, as well as being a popular site for classic car shows, festivals and fairs, and other events.
There is a great playground for kids with swings, platforms, climbing equipment, swings, and more. This area also has shaded picnic areas, including a large group area full of tables in a small grove of trees.
There are lovely walking trails throughout the park which are beautiful to explore, particularly in the spring and early summer when they are surrounded by wildflowers.
Woodley Park is home to the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Preserve, a wetland area characterized by scrub and woodlands, a creek and lagoon, and diverse wildlife including many species of birds and waterfowl.
The Archery Range at Woodley Park is open from sunrise to sundown daily. Classes are offered to adults and children ages nine and up by Woodley Park Archers.
Fun fact: The Archery Range was established in 1984 and used as a training facility for the Olympics.
At the north end of the park is a water reclamation plant which is the surprising home of a stunning 6-acre Japanese Garden with walking paths, bridges, benches, ponds, and a tea house. It is the kind of place that makes you forget where you are and feel a kind of calm you don’t get in the city.
Just across the road from the main park is the Apollo 11 Model Aircraft Field. My grandfather used to bring me here to watch people fly their incredible model airplanes, and it is as much fun for families now as it ever was.
This family-friendly park makes for an excellent escape for the day and will keep everyone entertained. Have you been to Woodley Park? We would love to hear your thoughts and your favorite things to do there!An awesome recreation area like this is perfect when you need to get away for a bit but can’t exactly travel far from home. If that sounds like you, we have some other ideas, too! Check out our guide to The Un-Getaway where you will find staycation ideas to soothe your wanderlust.
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