Griffith Park is a one-of-a-kind urban oasis for families in Los Angeles. It is one of the largest municipal parks in the country, spanning over 4,100 acres. It is home to a zoo, hiking trails, museums, picnic spots, and other places for both residents and tourists to enjoy. Griffith Park helps families bond with each other and with nature.
The Griffith Park hiking trails are particularly famous amongst families since children can fully take part as well. Options range from easy hikes to stronger walks, which means everyone can take part, no matter their skill level.
Every hike guarantees the chance to see wildlife, covered nature paths and great views of the city. For the entire family, going on these trails together helps teach kids how fun exercise can be!
Benefits of Family Hiking in Griffith Park
The health and developmental benefits of spending time outdoors as a family are well-documented. Hiking provides the perfect opportunity to reap these rewards right in the heart of urban Los Angeles.
On a physical level, hiking is an excellent form of exercise for family members both young and old. Even short, easy trails get the blood pumping and muscles working. Children expend energy climbing over logs, examining wildlife, or racing along straightaways.
Moderate inclines on certain trails provide parents with a greater cardio challenge. And because the whole family is engaged, no one even realizes they’re working out!
Top Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in Griffith Park
Fortunately for families, Griffith Park contains several excellent trails perfect for some family bonding mixed with light activity. From shaded nature walks to hills with observatory views, children from toddlers to teens will find something to love at their pace and skill level.
Ferndell Nature Trail
For families with younger children or those simply seeking an easy and relaxing hike, Ferndell Nature Trail can’t be beat. This shaded trail meanders along a streambed filled with tropical vegetation almost rainforest-like in appearance. Stone and wood bridges crisscross the stream, leading to fern grottoes, mini waterfalls, and even a “Redwood Hall” containing an impressive, if non-native, redwood tree specimen.
At just under a mile round trip, the Ferndell Trail takes about 30 minutes to complete. Its smooth, wide dirt path is ideal for strollers or tiny feet.
Old Los Angeles Zoo Trail
For a hike back in time, head to the Old Los Angeles Zoo location within Griffith Park. In operation from 1912 to 1965, remnants of the original zoo still stand though the animals are long gone.
Families can walk the loop trail to spot empty enclosures that once housed bears, monkeys, and exotic birds. Kids will love scrambling over and through these relics from the past. At around half a mile, the easy Old Zoo Trail takes less than an hour including stops for photos and exploration.
Amir’s Garden Trail
Another short but sweet family hike option awaits at Amir’s Garden. Named after Sir Abdul Aziz, brother to the late Shah of Iran, this shady Botanical garden contains over 300 varieties of trees and flowering plants.
Wandering the garden’s dirt trails reveal tropical flora almost jungle-like against the arid hillsides. The route winds up and downhill, allowing kids to scamper over gradual inclines and stone staircases.
Spanning just under a mile roundtrip, families can easily complete Amir’s Garden Trail in 30 to 45 minutes. Multiple picnic tables nestled amidst the trees provide perfect pitstops to rest little legs.
Hollywood Reservoir – Lake Hollywood Trail
One of the most iconic family hikes in Griffith Park, the Lake Hollywood Trail offers unique views of the famed Hollywood Sign along its 3-mile paved route. Families can walk the entire loop or turn back early based on children’s ages and ability levels. The smooth pavement and almost entirely flat trail allows for strollers, scooters or bikes.
Setting out counter-clockwise, the first mile contains multiple side trail detours down to lake viewpoints. Spot a wide variety of waterfowl like ducks, geese, and cormorants diving for fish.
Griffith Observatory Trails
No family visit to Griffith Park would be complete without a trip to the iconic Griffith Observatory perched on the park’s highest point. While exhibits inside captivate kids for hours, the uphill hike to the entrance also thrills. Two main trails ascend over 400 feet via switchbacks and stairs – the East Observatory Trail or the slightly more gradual West Observatory Trail.
Most families opt for the East Trail averaging just over a mile round trip. Crisscrossing Mt Hollywood Drive, kids bound up stone staircases and across dusty pathways. Trees and vegetation give way to panoramic views of Los Angeles, including landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Century City, and Downtown. Arriving at the Observatory provides even broader vistas across the entire LA basin.
Tips for a Successful Family Hiking Experience
Hiking with kids may seem daunting for first-timers, but a bit of preparation helps ensure a fun, safe, and memorable outdoor adventure. Consider the following tips when embarking on a family trek through Griffith Park:
- Visit early mornings or late afternoons when temperatures stay cooler and trails less crowded.
- Always pack more water and snacks than you think necessary to avoid cranky kids and dehydration.
- Apply sunscreen and wear hats, even on cloudy days, to prevent painful burns.
- Research trail difficulty and length ahead of time to match abilities of youngest hikers.
- Make sure proper footwear like sneakers get worn for traction and preventing injury on uneven terrain.
- Remind children to stay on marked trails at all times, avoiding plants and wildlife.
- Bring cell phones but use sparingly so families stay focused on their natural surroundings
Following these simple guidelines sets up families for hiking success not just in Griffith Park but wilderness areas beyond.
Additional Family Activities in Griffith Park
While hiking tops the list of family-friendly activities, Griffith Park contains a plethora of other attractions to occupy kids of all interests. On the same day as a trail trek or after for those seeking more comprehensive explorations, families shouldn’t miss:
Griffith Observatory
In addition to providing trail access, the iconic building houses interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and telescopes for spotting features of the solar system. Kids can study astronomy, space travel, geography, and more via dozens of captivating displays.
Los Angeles Zoo
Home to over 1,400 mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, families could easily spend an entire day visiting all the zoo’s continental region enclosures and animal habitats. Special kids’ attractions like the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo provide up-close animal interactions.
Pony rides, model train rides, and old-fashioned merry-go-rounds appeal to kids craving vintage amusement park entertainment. Numerous picture-perfect picnic grounds give families a place to unwind after busy days on trails or in museums. Pack or pick-up food to enjoy al fresco amid Griffith Park’s natural beauty and serenity.
Conclusion
Finding ways to engage kids with nature while promoting health doesn’t require traveling great distances when Griffith Park exists right in Los Angeles’ urban backyard. Its many family-friendly hiking trails offer all ages entry to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and terrain. Easy nature walks to hillside treks with Observatory views provide varying levels of challenge guaranteed to tire out even the most energetic kids.
Yet it’s the lessons learned along the trails that also benefit Griffith Park’s younger visitors. Discovering native plants and wildlife, strengthening young bodies through exercise, and deepening family connections away from electronics ranked among the many advantages of family hiking. When combined with the Park’s other attractions like its zoo, rides, and museums, parents enjoy peace-of-mind knowing kids stay happily occupied for days discovering new interests.