One of the criticisms of Los Angeles is its lack of parks, and while this may be true from a statistical standpoint–notably when you compare L.A. to other major cities like New York and San Francisco – it brings about a distinct kind of bewilderment when you happen to stumble upon a sanctuary of greenspace where you least expected it.

Indeed, the more you search, the more you’ll find this city boasts pockets of greenery waiting to be explored. To kick off your newfound discoveries, we’ve rounded up the best parks in Woodland Hills for everything from picnicking and walking to enjoying the latest trashy romance novel.

Serrania Park, located at 20726 Wells Drive, is a beautiful oasis with plenty of hiking trails and some fantastic views, but the best part is that it’s free to enter and offers a great way to get some exercise and take in the scenery. It’s also a great place to bring the kids, as Serrania Park boasts a playground and several shaded picnic tables. Over the past few years, the park has also become a popular destination for dog owners, with the large area featuring wooded spots and grassy lawns encompassing walking paths and easy hiking trails. Serrania Park is the perfect place to spend a day with your family and enjoy the sunshine.  

Shoup Park Summit, located in the Woodland Hills Recreation Center at 5858 Shoup Avenue, is just minutes from the vibrant entertainment and shopping of Westfield Topanga and Westfield Promenade, the complex surrounded by the community’s most beautiful parks, including Costanso Fire Station 84 Park. Shoup Park Summit offers several picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal while enjoying the natural beauty of Woodland Hills. Whether it’s a neighborhood event or social gathering, Shoup Park Summit is always beckoning you to participate in fun and engaging activities that are sure to make you feel right at home – get involved with the community by joining one of the many clubs and groups available for both adults and kids. 

Warner Center Park, located at 5800 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, remains one of the bigger and better parks in the area, offering an excellent spot for a variety of activities for both adults and kids. The sprawling park area boasts engaging activities for all ages, including a sandbox and playground for children and workout stations for adults. It continues to impress those seeking a walking or running course with a circular route. Beyond the park’s amenities, Warner Center is also home to a popular summer concert series that takes Woodland Hills residents by storm, alongside exciting films-in-the-park nights and food trucks. When no activities are lighting up Warner Center Park, it’s also a great spot to walk your dog and get your steps in. 

Shadow Ranch Park, located at 22633 Vanowen Street in West Hills, was donated to the City of Los Angeles in 1932 and provided space for all ages, featuring a modern playground with swings, slides, and sand – even early learning programs for ages three through five. Programs are available all year, including art, dance, soccer, basketball, aerobics, tutoring, painting, science, cooking, yoga, karate, piano, Pilates, Legos, and more. As part of Shadow Ranch Recreation Center, Shadow Ranch Park serves the South Valley region and boasts a baseball diamond, basketball courts, a children’s play area, a football field, picnic tables, and a soccer field. Open Monday and Tuesday from 8 am to 4:30 pm; Wednesday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm; Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm; closed on Sundays.  

Calabasas Creek Park, situated at 23527 Calabasas Road in Calabasas, dates back to 1776 when Juan De Anza and his party of Spanish explorers stopped here to rest their horses under the oaks. Today, people from all over Woodland Hills enjoy a moment under the same oaks along the creek, just as those explorers did over 200 years ago. Privately owned and maintained by the Leonis Adobe Association, Calabasas Creek Park represents a late-1880s Victorian-period oasis with original and replicated artifacts and remains part of the Leonis Adobe Museum – a fully-restored adobe adjacent to Sagebrush Cantina.  Calabasas Creek Park is gated and fenced, looking more like a garden and perfect for gorgeous views and photo opportunities.

Costanso Fire Station 84 Park, located at 5340 Canoga Avenue in Los Angeles, is one of the more unique spots on our list primarily due to its fun and funky fire truck centerpiece, making it a great park for kids from one to five years of age. Alongside the fire truck-themed play area is a set of low monkey bars, a slide, and wheels where the toddlers can envision themselves driving the emergency vehicle. In contrast, a small graded area with a hill for kids to climb complements two picnic tables for the perfect lunch. Bear in mind that Costanso Fire Station 84 Park does not have bathroom facilities.  

Among the plethora of picturesque attractions in Los Angeles – who can resist the temptation of a hike through Runyon, an afternoon in a botanical garden, or a trip to the beach? – is a wealth of beautiful Woodland Hills parks just waiting to be explored. Whether you are a devoted dog owner or a picnic aficionado, there’s a slice of nature that fits your lifestyle.