We’re not going to sugar-coat this, because you have probably heard it all – from the so-called experts on TV news to your local government officials, all of whom seem to have varying opinions on the subject, depending on the day of the week. The bottom line is that we are still in the midst of a health crisis, whatever the degree, what with the coronavirus still running rampant throughout the country, and for the Golden State of California, the situation is no different.

We know you’re itching to get back to some kind of normal lifestyle, and while we’re not in a position to tell you exactly when this may be possible, we can offer some guidance to help everyone try to make the best of the situation. If, prior to the virus outbreak, you were adhering to a strict gym regimen or other physical activity schedule, all is not lost: You just need to remain agile in different ways.

To that end, we suggest staying active at a local park in Woodland Hills…and we’ve got some great ones for you to visit as you keep fit during this most unusual of times.

Topanga State Park, located in the cliffs and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, features 36 miles of trails through open grassland, live oaks and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The park is situated entirely within the Los Angeles city limits and is considered the world’s largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city; here, excellent recreational opportunities await for hikers as well as mountain bikers (restricted to fire roads) and equestrians alike. Due to COVID-19, Topanga State Park has instituted a number of restrictions and changes to regular operating protocols, so we recommend reaching out to the head office at (310) 455-2465 prior to making any plans.

Solstice Canyon Park, located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, allows for a picturesque, shaded canyon hike unlike any other, its popular and well-maintained trail bursting with opportunities for less-traveled spurs. Highlights here include a small waterfall, the site of the oldest stone building in Malibu and the ruins of a burned-down mansion. Just a quick turn off the Pacific Coast Highway north of Malibu, the entrance to Solstice is just a few hundred feet away from the sometimes crowded beaches – yet it feels a world away. Round-trip distance of the entire canyon is six miles, and it takes approximately two hours to complete with an elevation gain of 800 feet.

Gates Park, located at 25801 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Calabasas, is a beautiful hidden gem nestled in a gorgeous Calabasas neighborhood, offering everything you’d ever want in a public park. From its cleanliness, sprawling area with two playgrounds and breathtaking views of Calabasas Hills to the convenient tennis and basketball courts, Gates Park is regularly considered the best park around for miles. This family-friendly space is a quick 15-minute drive from Route 27 and boasts plenty of parking and shaded play areas for the kids.

Serrania Park, located at 20726 Wells Drive in Woodland Hills, is a well-maintained facility with a paved loop walking trail along its circumference, and has become a place loved by locals. Also referred to as the “de-facto dog park” of the L.A. region, Serrania welcomes dogs of all sizes and offers easy parking, bathroom facilities, a fenced children’s play area, picnic tables, park benches and lots of beautiful green grass. We can tell you from vast experience that Serrania represents quite the delightful neighborhood park experience, so you can’t go wrong here if you’re looking for a place to get some exercise alongside your four-legged companion.

Shoup Park, located at 400 University Avenue in Los Altos, is home to the Garden House, The Underground and Patriot Corner Picnic Area, and is also adjacent to Adobe Creek and the connecting trail to Redwood Grove Nature Preserve. With playgrounds, picnic and BBQ tables, large grass field, restrooms and even a “Cradle of Liberty” sculpture, Shoup Park remains a must-see attraction for all outdoors types, with overflow visitor parking available on University Avenue and “amplified sound” prohibited at all times. The Garden House at Shoup Park is available for weddings, receptions, gatherings, parties and meetings and can accommodate up to 150 people, while the Patriot Corner Picnic Area can be reserved for any outdoor barbecue event with family and friends (accommodates 75 people).

Costanso Fire Station 84 Park, located at 5340 Canoga Avenue in Los Angeles at the old site of Fire Station 84 south of Ventura Boulevard, opened in honor of Los Angeles firefighters and remains completely enclosed to ensure the safety of all children. A perfect place for exploration and imaginary play, the park is different from what you would expect – and the kids love it because the entire playground is in the shape of a fire truck. Not only does this park feature a fire truck-themed playground – including a fire truck slide – and climbing apparatus for “little firefighters” of all ages, it’s fenced off from surrounding streets for added security.

Woodley Park, located at 6350 Woodley Avenue in Van Nuys, features several elements that allow it to stand out from other parks in the area, including a Japanese garden, water treatment plant, free archery lessons and a wonderful running path that goes through a marsh-like section and which is part of a wildlife preserve. An exceptionally large, activity-centric park near the 405 and 101 freeways, Woodley boasts a ton of open space and parking, making it perfect for families and friends for a game of soccer or a celebration.

Staying active during this pandemic may have become a challenging proposition in some ways, but Woodland Hills Magazine has just the right amount of local park suggestions to keep you in shape while the majority of gyms remain closed. We suggest getting in contact with these parks to confirm their open and close schedules, restrictions and more.