What is it about a summertime picnic that’s so enthralling…is it the whimsical throwback to a simpler time? The notion of battling a stressful lifestyle by way of enjoying a basket loaded with seasonal goodies? Childhood memories that come breaking through once we take in the sights, smells and visceral innocence of the great outdoors? Whatever the catalyst, there’s no denying the sheer magnetism of a summer picnic in our favorite park – the way it brings our families together, builds new memories to last a lifetime and creates a “cozy gathering” vibe that can’t be replicated on a deck during a backyard barbecue. If your hunt for the perfect picnic parks in Woodland Hills has left you disappointed, we have some suggestions that are going to make the remaining weeks of summer a whole lot more fun.

Serrania Park makes for the perfect picnic backdrop with a children’s play area, picnic tables, restrooms, hiking trail and walking paths. Open Monday to Friday from dawn to dusk and Saturday and Sunday from dawn to dusk, Serrania is part of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreations and Parks, a division included in the city’s first Freeholder Charter adopted in 1889. Placed under its jurisdiction were parks and public land that had been set aside for the perpetual use of the community in the original Spanish land grants. Today, Serrania Park sits at 20726 Wells Drive in Woodland Hills.

Calabasas Creek Park is like a Victorian tea party setting – with white gazebos and pretty colored roses surrounding different sections, to boot – but conveniently located off the 101 freeway and in “Old Town Calabasas” with 19th century-esque buildings surrounding it. Beautiful landscaping leads to a scenic walk entrance where white picket fences await, complete with two Native American replica huts used, most likely, by the Tongvas or Gabriellenos during California’s early history. Often called “very cute and unique,” Calabasas Creek Park offers the ideal picnic setting what with its enclosed garden-like layout and charming fountains, flowers, benches and more. The park is located on Calabasas Road and Mullholland Drive/Valley Circle in Old Town Calabasas, Los Angeles.

Warner Center Park is also part of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and offers picnic tables and even a band shell for the ultimate picnic atmosphere. But what many readers of Woodland Hills Magazine will most likely remember about this venue is the Valley Cultural Center’s concerts that come to life here in the summer – events that we regularly cover in our online publication. From world festivals to a sprawling performance stage that has to be seen to be believed, Warner Center Park is beautiful, inviting and perfect for picnics, birthdays and other family gatherings. The venue is situated at 5800 Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Costanso Fire Station 84 Park is clean and completely gated with plenty of grassy areas, a padded floor around the fire truck gym, swings, benches and an overtly safe feel. This is the perfect playground for toddlers, and makes one perfect spot for a family picnic this summer – so gather up the kids and head on over to this fire truck playground with slides, interactive stations, a cool design and an ideal location at Costanso Street and Canoga Avenue in L.A.

From parks in Woodland Hills with fire trucks to hillside spots with a view of the city, we’ve mapped out all the best places to lay down a blanket and dig into a picnic in the midst of summer.