Before we know it, it’ll be time to shake off the winter blues – albeit not a big task for residents of Southern California – and indulge in some pre-summer spring activities, to say nothing of pulling those flowery sundresses and chic strappy heels out of the closet for some fashionable flirtations. For parents, the arrival of spring signals something else beyond preparing the kids for the Easter Bunny: it’s about getting them into the fresh air, which has been especially relevant since all the lockdowns we’ve been in and out of, and ready for their summer vacation or camp foray.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do with the kids this spring around Woodland Hills, from a fire truck-themed playground to an awesome children’s museum, so you can make the most of the warmer approaching-summer weather.

Costanso Fire Station 84 Park, located at Costanso Street and Canoga Avenue, is a fun spot for the little ones, complete with a fire truck-themed playground and three-person slide, two swings, a water fountain, and two picnic tables, making it the perfect attraction for younger children who are smitten with the idea of a fire engine. The fire truck play area is shaded with metal benches all around, so you can sit with your coffee as you watch your kids frolic and check your emails. Costanso Fire Station 84 Park is always well-maintained and clean, offering a safe environment thanks to the metal gates that fully engulf the area on all sides. Dogs are allowed on leashes.

Kfar Saba Urban Farm is far beyond your average petting zoo, offering educational, interactive, hands-on experiences with beautiful animals that the whole family will find fascinating – so much so that Kfar Saba Urban Farm has become a go-to spot for educational field trips for homeschoolers, Scouts, kindergartners and all manner of schools. The staff here will make sure your kids learn about and get to know all the animals safely, as they feed them, and understand the value of respecting other gentle life forms. Each animal that calls this farm home has been rescued to be cared for on the premises, immediately becoming extended family, proving that goats, dogs, alpacas, ducks, chickens, exotic birds, tortoises, and even mini-horses can coexist peacefully. Kfar Saba Urban Farm is not to be missed. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (Monday through Thursday and Sunday) and 9 am to 3 pm on Friday, closed Saturday.

Kidspace Children’s Museum, located at 480 North Arroyo Boulevard in Pasadena, has been entertaining the “young of all ages” for 40 years with a mission to “nurture the potential of all children through kid-driven experiences” and “inspire them to become joyful, active learners.” Established in 1979, Kidspace began as a project of the Junior League of Pasadena and has since grown to become one of California’s premier children’s museums, going on to be recognized by the Association of Children’s Museums for innovative outdoor educational programming and early learning programs. If you have children in elementary school or below, this is a highly recommended stop, offering plenty of fun, engaging, sensory activities – plus science-based pursuits for older kids. The majority of the activities are outside, so it’s a great way to get some fresh air and sunshine, but there is also plenty to do inside for an ideal rainy day option. Open all week from 10 am to 5 pm.

Sherman Oaks Castle Park, located at 4989 Sepulveda Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, is the San Fernando Valley’s premier family entertainment center where you and the kids can enjoy the finest miniature golf, arcade, and batting cages. Part of the City of LA Department of Recreation and Parks, Sherman Oaks Castle Park is also the ideal venue to host your special event this spring, whether it’s a family gathering, birthday party, or another special occasion. Hit the arcade and experience a wide selection of exciting games, ranging from the ever-competitive air hockey to thrilling redemption activities with big jackpots, and then have the kids try their baseball and softball swings in the Castle Batting Cages. Open 10 am to 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and 10 am to 11 pm Friday and Saturday.    

Spring is the best time to explore Los Angeles – the weather is gorgeous, but it comes before desert destinations get too hot and beaches get too crowded. Our roundup of great spring activities in Woodland Hills will guide you to places that won’t only put a smile on your kid’s face, but quite possibly yours, as well.