Fun and easy hikes to do with your toddler in the Los Angeles Area.

North Runyon Canyon, Los Angeles - Copyright Paola Tejada Lalinde

Getting out and about, exploring nature, and enjoying time with your little one is a beautiful way to spend your weekend! Here is a collection of fun, accessible trails that can keep your toddler entertained.

1. The Hollywood Reservoir & Hollywood Reservoir Trail, Los Angeles

The Hollywood Reservoir (aka Lake Hollywood) is one of our favorite places in LA to get fresh air and exercise as a family. It has a green, mostly flat, and paved 3.3-mile (5 km) trail loop around it where you can take a stroll, bike ride, or run while you take in amazing views.

You can also take a short hike to Hollywood Lake Park up the hill via the Hollywood Reservoir Trail which is lined with wild plants. You'll come across an excellent viewpoint of the Hollywood sign, a park with an expansive grassy lawn, and a fun playground for the kids.

Both the flat, paved loop around the reservoir and the Hollywood Reservoir Trail in the hills can be accessed via the South Entrance of the reservoir found at 6454 Weidlake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068. * This trail is stroller friendly.

2. Tuna Canyon Trail, Topanga

The Tuna Canyon Trail in Topanga is a beautiful hike to do, particularly at sunset, to get breathtaking, continuous panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. This kid-friendly trail is relatively flat and about a 3.3-mile (5 km) round trip. We've kept the little ones busy along the path collecting offerings to place at the impressive mandala at the end of the trail before heading back home. It was a magical hike!

You can find the trailhead at 2802 Tuna Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA 90290. Parking is limited along the road.

3. Vanalden Trail & Cave, Tarzana

The Vanalden Trail in Topanga State Park takes you to a whimsical, hidden sandstone cave with natural skylights. It is only a 0.6-mile round trip to the cave and has an elevation of 100 feet. From the street, you’ll follow a dirt path densely lined with shrubbery that will take you to an oak grove that eventually leads to the cave. Free street parking is available from 6 am to 9 pm at 3630 Vanalden Avenue, Tarzana, CA 91356.

4. North Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles

Runyon Canyon Park is located in the Hollywood Hills and is a great hiking spot with sweeping views of the whole city. When we go with our toddler, we enter the park through the Northern entrance of the park on Mulholland Drive to make it to the highest viewpoint in the least amount of time. To do this, when you arrive at the Northern main gate, take the dirt trail lining the gate directly to your right and keep on going for about 15 minutes until you reach the top of the mountain ridge for the most spectacular views.

The Nothern entrance can be accessed via 7317 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90046. When planning to visit, keep in mind that there is no dedicated parking lot, and street parking is limited.

5. Rock Pool at Malibu Creek State Park, Agoura Hills

This family-friendly trail in the Santa Monica Mountains leads you to an impressive rock pool surrounded by volcanic rock formations where you can dip your feet and enjoy picnics. To get there, you can park at 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302, and take Crags Road along the creek for an easy, two-mile hike round trip. If you have more time and energy, you can also visit the MASH TV show site and the location of the former Reagan Ranch found along the surrounding trails there.

6. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center, Agua Dulce

Check out the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center to get the Joshua Tree vibes closer to home as they are located less than an hour's drive from LA, in Agua Dulce. The prehistoric rock formations are beautiful and have been the backdrop to many movies and shows, including Star Trek and Planet of the Apes. There is an easy, 2.7-mile, flat loop trail that goes around the main rock formations. You can also enjoy some rock climbing as you explore the different areas along the way.

The Nature Center there has a great mini-exhibit featuring some lives animals and reptiles, including tarantulas and a snake. The address is 10700 West Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce, CA 91350. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and the Nature Center hours are 7:30 am - 8 pm.

If you have time, also visit the small town of Agua Dulce. We got lucky to be visiting the day of their annual parade and fair — it was a fun experience and it really felt like we were on vacation, far away from the big city.

7. Franklin Canyon Park, Beverly Hills

This Franklin Canyon Park is a peaceful refuge from the city full of trees and wildlife. You can take a 1.5-mile loop hike around Franklin Canyon Reservoir and the neighboring Heavenly Pond where you will encounter many ducks, birds, and turtles. Upon arriving, you will also come across the Doheny Ranch and Amphitheater and the newly renovated Eugene and Michael Rosenfeld Auditorium. To access the main trails, you can park at the parking lot just north of Franklin Canyon Lake at 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210

Happy hiking, vibrant mamitas!

What other family hiking spots do you recommend? Make sure to add them in the comments below!