Otherwise known as Lake Balboa, this large family-friendly park is known for its central lake (you can rent a swan boat) and serene picnic spots. Springtime visitors are treated to the cherry blossom bloom around the perimeter, though the sight doesn’t come without crowds. Those more in the mood for grassy wilderness or cultivated gardens can venture next door to the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve and the Japanese Garden (open by reservation only).

Lakes in Los Angeles are not the norm so if you’re looking for a playground that feels more like a weekend getaway, Anthony C\. Beilenson Park delivers in spades\. With a universally accessible play structure that’s almost as big as the park itself, little ones have more than enough elbow room to swing, shimmy through tunnels and romp around on the jungle gym\. It's lakeside bike path is one of our favorites—your little two-wheelers can pedal past gaggles of honking geese and quacking ducks\.