Activities for Kids

13 Free (or Really Cheap) Things to Do in Griffith Park

With hikes, zoos, museums, vistas, trains, playgrounds, ponies, golf, a carousel and lots more, Griffith Park provides endless (free!) entertainment for kids of all ages.

By Meghan Rose September 10, 2017

Fun fact: Griffith Park is over 5 times bigger than NY’s Central Park. With hikes, zoos, museums, beer (!), trains, playgrounds, ponies, golf, a carousel and lots more (all costing very little or nothing at all) it’s time to click through the slideshow and discover a baker’s dozen of the coolest places you just might not have visited in our gigantic urban forest.

A Prehistoric Gully

Officially called the Fern Dell Nature Museum, this little walking trail boasts a winding brook, grotto and over 50 varieties of ferns from around the globe. Located near the Western Canyon entrance of the park, the 100 year old oasis has fallen into disrepair, but is currently undergoing a revitalization. With California Sycamores overhead and ferns growing all around, it feels more like Tarzan’s jungle than the SoCal desert. On hot summer days, it’s the perfect cooling off spot in the middle of the city.

Bonus: Right across the street is The Trails Café, a favorite local spot for lavender cookies, snake dogs (hotdogs on a stick) and the best vegan pie you’ve ever tasted.

Find It: 5375 Red Oak Dr.

Learn More: laparks.org/DOS/parks/griffithPK/ferndell.htm

photo: Meghan Rose

What’s your favorite thing to do in Griffith Park? We want to know! Meet you in the comment section…

—Meghan Rose