Top 5 Parks for Larchmont Families

Top 5 Parks for Larchmont Families

One of the perks of Larchmont Village / Hancock Park real estate is our proximity to so many lovely and family-friendly parks. Playgrounds, recreational centers, green expanses, dog parks – there’s something for everyone. Oh, and you may be asking if there’s a Hancock Park in Hancock Park. Well we’re glad you asked. Most people don’t realize that Hancock Park is the grassy area surrounding the La Brea Tar Pits. Next time you’re there looking at mammoths, check out the statue to George Allen Hancock, who donated the land to the county, and is the namesake of the entire neighborhood.

Robert L. Burns Park (often mistakenly referred to by the locals as Van Ness Park)
4900 Beverly Blvd.

Features: Children’s play area, picnic tables, dog area, water fountain, residential parking, covered pavillion

Pretty much every kid who grows up in the Larchmont area spends some play time at Burns Park. It’s the most convenient park in the area, located right on the corner of Beverly Blvd. and Van Ness Ave. in a safe, residential area. The playground is well-fenced, keeping the toddlers in and the dogs out. No parking lot – park on the street. There is a water fountain and at least 4 picnic tables under a Pavilion. Closes at sundown.
The Good News – The large, shady and clean play structure is one of the best around.
The Bad News – The Port-O-Pots should definitely be avoided.

Harold A. Henry Park
890 S. Lucerne Ave.

Features: Children’s play area, picnic tables.

Harold Henry is the neighborhood’s best kept secret – a small, secluded "pocket park", nestled in a quiet residential area. Though the play area is small, it’s seldom crowded, and nicely shaded. Part of the park under construction.
The Good News – Quiet, quiet, quiet. Easy parking on street.
The Bad News – No fence around the play structure means you need to pay extra attention to the little ones.

LA High Memorial Park
4625 West Olympic Blvd.

Features: Children’s play area, residential parking

This small playground may not sound very impressive, but it shares grounds with the Memorial Branch of the LA Public Library. So you can take the kids to check out some books and stay for some play time in the park. If you have little ones, don’t miss the Babes and Books storytime on Wednesdays at 11:00 am, then bring a picnic lunch to enjoy outside. On street parking.
The Good News – The Library!!
The Bad News – After school, students from LA High across the street tend to mill around on the borders of the park – you may have to cover your toddlers eyes!

Pan Pacific Park
7600 Beverly Blvd.

Features: Auditorium, barbecue pits, baseball diamond, basketball courts, children’s play area, picnic tables, jogging path, restrooms.

Pan Pacific is the recreational hub of the area, constantly filled with kids, soccer players, joggers, basketballers, picnickers and folks just soaking up a little sun. The children’s play area is super nice and fairly new and the recreation center offers numerous activities and camps.  Part of the lower field under construction.

The Good News – Always busy with something for everyone. Restaurants nearby.

The Bad News – Always busy with something for everyone. Parking in the main lot can be next to impossible, especially on weekends during soccer season!

Bronson Canyon Park
3200 Canyon Dr.

Features: Children’s play area, picnic tables, hiking trail, Hollywood sign, tunnel/cave

Part of the larger Griffith Park, rustic Bronson Canyon is beautiful, lush and shady. Though the children’s play area is small, there’s lots of open green space which is perfect for picnics and birthday parties. It’s also the starting point of several well-used hikes. Don’t miss the hike up to the "Bat Cave" – a filming location most famous for its role in the old Batman series from the ’60’s. Class parties often hosted here.
The Good News – Beautiful rustic location where the whole family can enjoy nature.
The Bad News – A bit of a schlep from the Larchmont area, but worth the trip.