Elysian Park and Chavez Ravine Arboretum
Easily reachable from Interstate 5 and Highway 110 near Dodger Stadium, Elysian Park is a popular place for biking, walking, jogging and disc golf. The park is filled with an abundance of BBQ pits and tables for picnicking, as well as playgrounds for kids to run around on. The Chavez Ravine Arboretum dates back to 1893, and has 138 species of exotic and domestic trees. The arboretum is officially a Historic Cultural Monument. Admission to both the park and the arboretum is free.
Elysian Park and Chavez Ravine Arboretum
835 Academy Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 847-0926
laparks.org
Lake Balboa
The Anthony C. Beilenson Park's 27-acre Lake Balboa offers a wide-range of activities in addition to the park itself. Visitors can walk and jog along the path, play on the playground, barbecue and picnic. Fishing is allowed with a permit. Pedal boats and kayaks can be rented at the lake, and the park's personnel offer special kayak fitness classes. Adjoining the park and lake's grounds are a golf course, tennis courts and sports complex. Admission to the park and lake is free.
Lake Balboa
6300 Balboa Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 756-9743
laparks.org
Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is home to over a thousand animals representing over 250 species. From the smallest insects to the mightiest of the mammals, kids and adults alike will have a fun and educational experience. The zoo's botanical gardens showcase a wide variety of native Californian plants, wildflowers, grasses and island flowers. The zoo is open every day of the year (except for Christmas day) and is easy to reach from Interstate 5 and the Ventura Freeway.
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4200
lazoo.org
Article Written By Patrick M. Lind
Patrick M. Lind has been freelance writing since 2007 and has worked as an editor and journalist for ChicagoSporting.com. He received a Master of Arts in history from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Middle East.
