Yes, that’s water. Real water. And not just water, but a waterFALL?! Add this: it’s not far from Los Angeles. One of a handful of waterfall hikes in Los Angeles, Paradise Falls hike in Wildwood Park is an easy-to-moderate 20-minute hike suitable for kids. Some adventurous parents of young kids might even be able to do the hike with strollers, but there are some fairly steep sets of steps. In all, there are 14 hiking trails in Wildwood Park.
An easy flowing stream tumbles gently over boulder after boulder before it reaches a picturesque 40-foot drop known as Paradise Falls. The falls can be reached from several directions, but for little legs the Teepee Trail might be the easiest and quickest. if you’ve got time, there are plenty of areas to explore in Wildwood Park, including a natural cave called Indian Cave. The scenery is spectacular with mountains rising up on all sides, and the trails are lined with native coastal live oaks and the scent of three types of sage.
Wildwood Park is about 30 miles from Los Angles off the 101 Freeway in the city of Thousand Oaks. There are several picnic tables along the trails and water fountains. And another perk, there’s a great playground only minutes away from the park. Because nature is awesome, but to kids there’s nothing better than a playground.
The details:
Best time to go: Fall, Spring, Winter
Hours: 7am – sunset
Good for: Kids 4+
Watch out for: wildlife; mountain bikers.
Get there: 101 Freeway from central LA or the Valley; CA 23 from Santa Clarita and Simi Valley
Wear: hiking boots, sunscreen, hat
Bring: water, picnic, snacks, hiking stick, sling or carrier for younger children, first aid kit
928 W. Avenida de los Arboles
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
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