I went here for the 2nd annual Encino Fest. I had never been before and this was a good excuse to…read morecheck it out. Parking was an issue. There are metered spots all around the perimeter, but they were all taken. I ended up driving a block away and parking in front of an elementary school at a curb that's for pick up and drop off only during the school week. The park is about medium size. There's a tennis court, basketball court, a playground, tables and benches, and open grassy areas scattered with trees for shade. For the festival there were a few food trucks on the street, but you really didn't need to buy anything as long as you were willing to wait in a long line for a free pretzel, ice cream, and bottle of water. Just make sure to check in at one of the tables first where they'll ask you for your name and email and then give you tickets for the pretzel and ice cream and then you can get in line. One person is allowed to ask for multiple tickets for their family. The festival is kid centric, like the entertainment on stage were kids dancing and the live music was also aimed at kids. One song had lyrics that sounded like "Simon Says". There were also several tents that had a bunch of freebies like stickers and potato bag clips and even a booklet of the U.S. Constitution, which makes sense since a lot of the booths were promoting various local politicians. There's an onsite bathroom by the basketball courts, but beware that it's not the cleanest, but it's a public bathroom, so of course it isn't. If you have kids, this festival was made for you. If you don't, you can still enjoy the freebies, but it's not really something you'd want to stay around long for.

I've been coming to Encino Park for years, and it's one of those neighborhood spots that just feels…read moreeasy and welcoming. The park is really spacious and well-maintained. There's plenty of grass for kids to run around, toss a ball, or just roll out a blanket for a picnic. The playground is solid, clean, safe, and usually full of families in the afternoons. I like that there's enough shade from the trees so you're not baking in the sun the whole time (which is a big deal in the Valley). What I appreciate most is how relaxed the vibe is. It's not overly crowded or chaotic like some bigger parks in LA. You'll see people walking their dogs (on leash), neighbors chatting, and kids practicing soccer. There are also tennis courts and a community center, which makes it feel like a true local hub. Parking is usually pretty manageable, especially compared to other parks in Los Angeles. Bathrooms are basic but generally kept in decent shape. Overall, Encino Park is simple, clean, and family-friendly. It's not flashy, but it's dependable and sometimes that's exactly what you want in a neighborhood park.

Took my students on a field trip here and it was wonderful. The state park interpreters were super…read moreknowledgeable and welcoming with cool facts about the site and land, had three different stations of activities for my students to enjoy. A beautiful, family friendly park, completely free and tucked away in Encino

If you can, please bring feed for the geese. And three domestic ducks. Instruction from the park:…read more1) no bread. 2) corn and vegetables are great. --- you can get cracked corn and poultry feed from Walmart. About $12 per 40 lb bag.

What an amazing oasis in the middle of the SFV! I'm so glad this garden has reopened to the public…read more The grounds are beautiful and serene, and I really appreciate how they've integrated nature with sustainability by using reclaimed water to supply the garden's pond. We visited today and were lucky enough to catch a performance by the Taiko Project. Their performance honestly gave me chills! Love that they also talked about the history of taiko in Japan and US and they even had volunteers at the end of the show to try taiko drumming! There was also Kamishibai storytelling in the tea garden, which the kids really enjoyed. They also have Japanese Garden "I Spy" sheet for the kids to do and Clean Water Patrol activity book. This is def one of those low stress, high vibe activities that I highly recommend. Just a heads-up though, outside food and drinks aren't allowed inside, but water is ok. There are restrooms near the entrance as well as behind the tea garden. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids. We had such a relaxing afternoon and are already looking forward to coming back for more events at this little oasis.

The Japanese Garden in the Sepulveda Basin is such a beautiful oasis in the Valley, especially in…read morean area that can get so hot. It feels peaceful, well cared for, and instantly calming the moment you walk in. There is a small $5 admission fee, which honestly feels completely worth it, especially because it clearly helps keep the grounds so clean, beautiful, and well maintained. I brought my parents here while they were visiting, and they absolutely loved it. If you're lucky enough to visit during the right season, you may even catch the cherry blossoms, which make the whole experience even more special. There is also plenty of parking on site, which makes visiting easy. One thing to keep in mind is that they are closed on Sundays. Also, if you have extra time, Sepulveda Basin Lake is nearby and worth checking out as well. A lovely, serene spot that feels like a hidden gem in the Valley.

When you arrive parking is plentiful along the borders of the park or in the parking spaces. I love…read morecoming to this park for dog training and for spending time with my dog allowing her to sniff and run on an extended leash (either 30 to 45 feet leash). The great thing about this park is that there is a sidewalk to walk on to walk the perimeter of the lake, or there are many areas of large green fields that surround the park. I have seen other dogs off leash, and normally this gives me great hesitation, but in a large park like this, you can be far enough distance away from everyone else and their dogs to avoid them. Now that it's spring, everything is blossoming and blooming, but be careful, when I was here the grass had not yet been mown, and there are so many foxtails growing right now. So many got caught in my shoes and thankfully I checked my dog's body completely and her feet and none had stuck to her. When things are mown it's great but also beware of the ants. When I was on the side of the park that has the football field sized grass area, I was watching my dog sniff and play and suddenly I felt something biting me. I looked down and dozens of red ants were climbing me from the dirt. I must have mistakenly stood on an ant mound. Thirdly, just also keep aware of coyotes, I have seen a coyote several times at Lake Balboa and they do not seem fearful whatsoever and they are just walking around casually in the middle of the day. This park is a true gem because of how beautiful and serene it makes life feel. There are people fishing in the lake, walkers, runners, people relaxing on benches reading, friends playing cards, birthday parties or other events, people bicycling or skateboarding. I love this park.

It's one of those places that feels like a mini escape without having to leave LA. The lake is…read morebeautiful, especially in the mornings and around sunset, and the walking path around it is perfect for a chill stroll, jog, or bike ride. There's always a good mix of people here families, couples, dog walkers, and folks just trying to get some fresh air. The park is spacious, well-maintained, and surprisingly peaceful considering how central it is. Plenty of picnic tables, grassy areas to relax, and spots to just sit and people-watch. The ducks and birds add to the whole vibe. Parking is usually easy, which is a huge plus, and the restrooms are decent for a public park. On weekends it can get busy, but it never feels overwhelming because there's so much space. Whether you're looking for a quick walk, a picnic date, or a calm place to clear your head, Lake Balboa is a solid go-to. Definitely one of my favorite outdoor spots in the Valley.

My favorite dog park in Los Angeles! It's a hidden gem in the middle of a residential neighborhood…read morein Encino. You have to know that it's here or you will never find it. It's almost like ot is a private park for just the locals. I like most dog parks. It is pretty clean. You won't be stepping in poop and neither will your dogs. As parks do it is pretty small. Better to go mid day when there is no one there.

I come here pretty regularly with my dogs and have to say Libbit Park is one of those little…read moreneighborhood gems in Encino that feels like a true community space. It's a nice open grassy area where dogs can run around, play fetch, and burn off some energy and there's plenty of room for people too. It's great for casual weekday walks or weekend hangs with other dog owners. Even though it's not officially designated as an off-leash dog park, most folks let their dogs roam and socialize, and surprisingly it works out most of the time. You'll find tennis balls and a few toys around, which is a fun bonus for pups who like to chase. The vibe here is friendly and relaxed neighbors chat, dogs interact (mostly politely!), and it really feels like a little community hub. I will say: bring your own water for your dog, because there aren't many fountains around, and sometimes the ground can get a bit messy depending on who's been there before you. All in all, it's a lovely local spot if you want a low-key place to let your dog stretch their legs and meet some new canine friends. Great for a quick visit or a longer chill session on a sunny SoCal day.

Date: February 1, 2025…read more I think this is my first review of 2025! Woowoo! That's what motherhood does to ya. I had this park bookmarked for a while now and decided to check it out today. We were actually around the area for lunch but didn't plan to go to a park and ended up driving back this way for it. Read the reviews and was excited to check it out and I'm so glad we did! As a recent mom of three, I felt so comfortable and safe solo watching my kids here. It's a nice playground in the middle of a fenced off grassy area with a restroom right by it. I loved that the restroom was right next to the playground to make a quick trip and not worry too much about my kiddos playing. They have a bunch of trees and also shaded top above so it was nice even though it was hitting 80F still! Surprisingly all the parents around were super attentive to their kids and made sure nobody was hurting another. I heard so many kids apologize for accidentally bumping into other kids and it just felt so nice to be in a kid area with kids who were well behaved, especially bc of my toddlers. Restrooms weren't too bad for a park. Not the cleanest but definitely not the worst I've been to. Overall I'm so happy we found this park and we will definitely be back more often!

Great kids playground with a fence around it! It has photos of Jesse Owens, a small track around it…read moreand a giant tennis shoe to climb. It has 2 swings and a cool climbing structures. Parking is on White Oak or the street behind it. We will definitely be back!

I haven't been to this lovely, peaceful, tranquil Woodley Park in years. Today after I left the…read morebakery, I had to meet up with a potential client of mine to discuss her wedding arrangements. This is a very big park that actually has free, big parking lot and also street parking is available with couple of restrooms. We found a shaded area that also had a picnic tables. They have children's playgrounds, lots of beautiful, healthy looking trees and a full grass. Nice and green. They also have wildlife and the geese and ducks were swimming in the pond. Woodley park is adjacent to Lake Balboa park, but yet divided. Has pathways, trails, people walking their dogs, kids, has a place to exercise, and also there were venders selling some snacks. The weather was perfect around noon. Wasn't too hot nor it was cold. The Japanese Garden is really something to look into. It is breathtaking and beautiful. They have a golf course, and there was a birthday party going on along with a festival on the other side. I still wonder why people don't write reviews on parks? The park itself was clean and very well maintained. Didn't see no trash anywhere except where they belong. Inside the trash cans that were around the park.

Best Park in the valley. Many activities and so whimsical when everything is in bloom…read more Unfortunately, it still needs to be revived from the fire and the homeless the house there are becoming unsafe to be around.

The last ten years we have been coming here in the spring for long walks. The weather is perfect…read moreand it's in full bloom. So much beauty all around when walking through the basin. You will also hear birds singing and if you stop and look around you will find birds in trees, many beautiful birds. Lots of lizards and other wildlife in the bushes so be careful. Stay on path and walk around to enjoy the beauty. In the middle of a busy city you will find this peaceful place. Check it out.

This place is completely different from lake balboa across the street. Completely different…read morevibe.... It's more quieter and with way more greenery. On the opposite side of woodley, you have the archery park and cricket park. This is more of a nature hike if you call it. There's paths that take you around the lake. Which is small and more wildlife. A lot of the trees have started to grow back from a fire that happened a while back. There's still loads of remnants of the burned up trees and shrubs but plenty of new growth. You could take a hike around the lake. Path also goes through a tunnel that will take you to the other side of Burbank with more trails. Nothing major, it's more of an easier trail. Along the lake, there's rest spots that overlooks the water with signs that tells about the wildlife that calls the place home. Every now and then, you'll see some sort of wildlife popping in and out of the water and from the shrubs. If it's a quieter place that your looking for. This place will definitely be nice for you. You could also walk along the top of the embankment that's along the freeway which will connect you back to the park. There's plenty of parking in the park area.

People don't do much reviews on parks. Why? I don't know. I have been to this park 4 times in the…read morepast. I truly like this park very much. It's close to home and offers a lot of activities to do. It has children's playground equipment, 2 basketball courts, 4 BIG, tennis courts, a dirt track, clean bathrooms, picnic area, nice spacious landscape and the most important, it's kept nice and clean. This park is one of my favorite parks in Studio City. They have recreation areas and can let you sign up for sports/classes that interests you. Recently, I had taken few classes with couple of their teachers/coaches and they are WONDERFUL! Earlier this morning I went to play tennis with one of my friends. Tennis is one of my favorite sports to watch and to play. We don't keep score. We just like to play and have fun. You can walk, jug, people walk their dogs, kids, they have picnic areas and do a lot of kids birthday parties.. or you can just simply sit in silence and enjoy nature, the sunlight and have a good, peaceful time. Private lot parking, or street nearby parking. They are closed on Sundays. Kind of weird, but it's their rules, not mine. That's when people usually spend time with their families. I am not going to dock a star for that since it meets all the other amenities & requirements.

Quaint- Tennis courts, baseball area, and lots of space for a neighborhood park…read more Construction impedes the walking path so as of September 2024 it isn't very relaxing. I'm hoping to find a public track & field type of walk/run path in the valley! The sand is nice on my knees but annoying when ends up in my shoes!

You think of the park and a nice sunny day. Well, LA has been gifted with a lot of rain lately…read morewhich is nice and a rare sight to see. Let me say that it didn't stop people from enjoying the park anyways. Pulling into the entrance, which I was surprise to see lots of cars and that's during work and school hours. You still have loads of people out and about enjoying the day. Also it was nice to actually find parking in the lot by the playground. Even with the sky dark and the sun would peep out here and there, the park was still pretty lively. You still have loads of people out and about walking, exercise and enjoying nature. People still fishing which they didn't let the weather stop them. Every now and then the rain did start but didn't linger. It's so nice to see that the grass if in full force of green. As spring is fastly approaching, the new sprouts of wisterias blossoms are starting to come out and slowly cover the canopy of benches. Whatever is left of the cherry blossoms trees are blossoming as well. Even with the grey dark could and sky, it didn't keep people inside. The bicycles vendors were even open but the swans didn't seem open. It was a nice change of scenery with the park in the rain. It still a pretty sight when the sun isn't out.

I've been to this park a couple time and one thing that is always hard to do is find parking! It's…read morea pretty big park with a nice lake for fishing, they also have swan boats you can't rent as well. There's also lots of food and snack vendors as well. There's never a weekend we come and it isn't packed with people. There's lots of trees for shade but it can be hard to get a good spot near the water. It's also located right next to the golf course, so just a lot of people coming in and out everyday. The bathrooms can also be a bit questionable. I'd recommend checking it out in a weekday, it may be less packed. It's a pretty safe park to walk as well if you stay in the designated walking path near the water.