If you're up for a little drive, grab a kite and head south to San Pedro's 123-acre park Deane Dana Friendship Park and Nature Center, which offers views of Catalina Island in one direction, and the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountain ranges in the other. Located a short distance from the ocean, the park offers sea breezes and a large grassy bluff, ideal for kite flying.

For a super simple bike ride, perfect for beginning bikers, check out the 3/4 mile loop at Lacy Park in San Marino. The refurbished wide, paved path that makes a loop around the center of the park is an ideal place to practice brand new bicycle skills.

Go climb a tree! Discover the ancient oak trees that abound at Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park in Glendale. The low, thick branches make it easy for little ones to practice their climbing skills safely.

The Arlington Garden in Pasadena offers a drought-tolerant oasis for kids to explore. Here, you'll find a citrus grove, kid-friendly rock maze, a succulent fountain, wishing tree and more. Birds, bees and butterflies all call this garden home and can be seen throughout the year.

Enter Griffith Park at Canyon Drive and you're a short hike away from the famous Bronson Caves, a must-see for tiny explorers. Go early to beat the crowds (and the heat).