Well, it’s official. Our two weeks of Southern California Spring are over and we have fully moved into summer! Ugh. Temperatures have been in the mid 80’s to low 90’s this week and for the sake of sanity, we have been in search of shade all over Los Angeles.

Franklin Canyon Park

Yesterday we headed to Franklin Canyon Park which is nestled on 605 acres right in the heart of the city. First, we hit the trails! There were plenty of lizards to chase and great opportunities to teach my toddler all about the concept of shade and how the sun heats things up (especially rocks!).

V doing her best Rain Dance!

This park offers three trails of varying difficulty, a nature center a gorgeous picnic area and a secluded pond where you can sit under the trees and watch the turtles, ducks and birds frolic in the water!

Descanso Gardens

This year, thanks to Groupon, we got a great deal on a yearly family membership to The Los Angeles County Arboretum. The best part is that membership benefits include free admission to more than 270 participating gardens throughout the US and Canada! Included in that list is Descanso Gardens! One of my favorite places to bring the babe on a hot LA day!

Victorian Gazebo

There are nature trails, a lilac garden, a Japanese Garden complete with small water fall and coy and our favorite, the Rose Garden with Weeping Willows and a Victorian Gazebo, perfect for ladies trying to keep cool!

Admiring a majestic Weeping Willow

The Bronson Caves

Part of Griffith Park’s vast trail system, the Bronson Caves are a very quick, stroller-friendly half mile hike up an easy trail and hours of fun for any junior explorer!

To the Bat Cave!

Where are your favorite shady places to explore with your kids?