Chatsworth Park in Chatsworth, CA 91311

Some kids call it the "Rock Park," and for good reason. Chatsworth Park is set among mountains of huge boulders to climb on, around, and between - boulders as big as furniture, as big as cars, as big as houses. Hiking trails take visitors to high, expansive views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below. The park is divided by a couple of residential blocks into Chatsworth Park South and Chatsworth Park North. The south park has two playgrounds - one in sand, one on rubberized ground - as well as tennis courts, shaded picnic tables, and wide-open spaces ideal for playing ball, flying kites, or just lounging in the sun. The south park is also home to the Chatsworth Recreation and Community Center, which has soda machines, a pay phone (imagine that!), indoor restrooms, water fountains, and an indoor gym for shooting hoops. The rec center hosts summer camps for children ages three to 12, as well as special events and classes. Chatsworth Park North has more of the same (hiking trails, playground, picnic tables, playing fields) but also has baseball/softball fields and a smaller rock-climbing area better suited for the younger kids.