LA kids are lucky to have year-round sunshine, making every day a perfect park day. But sometimes too much of a good thing means you’ll leave the park with a mini-lobster if you’re not hyper vigilant with the sunscreen. Read on to discover 9 awesome shady playgrounds from the Valley to the Beach that make playtime on a hot, sunny day, super cool—literally.

Glen Alla Park

Between the park's shady trees and the big blue canopies, Glen Alla offers the best place to play and beat the heat on the Westside. The nautically-themed play structure is the perfect spot for your mini-pirates to explore without getting too hot. The swings and sand area are not covered, however, so if you plan on digging for treasure, avoid prime sun hours. As a bonus, this playground is fenced in, so parents can take a break on the shaded benches without worrying about tots bolting.

4601 Alla Rd‬.
Marina Del Rey
310-396-1615
Online: laparks.org/dos/parks/facility/glenAllaPk.htm

photo: John B. via Yelp

 

What’s your favorite place to play in the shade? Share any shady playgrounds we missed!

—Shahrzad Warkentin