The Best Parks in Los Angeles for Family BBQs and Parties

1. Anthony C. Beilenson Park at Lake Balboa — Van Nuys

Lake Balboa is a 27-acre, artificial lake filled with water from the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. Surrounded by a scenic 1.3-mile jogging path and populated by ducks, this is a great place to spend an entire day. Kids will enjoy the playground, boat rentals, surrey rentals, and parents will appreciate the ample parking. Barbecue grills scattered throughout the park are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, there are four covered pavilions with grills and picnic tables that must be reserved 30 days in advance, for a fee. 818-756- 9743

2. Brookside Park — Pasadena

The 61-acre Brookside Park is in the central section of the Arroyo Seco near the Rose Bowl and Kidspace Children's Museum. Park amenities include numerous sports fields, a fitness trail, and playgrounds. There are many picnic areas, and most have barbecue pits. 626-744-7311

Clover Park picnic space photo courtesy of the City of Santa Monica.

3. Clover Park — Santa Monica

Clover Park has a toddler playground, a more challenging playground for big kids, multiple athletic fields, tennis courts, volleyball, basketball, a 15-station par fitness course, and five barbecue pits across two picnic areas. Bring a blanket or reserve a picnic table. Or, better yet, take a seat on the bench opposite the Santa Monica Airport and watch the planes. Reservations are required for BBQ areas (for a fee). Parking is free. 310-458-8411

4. Pan Pacific Park — Miracle Mile

Centrally located just east of The Grove, Pan Pacific Park is one of the largest urban parks in Los Angeles. The park has shaded picnic areas with barbeque pits that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 323-939-8874 

5. Del Rey Lagoon — Playa del Rey

Bird watch while you barbecue. The park, a tiny, beach-adjacent oasis, has barbecues available on a first-come, first-served basis. Though small, this spot has a great playground, complete with a climbing wall and a free parking lot. 310-836-1040

6. Elysian Park — Echo Park

The sprawling Elysian Park is a great place to "tailgate" before a Dodgers game. The park is located right next to the stadium and has several picnic areas with grills. The picnic areas require a reservation for large groups, which can be made by calling the facility. 213-485-5054

7. Westwood Recreation Center — Los Angeles

At Westwood Recreation Center, barbecues are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there's no charge to use them. The park is home to Aidan’s Place, a fully accessible playground for kids with disabilities. Additionally, the park features an indoor swimming pool, community room, basketball courts, tennis courts, grassy areas for picnicking, and a baseball diamond. 310-473-3610

8. Echo Park Lake — Los Angeles

Celebrate the return of the lotus blossoms with a lakeside barbecue, where grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Echo Park Lake reopened in 2013 after a two-year makeover that refurbished the lake and restored the historic lotus blossoms to their former glory. Blooming begins in June and continues throughout summer. Additional barbecue facilities are available across the street at the Echo Park Recreation Center, where it is possible to reserve space in advance. After your BBQ, you can stroll around the lake or rent a pedal boat to experience the blossoms up-close. 213-250-3578

9. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area — Los Angeles

This is where urban Angelenos find the rustics within. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area offers multiple landscapes in one verdant setting: hiking trails, areas of native coastal sage scrub, even a fishing lake. Barbecue pits are available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis, or they can be reserved in advance for a fee. 323-298-3660

10. Holmby Park — Los Angeles

A charming pocket park surrounded by elegant homes, Holmby features a playground, lawn bowling, and ample free parking. Barbecues are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. No pets or bounce houses are permitted. 310-202-2803

11. Griffith Park — Los Angeles

The extremely popular Griffith Park is the largest municipal park with an urban wilderness area in the U.S. The park's five picnic areas — Crystal Springs, Mineral Wells, Old Zoo, Park Center, and Pecan Grove — all have barbecue pits that are available free of charge. At the Old Zoo area, visitors can picnic alongside the ruins of the original Los Angeles Zoo, and Park Center features a playground and a Merry-Go-Round that's been an attraction since 1937. 323-644-2050

12. Valley Park — Hermosa Beach

Nestled in the Valley of Hermosa, this neighborhood park is a short walk to the beach, with a small amphitheater and a playground with a universally accessible swing set. There are multiple barbecues, mostly available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, two reservations are accepted per day for a barbecue area that includes four picnic tables. There's also an option to reserve the fire pit (for a fee; reservations available for Hermosa Beach residents only). 310-318-0280

13. Heritage Park — Cerritos

Heritage Park has six barbecue shelters, serving parties of 20 to 100 people. Advance reservations are available to residents of the City of Cerritos, but after Thursday, non-residents can book grills that are still open for the following weekend. There's a fee plus an additional deposit, which is returned two weeks after the event. The park has fields, ducks, and a semi-indoor playground set in a re-creation of Paul Revere’s Boston. There's also a super-cool pirate ship. Kind of like Disneyland, minus the entrance fee. 562-916-8570

14. El Dorado East Regional Park — Long Beach

This sprawling park offers much more than a place to picnic. There's a stocked lake, pedal boat rentals, archery center, model aircraft flying area and model sailboat area, train rides on selected days and times, and more. Picnic areas and barbecue grills are first-come, first-served; picnic shelters may be reserved in limited numbers. Parking fee varies and is cash only. 562-570-1771

15. Mile Square Regional Park — Fountain Valley

Its name gives away its size, and its popularity reveals what a great place it is for a cookout. There are wide swaths of open natural spaces, playgrounds, two lakes, paddle boat and bicycle rentals, three regulation golf courses, and plenty of sports fields. Numerous picnic areas with barbecue grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking fees vary; check website or call for details. 714-973-6600

16. Laguna Niguel Regional Park — Laguna Niguel

The scenic hills and lake area provide a beautiful setting for a day of outdoor cooking at the park. There are playgrounds, bike and hiking trails, horseshoe pits, and a beautiful 44-acre stocked lake. Numerous picnic areas, some in remote areas, with barbecue grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking fees vary; check website or call for details. 949-923-2240

What To Know Before You Grill at an LA Park

• Permits: Varies by location and city, but most Los Angeles parks with grills don't require a reservation or permit unless you're planning a large event (50+ people).
• BBQ Rules: Most parks only allow charcoal for grilling — propane and wood fires aren't allowed for fire safety reasons.
• Clean Up: Don't leave a mess for the next party. Pack out all trash, foil, wipes and be sure to dispose of any leftover charcoal briquettes.
• Arrive Early: Free public barbeque pits tend to fill up quickly. Claim your grill well in advance of when you plan to start cooking.
• Shade and Seating: While many park grills are located near shaded picnic areas, others are out in the open. Consider bringing a pop-up and seating for guests.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a permit to BBQ at a park in LA?

A: For small groups, you usually don't need a permit. But for birthday parties, large gatherings, or reserved shelters, many parks require a permit in advance. Check the city's Parks and Recreation page for specific details.

Q: Can I use propane grills in LA parks?

A: Most LA parks only allow charcoal grills in designated BBQ areas. Propane is typically not allowed.

Q: Are there tables and seating at these parks?

A: Yes, but it varies by park. Some parks offer shaded picnic areas with tables and benches; others are more limited. Bringing your own table or pop-up canopy is smart.

Q: Can I reserve a BBQ area in advance?

A: Many parks like Kenneth Hahn and Griffith Park allow picnic shelter reservations online. Early booking is recommended for weekends.

Q: What’s the best park for a kid’s birthday party with BBQ?

A: Griffith Park, Brookside Park and Kenneth Hahn are top picks for larger parties, while Pan Pacific and Echo Park are better for smaller gatherings.

Originally published April 2014; updated July 2017

Top photo via Canva