Glendale is just northeast of Los Angeles but is much less congested. Nestled against the Verdugo Mountains and steeped in Hollywood history, Glendale has much to offer the active traveling family. Try bowling or roller skating in the 1950s-style establishments or spend a day in one of the Glendale area parks.
Jewel City Bowl
Los Angeles can get quite hot in the summer, and the temperatures in Glendale can be up to 20 degrees warmer than the beach areas. Escape the heat at Jewel City Bowl, where a family of six can bowl for under $40, shoe rental included. Nachos, chicken fingers and a full menu of hamburgers, salads and panini sandwiches are available in the restaurant.
Jewel City Bowl
135 S. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, CA 91205
818-243-1188
jewelcitybowl.com
Moonlight Rollerway
Roller skating serves multiple purposes: It will tire out your little ones before bedtime, and your teenagers will get a chance to do something fun around other teenagers. Moonlight Rollerway is a historic roller skating rink. Expect the same diversity you'd see all over Los Angeles: roller derby girls, elderly skating aficionados, Goth kids and regular families. Tuesday night is organ music night with a live organist. On the other nights, a DJ spins music and takes requests.
Moonlight Rollerway
5110 San Fernando Road
Glendale, CA 91204
818-241-3630
moonlightrollerway.com
Verdugo Park
Glendale isn't known for its parks, but maybe it should be. Verdugo Park boasts 36 acres of green space, with large oak trees providing shade. With two large playgrounds, three basketball courts, a horseshoe court and numerous picnic tables and barbecue pits, plan on spending a full afternoon here. Bring your walking shoes for the hiking trails.
Verdugo Park
1621 Canada Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91208
818-548-2000
www.ci.glendale.ca.us
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
While it may seem a bit morbid to visit a cemetery on a family vacation, Forest Lawn is unlike any other cemetery in the world. Ronald and Nancy Reagan were married there, while Walt Disney, Nat King Cole, Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and Dr. Seuss were buried there, alongside many other celebrities. See Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" re-created in stained glass and a replica of Michelangelo's statue "David." The 300 acres provide plenty of area to stroll through.
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
1712 S. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, CA 91205
forestlawn.com
800-204-3131
Beaudry Loop Hike
For families with kids who are no strangers to hiking, the Beaudry Loop Hike is a 5.5-mile hike in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains. This strenuous hike offers sweeping views of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel mountains. On a clear day you may be able to see all the way to the ocean. Be sure and call Glendale Parks and Recreation before making this hike, as heavy rains, mudslides and forest fires all hit this area, and you'll want to make sure the trail is indeed open. Bring plenty of water.
Beaudry Loop Hike
3110 Beaudry Terrace
Glendale, CA 91208
818-548-2000
Member Comments