Sooky Goldman Nature Center

I’d recommend a quick stop here if you have kids. They have a lot of toys etc to check out, as well as various animal exhibits. The employee working in here was also super helpful in picking out a little trail to go on with our son, recommending that we go to a particular pond with ducks/​turtles which our son really liked.

STATS:
Distance: about 6 miles
Elevation Gain: unknown
Rating: 4−5÷10
BACKGROUND
Franklin Canyon Park rests on 605 acres near the center of Los Angeles between the San Fernando Valley and Beverly Hills. Within the park boundaries are chaparral, grasslands and oak woodlands, a three-​acre lake, a duck pond, expansive picnic grounds, and over five miles of hiking trails.
OUR ROUTE
This exploratory hike started off with a 500 foot elevation gain on a single track trail that led us to the top of a hill which provided an 180 degree view of the San Fernando Valley. We all know what goes up, must come down, thus, we followed the trail down the otherside of the hill where we enjoyed some much appreciated foliage. This roller coaster ride of up and down lasted for four more times.
This hike not only involved many up and down hill trekking, but also some bushwhacking and crawling on hands and knees through dense bush. long sleeves and pants were our only protection from getting scraped up by the bushes.
This hike, I would say, leans more towards the «traditional» side of the hikes and doable for those in good health. The elevation gains are steep, yet fairly short. The trails are exposed so take care in planning your visit as the heat of the sun can make the trek less enjoyable.
Franklin Canyon is a nice little trek for those who like trail hikes, exploration, and views of the city, unfortunately I’m not a fan of trails or city views, thus, I’m giving this location 3-​stars.
Disclaimer: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-​threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepare. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up.
Directions:
From the 101 Freeway
Exit at Coldwater Canyon Ave. and drive south to the intersections of Coldwater Canyon & Mulholland Drive. Make a 90 degree right turn onto Franklin Canyon Drive. There is no street sign «Franklin Canyon». Road signs read «Road Closed 800 Feet» and «Sunrise to Sunset»; this is the park entrance. Drive down this road into the park and parking will be on your left once in the park.

Went on a full moon hike last night that met up here. It was free, fun and family friendly. If you’re looking for free events to take advantage of this summer, be sure to check them out!

I have mixed emotions about posting this. I think everyone in a 20 mile radius of Franklin Canyon should know what it has to offer, but on the other hand, I love that I’ve never seen it crowded, and that the kids I care for almost always have the entire indoor play area to themselves! So, while I think you should come see it, please don’t all come at once! :)
So here’s what there is to love:
The canyon itself is an awesome escape! It’s so much more lush and foresty than Runyon Canyon. It’s one of my favorite local retreats. I go there with my hubby when we don’t have enough time to go on an all-​day hike to our other favorite places (Sturtevant Falls @ Chantry Flats, Burkhart Trail in the Angeles Forest, etc.)
But, I think what is overlooked the most, is this an EXCELLENT place to take kids, even the littlest ones… unlike anything else in the area. There is a nice pond with lots of ducks and turtles, a paved path where you can get YOUR exercise with the kids in the stroller, and when they need to stretch their legs, take them to the Sooky Goldman Nature Center. It has all the charming little stuff that older kids will find interesting (like a preserved mountain lion complete with a button that plays a roar, to replicas of tracks and scat… YUCK! lol) But what it has to offer that I haven’t seen any where else at no cost is a large play area that can accomodate families with even the littlest ones. There is a tent with lots of cushions inside, several beanbags, an area rug, two chests full of QUALITY stuffed animals, most of which are puppets, a small tunnel/​slide, children’s books, tables with crayons and coloring sheets, and lots of buttons to press! As I said before, it’s almost always empty when I go and so it is a safe place to let the baby crawl around without getting trampled on by bigger kids, while having no shortage of ways to entertain her older brother… all at NO CHARGE! I would be heartbroken if the nature center was closed due to lack of funding. Because I realize the value in what is being offered and because I visit regularly, I put a dollar donation in the box for each child every time I go. I let them help me put it in, while explaining that we are saying «Thank you» for letting us use their play area.
(I should mention, though, the bathrooms do not have changing tables)