Big Sunday Valentinemania! Event photo courtesy of Big Sunday
Presidents Day Weekend 2025: 16 Things To Do in Los Angeles With Kids
Barbie: You Can Be Anything: The Experience rolls into Discovery Cube. Photo courtesy of the exhibit.
Valentine's Day and More Top Things to Do in Los Angeles February 2025
GUIDE
Indoor Fun and Play Spaces Guide for Los Angeles Kids
Climbing is encouraged at Wild Child. Photo courtesy of Wild Child Gym
Best Kids Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Los Angeles
While LACMA rebuilds, kids can still watch Metropolis II for hours (and hours - it's mesmerizing!). Photo courtesy of LACMA
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in Los Angeles: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
There is so much free fun to be had at places in LA like LACMA. Photo by Joey Zanotti via Flickr 2.0
100 Fun Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids
GUIDE
LA Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
Our hearts are with those affected by the wildfires in LA. ​Photo by Alex Miroshnichenko, via Flickr 2.0
Ways to Help with the Los Angeles Wildfires
Dive into tons of fun in Long Beach. Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific
39 Things to Do With Kids in Long Beach
Embrace the mess! Sloomoo Institute photo by Kylie Williams
NEW Sloomoo Institute Opens in Los Angeles for Kids to Enjoy Slime Fun
Dive into fun at the Cayton Children's Museum. Photo by Matthew Tucciarone
Best Children's Museums in Los Angeles and Orange County
Photo by Bill Soistmann
GUIDE
Los Angeles Visitors' Guide for Families
Dino Valley means jurassic fun in LEGOLAND for kids of all ages.
NEW Dino Valley in LEGOLAND is Open for T-Rex-Sized Fun
Everything at the Cayton has been carefully crafted with one goal in mind: to help create a better world through the power of play.
Guide to the Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica–A Parent Review
This 3 day itinerary will make you fall in love with LA. Photo by Roberto Nickson, via Pexels
3 Days in Los Angeles with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Imaginative play for preschoolers is music to our ears. Photo courtesy of Pretend City
39 Things To Do with Preschoolers in Los Angeles Before They Turn 5
Visit LACMA's Levitated Mass. Photo by Joey Zanetti
100 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before Kids Grow Up
Year of the Snake celebrations are still going strong. Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Place
Lunar New Year, Discover Nikkei Fest, and More Top Things To Do in Los Angeles This Weekend

Best Horseback Riding and Trail Rides for Families in and near Los Angeles

Riding horses with Ojai Valley Trailriding Company, photo by the author
Riding horses with Ojai Valley Trailriding Company, photo by the author
1/26/21 - By Roberta B

One of the best parts of raising kids in Los Angeles is giving them the life everyone else watches in the movies. And what could be more Hollywood than galloping through the Hollywood Hills, kicking up sand on the beach, or riding a horse into the sunset under the Hollywood sign? Yes, that's a rhetorical question. There is a special thrill for most kids about swinging into a saddle, sitting high on a horse's back, and shouting, "Giddy up!" Why not give them that thrill this weekend? The wonderful stables and ranches below all accommodate riders from beginner to advanced; and a trail ride is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, get exercise, and live out a few movie scenes!

If your kids really love the horse experience, you might want to sign them up for one of these summer riding camps.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Photo by the author
Photo by the author

Horseback Riding and Trail Rides in Los Angeles

Jigsaw Farms

Pacific Palisades
Located inside Will Rogers State Park, Jigsaw Farms offers a full range of experiences in the saddle without leaving the city, including guided trail rides of the park. Little ones as young as 3 years old can participate in Parent & Me classes; kids can take riding lessons and attend riding summer camp starting at age 6. READ MORE

LA Horse Rentals

Glendale / Griffith Park
Specializing in rides throughout Griffith Park, LA Horse Rentals has been leading Angelenos on the trails for more than 50 years. Rides feature classic views, from the Skyline Trail to the LA River. Kids must be at least 8 years old; during COVID restrictions groups can be no larger than 4 people. READ MORE

Sunset Ranch

Hollywood
Sunset Ranch has been leading trail rides to the Hollywood sign for years and is famous for its sunset and/or dinner rides into the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park. The ranch also accommodates kids' parties. Note that horses are not allowed to trot or gallop in the park. READ MORE
Riding through the mist on a morning beach ride with Los Padres Outfitters, photo by the author
Riding through the mist on a morning beach ride with Los Padres Outfitters, photo by the author

Horseback Riding and Trail Rides near LA

Malibu Riders

Malibu
Malibu Riders leads small groups on trail rides in several locations, from the beach cliffs in Malibu to the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains. Kids 6 and up are welcome, and with private rides from 45 minutes to 2 hours, this is a great first horse experience for new riders. READ MORE

Los Padres Outfitters

Santa Barbara / Carpinteria
Los Padres Outfitters in Carpinteria is worth driving a little farther for because these folks lead one of the few beach rides in Southern California—a true early morning treat. Also on offer are hourly trail rides in the hills, hosted camping trips, BBQ rides, parties, and more. READ MORE

Ojai Valley Trailriding Company

Ojai
Oso Ranch in Ventura County operates the Ojai Valley Trailriding Company, which hosts family rides through the countryside by day or at sunset. Riders of all levels are welcome, and as a bonus there are usually some other pretty cute animals around to pet before and after the ride. READ MORE

Palos Verdes Horse Rentals

Palos Verdes Peninsula
Trail rides offered at Palos Verdes Horse Rentals range from short pony rides for preschoolers to evening full moon rides for the whole family. Guided rides go out every day of the week for most of the year. Special programs include girl scout badge rides and birthday parties. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: