A sense of wonder for the nature around us is something I believe is worth nurturing — at any age. Trees, in particular, are a great entry point. They’re majestic, sustain ecosystems, support wildfire resilience, and hold centuries of natural and human history in their rings and roots. This blog pulls together five local parks where you can get more acquainted with these leafy friends while being fully immersed in their presence. Whether you’re a lifelong nature lover or just starting to notice the green giants around you, these places offer the chance to slow down, ask questions, and reconnect with the natural world.
A BONUS RESOURCE FOR THE KIDS IN YOUR CREW
Bay Area children are growing up in one of the most biodiverse (and climate-vulnerable) regions in the country. That’s why, during my time at POST, I knew I wanted to create a resource that would invite kids to look closer at the places they live and play in. That instinct became The Tree Explorer’s Handbook — a tree-themed activity book for kids ages 7 – 12. It features hands-on learning, local wildlife, and plenty of fun factoids. Inspired by the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger booklets I fondly remember filling out, it’s designed to turn hikes, park visits, and even a neighborhood walk into mini adventures and discovery.
What makes this guide special is that it doesn’t require a trip to a far-off destination. You can dive into its ideas from a neighborhood trail, a nearby preserve, or even a tree-lined street. Copies of the handbook are coming soon to a POST event near you, or you can print a toner-friendly version on our site. And if any of the activities inspire you to take your adventure beyond the page, read onward for some family-friendly local spots where you and your loved ones can experience local trees and their ecosystems up close, in real life.
FIVE FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARKS TO TAKE IN THE TREES
1. Bear Creek Redwoods
Los Gatos
This park is a great place to get to know California’s trees. Just south of Los Gatos, its trails wind through redwoods, Douglas fir, and oak woodlands, offering a chance to see both coniferous and broadleaf trees up close. A short, self-guided loop near the parking area makes it easy for visitors of all ages to start exploring. The stops along the interpretive tour highlight local species, natural and human history, Ohlone brick mortars, and more. It’s also a great place for budding herpetologists to see creatures like rough-skinned newts and Western pond turtles.
2. Hellyer Park
San Jose
Hellyer County Park is an urban gem for anyone looking to connect with nature right in the heart of Santa Clara County. Tall oaks, sycamores, and willows offer shade along the banks of Coyote Creek. In fact, it’s a great place to marvel at tall trees, spot wildlife, and even try a bark rubbing activity with kids. With a giant playground, picnic spots, easy trails, and paved paths, this sprawling park makes nature fun and accessible for all ages.
3. San Vicente Redwoods
Santa Cruz
San Vicente Redwoods—a “living laboratory” where scientists and land stewards collaborate—is a powerful place to learn about forest recovery and care. The trails meander through oak woodlands and broadleaf trees in various stages of regrowth following recent wildfires. While you may not see many redwoods here, they thrive elsewhere on the property. Be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen because shade is limited along the trails. Look out for interpretive signs that highlight the forest’s diverse habitats and explain how fire shapes and sustains the landscape.
4. Sierra Azul
San Jose
Tucked into the southern Santa Cruz Mountains, Sierra Azul is a tree lover’s paradise. Towering bay laurels, sturdy oaks, and shady woodlands line the trails, offering a refreshing break from the sun and a front-row seat to nature’s resilience. Local conservationists’ ongoing work to restore native oak habitat (so long, eucalyptus!) means these forests are bursting with life—and getting healthier by the season. It’s time to meander through this leafy haven and soak up all the sights, smells, and birdsong that come with it.
5. Huddart Park
Woodside
Huddart Park is an easy-to-reach forested escape on the Peninsula that tree enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy. Shaded trails weave through redwoods, Douglas fir, oaks, manzanita, and coffeeberry, with ferns and creeks adding lushness to the park’s appeal. Huddart is also home to chaparral habitats that support many plants and animals. Picnic areas, BBQ pits, a playground, and grassy meadows make it a winning destination for families. In fact, it’s such a crowd pleaser that we host our annual Family Nature Day here.
TREE EXPLORERS UNITE
Whether you’re flipping through The Tree Explorer’s Handbook with a curious kid or simply noticing the quiet strength of an old oak on your next walk, there’s real value in slowing down and tuning into the life around us. Trees offer beauty, shelter, and lessons in resilience—and the more we pay attention, the more we stand to learn. We hope this post inspires you to get outside, ask questions, and deepen your relationship with the local landscapes that make the Bay Area so special.
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About Post
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Since its founding in 1977, POST has been responsible for saving more than 93,000 acres as permanently protected land in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. Learn more
