


Palisades Recreation Center
About
Palisades Recreation Center is a family favorite in Pacific Palisades, offering an impressive variety of activities all in one convenient location. With an outdoor pool for summer splashing, well-maintained playground equipment, sports courts and fields, plus year-round programs and summer camps, this community center provides endless entertainment options for active families looking to spend quality time outdoors.
Highlights
- ✓Outdoor swimming pool with designated lap swim and recreational swim times
- ✓Large playground with modern equipment suitable for multiple age groups
- ✓Full-size basketball courts and baseball fields for organized play
- ✓Year-round family programs including sports leagues, arts and crafts, and fitness classes
- ✓Popular summer day camps that keep kids active and engaged during school breaks
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends (by 10 AM) to secure parking and claim a good spot by the pool during summer months,it fills up quickly on hot days
- 2.Bring your own snacks and water bottles, as there are limited food options on-site, but plenty of shaded picnic areas perfect for breaks
- 3.Check the LA City Parks website before visiting to see the current pool schedule and register for drop-in programs or camps,many fill up in advance
- 4.Pack sunscreen and hats,much of the playground and pool area has limited shade, especially during midday hours
- 5.The basketball courts are less crowded on weekday afternoons, making it ideal for younger kids learning to shoot hoops
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) offer the most space and shorter wait times for pool access. Visit during spring and fall for perfect weather and thinner crowds, or embrace the busy summer atmosphere when the pool is the main attraction and the energy is high.
What to Know
Pool admission requires a small fee (typically around $2-3 per person), while playground and court access is free. Ample free parking is available in the adjacent lot, though it fills quickly on summer weekends. Restrooms and water fountains are conveniently located throughout the facility.
Seasonal Notes
The outdoor pool is typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with extended hours during summer. Some outdoor facilities may have limited hours during winter months. Summer camps run June through August and require advance registration. Check for special holiday programming around major breaks.
Nearby Eats
Head to Palisades Village (just 2 miles away) for family-friendly options like Bay Cities Italian Deli for build-your-own sandwiches, or Tocaya for healthy Mexican fare with a kids' menu. For a casual post-swim meal, In-N-Out Burger on Sunset Boulevard is about 5 minutes away and always a crowd-pleaser.
More Activities Near Pacific Palisades
Rustic Canyon Recreation Center
Rustic Canyon Recreation Center is a beloved Pacific Palisades neighborhood gem that offers the perfect mix of active play and relaxation for families. With its well-maintained playground, multiple sports courts, and spacious grassy areas, it's an ideal spot for everything from toddler playdates to family picnics and pickup basketball games.
SRF Lake Shrine (Reservation Required)
SRF Lake Shrine offers a rare opportunity to introduce children to mindfulness in a stunning natural setting. This serene 10-acre garden features a spring-fed lake with swans, a cascading waterfall, and peaceful walking paths that help even energetic kids slow down and appreciate nature's beauty. It's an ideal spot for families seeking a calm, educational outing that teaches children about meditation, world religions, and respecting tranquil spaces.
Pacific Palisades Beach
Pacific Palisades Beach offers families a more tranquil alternative to LA's busier beaches, with fascinating tide pools that turn every low tide into a marine biology lesson. The protected cove setting creates calmer waters perfect for younger swimmers, while the neighborhood location means fewer crowds and a more relaxed beach day where parents can actually unwind.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Will Rogers State Historic Park offers families a perfect blend of history, nature, and outdoor adventure in the Pacific Palisades hills. Kids can explore the Western movie star's preserved 1920s ranch home, hike scenic trails with breathtaking ocean views, watch weekend polo matches on the grass, and enjoy spacious picnic areas perfect for family lunches.