Activities in Los Angeles
Long Beach Aquarium (Aquarium of the Pacific)
Address 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 Map, Tel (562) 590-3100 Call, Discount Purchase tickets online for a $5 discount. Website
This is one of the most spectacular aquariums I have been to. It's HUGE, so using a carrier for little ones is advisable. Tons of exhibits of all types of sea creatures, has both inside and outside exhibits. Highlights include Shark Lagoon, touch tanks with rays, and a 180 degree walk through tank that is amazing. more
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Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Address 5905 Wilshire Blvd 90036 Map, Website
The large contemporary galleries at LACMA/Broad Gallery are fun for kids to run around in. Especially on the free admission days, it's a good spot for adults to catch some culture while the little ones stretch their legs. Outside is the La Brea tar pits, complete with statues of Mastadons, very exciting for the 3-6 set. Through the GenNext program, you can get a free membership for anyone under 18 years old, with a free adult companion. more
Americana At Brand
Address 889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA Map, Website
This outdoor shopping center has a playground in the middle of the grassy knoll where you can picnic or just hang out. There are Bellagio - style fountains set to music and often there are activities on the weekend such as puppet shows, live bands, etc.
The place is particularly good at Christmastime - twinkly lights galore and a humongous tree. Of course there's Santa's workshop where you can take pictures and play.
This is California after all so fake is in - meaning - fake snow. Every night it snows. Where else can you wear shorts, eat an ice cream cone and see snow falling from the sky amidst beautiful fake European architecture. more
Griffith Park
Address 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Map, Tel (323) 913 4688 Call, Website
Good for little kids. They have a small train that goes around the park, as well as pony rides that even my cautious 2 year old was excited to go on. They also have a carousel that is supposed to be cool, but check the schedule because it is not always open (it was closed when we were there mid-week). more
Huntington Library and Gardens
Address 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA Map, Website
Lots of spaces to run, walk or stroll. There's admission fee for adults but in the process you can visit several art museums with very interesting american art collections. The garden has several sections: Japanese Gardens, Australian forrest, cactus garden, rose garden, tropical conservatory and an herb garden where kids can smell and taste various herbs.
You can't have picnics on the lawn but there is a tea-house with sandwiches and drinks.
It's a great place for kids to learn about flora. Summers can be hot, so bring plenty of water, so best time to go is spring and fall.
There are some steep hills, but they're all stroller accessible. more
Mann's Chinese Theater
Here's a free place to see lots of your kids' favorite movie characters (especially if they're too young to notice that the characters are a bit dingy...) in front of the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. Older kids will enjoy the footprints of famous actors, and the adjacent Hollywood & Highland shopping complex has plenty of kid-friendly food and a fountain in the main court, plus music on the weekends. Tips: most characters are out on the weekends, and they work for tips, so offer $1 or $2 if you take a photo with them. more
SurfLAtoday Summer Surf Camp
Address 1335 4th Street, Santa Monica CA 90401 Map, Tel 1 808 218 1262 Call, Website
Kids can come down, hang out for the day, bring the parents, and surf with Professional Surfers. The surfers will hang out with the kids, teach them how to surf, give them a real live demonstration, and get them set up to become great surfers and excellent watermen. more
Zimmer Children's Museum
Address 6505 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 100 Los Angeles California 90048 Map, Tel (323) 761-8989 Call, Website
A full size ambulance to explore, a full airplane to explore, a giant pinball machine, a scaled down restaurant where children can 'cook' and 'serve': this museum allows children to climb, push buttons--basically discover all the cool adult 'tpys' they've always wanted to! more
