When you’ve got your kids in tow, it’s important to find things to do that the entire family will enjoy together. Next time you’re vacationing in Los Angeles, add these family-friendly activities to your to-do list.
Most families stroll Santa Monica Pier, but many don’t realize there’s a small aquarium on the beach level right underneath the carousel. They have over 100 species of marine animals and plants, including touch tanks, seahorses, and jellyfish.
Local Guides say:
“What an incredible, unexpectedly cool place to visit. There are interactive exhibits where guests can touch starfish and sea anemones. This petite community aquarium is connected to an awesome local nonprofit called Heal the Bay that focuses on water conservation and sustainability.” - Local Guide Ashley Sundquist
Shane’s Inspiration, Griffith Park
Built in 2000, Shane’s Inspiration is a universally accessible playground for kids of all ages and abilities. It sits on 2 full acres inside Griffith Park and is the most popular playground in Los Angeles.
Local Guides say:
“My daughter loved it! They have several playgrounds for all age groups. I even loved the mini race track with gas stations for kids to use their imagination.” - Local Guide Roland G
With three locations around LA, it’s easy to get to this science and technology playland. Kids can create their own working robots, or for the younger ones, choose one ready to go, and battle them in the robot arenas. It’s so fun the kids won’t even realize it’s educational too!
Local Guides say:
“Fantastic STEM based education, built around ROBOTS!!!.. An excellent way to supplement some of the elements missing in many schools, as well as a chance to be inspired by creative engineering!” - Local Guide Lincoln Kroll
Kids interested in fossils, archaeology, and animals will love the La Brea Tar Pits, located right off the Miracle Mile. See what fossils excavators are digging up, check out statues of the extinct animals found here, and see a 3D movie on the ice age inside the museum.
Local Guides say:
“Great place to take the family for an educational journey. The kids enjoyed learning about the ice age and the interactive tar exhibits. My favorite part was watching the researchers working on cleaning actual bones excavated from the dig sites live and in person.” - Local Guide Kevin Kehoe
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a non-profit organization that started in 1963 and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of puppetry. They perform over 200 shows per year, utilizing thousands of handmade puppets.
Local Guides say:
“Magical, fun and unforgettable. To be around so many entranced, smiling, and laughing people, is a rare experience. The post-performance ice cream is the perfect finish.” - Local Guide Stuart Shim
Annenberg Community Beach House
There is no one who doesn’t love a beach or pool day, kids and adults alike. The Annenberg used to be a private mansion, but now it’s a pool, beach, splash pad, children’s play area, and a historic guest house that offers tours.
Local Guides say:
“The Annenberg Community Beach House must be one of the most beautiful places in the City of Santa Monica. So clean and neat and what a beautiful pool! I could spend everyday of the summer there.” - Local Guide Jim Cali
Where is your favorite family-friendly place to go? Tell us in the comments below.
…