by Mar Yvette - 482 Reviews - 150 List
As seen on ABC 7 ... Looking for LA's most kid-friendly destinations? We've got you covered. From a miniature railroad through one of LA's most beloved parks to a giant ape that's gone, well ... ape, find out where to go for family-friendly fun in Los Angeles and beyond.
Updated: August 19, 2010
This is indeed one of Southern California's most beloved free attractions with over 4200 acres offering numerous family attractions including miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, picnicking areas, the famous Observatory (free admission), LA Zoo, and Travel Town and Southern Railroad miniature train ride that costs only $2.50 per adult.
This membership-free beach house along the Santa Monica boardwalk features a solar-heated pool that's open daily to the public. Dollar Splash Mondays offers pool passes for just $1 per person (regularly $10 for adults and $4 for kids 1-17). There's also a great play area, beach volleyball and tennis courts, gardens, event space, classes, a cafe, children's playground and free Wi-Fi.
The West Coast's largest hands-on science center, this museum is where to see the new Ecosystems exhibit (free with admission), Mummies exhibit and IMAX theater, as well as engage in fun activities like indoor rock climbing and riding a high-wire bicycle across a one-inch cable 43 feet above the ground.
The new King Kong 3D attraction at this popular theme park is sure to draw in even more families to this fun spot. One of the more affordable amusement parks in SoCal ($60 for 6 months for residents), it has a little something for everyone.
This gorgeous free-admission museum offers Family Art Adventures on weekends all summer, Garden Concerts for Kids in August and Spanish-speaking tours on weekends. Museum stays open till 9pm on Fridays--eat at the onsite restaurant and admire priceless art after dark.
A must-see for tourists and locals alike, this iconic beachside destination is like a carnival above water with food, rides, games, an arcade, merry-go-round, even a museum. Every Thursday night from late June through August, the Twilight Dance Series turns the pier into an all-out block party.
Located on the north side of Shoreline Village, this protected waterway brings a little nature to the business landscape with a large open area for special events or just a leisurely stroll along the water. Rent a bike or a paddle boat and enjoy the views. Or walk across the street for the $2 Ferris wheel ride at The Pike at Rainbow Harbor.
This sprawling 470+ acre park offers everything from boat rentals, bike rentals and picnic tables to a playground, snack bars, pony rides and the Orange County Zoo.
Pennypickle's Workshop at this museum brings the fun of science to kids with lots of interactive exhibits and special events such as Crazy Chemistry on Friday, July 23 and the Pajamarama Family Camp-Out on Friday, July 30.
This 33-acre waterfront attraction offers shopping, dining, Channel Islands excursions, paddle boat, kayak or electric boat rentals as well as free art classes every Sunday for kids till end of summer. There are also Free Thursday Night Swims & Runs and Free Summer Sunday concerts from 1pm-4pm.
