Kid-Friendly L.A.: Where to Take the Wee Ones for Big Fun

7450 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)

This buzzing Beverly eatery might have a decidedly grown-up sensibility, what with the power lunchers during the day and the cool bar scene at night, but that doesn't mean the kids haven't been considered. While there is no kids menu per se, the restaurant will do its best to accomodate little Billy's wish for a grilled cheese sandwich or simple pasta. He'll also get crayons to help keep him occupied while he waits. (Just keep him away from the walls.)

6521 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045 (map)

If this isn't your typical family-friendly eatery, we don't know what is. (It's in the name, for biscuit's sake!) Pull up beneath the kitschy vintage red-and-white sign and you'll find a traditional American diner that hasn't changed all that much since 1959. Families, old regulars and coffee-chugging yupsters fill the naugahyde banquette booths, ordering everything from the served-all-day breakfast--Dinah's famous biscuits alone are worth a visit--to the "secret recipe" fried chicken.

11701 Wilshire Blvd Ste 11, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

This colorful, albeit somewhat chaotic, hybrid eatery offers a healthy haven for Westside parents with toddlers and young children. Murals of castles, rainforests and dinosaurs surround the airy room that's filled half with tables, and half with carpets and mats strewn with riding toys, dolls, balls and games to amuse your toddler while you enjoy your Croque Monsieur and cappuccino. Think of it as McDonalds PlayPlace Deluxe meets Chuck E. Cheese, minus the Big Macs and weird mouse.

28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

This secluded spot off Malibu's long stretch of PCH has been a favorite among locals and clued-in out-of-towners for years. Located right on the beach, this laidback restaurant and bar is one of the few places in SoCal where you can dig your feet in the sand, throw back a few Coronas from icy buckets just two feet from the water while watching the kids haul around their shovels and pails to build sand castles.

6757 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90601 (map)

This old-school diner is a throwback to "Happy Days" with its red leather booths, black-and-white checkered floors and retro family vibe. The menu's made up of classic diner fare that's perfect for the kiddies: burgers and fries, chicken fried steak, giant breakfast platters and over-the-top sundaes. The 50s style jukebox is fun, so make sure to bring quarters and let the young ones pick out the songs. (Sorry, no Yo Gabba Gabba hits.)

538 Palisades Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (map)

While we all know and love Taste on Melrose--that tiny bungalow on WeHo's absurdly trafficky avenue--it's not exactly the most kid-friendly scene. So imagine our delight when we learned that this NorCal-style bistro's second location in the much calmer Palisades is not only a million times bigger (yet still so chic), but it's even got a menu made just for kids. From brunch and a la carte options to a three-course dinner with drink ($14.50), little Fiona will be licking her finicky four-year-old lips in no time.

8803 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

Not far from where the most recent SoCal fro-yo boom began, this star has been born. Here, gas station double entendres and sassy flavor offerings play to Boys Town walk-ins but that doesn't mean this place ain't kid friendly. In fact, while mommy (or daddies) choose from the yummy flavors and toppings, little ones are treated to a free baby cone. (P.S.--There's even a changing table in the bathroom, 'cause when little Gunther's got to go, he's got to go.)

700 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA 92802 (map)

We know you don't need us to tell you that the "Happiest Place on Earth" is also one of the most kid-friendly places on the planet. But we'll tell you anyway: This is where you can hang out with Mickey, board a boat on the Pirates of the Caribbean, shoot through Space Mountain, pig out on all the fried and sugary goodness that abounds and be dazzled by the nightly fireworks show. (Even if you are 34.) Truly where dreams come true.

8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620 (map)

Head back to the days of the Wild Wild West at America's first theme park that wrangles in both adventure-seeking cowboys and fun-loving little ones. Once you've careened on the purposely rickety wooden coaster Ghost Rider and have braved Supreme Scream's 250-foot free fall you'll want to just hang with the kiddies at Camp Snoopy where you can take in the sights on the Ferris wheel, ride on Charlie Brown's Speedway and take pics with the Peanuts gang. Just don't forget to dig into one of Knott's freshly made funnel cakes--it's the one thing everyone will agree on no matter what your age.

26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355 (map)

This 260-acre park is known for its scary, gravity-defying, nausea-inducing thrill rides (perfect for teenagers!), but there's also plenty of milder rides for little ones (and scaredy cats) like Elmer's Weather Balloons, Pepe Le Pew's Tea Party, Thomas the Tank Engine and Sylvester's Pounce & Bounce.

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

A must-see on every tourist's (and local's) list, this iconic pier isn't just a beachside destination for its fantastic views, cool breezes and kid-friendly food options--hot dogs, churros, cotton candy and Bubba Gump shrimp--it's also where you can hop on a roller coaster literally above water. Around since 1909, the pier is also home to a full-on carnival with games, a merry-go-round, jugglers and even a museum. Better still, every Thursday night from late June through August, the Twilight Dance Series turns the pier into an all-out block party.

100 Universal City Plz, Universal City, CA 90068 (map)

Lights, camera, action! Some of the world's most memorable movies and TV shows have been shot at this sprawling studio theme park and folks are encouraged to be part of the action. With a little something for everyone, rides range from Jurassic Park's 80-foot raft plunge and Revenge of the Mummy's lightning-fast, twist-and-turn rails to The Simpsons multisensory "rollercoaster" and more small-kid friendly attractions like Nickelodeon's Blast Zone, a water play area perfect for those hot summer afternoons.

1000 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 (map)

Too chicken to jump out of a plane at 10,000 feet? Yeah, so are we. But that doesn't mean you (or at least your daredevil youngin') can't get to experience the thrill of skydiving. Open to kids of all ages (three and up, to be exact), this high-powered vertical wind tunnel at Universal CityWalk brings the experience of weightless flight without the fright. It's like walking (or at least, wobbling) on air.

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 (map)

The next best thing to scuba diving, this impressive ode to all things aquatic is like being underwater minus the annoying wetsuits. The five-acre facility features a whopping 17 habitats and more than 12,500 ocean animals including rescued seals and sea lions, otters and jellyfish. Kids and adults love Shark Lagoon, which features more than 150 sharks you can touch (and some you can't!) with interactive displays, incredible aquariums, touch pools and a theater.

5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)

Take your wild things to where the real wild things are at this 100 acre home to mammals, reptiles and amphibians from all around the world. Kids will be amazed by the Sumatran tigers, the fun chimpanzees and they can even interact with animals ranging from pythons to bunnies. There's also a couple of full-service restaurants for feeding hungry humans.

6801 Hollywood Blvd, Ste 143, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

You'll strike out (in a good way) with the kids at this fun Hollywood bowling alley that takes the popular pastime to a whole new level. Art, movie clips and music videos flash on-screen above the lanes and the fairly priced menu--think crunchy coconut shrimp and chicken skewers--will please parents and kids alike. Even better, the location is right at Hollywood & Highland, which is perfect for making a day of it.

1418 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Never mind the old image of stuffy black tuxedos, stiff tops hats and disappearing rabbits. This cozy Santa Monica mainstay has brought back the magic to, well ... magic. Watch as people dissolve in one place and reappear somewhere else; have someone read your thoughts (if you're brave enough); or watch objects float in mid-air. Incorporating comedy, magic, music, illusions, special effects and audience participation, this is one place the kids won't soon forget.

5110 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA 91204 (map)

Never mind rollerblading. The best way to get a dose of nostalgia while spending time with the kids is to go old-school at this popular rollerskating rink. Who knows? You might be skating alongside rock star parents Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale who have been known to bring little Kingston for an afternoon of fun on two wheels.

900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007 (map)

Have your own "Night at the Museum" at this eye-popping museum where towering replicas of dinosaurs keep tykes clamoring to get up-close views. Exhibits range from old-fashioned dioramas of hippos to a lively insect zoo where kids can pester the Madagascar Hissing cockroaches until they hiss. During the summer, the museum sometimes stays open late for special exhibits, so call ahead for details.

1109 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Drag the kids away from the tube and expose them to the joy of reading ... and making their very own books! For around $10, get unlimited studio time to bind original works created at home, or bring all the artists together for a crafty birthday celebration. Supplies are provided for those who use the press's studio and already-written stories and drawings are turned into hard or soft cover books, notepads, notecards or jumbo greeting cards.