A KID’S GUIDE TO LA
Disneyland, 1313 S Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim +1 714 781 4565
Whether or not the near mythic Disneyland is indeed ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’ for parents, it sure is for the kids. Affordable hotels located nearby can make the days more enjoyable (resort hotels can be costly). Best rides: Space Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Tip: Disney’s California Adventure is the only part of the park that serves alcohol. Keep that in mind.
Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Avenue, Hollywood +1 323 850 2000
One of the best summer experiences for families and lovers, The Bowl isn’t just for grown ups – they offer children’s art workshops and a program of kids concerts called Summer Sounds, the stage of which is located in the patio of the Hollywood Bowl Museum. Pack a picnic and watch the little ones dance, or join them!
Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach +1 562 590 3100
Open every day except December 25th, this Aquarium is the fourth largest in America and home to over 11,000 animals, many of which your kids can touch (non-stinging jellyfish, sea cucumbers, bat rays and more) Check for special activities such as a behind-the-scenes tour and ‘animal encounters.’ Bring a picnic to eat outside or enjoy the cafe instead.
Beverley Hills Trolley Tour +1 310 285 2500
If your kids like movie stars, take them on a Beverly Hills Trolley Tour. The fares are cheaper than the often-inaccurate movie star tours over on Hollywood Boulevard, while discreet tour guides share snippets about past residents rather than current ones. Fares $10 per adult, $5 per child under 12.
La Brea Tar Pits & George Page Museum, 5801 Wilshire Boulevard +1 323 934 7243
The George Page museum hosts one of the largest collections of Ice Age fossils. Over 30,000 years ago, rock fissures squeezed sticky tar to the surface of earth here, trapping a huge number of giant sloths, woolly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers in its grasp. Kids will enjoy the What’s It Like to Be Trapped in Tar exhibit, and the opportunity to play archaeologist themselves, searching for fossils.
Bob Baker Marionette Theatre, 1345 W 1st Street +1 213 250 9995
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is the nation’s longest ongoing puppet theater and it continues its 51st season with a performance of perennial audience favorite ‘Magic Strings.’ LA Parent voted Bob Baker ‘Best Children’s Live Theatre’ in 2010. Performances run from Tuesday to Friday at 10:30am, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm.
Huntington Library Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino +1 626 405 2100
In Pasadena, The Huntington Library and Gardens are a beautiful place for both adults and kids to spend the day. Ample lawn space takes care of sprinting tots, while miniature fountains and ‘houses’ stimulate the adventurer within. A greenhouse features three different kinds of environments, as well as a number of science experiments. Unleash your inner five year old.
Farmer’s Market, 6333 W 3rd Street, at Fairfax Avenue +1 323 933 9211
Since 1934, local farmers have been selling produce at this very corner. A few stalls still sell groceries, but more prolific are the 30 or more catering stands featuring an international array of degustation. A great place to eat with the kids; the diversity, affordability, and lively atmosphere, will satisfy all.
Griffith Park Oservatory, 2800 East Observatory Avenue, Griffith Park +1 213 473 0800
The giant dome on the hilltop which featured in Rebel Without a Cause is an excellent place to bring the kids. The Foucault pendulum in the entrance is especially entrancing, and the part museum, part observatory, part planetarium nature of the building will satisfy everyone in the family.
Santa Monica Waterfront, 350 Santa Monica Pier +1 310 458 8900
The ferris wheel and roller coasters, old-school fair feel and open air on the ocean may be just what your family needs. Chase seagulls, picnic on the sand, or watch the sunset. Strolling down the boardwalk between Venice and California is also a nice activity, just watch for out for rollerbladers and hippies.
Dan The Man, 2143 S Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 403, West Los Angeles +1 310 827 0022
Dan the man has infinite energy. He has created a mobile Dan the Man Gym in a van and birthday show for kids, as well as a play-gym and Super Kids Gym – a bright, fun, padded wall, gymnastic space to work out some of that young person energy. Dan the man also runs a summer camp called Super Kids Camp featuring music, sports, arts and crafts and games.
Chevalier’s Books, 126 N Larchmont Boulevard, Hancock Park +1 323 465 1334
The owners and employees are very friendly here and know many of their customers by name. A room solely for kids full of books and games will keep them absorved absorbed, while employees can recommend a book for any age group or interest. If they don’t have something in stock, they’ll order it and call when it arrives.
