Family Fun in Santa Monica
Summer is all about family fun and besides touring around and visiting the best LA has to offer, there are also a ton of fun, family friendly activities to do. In last week’s blog, we talked about family friendly beaches in and around Los Angeles. One of our favorite hangouts for families is Santa Monica. Not only does it have the Annenberg Beach house, but loads of other family friendly activities throughout this fun city.
A great place for families to visit while in Santa Monica is, of course, the Santa Monica pier. While there, you can take a spin on the solar powered Ferris Wheel at Pacific Amusement Park or enjoy an ice cream after riding the carousel originally built in the 1920’s. They also have an awesome aquarium located just below the carousel on the beach level. It has over 100 species of marine animals and plants that are located in the Santa Monica Bay. It is an interactive and fun place to take the kids while visiting the pier. Another fun activity you can do while at the pier with the kids is a scavenger hunt. Just like you used to do as a kid, they have a full map with clues you can download online and when you take your kids to the pier you can have some extra fun while the kids run around the pier answering a myriad of questions.
If your kids love airplanes, and even if they don’t, then they will still love The Museum of Flying. Known as a hidden gem in Santa Monica (and with so many people talking about it, it probably won’t stay that way for long), the Museum of Flying is located at the airport and has some super cool airplanes. It also has a flight simulator for the kids that you probably won’t be able to tear them away from. But with so much to see it won’t be that hard. Cool part? Kids under 5 get in free.
Third Street Promenade is another fantastic place to play with the family. Within walking distance to the beach and Santa Monica Pier, Third Street offers a great variety of stores and wonderful restaurants. One of the perks of this fantastic outdoor arena is the variety of musicians and performers that you will find along its path. You can stop and watch a mime perform or listen to the songs from a one man band or enjoy the dancers. Kids will love running along it’s wide streets where cars can’t go (although be careful when crossing the main streets because there are cars allowed there).
Looking for something a little more active than shopping or roller coasters? Why not rent a bike or some skates and ride along The Strand at the beach. This amazing bike path stretches 5.2 miles from Will Rogers State Beach to Venice Beach. Since this concrete path is directly on the beach you have an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and the wonderful feel of a breeze on your face. You can also take a break from your exercise and just enjoy the beach life. Ask about this bike ride on our Teens & Tweeners Tour.
So many family friendly places to visit in Santa Monica. Come explore it and so much more with LA Insider Tours.