Author: local researcher

Farmer’s Market

When you need to please a wide range of tastes, the Farmers Market is the perfect place to take your children. Located next to the Grove shopping center, this enclosed market landmark has dozens of restaurants and food stands that reflect the diversity of LA cuisine. Korean BBQ, crepes, New Orleans gumbo, and homemade ice cream are just a few of the incredibly broad range of options to be found. If you’re overwhelmed by too much choice, head to Loteria, renowned for its delicious gourmet interpretations of traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas and chilaquiles.

Contact number: (323) 900-8080

Location: 6333 West Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036-6222

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Westwood Village

Located by UCLA, this heavily pedestrian shopping district feels quaintly out of place in Los Angeles, home of the car culture. Historic art deco movie theaters proudly display neon marquees and frequently host film premieres. children may be drawn to the giant novelty store, while clothing stores and restaurants appeal to local college students

Contact number:
Location:Veteran Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 98126

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The Grove at the Farmers Market

If you can’t make it to Disneyland on your trip, this upscale Hollywood mall recreates some of the magic of Main Street USA with a trolley car, musical fountain with footbridge, and changing seasonal displays. Bracketed by Nordstrom’s and an American Girl store, and featuring a luxurious Pacific Theaters multiplex you can head over to the adjoining Farmer’s Market when you’re done shopping.

Contact number:(323) 900-8080

Location: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036-6222

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Secret Headquarters

In the hip Silver Lake neighborhood, this comic book store embodies its name by acting as a sort of fortress for comic-loving children and the grown-ups they grow up to be. Unlike some cluttered and chaotic comic stores, Secret Headquarters has a lovingly curated feel. Employees are knowledgeable, with a deep love for the form. New titles are here, displayed on the wall, along with collections of old and recent favorites. Alternative comics are as plentiful as their more traditional counterparts.

Contact number: (323) 666-2228

Location: 3817 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026

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La La Ling

Situated in the hipper-than-thou Los Feliz area, La La Ling is a complete, one-stop lifestyle boutique for children aged 0 to 6. The 1,000-square-foot, bright and funky storefront houses the latest in kids’ clothes, furniture, toys and art, and carries local designers and manufacturers you might not find anywhere else. The store also puts together cool and unique gift baskets for parents (think backpacks or messenger bags packed with baby essentials), in case you and your grandkids feel like picking out something for their folks.

Contact number: (323) 664-4400

Location: 1810 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027

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Amoeba Records

The largest independent record store in the state, Amoeba boasts two floors of CDs, DVDs, and vinyl, along with other cultural memorabilia like posters and toys. They also host live performances and release events, which attract a broad swatch of LA’s many generations of hipsters. Your children are sure to find whatever hot new album they’re looking for, while you can indulge your nostalgia digging through the endless crates of records. Prices are reasonable, especially on used items, and the selection is nothing short of outstanding.

Contact number: (323) 245-6400

Location: 6400 West Sunset Boulevard at Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028

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Aahs

An emporium for every kind of pop culture ephemera, “Aahs” is a childrens’ shopping dream. Gag gifts, novelty toys, t-shirts, and mugs featuring everything from The Munsters and I Love Lucy to The Simpsons and The Family Guy are housed here, among countless other useless knickknacks that children just absolutely need to have. Their parents usually lecture them about the disposability of such items, so it’s up to you to indulge such memorable whims.

Contact number: (310) 824-1688

Location: 1090 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024-2903

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Peekaboo Playland

 

Lpeekaboos Best Indoor Play Spaces In and Around Los Angelesocated in the Eagle Rock community of Los Angeles, this indoor play space with attached children’s boutique boasts a playful “Stork’s Nest” as well as tube slide for kids who are feeling adventurous, and a dress-up nook and pretend bistro for those who would like to take it a little easy. Complimentary Wi-Fi and coffee are available for caregivers.

Contact number: (323) 255-1400

Location: “2030 Colorado Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90041”

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Play

play Best Indoor Play Spaces In and Around Los Angeles

Children are invited – no, encouraged – to get messy at Play, the indoor fun space on Third Street close to Miracle Mile and Hancock Park. The “Messy Art” schedule allows parents and kids to drop in and paint to their heart’s content – or until naptime or dinner, that is. Play’s music class is also a nice draw for toddlers and preschoolers, who can explore various cultures and storytelling techniques.

Contact number: (323) 988-1189

Location: “5814 W. Third St. Los Angeles, CA 90036”

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Giggles N’ Hugs

This Westside kiddie wonderland is a prime restaurant-and-play space for parents who are overwhelmed with taking tots to a regular (read: judgy) eatery. At Giggles N’ Hugs, Mom and Dad can relax while Junior investigates the open play space a toy’s throw away from the dining tables. Be sure to check the calendar for themed evening parties and events.

Contact number: (310) 478-4847

Location: 11701 Wilshire Blvd. #11, Los Angeles, CA 90025

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