Category: Things to do with kids in California

Alcatraz

This famous former maximum-security federal prison (and former home to Al Capone, among others) is now a national recreational area. The prison still stands, and tours are given daily. Learn the story of the “Birdman of Alcatraz”, and of the daring, impossible escape of 1962. You can even spend a few minutes locked in a cell with your child. Because this is such a popular destination, buy tickets for the ferry to the island several days in advance.

Contact no: (415) 981-7625

Location: Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94111

Learn more here.

Lego land Water Park

LEGOLAND® California Resort features the world’s first and only LEGOLAND Water Park. The centerpiece is a 45-foot-tall tower designed to immerse children in the creative world of LEGO. The Water Park also features more than 20 LEGO models including giant LEGO friends who splash or spray water on guests, two sandy beach wading areas, retail shops and snack carts.

Contact number: (760) 918-5346

Location: One LEGOLAND Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008

Learn more here.

New Beverly Cinema

One of the oldest revival houses in the area, the New Beverly began life in the twenties as a vaudeville theater and went through a few more incarnations before emerging as the repertory movie-house it is today. Double features run daily for a set price of seven dollars. A lot of the programming is of the arty European sort, but there’s a fair share of blockbusters and cult favorites (“Raiders of the Lost Ark,” for example) that children will love seeing on a big screen with a packed audience.

Contact number: (323) 938-4038

Location: 7165 Beverly Boulevard  Los Angeles, CA 90036

Learn more here.

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

Learn more here.

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

Learn more here.

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

Learn more here.

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

Learn more here.

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

Learn more here.

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

Learn more here.

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

Learn more here.