L
ocated 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”
Learn more here.
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”
Learn more here.
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
Learn more here.
In addition to the sizable indoor treehouse, complete with slide and tire swing, The Treehouse Social Club also boasts a pint-sized farmer’s market for little shoppers and a computer room for tech-savvy tots. Arts and crafts classes are just one of several workshops that kids can experience as well.
Contact number: (310) 288-3024
Location: 426 S. Robertson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048
Learn more here.
What better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than drifting around Echo Park Lake in one of the small paddle boats for rent? Local families fly kites, have picnics, and hold birthday parties on the weekends in this quaint revitalized park. children are sure to notice and point out traveling ice cream and balloon salespeople. While they check out the playground, you can purchase a delicious and cheap lunch from the vendors selling tacos and freshly roasted corn.
Contact number: (213) 847-8524
Location: 751 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Learn more here.
Located at the summit of Mount Wilson in Pasadena’s San Gabriel Mountains, this observatory is open to the public every day. You may have to obtain a special forest permit to drive through the Angeles national park road that leads there, but it’s well worth it to see your children marvel at the cosmos through a giant telescope. Guided tours are available on weekends, and be sure to check weather conditions before heading up.
Contact number: (626) 440-9016
Location: “Mt. Wilson Peak, Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles, CA 91023”
Learn more here.
Located in Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens houses a plethora of creatures and now also functions as a botanical garden. In addition to zoo favorites like monkeys and elephants, the zoo also has more exotic wildlife like condors and Komodo dragons. Your children may end up hypnotized by penguins, or enthralled by alligators. Check the website for seasonal offerings like the currently running “Spider City.”
Contact number: (323) 644-4200
Location: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027-1498
Learn more here.
Newly refurbished after a long shuttering for remodeling, the Griffith Park Observatory remains one of LA’s iconic landmarks. The filming site for the famous knife fight in “Rebel Without A Cause,” a questionably lifelike bust of James Dean ornaments the patio. Take your children through the Observatory’s stunning exhibition halls where they can learn about the cosmos before observing them firsthand through state of the art telescopes. New features have been continually unveiled since the museum reopened to the public last year, be sure to check the website for up to date information and to make the (required) reservations.
Contact number: (213) 473-0800
Location: 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027-1299
Learn more here.
Mention Zankou Chicken to any LA native and you’re sure to get a speech on the merits of its legendary garlic sauce. Better to just experience it first-hand at one of this popular chain’s many locations. The rotisserie chicken is perfect, with crispy flaky skin complemented smoothly by the aforementioned garlic sauce. Other Armenian staples like falafel, shawarma, and hummus are also great. children may want to order one of the combos, which come with an assortment of items, pita for dipping, and delicious pink pickled vegetables.
Contact number: (323) 665-7842
Location: 5065 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Learn more here.
LA is not much of a pizza town, probably because, unlike a lot of major cities, it’s never had much of an Italian immigrant population. There is delicious pizza to be had here, it’s just harder to track down. Opened by a Brooklyn transplant, Village Pizzeria in Larchmont has been serving amazing pizzas and Italian dishes and also functions as a market, selling sauces and dry goods imported from Italy. Order a large thin crust pizza to share with your children, and fresh pastas with meatballs or pesto for the grown-ups.
Contact number: (323) 465-5566
Location: “131 North Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90004”
Learn more here.
