These Family-Friendly Summertime Activities Will Keep Your Little Ones Entertained All Season Long
The South Bay is a quintessential summer destination in Los Angeles. In addition to being slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, this area is also home to wide, sandy beaches and innovative dining concepts—not to mention premier shopping at The Point. There are also plenty of kid-friendly activities in LA’s South Bay and events where children of all ages can enjoy the long break from school. Whether you’re looking to get outside with your little ones for some fun in the sun or want to beat the heat with indoor entertainment, these are the eight best things to do with your kids this summer in LA’s South Bay.
Shop and Dine Alfresco at The Point
The Point is one of the best outdoor shopping centers in all of Los Angeles. Whether you’re hoping to hit the stores and stock up on summer styles for you and your littles or sit down for pizza and pasta at North Italia, there is so much to see and do at this El Segundo staple. Kids are especially welcome here, and The Point Kids Club takes place each month. Every third Wednesday from May through October, the club hosts themed events in the outdoor plaza—think bug shows, dance parties, craft stations and more. Grab a scoop from Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, then shop for kids’ clothes at Rabbit Ladders and source some summer athletic wear at Athleta. When you’ve all worked up an appetite, head to Lil’ Simmzy’s for some al fresco dining—a perfect perch to people-watch.
Play at LOOMA SPACE
Since adults don’t have the pleasure of summer break, LOOMA SPACE is offering the best of both worlds for kids and adults. Parents are able to buckle down and work in the chic cafe while kids run around playing in ball pits and exploring the modern play space. Activities are displayed Montessori-style, encouraging children to learn and grow through exploration and curiosity. Between the “kitchen” and “hair salon,” children are able to entertain themselves with an abundance of resources and toys. Once the day is done, kids can walk away with a new prize from the toy chest, leaving parents feeling accomplished and caught up on work. This is also a great activity in the South Bay if your kiddos need a break from the sun this summer!
Location: Lomita
See Butterflies at South Coast Botanic Garden
Though Los Angeles residents have the pleasure of being able to hit the beach at their leisure, it’s also fun to connect with nature in other ways. South Coast Botanic Garden is open to the public year-round and is home to stunning flora and fauna. This garden also houses the seasonal SOAR tropical butterfly exhibit. For the fourth year in a row, families can experience the beauty of butterflies up close and personal. This is the perfect opportunity to snap new photos of the kids! For an additional $6, you can even participate in a butterfly feeding for a more immersive experience. Keep in mind that there are hundreds of butterflies zipping around—be certain to remind kids to be gentle when interacting with them.
Location: Palos Verdes
Enjoy Summer Concerts at The Point
Never one to leave adults and kids too far from fun, The Point takes things up a notch by hosting summer concerts every Wednesday night (6-8 p.m.) through July and August. All you need is a blanket or some lawn chairs because this is a free and family-friendly event in The Plaza that everyone will enjoy. Expect a wide range of tunes—from 80s hits to reggae, rock and hip hop. We’re especially excited about the Funky Warhols on July 24 and Barley on August 21. Check out the summertime concert schedule here.
Location: El Segundo
Take a Redondo Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Set sail on a glass bottom boat tour in Redondo Beach this summer with your kids! While you’re able to see a variety of fish through the glass bottom, you’ll also get the chance to meet a variety of marine life from the top deck, such as dolphins and seals. Since kids ride for only $10, this boat ride is a budget-friendly activity in Los Angeles, one that has operated out of Redondo Beach for more than 20 years. The windows down below are seven feet long, providing plenty of space to look out into the deep water. Common sightings include bright orange Garibaldi fish, smelt, a variety of bass and even diving pelicans.
Location: Redondo Beach
Explore Roundhouse Aquarium
Located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, Roundhouse Aquarium sits right above the ocean and houses more than 100 marine animals. This donation-based aquarium in LA is geared toward families, and thanks to the interactive touch tanks, kids can entice their senses while safely interacting with starfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and snails. Other sea creatures include moon jellyfish, sharks, octopus, moray eels and more. Though it is a smaller aquarium, a visit here makes for the perfect summer afternoon activity. Once you’ve seen all there is to see, post up in the sand, or walk around downtown Manhattan Beach and grab a bite at The Strand House.
Location: Manhattan Beach
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Make a Splash at the Seaside Lagoon
Looking to enjoy a beach day without the stress? The Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach offers a safer alternative to the crazy waves at the beach. Shallow waters are netted off, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind while your kids splash or swim nearby. Since the shoreline is still just as sandy as a regular beach, children can find joy in building sandcastles or digging moats while you lounge comfortably with a good book in hand. If you plan to spend the whole day here, be sure to pack a picnic of sandwiches, chips and fresh fruit. Sit back and enjoy feeling the sand between your toes while snacking under the sun.
Location: Redondo Beach
Visit the Wonder of Dinosaurs Museum
Whether your kids are obsessed with dinosaurs or you simply want to plan a fun and educational activity, the Wonder of Dinosaurs Museum is home to the largest display of dinosaurs on the West Coast. In addition to having several exhibits to explore, there are also plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, including bounce houses, a maze, mini golf, a carousel and more. With more than 100 robotic and static dinosaurs throughout the space, children will feel as though they’ve been transported to the set of “Jurassic Park” as they observe and learn interesting facts about these prehistoric creatures. For $2, your kids can even experience what it’s like to ride a T-Rex!
Location: Redondo Beach
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
