With all eyes on Hollywood this weekend for the Academy Awards, I have to write about the home team. (Looking forwad to seeing Alec Baldwin hit a few out of the park Sunday night…)
As much as LA gets a bad rap and is consistently not included on any “favorite travel destination” list, I will point out some travel-worthy spots in the City of Angels, for OUR little angels.I am focusing on places that roll out the red carpet for kids in LA…since family travel is my bag. Some of these places may surprise you…
But this one is obvious : Hit the Beach - No trip to So Cal is complete without getting a little sand between your toes. If only more people did this, there would be fewer shrinks in this town.
–Malibu: Malibu LagoonState Beach right on Cross Creek Rd. My favorite beach for families. Wetlands and a small quaint little beach..as long as you don’t veer too far.
The tidepools keep the kids busy, and the waves are gentle enough you don’t have to worry too much with kids who can swim – but when they break farther out it’s great for boogie boarding. Right across the street is the Malibu Country Mart for great sandwiches.
–Santa Monica: Rent bikes at Perry’s Cafe and Rentals and ride 22 miles (or part of the way) along the beachfront bike path. NOT just your average day on the beach, a very scenic ride passing Venice Beach performers, and the acrobats on the rings near Santa Monica pier.. It is an awesome way to spend the day. If you have real little ones you can also rent a carriage to connect to a bike. Perry’s: 1200 Palisades Road 310 939-0000
–Holmby Park & Pitch and Putt: This is a hidden gem that very few people know about. Beautiful in spring when all the jacaranda are in bloom…and such a peaceful, quiet place for Los Angeles because it is a ways back from any main road. Great little put put course, 18 holes, and depending on skill level of your child, I would say it is appropriate for most kids up to 10. Longest hole is something like 62 yards. Parents can work on their short game while your up and coming Phil Mickelson is going for par. Green fees for kids: $2.00
Malibu horseback riding: Park Place Stables. Truly a special experience – learn to ride or just enjoy while guides take you through the Santa Monica mountains or along the beach. And how would you love to get a glimpse of the sun coming up while riding on the sand? Park Place offers sunrise and moonlight rides for that only in CA experience. www.maliburiding.com
Will Rogers Park: in Pacific Palisades….great big field for kids to play football, Frisbee, soccer, whatever. Pack a lunch, hike in the hills, and relax on a blanket. There aren’t many parks with this much open space. Some days you may even catch a polo match. 310 454-8212.
Both the Getty Museum in Brentwood…and the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades have terrific activities for kids.
The gardens at the Getty are beautiful and kids will have a place to run around and burn off some energy also.
The California Science Center -engaging and interactive displays ranging from the watching baby chicks hatch… to playing sports in front of a green screen. Learning is snuck in. IMAX theater also. www.californiasciencecenter.org
The new Griffith Observatory – Go at night for the Public Star Watching Parties! Cool huh?Families look through telescopes with the help of professional astronomers to see small planets, the moon, and other celestial bodies. If you skip the nighttime act, and want to see the observatory by day, it is more suited to older kids. www.griffithobs.com
–There is nothing quite like a Dodger game on a warm Los Angeles summer evening. Can’t put my finger on exactly why. Dodger stadium isn’t even the nicest facility around…and you have to plan for traffic when you go…but the Dodger dogs are still good… and Andre Ethier, Clayton Kershaw are even better (And some might say Manny..) Go to Craigs List a day or two before the game for $10 tickets.
–Universal Studios – A taste of movie making. Most perfect for the 11 year old boy…entertaining tours and fun rides. Pack the sunscreen. Inside look at how movies are made..tour real sets and see special effects.
–Sprinkles: When the cupcake craze hit, this was one of the first to hit LA, and I have to say it is still my favorite, I am convinced they put nicotine in the frosting. Pricy little petite cakes, but they even sell cupcakes for your dog if you travel with Fido. In Beverly Hills on Little Santa Monica Blvd.
What adorable pictures of the family -