LA's Top 5 Family Activities: Summer in the City

Karen Queller

School is out and there is only so much Sesame Street the kids can watch. Not sure what are some family fun trips that everyone will enjoy? Here are just a few suggestions to help you plan family outings for your crew this summer in Los Angeles. Remember, the more you wear your kids out during the day means an earlier bed time for the children, and an earlier margarita time for the adults!

Barnsdall Art Park

1. Barnsdall Art Park

Barnsdall Art Park

Sunday Mornings at Barnsdall Art Park are happening. No need to bring anything except the kids. Built in the 1920’s this hidden park in the middle of Hollywood was originally built to be used as a community for artists. After many years of being forgotten it was revitalized and put to use for its original function. Let your kids get dirty as they push their creativity limits through use of different mediums and art projects. Join in on the fun every Sunday from 10am-12pm – admission free.Barnsdall Art Park 4800 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027 +1 323-644-6275

Zimmer Children's Museum | ©Joe Utsler/FlickrZimmer Children’s Museum | ©Joe Utsler/Flickr

2. Children’s Zimmer Museum

Museum, Park

Children’s Zimmer Museum

Imagination is the name of this game! Located in the Miracle Mile, this interactive museum ignites exploration, play, learning, and community within your little ones. Exhibits include a pretend café, a demo airplane, a make believe boat filled with plastic balls , a wall exhibit based on Jewish charity values, and so much more. It is easy to spend the whole day at the Zimmer. Check out their monthly calendar to see which free events like sing a longs, open art studio, and story time are offered each day. Children’s Zimmer Museum 6505 Wilshire Boulevard #100, Los Angeles, CA 90048 +1 323-761-8984

Griffith Park Observatory | ©Kent Kanouse/FlickrGriffith Park Observatory | ©Kent Kanouse/Flickr

3. Griffith Park Observatory

Building, Museum, Park, Theater

The Warner Grand
© Los Angeles/Wikicommons
Are you the kind of parent that buys math workbooks for your kids and assigns homework even though its summer? Then you are going to love the Griffith Park Observatory! This Hollywood monument explains the physics of our universe in a visual way that will make it easy to trick your kids into learning something even though it is summer.

Dockweiler Beach

Surprise your family and treat them to a toasty bonfire at Dockweiler Beach with a smore making grand finale. This will earn you major points with the kiddos. Feeling like a daredevil? Take a creative spin on traditional smore making by adding a few novelty ingredients like peanut butter or bacon! Check out some ideas here Dockweiler Beach 12000 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey, CA 90293

Malibu Creek State Park

4. Malibu Creek State Park

Park

Tree in Malibu Creek State Park, Los Angeles.
© Ian Grant / Alamy Stock Photo
Go on an old fashioned hike. Who would have thought kids still enjoy romping around in the outdoors….but they do! Malibu Creek State Park is great because it’s not far from the city center, but it is still far enough that the kids will feel like they are going on a real adventure in the wilderness. Dress them up in little explorer suits and off you go into the oak covered hills of Malibu. Overnight camping is also an option for a real summer slumber party.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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