In addition to being one of the best beaches in Los Angeles, Venice Beach packs quite the playful punch. From out-of-the-box street performers to skateparks set against a backdrop of the shimmering Pacific Ocean, Venice Beach has more than enough eccentric entertainment to make for a fun outing with your bohemian babes.

Make lasting memories with the family at Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier. It’s worth fighting the hustle and bustle of this popular tourist destination for a ride on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel. Don’t forget to stop by Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium for a chance to get up close and personal with over 100 marine life species.

Tucked into the Hollywood Hills (besides 3 million dollar homes) is the serene Hollywood Reservoir surrounded by a 3.5 mile walking and biking loop. Be sure to take a quick break at the Mulholland Dam as this is the ideal spot to snag a family selfie with the iconic Hollywood sign looming in the background!

Head downtown to visit one of the most amazing libraries in the country. First established in 1872, this book-topia is brimming with history, a great Children’s Room, activities and events. And don't forget to look around at the building—besides the gazillion mosaic pieces located in the grand hall outside Children’s Literature, mouths will drop when viewing the globe light fixture.

Across the street from Union Station is colorful and historic Olvera Street. It’s a short walk even little legs won’t mind and it’s an exciting place to explore. Wander through the outdoor marketplace filled with stands selling Mexican souvenirs like maracas, ponchos, embroidered clothing and big sombreros, and ceramic animals. There are also several great Mexican restaurants to stop and enjoy a churro (tastes like a donut) or horchata (a sweet creamy drink most kids love!).

The colorful and fun-filled 21,000-square-foot Cayton Children’s Museum opened on the third floor of Santa Monica Place in the summer of 2019. Kids can scramble their way through the Courage Climber, a mesh web of ropes suspended from the ceiling; jump into To the Rescue! (a ball pit with a recycled Coast Guard rescue boat in the middle); marvel at the Rube-Goldberg-inspired All Systems Go! Ball Machine, climb aboard a fire truck, get creative in the art studio and so much more.

Located in Downtown’s Exposition Park, this free museum has everything from a mini aquarium (where kids can touch a starfish!) to a tour of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The three Discovery Rooms are perfect destinations for the 6 and under crowd—they are filled with tons of hands-on experiments like a construction zone, a kitchen, a garden and even a kid-sized TV studio complete with costumes. Older kids will enjoy the 7-story IMAC theater.

This grown-up, world-class art museum is a wonderful introduction to art for kids of all ages. Discover mummies and Egyptian art, and play “I Spy” in the Impressionist rooms. If you can, try to time your visit Metropolis II (a sculpture with moving parts made to look like a mini city) that only runs during select time Fri.-Sun. and certain holidays, like President's Day.

This indoor-outdoor space next to the Rose Bowl is filled with play-based activities and learning tools for kids. Highlights include the massive multi-story climbing towers, the Trike Tracks, an outdoor rope bridge, mini beach, stream and oh so much more. If you have crawlers, head to the Early Childhood Learning Center. This space is filled with age-appropriate games and climbers away from the onslaught of busy older kids!

Let’s have a show of hands—who has a kiddo who loves dinos? The Natural History Museum’s Dinosaur Hall is spectacular space, and the multi-media stations are informative and fun for all ages. You can also see animal dioramas from all over the world, and be sure to check out the Nature Gardens and Labs. Mark your calendars for the NHM's after-hours evenings; that just might be the best time to visit. And don't forget to visit the theater featuring Dinosaurs of Antarctica 3D.

Travel about 15 miles north of DTLA to discover this 160-acre garden in La Cañada Flintridge. You could easily spend all day wandering the grounds, which include the majestic Oak Forest with trees hundreds of years old, the serene Japanese-style garden with its shaded paths and koi-filled stream, and the Children's Maze, located just beyond the rose garden.

Discover roaming peacocks, hidden trails, sunbathing turtles and more at this 127-acre oasis in Arcadia. Pack a picnic or pick up food from the Peacock Cafe near the entrance. While the waterfall is on everyone's list to see, the best way to check it out is to actually take the steps down through it. Make your way to Tallac Knoll, where you'll discover the lily pond, and a meandering set of steps and walkways that takes you to the waterfall at the bottom.

This is the Big Kahuna of aquariums in the L.A. area, and totally worth putting on your must-see list if you haven’t been yet. This aquarium houses over 11,000 animals! So whether the family wants to see fish, sea lions or penguins this museum has you covered. From the beautiful two-story tank that draws you in at the entrance to the smaller touch pools where your sea explorers can get hands-on with aquatic life, there is a lot to excited about.

This used bookstore is a good reason to make a visit to DTLA. The well-curated children’s collection on the main floor covers all age ranges and interests and tends to be in excellent condition. If you’re a pure bargain hunter, head up to the loft, where the funkier inventory is all priced at $1! Why You’ll Love It: The space is as much a steam-punk art exhibit as it is a bookstore, and the location in a refurbished bank is complete with authentic vault and vintage tile floor.

The Huntington boasts a library chock full of rare books, collections and photographs, and the art galleries house classic works to more recent rotating exhibitions. The Children's Garden is a fantastic, splash-tastic exploratory romping space. Be sure to stop by the Jade Court Café in the Chinese Gardens for a bite or grab a meal at the 1919 Café where you can sit on the patio and enjoy the grounds.

Check out Grauman’s Chinese Theatre for a taste of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Hundreds of stars have put their hands and footprints in cement outside this national landmark. The Chinese inspired architecture is the perfect backdrop for a family photo opp. And if seeing it from the outside just won’t cut it, you can buy tickets for an interior tour at the theatre box office. (Or see the latest kid-tastic flick in IMAX.)

The L.A. Zoo is known for its outstanding wildlife habitats (where else can you visit monkeys, tigers, giraffes, and elephants all in one day?) and jaw-dropping animal displays. Insider Tip: The zoo always seems to be hot, except during the winter months when local temps max out in the mid-70s and makes visiting the animals a whole lot more enjoyable for everyone.

At the top of Griffith Park, you are met with sweeping views of the city, where on a clear day you can see from the San Gabriel Mountains to the beach. But don’t miss heading inside the planetarium for one of their amazing shows—there's a reason this is favorite place to visit with the kids.

This historic landmark opened to the public in 1938 and is the heart of California's surf culture. You can shop, watch surfers, fish off the pier and then grab some California-centric food from the restaurant or cafe located here. Don't miss The Adamson House to the west of the pier or if you're feeling adventurous, rent paddleboards and head out onto the water.

For more than 75 years, this open-air market and seating area at Third and Fairfax has provided Angelenos with an inexpensive fix of fresh and tasty fast food in a low-key setting that’s great for kids. The market, located under the large clock tower, still retains its charm with stands selling outstanding Greek, Singaporean, Korean, Cajun food, and much more—everyone, from the pickiest meat-and-potatoes eater, to the most daring vegetarian—will find a new standby and favorite dish.

Did you know the Tar Pits came into existence 50,000 years ago (65 MILLION years after that last dinosaur ceased to exist)? Kids will love this oldie but goodie on Wilshire Blvd. The bubbling tar pit is a big attraction, not to mention the open grassy area where kids can roll down a sloped grassy hill and climb on animal sculptures throughout the park. Don't miss Titans of the Ice Age 3D.

Griffith Park is over 5 times bigger than NY’s Central Park. With hikes, zoos, museums, beer (!), trains, ponies, golf, a carousel and lots more (all costing very little or nothing at all). Don't miss the first accessible playground on the west coast, Shane's Inspiration has set the bar for how much fun kiddos of all abilities can have when given the chance to play together.

Opened on July 17, 1955, Disneyland Park truly is the Happiest Place on Earth, whether it's your first time or you are a seasoned pro—it’s always a good idea.

Universal Studios Hollywood brings the magic of Hollywood’s past and present to life through their world-famous studio tour, theme park attractions and the unforgettable Wizarding World of Harry Potter.