I am visiting my 4yo nephew (Long Beach area) for a long weekend and would like suggestions for day trips (mid-May). Is the zoo and surrounding park very nice? Is Venice beach too crazy? Descanto or Huntington Gardens too sedate?
He is well-behaved but peppy. He has done Disney to death; likewise, Long Beach aquarium. Scenic beauty is a plus for me--I don't know the area well. Thanks!

I'd recommend Kidspace in Pasadena, but I do not know if they have reopened yet, as they are building a new "Space" The last I had heard they were slated to re-open in early 2004.

My daughter also loved (still does at 21) Travel Town at Griffith Park. If he likes trains, this is great place to play on real live choo-choos, and you catch a train ride and then ride the miniature train at L.A. Live Steamers. It is also not far from the Pony Rides and Carousel, all in Griffith Park.

A copy of L.A. Parent magazine will also provide endless suggestion for events for your dates. You can pick one up free arounf L.A. County locations, or try the website at <http://losangeles.parenthood.com/?sub=www&segid=127>

The zoo is a perfect place to spend the day with a four year old. Griffith Park is lovely and easy to get to from the Long Beach area. Travel town is closeby too!

Griffith Park, the zoo there, and Travel Town are all great places for a 4 year old and you too. It's such a great park. They have pony rides both at Travel Town and right off Los Feliz (where there's also a wonderful train ride). Further in, you can stop at the old Merry Go Round, beautifully restored about 15 years ago.

One more thing. Mid May is a great time to go there, because the zoo in summer for some weird reason, brings out the wasps.

Has he been to Knotts Berry Farm? 4 year olds just love the train there, as well as the pony & petting zoo. They have a whole little ride area just for smaller kids, and supermarkets usually have discount tickets.

Santa Monica Pier for the beautiful wooden carousel horses and the pier attractions like a big Ferris wheel and skeeball. He won't be able to ride all the rides but he'll love the ones he can. The people who run the carnival attractions usually "let" my 3 year old win something so she LOVES it. And of course, there's this big sand box adjacent called the SM Beach!