day trips from LA
 

I'm travelling with an 8yo boy - we're planning on day tripping to Legoland and Wild Animal Park from LA - is this "doable"? Other thoughts of day trips. We will be going to San diego, but have a free place to stay in LA, so wanted to do day trips if possible.\thanks

If you're going to be going to San Diego, I'd suggest saving Legoland and the WAP until you get there. Each of those attractions is only a 30 minute drive from downtown SD but at least a 2 hour drive from L.A. Why not "day-trip" to the north? Magic Mountain would be one possibility.

Hi Lisa, <BR> <BR>Emily is right on - wild animal park and legoland are better to do from san diego. daytrips w/ 8 year old - only want "theme" park stuff? If so, of course there is disneyland, magic mountain (90% thriller roller coasters), universal studios (fun for a kid, "citywalk" is also right there and fun). If you are thinking of other than theme parks, you can go to the LA zoo, Griffith Park for playing and picnicking, many museums have kids' exhibits, the beach, gosh, lots of stuff. I don't have a child, so hopefully some folks who have kids and live in L.A. or folks who have traveled to L.A. with kids will reply to your post too. Have fun!

<BR> <BR>Hi: <BR> <BR>Agree on the San Diego day trips--aside from the sheer inconvenience, the traffic in that direction is unpredicatable, and can be a nightmare. <BR>Eight years old (unless he's tall enough to be permitted on the big rides) is ill-suited for Magic Mountain; they have a good little-kids section and great coasters, but not much in between. Knott's Berry Fram, on the other hand, is cheaper and has a lot rides for all ages. <BR> <BR>Closer to L.A., La Brea Tar Pits, on Wilshire between Vermont and Normandie is usually a winner with kids. <BR> <BR>A nice all-day excursion might be Exposition Park, near USC and the Coliseum--on Exposition Blvd. between Figueroa and Vermont. Around that age, my kids enjoyed the Museum of Natural History, the Air and Space Museum (which recently moved into a new building), and IMAX, which always has at least two films showing that kids will enjoy. Outside are some nice areas to stroll--the rose garden and surrounding grounds. <BR> <BR>The Children's Museum, downtown at Main and Temple Sts. is geared to just his age. Olvera Street and Chinatown are within walking distance of the museum. <BR> <BR>One more suggestion: a combined trip to Santa Monica pier and Venice Boardwalk. The pier has some arcades and rides, and the boardwalk at Venice Beach is indescribable--my kids love that place. If you can make it there on a Saturday or Sunday, there will be street performers up and down the sidewalk (my youngest son's favorite is the guy with the boa constrictor). Lots of good food stands and cafes, and at the north end are Muscle Beach and big-time pickup basketball games.

great info - thanks for all the tips. <BR>I will try santa monica/venice beach and the la Brea Tar pits - and save the others for our trip down to san diego <BR>thanks