Going to LA and Palm Springs soon with my kids all under 10. What would be fun to do, in both places. We've been before and done Disney, Venice and Santa Monica. Looking for something interesting. They are action kids and don't like to sit around. Anyone know of any good beaches that are somewhat quiet. Thanks for your help.

Sandee:

Somewhat-quiet Beach: Zuma Beach, a few minutes north of Malibu. I've been going there for years with my kids. The beach is very wide, the parking plentiful. The farther you drive north through the parking lot, the more peaceful and nicer the beach.

If you missed Knott's last time, you might try that. My kids actually prefer it to Disneyland (but not Six Flags). The rides are well-done, and it has a much more relaxed atmosphere than Disney. Shorter lines, too.

Something a little different: Maybe Huntington Library? The buildings are museum-like, but the grounds are huge and beautiful, and the kids might like wandering around the place. If nothing else, you'll like it.

I would have recommended that you take the kids up the "Palm Springs Aerial Tramway"--about ten miles west of Palm Springs. Unfortunately, it's closed for remodeling until August 19th. It's a spectacular view, and when you get to the summit of San Jacinto, the kids can run around for as long as you can stand it.

If it were a few months later, you could take them to Joshua Tree National Park--but if anyone recommends it, do not do it. It's too hot up there, and you might melt.

In Palm Springs you can go hiking in the Indian Canyons. Just south of downtown Palm Springs is the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, and for a small fee you can go hiking through the canyons. They are like oasis' with palm trees and streams. I would not go in the summer however, it would be too hot.

Which makes me wonder, why are you taking young kids to Palm Springs, the land of grey hair and golf carts? Can you reroute yourself to San Diego? If so there is the Wild Animal Park, Seaworld, Legoland, great beaches for kids--Torrey Pines is an example. Other than the tramride to San Jacinto (a shame it's closed) and Joshua Tree (agree, too hot for little kids), there's nothing that comes to my mind in Palm Springs.

Hi Sandee, You might also look into Raging Waters waterpark in San Dimas. I think they have a web site. San Dimas is about 1 hour east of LA just off the 10 and 210 fwy. Also, Knotts just opened Surf City which is also a water park. Any more ? , email me.

Sandee:

Me again. Seems silly, since I live in San Dimas and my kids have season passes, but Raging Waters never crossed my mind. I hate the place but to them it's heaven on Earth. There a couple of reasonable motels nearby if you decided to stay over--Red Roof Inn on Arrow Highway or the Ramada in Claremont.

Actually, my kids, when younger, enjoyed Palm Springs. We spent a lot of time in the pool and fooled around hitting golf balls. It would be a good place to get tennis or golf lessons, but start early in the morning before risking heat stroke. Stop at Hadley's--I think it's the Coachella exit--and have a date shake. Kids love that stuff.

For clarification, the median age in Palm Springs is 34. While there are a lot of retirees, there are also a lot of families and family activities---it isn't just about golf.

The tram reopened on September 1. New cars with rotating floors were installed--awesome ride. Prices went up too. If you have AAA you can get a discount. Also try The Living Desert museum in Palm Desert, hiking in the Indian Canyons, Oasis Water Park, hot air balloon rides, jeep tours, Children's Museum of the Desert in Rancho Mirage, Windy Point ATV rentals, Whitewater Trout Farm (fishing), etc.

The good weather is back. Have fun.