LA w/kids
 

Any suggestions for things to do in LA with Kids? We are staying in Long Beach. So far we have one day planned at Disneyland and one day at Sea World. We are contemplating Legoland as well. What other things would you recommend? We have a 9 year old son and a 7 year old daughter and will be traveling in March.

Thanks!

The San Diego Wild Animal Park in Escondido, and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

I highly recommend Legoland. Its a perfect park for your children's ages!

I think you will want at least two days in Disneyland as there is quite a bit to do there and most kids really enjoy it. You might, however, want to stay closer if you decide to do the extra day to avoid the long drive.

I'd throw in half a day at the Getty. The setting is gorgeous, so your kids might have some distraction. But apart from that, a bit of culture won't harm them (especially at their ages) and the Getty is an L.A. institution.

There's also Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park (Orange County) not far from Disney. There's a great children's science museum in Santa Ana. The boardwalk in Newport Beach. Surf lessons just about anywhere.

I'd pass on the Getty with Children your Children's ages. We love it and took our nephews there (slightly older than your children) and they were bored in two minutes. It will ruin your experience there and they won't have fun. Try it when you are alone or they get older. Just a hint from someone who has done this!! The kids liked Knotts Berry Farm, Disneyland, California Adventure, The Beach, Queen Mary & Universal Studios. We didn't have time to take them to Sea World and the San Diego Zoo but think they would have enjoyed that too. Have a good trip.

The Los Angeles metropolitan area has a few things other than theme parks. You could go to Olvera street in downtown LA, Chinatown, Griffith Park (which has pony rides, a carousel, an outdoor train "museum", the mini steamer trains you can ride on-Sundays only, the LA zoo, and the Gene Autry Museum for starters). Hollywood has Mann's Chinese theatre, a wax museum, etc. Of course, we have some beaches which are fun in any weather! There's the 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and Museum Row with the La Brea Tar Pits! And the list goes on. Oh, and by the way, my kids are 10 & 7, and they love the Getty. The outdoor gardens are incredible, and there are often activities on the weekends for kids. And the cafeteria has very good food too.

It really depends on your kids. Why not let them each pick an activity from a list you give them? Kids love to help plan their trip, and they tend to have more fun when they do! :)

I disagree on passing on the Getty. Your kids are a fine age for it. If you wait to take a kid to a museum til she's older, he/she may never go...and as hsv said, a little culture won't hurt 'em!

If you have a Saturday in L.A, definitely the Getty. Kids love the tram ride to the top and they have special kid's activities on Saturdays. Check the schedule at www.getty.edu before you go

luckyinla,frankie and tracys2cents

First time in L.A. with kids 10 and 7. We have 2 days (a Saturday -overnight- and Sunday) flying out of LAX. Where would you suggest we stay that is convenient to the Getty and other places you suggested including maybe an ideal beach stop?

Well, an ideal beach stop might be Santa Monica, though that's a bit of a drive to the Getty...not far, really, just traffic can be a pain.
Hotels most convenient to the Getty might be in Beverly Hills or Century City. Check out the Westin Century Plaza, or consult tripadvisor for hotels! Have fun!