Outdoor Fun for Families in Santa Monica 

Pacific Pier 

This may seem like an obvious suggestion- Pacific Pier is hard to miss and is a must-do for almost all LA visitors. The pier has so many fun attractions, from the carnival-style rides to some delicious treats. For locals, the pier really is worth a visit, even if you like to avoid tourist traps. My kids love it! Want to learn more about the pier? Public walking tours are available every Saturday and Sunday at 10am. 

Santa Monica Trapeze School 

Fly through the air with the greatest ease at this awesome trapeze school with lessons for all skills and age levels, starting at age 6. Whether you want to swing on the trapeze, jump on the trampolines, or try your hand at silks, the trapeze school can help you hone your skills. 

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail (aka The Strand) 

This blissful beach bike trail traces the PCH and the Pacific Ocean for 22 miles from Pacific Palisades to Torrance. We normally bring our scooters and stop off at the playgrounds dotting the trail before detouring for a dip in the sea. Bike and skate rentals are available at various stops along the way. 

Original Muscle Beach 

Watch toned beach-goers climb ropes and get in their reps, or maybe try a few of your own at the official original Muscle Beach. 

The Cove Skatepark

If you or your little ones like to shred, this is the spot with more than 20,000 square feet of bowls, ramps, stairs, rails, and more. 

Weekly Farmers' Markets

Santa Monica hosts farmers' markets in the downtown area, on Main Street, and in the Pico neighborhoods. There are currently markets on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.  

Pickle Pop

Have you caught on to the pickleb all craze yet? At Pickle Pop, you can book an open play session with your friends and play on a PPA approved court in the middle of the 3rd Street Promenade. 

Santa Monica Bait & Tackle Co.

Rent some fishing poles and buy some bait at this shop for a morning of fishing off the pier- no fishing license required. 

Great Parks and Playgrounds in Santa Monica 

Tongva Park 

This six acre park is beautifully landscaped and traced with pathways. There is a great splash pad in the summer for kiddos that need to wash off sand from the nearby seashore. 

Douglas Park

Feed the ducks (but not too much) at this beautiful park featuring water fowl and a great playground for littles. 

Rustic Canyon Park and Recreation Center

Get your sports on with baseball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and swimming pool at the Rustic Canyon Rec center. There is also a playground for kids on site. 

Joslyn Park

Joslyn Park is especially worth a visit if you are bringing your four-footed friend along. Santa Monica has several off-leash dog parks, including the Herb Katz Dog Park at Joslyn Park. 

Palisades Park

Palisades Park wins for the best ocean view in Santa Monica, set up on the cliffs overlooking the sea shore. There is plenty of space to run and play or set out a picnic while breathing in the salty air. 

Marine Park

This playground might have the most Instagrammable spot for kids in Santa Monica- a mini replica of the famous Santa Monica Pier sign that is just their size. Kids can play while mom and dad relax under the shade of sprawling trees. 

Indoor Attractions for Families in Santa Monica 

Heal the Bay Aquarium 

This darling aquarium tucked under the pier holds touch tanks, eels, a two-spot octopus, and more. Almost all the creatures inside were found right around the pier. 

Annenberg Beach House 

If you've ever dreamed of owing a beach house, then hop over to this public spot with amenities, spectacular views, and an awesome little splash pad for the kiddos. The beach house pools is open daily from mid-June to early September, though there is a nominal fee to swim (around $4-$5). 

Cayton Children's Museum

This incredible children's museum focuses on the power of learning through play with imaginative and visually stunning exhibits. Kids can test their skills in the courage climber, pretend to save the city on a fire truck, get messy in the art studio, or learn more about teamwork in the "Together We" wing. 

California Heritage Museum

Learn more about the cultures and art that have shaped California at this small museum with rotating exhibits. In warmer months, the California Heritage Museum also hosts food truck nights with some of LA's premier food trucks. 

Broadstage

Santa Monica's contemporary performing arts center is home to fantastic ballet, dance, and orchestral productions. Check their calendar  to see what programming is available. 

The Aero Theater 

This classic theater calls itself a "year round film festival." The Aero shows classic films in 35mm, 70mm, nitrate, and state-of-the-art digital formats. I once attended a showing of Casablanca on 70mm with my husband- it's still one of my favorite dates. 

Paint Lab

Get creative at this art studio with classes, workshops, and camps for kids, teens, and adults. 

Museum of Flying 

Airplane enthusiasts will love this museum with plenty of classic aircraft, a pilot hall of fame, and a Maxflight simulator. Kids are encouraged to climb in the cockpit of several aircraft and imagine they are taking to the skies. 

Bergamot Station Arts Center 

The largest largest art gallery and cultural complex on the West Coast, the Bergamot Station Arts Center has a studio for little artists to get creative, as well as plenty of inspiration from galleries packed with fine art of various periods. 

Santa Monica History Museum

Learn more about this bustling city at a local museum with rotating exhibits. Don't skip the Augmented Reality Walking Tour, which takes visitors on a journey through the Broadway neighborhood of Santa Monica, which was displaced by the building of the 10 freeway. 

McCabe's Guitar Shop

This guitar shop is more than just a storefront, it is a hub for fans of Americana and folk music, and holds a 150-seat concert venue with regular programming. 

Camera Obscura

This quirky attraction in Palisades Park features a pinhole camera which captures images from outside and shows them in a darkened room. It's been around since the 1950s, through the concept behind the camera dates all the way back to Aristotle. 

Family-Friendly Shopping in Santa Monica 

Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica's best mall boasts a great collection of name brands, including Peloton, Tiffany &Co., Rolex, Nordstrom, Nike, Free People and more. Santa Monica Place frequently hosts temporary attractions as well. In the past, the mall has been home to Cocomelon Party Time, Tyra Banks' Modelland, and The Whimsical World of Dr. Seuss.  ​

3rd Street Promenade 

3rd Street Promenade is the perfect spot for a family stroll, and is filled with family-friendly spots to dine and shop, There is always exciting happening on the promenade, such as a movie promotion or captivating street performers.

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Santa Monica 

Huckleberry Cafe

At this local favorite, kids can actually order green eggs and ham- just like the book (the eggs are infused with basil). Ask any Santa Monica native, and they will recommend this awesome spot for brunch or lunch. 

BurgerLounge

BurgerLounge isn't unique to Santa Monica, but they do have a great location with a spacious outdoor patio right off of 3rd Street Promenade. My favorite part about Burger Lounge? Kids eat free on Tuesdays! 

Back on the Beach Cafe

Sink your toes in the sand while you dine at this cafe that is literally right on the beach. Bring a pail and shovel along, and you've got entertainment for your kids while you enjoy a hot meal. 

Sidecar Donuts

Whenever I'm in Santa Monica, I make a point to stop by Sidecar. These donuts are pretty much irresistible. Make sure to grab a Huckleberry one. 

Gallery Food Hall

Food halls are a great way to make sure that every family member can get the fare that they want- and the Gallery Food Hall on the 3rd Street Promenade is no exception. Whether you are in the mood for some fantastic tacos, a burger, a slice of pizza, or a sweet treat, the Gallery Food Hall has you covered. 

Rusty's Surf Ranch

Soak in an ocean view from your vantage point on the pier at this classic Santa Monica spot. The family-friendly vibe and good eats are enough to earn this one a spot on our list- but the weekend karaoke takes it up another notch. 

Can't Miss Events in Santa Monica 

ICE at Santa Monica 

Netflix hosts this epic ice rink which pops up in Santa Monica every November and typically lasts until around January. This isn't your average skating rink. ICE always creates a calendar of theme nights, offers rentals and skate lessons, and packs plenty of surprises into the season. 

Santa Monica Pier 360 Festival

This annual event is packed with fun for families. The festival celebrates beach culture with live music, sports competitions, food and drink, and more. 

Locals Night on the Pier

Once a month, the pier turns into a party for locals (but if you aren't local, we won't tell!) with live music, food, drink, and kids activities. 


Get in the cockpit at the Museum of Flying. Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism​


Find out how high you can jump at the Cayton Children's Museum. Photo by Matthew Tucciarone

​

Looking to entertain kids and family in a different LA neighborhood? We also have lists of 25 things to do in Burbank, Pasadena, Hollywood, Downtown LA, Redondo Beach, Laguna Beach, Marina del Rey, Westchester, Thousand Oaks, or Culver City!