Archer goes back to school tomorrow after almost six weeks of vacay time and I'm feeling pretty versed on kid-approved day-trips in/around Los Angeles so I thought, I'd put my knowledge to use and present you all with Archer (and my) Top Ten Places to go in Los Angeles for local readers and those of you looking to spend some time in Los Angeles with your family* at any point in your life. (I do realize L.A. isn't the premiere destination for family fun BUT! There are some amazing places to go and things to do, here, if say, you happen to pass through.)
In no particular order...
10. The Treehouse Social Club: Beverly Hills
This is one of our favorite destinations and this last month we went twice a week, every week. Awesome because they have amazing food and coffee and tables for moms (or dads) to sit and hang while the kids run amok on the treehouse, do crafts in the craft room, play dress-up in the dress-up room or hang in the toddler toy room. There's also a computer room for older kids and daily story times as well as arts and crafts lessons (all included in the price of admission: $9 for kids. Or you can buy a $35 a month membership. $50 if you have two kids over one-year. (Kids under one are free.) The Treehouse is a great place to meet friends and stay cool in the summer. Located on trendy Robertson, beware the paparazzi. (The Ivy is a block away.) Also, parking can be an issue. Park at the meters on Robertson or in the residential neighborhood (two hour free parking) behind the Treehouse. Also, there's a very attractive hairman available for kid's (and mom's haircuts) Thursdays and Fridays. So, yeah. Might want to check that out.
9. The Museum of Natural History: Downtown Los Angeles
The Museum of Natural History was one of our first favorite places. Not only is the museum stellar for kids. (Dinosaur bones! And OMG, the elephants in The African Room are aweeeeesssssoooommmmeeee!) It also has a great hand's on area downstairs that is great fun for little people. Watch live snakes, insects and other creatures. There's also a great fossil dig for kids to play junior archeologist. Parking is super easy (located in front of the entrance and the museum offers all sorts of cool programs like Group Overnight Adventures.
8. LACMA West, "Construct" at Boone Gallery: Miracle Mile
First off, it's free, which is pretty near impossible to find these days. Second, it's an awesome space full of great recycled materials for kids to use, play with and create at their leisure. Whether your kid prefers paints to pastels or building to beading, there is something for everyone, here, including easy bathroom access for little bladders. The LACMA gardens lead to the Page Museum and the La Brea Tarpits so make a full day of it! Also fun to explore the various outside sculptures. (See Archer, above.)
7. Los Angeles Zoo: Glendale (ish)
I'm not going to lie. The L.A. Zoo is kinda ghetto BUT it is super cheap (compared to the much better San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.) Apparently, you get what you pay for when it comes to zoos BUT! What difference does it make to a three-year-old? Anyway, if your kid is anything like mine (s)he'll love watching the monkeys (for HOURS if you're, uh, lucky.) Not recommended in the summer because it gets BAKING hot out there and FAST but highly recommended for the Fall, Winter and Spring when its cooler and not as crowded. Oh! And parking is free, which, again... see? A cheap afternoon at the Zoo doesn't suck, now does it?
6. Santa Monica Beach: Santa Monica
Compared to where I grew up, Los Angeles' beaches are pretty whatevs, but still! We have them, don't we? Might as well take advantage, right? Archer and my beach of preference is no other than Santa Monica beach (Located just south of Pico, off Ocean, next to the park.) Not only is there a playground right off the parking lot, but there's a snack bar thirty paces away and great tide conditions for little people. Very family friendly and relatively uncrowded.
5. Coldwater Canyon Park: Beverly Hills
By far the best summer park in Los Angeles, mainly because of the man-made stream that runs through the middle of it, specifically made for children to play in the water. Bring buckets and your kid is likely to stay amused for hours. (Every time we go I have to drag Archer kicking and screaming out of there because he loves it so much.) Warning: All those pictures you see of celebs and their kids on Famecrawler? Taken at Coldwater Park, which means parking sucks (The black SUVs of the paparazzi are there first thing in the morning, stealing all the spots from normal people) and its kind of a little bit distracting/depressing when cameras are all over the place. On the plus side, you can bring a picnic, blankets and hang under the shade with perfect view of your frolicking-in-the-water kids. Highly recommended for Mommy groups and or family weekend destinations.
4. Noah's Ark, SkirballCenter: West Los Angeles
You'll need to make reservations ahead of time but you'll be very glad you did. Noah's Ark is unlike any exhibit anywhere and as much fun for adults as it is for kids. (See Hal chasing Archer through the Ark, above.) All Ark items are totally interactive (and made from recycled materials) including a Zebra made of keyboards and exotic birds with hand fans for wings. Noah's Ark also has a craft room and daily environmental presentations going on in the outside auditorium. Each ticket allots you two hours in the exhibit (more than enough time.) I LOVE this place and cannot wait to go back, soon.
3. Griffith Park Observatory: Los Feliz/Hollywood
Newly open (less than two years ago) after years of renovations The Griffith Park Observatory is a great afternoon getaway. Catch the shuttle bus from Griffith Park and enjoy the ride up the hill to the observatory where you and your family can explore through the afternoon and early evening. (The view from atop the observatory is unbelievable. Sunsets on the ocean and the whole nine.) Especially if your kid is a huge space buff, but even if he/she isn't, the Observatory is interactive, kid-friendly and fun for adults as well.
2. Griffith Park Ponyride and Train: Los Feliz
A family favorite of ours and pretty much every family I know in the greater L.A. area, Griffith Park totally rocks. Especially the ponyride and southern railroad (which has been running since the 40's). Get there early, as it gets crowded later in the afternoon. (The train and ponies open at 10.) The train ride costs $2.50 a ticket (parents need to accompany small children) and the pony-rides are $3 a ride. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon a riding. (Don't forget: pony ride is cash only. Train does take credit cards, however.) If the kids still want to play after lunch, drive a mile down the road to Shane's Inspiration park.
1. El Capitan Theatre: Hollywood
Hate on Los Angeles, all you want. The one thing no one can deny is that our theatres are pretty first-rate-historical awesome. Grauman's Chinese Theatre is arguably the most famous movie theatre in the world and the El Capitan is right up there with it. I can't imagine a better place to take a child to the movies in all the city than a theatre that specializes in Disney films new and old, complete with live stage shows before every movie. The theatre is not without historical significance (Citizen Kane made its debut at The El Capitan in 1941.) It was also one of Hollywood's first movie theatres (making its debut in 1926.) But more than that, it's a wonderland for wide-eyed children and their parents. One step inside the El Capitan and you'll never take your kid to another ho-hum AMC theatre again.
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As always, feel free to add some of your favorite L.A.family destinations to the list
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*And if you don't have kids? Check out my OTHER list of L.A.'s best destinations.
