Top 16 Kid-Friendly day trips in Long Beach
"Discover the joy of family-friendly adventures with kid-friendly day trips in Long Beach! This vibrant coastal city offers a variety of exciting destinations for kids and parents to enjoy. From thrilling theme parks to educational museums and aquariums, Long Beach has something for everyone. Plan an unforgettable day trip in this kid-friendly paradise!"
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- 1. Aquarium of the Pacific
- 2. ShoreLine Aquatic Park
- 3. Bixby Park
- 4. Long Beach Museum of Art
- 5. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
- 6. Rainbow Lagoon Park
- 7. Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
- 8. Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
- 9. El Dorado East Regional Park
- 10. Lions Lighthouse
- 11. Rosie's Dog Beach
- 12. Harbor Breeze Cruises
- 13. El Dorado Nature Center
- 14. Victory Park
- 15. Alamitos Park
- 16. Lincoln Park
1. Aquarium of the Pacific
Largest aquarium in Southern California
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The activities and extensive viewing tanks at this location kept young children engaged and entertained throughout their visit. One of the highlights was the ability to have close encounters with various sea animals, such as jellyfish and rays. The spacious area allowed children to safely run around and explore, while the respectful patrons added to the overall positive atmosphere.
Families with young children can look forward to a fun and educational experience at this location. In addition to the interactive activities, there are numerous viewing tanks where kids can observe and learn about different sea creatures. The area is large enough for children to expend their energy while still being safe and manageable. The consideration of other patrons also contributes to a pleasant environment for all visitors.
The activities and extensive viewing tanks at this location kept young children engaged and entertained throughout their visit. One of the highlights was the ability to have close encounters with various sea animals, such as jellyfish and rays. The spacious area allowed children to safely run around and explore, while the respectful patrons added to the overall positive atmosphere.
Families with young children can look forward to a fun and educational experience at this location. In addition to the interactive activities, there are numerous viewing tanks where kids can observe and learn about different sea creatures. The area is large enough for children to expend their energy while still being safe and manageable. The consideration of other patrons also contributes to a pleasant environment for all visitors.
2. ShoreLine Aquatic Park
Interactive experiences
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The Aquarium of the Pacific is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of animals, including sharks, frogs, otters, and penguins. A visit to the aquarium can easily last four hours or more, with plenty of interactive touch tanks, animal demonstrations, and movie presentations to enjoy.
The aquarium's largest ocean exhibit features a vast diversity of marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to captivating sea lion shows. Visitors can immerse themselves in these experiences and learn about the animals through interactive learning opportunities, such as touching tide pool animals, participating in behind-the-scenes tours, and diving into the ocean realm through virtual reality experiences.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of animals, including sharks, frogs, otters, and penguins. A visit to the aquarium can easily last four hours or more, with plenty of interactive touch tanks, animal demonstrations, and movie presentations to enjoy.
The aquarium's largest ocean exhibit features a vast diversity of marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to captivating sea lion shows. Visitors can immerse themselves in these experiences and learn about the animals through interactive learning opportunities, such as touching tide pool animals, participating in behind-the-scenes tours, and diving into the ocean realm through virtual reality experiences.
3. Bixby Park
Historic landmark with ocean views
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Bixby Park is a family-friendly park offering a range of amenities such as a playground, mobile skate park, community center, and youth recreation programs. It also features a teen center. The park is an inviting and friendly space, perfect for families with children.
In addition to its recreational facilities, Bixby Park is a great place to wander and explore. The area is filled with excellent dining options, and just across the street, you can take in the beauty of the ocean. The park is also a popular spot for people-watching, especially on weekends. Overall, Bixby Park is a fun and enjoyable place to visit.
Bixby Park is a family-friendly park offering a range of amenities such as a playground, mobile skate park, community center, and youth recreation programs. It also features a teen center. The park is an inviting and friendly space, perfect for families with children.
In addition to its recreational facilities, Bixby Park is a great place to wander and explore. The area is filled with excellent dining options, and just across the street, you can take in the beauty of the ocean. The park is also a popular spot for people-watching, especially on weekends. Overall, Bixby Park is a fun and enjoyable place to visit.
4. Long Beach Museum of Art
Historic ocean liner architecture
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The Long Beach Museum of Art hosts family art-making workshops on select Sundays throughout each month. These workshops provide a space for children to create their own artwork, inspired by the museum's diverse exhibits. The hands-on activities allow young artists to explore different mediums and techniques, fostering creativity and innovation.
In addition to their regular schedule of family workshops, the Long Beach Museum of Art also offers kids-focused events on some weekends. These workshops are designed to engage young artists and provide them with the opportunity to develop their skills and explore their creativity in a supportive and educational environment. By offering these programs, the museum aims to make art accessible and enjoyable for learners of all ages.
The Long Beach Museum of Art hosts family art-making workshops on select Sundays throughout each month. These workshops provide a space for children to create their own artwork, inspired by the museum's diverse exhibits. The hands-on activities allow young artists to explore different mediums and techniques, fostering creativity and innovation.
In addition to their regular schedule of family workshops, the Long Beach Museum of Art also offers kids-focused events on some weekends. These workshops are designed to engage young artists and provide them with the opportunity to develop their skills and explore their creativity in a supportive and educational environment. By offering these programs, the museum aims to make art accessible and enjoyable for learners of all ages.
5. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Tranquil atmosphere, beautiful scenery
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The Japanese Gardens at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) are a wonderful spot for families to spend time together. The gardens feature an easy walking path, perfect for young children, and plenty of benches to take breaks and enjoy snacks. One of the highlights of the gardens is the koi pond, where colorful fish swim around, eager for food from visitors.
Located on the CSULB campus, the Japanese Gardens are a peaceful retreat for a leisurely stroll. The gardens are home to a large koi pond, where the fish are so enthusiastic about being fed that they appear to try and climb out of the water to get to the food. Visitors are encouraged to bring change to purchase fish food and experience this fun interaction with the koi.
The Japanese Gardens at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) are a wonderful spot for families to spend time together. The gardens feature an easy walking path, perfect for young children, and plenty of benches to take breaks and enjoy snacks. One of the highlights of the gardens is the koi pond, where colorful fish swim around, eager for food from visitors.
Located on the CSULB campus, the Japanese Gardens are a peaceful retreat for a leisurely stroll. The gardens are home to a large koi pond, where the fish are so enthusiastic about being fed that they appear to try and climb out of the water to get to the food. Visitors are encouraged to bring change to purchase fish food and experience this fun interaction with the koi.
6. Rainbow Lagoon Park
Scenic location for picnics and events
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The Swan Boat at Rainbow Lagoon in Shoreline Drive is a delightful recreational attraction that offers ornamental swan-shaped boats for visitors to rent and enjoy leisurely rides on the water. Young children, especially those aged between 6 to 9 years old, are sure to find the experience enjoyable and entertaining.
The Swan Boat at Rainbow Lagoon in Shoreline Drive is a delightful recreational attraction that offers ornamental swan-shaped boats for visitors to rent and enjoy leisurely rides on the water. Young children, especially those aged between 6 to 9 years old, are sure to find the experience enjoyable and entertaining.
7. Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
Adobe estate residences and adobe outbuildings
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Rancho Los Alamitos, a beautiful property in a tranquil setting, offers a historical experience along with stunning gardens. The adobe home tours, led by knowledgeable docents like Camille, provide insights into the property's history from Native American times to the Bixby Family's ownership. The gardens, divided into different sections, are a delight to explore, even in February when blooming is sparse. Volunteers like Janet enthusiastically share their knowledge, enhancing the visit.
Rancho Los Alamitos is not just about the adobe house and gardens; it also features a big red barn with large draft horses, ponies, goats, and free-range hens. The ranch's peaceful atmosphere, filled with local history, makes it an ideal spot for a family outing or a personal retreat. Located in a gated subdivision, the ranch opens at 1 pm, allowing visitors to enjoy a serene afternoon in a lovely setting.
Rancho Los Alamitos, a beautiful property in a tranquil setting, offers a historical experience along with stunning gardens. The adobe home tours, led by knowledgeable docents like Camille, provide insights into the property's history from Native American times to the Bixby Family's ownership. The gardens, divided into different sections, are a delight to explore, even in February when blooming is sparse. Volunteers like Janet enthusiastically share their knowledge, enhancing the visit.
Rancho Los Alamitos is not just about the adobe house and gardens; it also features a big red barn with large draft horses, ponies, goats, and free-range hens. The ranch's peaceful atmosphere, filled with local history, makes it an ideal spot for a family outing or a personal retreat. Located in a gated subdivision, the ranch opens at 1 pm, allowing visitors to enjoy a serene afternoon in a lovely setting.
8. Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
Only museum in US dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American art
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A visit to MOLAA (Museum of Latin American Art) with my kids proved to be a fantastic experience. The museum offers a variety of art workshops that were a big hit with my children. It's a great place for a family outing, providing an engaging and entertaining environment for children.
MOLAA is an excellent choice for a kid-friendly day trip. The museum features interactive exhibits and activities that kept my children entertained throughout our visit. I would recommend MOLAA to anyone looking for a family-friendly destination that combines education and entertainment.
A visit to MOLAA (Museum of Latin American Art) with my kids proved to be a fantastic experience. The museum offers a variety of art workshops that were a big hit with my children. It's a great place for a family outing, providing an engaging and entertaining environment for children.
MOLAA is an excellent choice for a kid-friendly day trip. The museum features interactive exhibits and activities that kept my children entertained throughout our visit. I would recommend MOLAA to anyone looking for a family-friendly destination that combines education and entertainment.
9. El Dorado East Regional Park
Scenic views of the San Gabriel River
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El Dorado Frontier in Long Beach offers a fun and educational experience for you and your children, transporting you all back to the wild west. Here, you can try your hand at panning for gold or take a historical train ride. Another attraction in Long Beach is El Dorado East Regional Park, where AllTrails provides recommendations for 4 awesome trails that are perfect for hiking and family outings.
At El Dorado Frontier, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the wild west, with activities such as gold panning and a train ride through history. Over at El Dorado East Regional Park, AllTrails helps you discover 4 great trails for hiking and other activities, making it a perfect destination for both adventurous hikes and family trips.
El Dorado Frontier in Long Beach offers a fun and educational experience for you and your children, transporting you all back to the wild west. Here, you can try your hand at panning for gold or take a historical train ride. Another attraction in Long Beach is El Dorado East Regional Park, where AllTrails provides recommendations for 4 awesome trails that are perfect for hiking and family outings.
At El Dorado Frontier, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the wild west, with activities such as gold panning and a train ride through history. Over at El Dorado East Regional Park, AllTrails helps you discover 4 great trails for hiking and other activities, making it a perfect destination for both adventurous hikes and family trips.
10. Lions Lighthouse
Only California lighthouse located on an ocean pier
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Long Beach, California is an outstanding destination for families, offering a wide range of activities that are both fun and educational. The city's coastal charm and urban energy make it an ideal location for a family vacation, with plenty of attractions that cater to kids of all ages.
One such attraction is the Lions Lighthouse, a decorative lighthouse located in Shoreline Marina. This ten-story tall structure, known as the Lions Lighthouse for Sight, stands proudly in Rainbow Bay and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The lighthouse is a tribute to those who have lost their sight, and visitors can climb to the top for a small fee to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and the city. The surrounding area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or a first date, making it a must-visit destination in Long Beach.
Long Beach, California is an outstanding destination for families, offering a wide range of activities that are both fun and educational. The city's coastal charm and urban energy make it an ideal location for a family vacation, with plenty of attractions that cater to kids of all ages.
One such attraction is the Lions Lighthouse, a decorative lighthouse located in Shoreline Marina. This ten-story tall structure, known as the Lions Lighthouse for Sight, stands proudly in Rainbow Bay and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The lighthouse is a tribute to those who have lost their sight, and visitors can climb to the top for a small fee to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and the city. The surrounding area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or a first date, making it a must-visit destination in Long Beach.
11. Rosie's Dog Beach
Only dedicated off-leash dog beach in Long Beach
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The author and their dog have a favorite beach, which they enjoy visiting together. They recommend parking on the street for free, although a lot closer to the beach is available for a fee. During their most recent visit, their dog did not seem to enjoy the water or the sand, so they only stayed for about 20 minutes. However, they are open to visiting again in the future.
This dog-friendly beach is a great spot for small dogs, as it is never too crowded and has plenty of space to roam. Street parking is free, and there is a bathroom building located right next to the parking lot. The author has never seen more than four or five dogs during their visits to this 4-mile stretch of dog beach, which they find delightful. In comparison to other nearby beaches, this one is much less busy and offers a more relaxed atmosphere for dogs and their owners.
The author and their dog have a favorite beach, which they enjoy visiting together. They recommend parking on the street for free, although a lot closer to the beach is available for a fee. During their most recent visit, their dog did not seem to enjoy the water or the sand, so they only stayed for about 20 minutes. However, they are open to visiting again in the future.
This dog-friendly beach is a great spot for small dogs, as it is never too crowded and has plenty of space to roam. Street parking is free, and there is a bathroom building located right next to the parking lot. The author has never seen more than four or five dogs during their visits to this 4-mile stretch of dog beach, which they find delightful. In comparison to other nearby beaches, this one is much less busy and offers a more relaxed atmosphere for dogs and their owners.
TOPICS
- Waterfront
- Free Events
- Weekend Dining
12. Harbor Breeze Cruises
Oceanfront views, eco-friendly boats
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Harbor Breeze Cruises offered a fantastic whale watching tour for my family and me. The knowledgeable crew made the trip enjoyable and engaging for our children. We were fortunate to see both dolphins and a blue whale, which was the highlight of our trip. I highly recommend Harbor Breeze Cruises for a kid-friendly day out.
Our family had a great experience on the Harbor Breeze Cruises whale watching tour, which was both enjoyable and educational for our children. The staff excelled in providing fascinating insights about the marine life we encountered, keeping our kids engaged and entertained throughout the trip. My children loved the experience and can't wait to go again.
Harbor Breeze Cruises offered a fantastic whale watching tour for my family and me. The knowledgeable crew made the trip enjoyable and engaging for our children. We were fortunate to see both dolphins and a blue whale, which was the highlight of our trip. I highly recommend Harbor Breeze Cruises for a kid-friendly day out.
Our family had a great experience on the Harbor Breeze Cruises whale watching tour, which was both enjoyable and educational for our children. The staff excelled in providing fascinating insights about the marine life we encountered, keeping our kids engaged and entertained throughout the trip. My children loved the experience and can't wait to go again.
13. El Dorado Nature Center
Scenic beauty, tranquility, and opportunities for outdoor recreation
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El Dorado Nature Center is a wonderful place for families to visit, particularly those with children. The center is home to various wildlife, including blue herons and turtles, making it an ideal location for kids to learn about and interact with nature. The center boasts over 2 miles of nature walk paths, which are easy to navigate, making it accessible for young children to explore.
A day trip to El Dorado Nature Center is both fun and educational for children. The trails provide a perfect opportunity for kids to discover the natural world around them, with the assurance of easy terrain for little legs to handle. The combination of beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife creates an unforgettable experience for families looking for a kid-friendly outdoor adventure.
El Dorado Nature Center is a wonderful place for families to visit, particularly those with children. The center is home to various wildlife, including blue herons and turtles, making it an ideal location for kids to learn about and interact with nature. The center boasts over 2 miles of nature walk paths, which are easy to navigate, making it accessible for young children to explore.
A day trip to El Dorado Nature Center is both fun and educational for children. The trails provide a perfect opportunity for kids to discover the natural world around them, with the assurance of easy terrain for little legs to handle. The combination of beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife creates an unforgettable experience for families looking for a kid-friendly outdoor adventure.
14. Victory Park
Historical significance, family-friendly atmosphere
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Long Beach, California, is an excellent destination for families with children due to its many kid-friendly activities. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a must-visit, offering diverse marine life and interactive exhibits. For art lovers, the Long Beach Museum of Art is a great place to explore. Additionally, children can enjoy a dolphin and whale adventure, providing an exciting experience to learn about and observe these magnificent creatures.
Long Beach, California, is an excellent destination for families with children due to its many kid-friendly activities. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a must-visit, offering diverse marine life and interactive exhibits. For art lovers, the Long Beach Museum of Art is a great place to explore. Additionally, children can enjoy a dolphin and whale adventure, providing an exciting experience to learn about and observe these magnificent creatures.
15. Alamitos Park
Historic neighborhood landmark
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Alamitos Park is a small city-run park situated in Long Beach, California, at the southernmost end of the peninsula, next to the entrance of Alamitos Bay. This park offers a small grass area with picnic tables and palm trees, providing a perfect place for a relaxed picnic. On the bay side, you'll find the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club and Peninsula Bayside Beach, while Alamitos Park Beach is located on the ocean side, a wide sandy spot protected by jetties and the Long Beach Breakwater, making it ideal for swimming. To reach Alamitos Park, drive south on East Ocean Boulevard until you reach the end at 72nd Place, where there is a public parking lot available.
Long Beach features various beaches, from large city beaches on the ocean to smaller, calmer bayside beaches. Popular options include Long Beach City Beach, Belmont Shore Beach, Alamitos Beach, Granada Beach, and Bayshore Beach. For families with small children, there are additional options such as Mother's Beach, Junipero Beach, and Colorado Lagoon Park, ensuring an enjoyable beach experience tailored to their needs.
Alamitos Park is a small city-run park situated in Long Beach, California, at the southernmost end of the peninsula, next to the entrance of Alamitos Bay. This park offers a small grass area with picnic tables and palm trees, providing a perfect place for a relaxed picnic. On the bay side, you'll find the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club and Peninsula Bayside Beach, while Alamitos Park Beach is located on the ocean side, a wide sandy spot protected by jetties and the Long Beach Breakwater, making it ideal for swimming. To reach Alamitos Park, drive south on East Ocean Boulevard until you reach the end at 72nd Place, where there is a public parking lot available.
Long Beach features various beaches, from large city beaches on the ocean to smaller, calmer bayside beaches. Popular options include Long Beach City Beach, Belmont Shore Beach, Alamitos Beach, Granada Beach, and Bayshore Beach. For families with small children, there are additional options such as Mother's Beach, Junipero Beach, and Colorado Lagoon Park, ensuring an enjoyable beach experience tailored to their needs.
16. Lincoln Park
You can't miss Lincoln Park while driving down Pacific Ave. It has a large playground, 2 dog parks, a skating rink, and a giant penny statue right at the entrance. Recently opened, Lincoln Park is a must-see; It offers plenty of climbing equipment, slides, swings, grass fields, and even a half-court basketball court. If you're lucky, the library, which is located at the back of the park, will have fun activities outside for the kids, like soccer, football, and giant Connect 4.