Top 16 Things to do with kids in Long Beach
Long Beach, California, offers a plethora of family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for a fun-filled day with kids. "Things to do with kids in Long Beach" range from exploring the wonders of the ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific to visiting the historic Queen Mary ocean liner. Discover the joy of interactive learning at the Museum of Latin American Art or let loose at El Dorado Regional Park. Create unforgettable memories with your little ones in this vibrant, child-centric city.
- 1. Aquarium of the Pacific
- 2. ShoreLine Aquatic Park
- 3. Bixby Park
- 4. Rainbow Lagoon Park
- 5. Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
- 6. The El Dorado Frontier Theme Park
- 7. Bayshore Playground
- 8. Long Beach Museum of Art
- 9. Shoreline Village
- 10. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
- 11. Lions Lighthouse
- 12. Admiral Kidd Park
- 13. El Dorado Nature Center
- 14. Victory Park
- 15. Rosie the Riveter Park
- 16. Jumpify
1. Aquarium of the Pacific
Home to over 11,000 animals from around the world

The Aquarium of the Pacific provided a fantastic experience for families with children. Visitors are greeted by engaging exhibits and friendly staff, making it an ideal destination for a family outing.
The sea otters and shark lagoon were among the most popular attractions for the children. With a variety of activities available, young visitors are sure to be entertained and educated about marine life. It is highly recommended for families seeking a fun and educational experience.
2. ShoreLine Aquatic Park
Features a lively shark lagoon and a stunning 360-degree ocean view

Family trips often involve finding activities that are enjoyable for both children and adults. This destination offered a perfect solution, featuring fun and entertaining options that kept the kids engaged while also providing entertainment for the adults. The activities and observation windows ensured that the children remained occupied and excited throughout the visit.
This aquarium offered great experiences through shows and hands-on activities. Visitors were treated to amazing shows and had the opportunity to participate in interactive activities with the animals. Enthusiastic volunteers were on hand to share knowledge about the animals and provide unique experiences, such as touching jellyfishes and sharks. This made for an unforgettable and educational experience.
3. Bixby Park
A community hub with a rich history

Urban parks provide a range of facilities for visitors to enjoy. These can include playgrounds for children, skate parks for skateboarders, community centers for various activities, and youth recreation programs. Additionally, some urban parks have a dedicated teen center. These amenities make urban parks popular gathering spots for people of all ages.
Visitors to urban parks can enjoy a variety of activities. Soccer games, often informal and pick-up style, are a common sight in many urban parks. In good weather, farmers' markets, barbecues, and bounce houses add to the lively atmosphere. Some parks even have a stage for live music performances, particularly during the summer months. The combination of community events and recreational opportunities make urban parks a hub of activity and socialization.
4. Rainbow Lagoon Park
Hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year

The park offers a perfect setting for a family outing. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful picnic while children run around and play. The scenic beauty and pleasant atmosphere make it an ideal place to relax and unwind.
A popular activity at the park is renting swan boats at Rainbow Lagoon. Children especially enjoy paddling around the lagoon and taking in the city views from a different perspective. It's a fun and unique way to experience the park and create lasting memories.
5. Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
A historic 19th-century ranch with extensive gardens and farm animals

Rancho Los Alamitos, a historical landmark in Long Beach, offers a free admission to its beautiful gardens and adobe home. The property is a tranquil escape that has been occupied since the Native American era. Camille, the docent, guided a small group through the adobe house, sharing its history from the Native Americans to the Bixby Family. The gardens are divided into sections, including a succulent/cactus garden, and are still stunning even in February. Volunteers like Janet maintain the gardens, and visitors can find farm animals and a blacksmith shop on-site.
A visit to Rancho Los Alamitos offers not only a peaceful retreat but also an opportunity to learn about local history. The property, which has been occupied for centuries, features a beautiful adobe house and well-maintained gardens. Docents like Camille provide informative tours of the adobe house and share the rich history of the site. In addition to the adobe house and gardens, visitors can see farm animals, a blacksmith shop, and a gift shop. The property's peaceful atmosphere and rich history make it an ideal destination for a relaxing afternoon.
6. The El Dorado Frontier Theme Park
Recreates a 19th-century gold mining town experience

El Dorado Frontier is a unique, pocket-sized theme park located in Long Beach's El Dorado Park. Open only on weekends, this charming attraction offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including a railroad, carousel, buggy ride, and gold panning. Despite its small size, the park manages to pack in a lot of fun and excitement, making it a popular destination for families and visitors of all ages.
The park's railroad is a particular highlight, with a nearly 15-minute ride that loops around a leafy corner of the park. Along the way, riders pass through a strobing mine shaft, adding an extra thrill to the experience. The carousel is another popular attraction, with beautifully painted horses and other animals that spin around to the sound of cheerful music. The buggy ride and gold panning activities offer a taste of the Old West, allowing visitors to imagine what life was like in a simpler time. Overall, El Dorado Frontier is a wonderful place to spend a few hours, offering a convenient and affordable way to enjoy a miniature theme park experience in the heart of Long Beach.
7. Bayshore Playground
Features a roller rink and a variety of sports courts

Bayshore Playground is a popular destination for families looking to enjoy a day out together. The calm and scenic waters, along with the many boats visible, make it an attractive spot for children. The playground is well-maintained and offers ample space for children to play and run around, providing a great setting for family recreation.
Kids are particularly drawn to the roller hockey rink and paddle tennis court at Bayshore Playground. The rink and court are well-maintained and offer a fun and engaging way for children to stay active and engaged in physical activity. Parents can appreciate the well-maintained facilities, safe environment, and the opportunity for their children to enjoy some healthy exercise.
8. Long Beach Museum of Art
Located near the scenic Long Beach coastline

The Long Beach Museum of Art is an ideal place to visit, particularly on weekends when they offer kids’ workshops. This museum boasts an impressive art collection, making it a great spot to immerse yourself in culture. The kids’ workshops cater to young visitors, allowing them to engage in creative activities and learn about art.
Visiting the Long Beach Museum of Art means taking in a vast art collection and enjoying special activities for kids. The museum hosts workshops for children on select weekends, providing them with an opportunity to learn about and create art. This destination is perfect for families seeking a culturally enriching experience.
9. Shoreline Village
A unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment

Shoreline Village is a vibrant destination offering a variety of seaside attractions. Visitors can explore numerous shops, indulge in a diverse selection of restaurants, and enjoy scenic views of the Long Beach Harbor. The village has a distinct nautical theme, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy a fun-filled day.
This marina area features numerous restaurants and food styles, providing something for every taste. Besides the culinary offerings, Shoreline Village offers plenty of activities for kids, such as a carousel and a game center. Although parking is not free, the overall experience of this scenic village is well worth the cost. Take in the stunning views of the harbor, delight in the nautical atmosphere, and create cherished memories with your loved ones at Shoreline Village.
10. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
A peaceful oasis in an urban setting

The garden is small but its beauty is striking. A complete walk around the garden can be done in under 10 minutes. Its size makes it an ideal place for young children to explore and discover the koi pond.
Surrounding the koi pond are a variety of beautiful and inquisitive fish, waiting to be fed with the food provided as part of the admission cost. There are benches located around the pond, nestled among the bushes, providing a peaceful setting for visitors. Contemplative music plays in the background, adding to the serene atmosphere. Tables are also available, providing an opportunity to sit and relax for a while in this charming garden.
11. Lions Lighthouse
Home to over 11,000 ocean animals, including the popular sea lions and seabirds

Lions Lighthouse is a popular destination for families due to its scenic views and park full of opportunities for exploration. Children particularly enjoy running around and investigating the lighthouse. The park's location offers a perfect setting for a picnic, with magnificent views adding to the experience.
Additionally, the lighthouse is situated in a bustling park near the shoreline village and Catalina express. The area provides a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for a leisurely stroll in the evening while taking in the downtown views. The park's proximity to these attractions makes it a well-visited and vibrant location.
12. Admiral Kidd Park
Admiral Kidd Park is also home to a popular skate park and a navy-themed memorial

There's a great new park to check out, which features a play area for kids. This park is located across the street from Cabrillo High School and hosted the Long Beach Unity festival recently, which attracted a fantastic crowd. The playground in this park has a unique nautical theme, complete with portholes, a periscope, and a spinning ship's wheel. These features pay homage to the park's namesake, Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd.
After undergoing a significant upgrade, this playground now boasts even more exciting features for kids to enjoy. The renovation introduces a dinosaur theme that includes a 'Dino Excavating Zone' and a T-Rex climbing structure. This expansion is sure to provide even more fun and entertainment for children of all ages. The combination of the nautical and dinosaur themes creates a one-of-a-kind play area that is both educational and enjoyable.
13. El Dorado Nature Center
Tranquil urban oasis with a focus on environmental education and conservation.

The El Dorado Nature Center is a great destination for a family outing. One of the highlights for my family was the 2-mile trail, which my kids particularly enjoyed. The nature center also features a lake where we spotted turtles, adding to the overall enjoyment of our visit.
Apart from the trail and lake, the El Dorado Nature Center offers various special programs and educational experiences throughout the year. These programs cater to a wide range of audiences, from pre-school children to birdwatching enthusiasts who join the morning bird walks. The nature center's commitment to education and conservation makes it a valuable resource for the community.
14. Victory Park
Sprawling urban park with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean

Victory Park is an ideal location for families to spend quality time together. With ample space for children to run and play, the park offers a welcoming environment for families to enjoy. Nearby attractions, such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, provide additional entertainment options for families visiting the park.
The park features a variety of activities tailored to keep kids engaged and entertained. Playgrounds and picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, making it an excellent spot for a family day out. The park's offerings ensure that children of all ages can find an activity that suits their interests and abilities, creating a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
15. Rosie the Riveter Park
Honors the women who worked in the defense industries during WWII

A family visit to this park proved to be both enjoyable and educational. The interactive trail held the kids' attention and provided a chance to learn about World War II history. The park's well-maintained grounds offered a peaceful setting, making it an ideal location for a family outing.
The historical markers and a replica of the National WWII Memorial left my kids fascinated, providing a unique and engaging way to teach them about history. Spending time outdoors while learning makes for a valuable experience, combining entertainment and education in a meaningful way.
16. Jumpify
