Things to Take Children to in Southern California
- A kayaking tour is fun and good exercise.kayak image by Vitezslav Halamka from Fotolia.com
Southern California has miles of beaches for children and adults to enjoy, and Anaheim's Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. However, these places can get crazy in the summer months and on weekends since they are so popular. Visit those hot spots on nice days during the fall or spring when the crowds are more manageable, and look for places a little more off the beaten track to keep the kids busy. - Legoland is a theme park in Carlsbad, California that is entirely Lego-themed. There are over 60 rides and attractions spread out in 10 different sections. Each section has its own theme, like Dino Island and Pirate Hill. There's also the Sea Life aquarium and a water park with water slides and a special section for toddlers. Children can build their own rafts out of soft Lego blocks to ride through the lazy river. Legoland is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A ticket to just Legoland cost $57 for a child and $67 for an adult, as of October 2010. The Resort Hopper ticket that allows admission to Legoland, the water park and Sea Life cost $77 for a child and $87 for an adult.
Legoland California
One Legoland Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-918-5346
california.legoland.com - The entire family can take a guided kayak tour at the Family Kayak Adventure Center in San Diego. The company offers three-hour tours that are appropriate even for people who have no kayaking experience. All equipment is provided. Children between two- and 14-years-old will share a kayak with an adult, and a tour guide will lead the group through the bays of San Diego. As of October 2010, adults cost $42 each and children under 14 cost $17 each. Reservations are required.
Family Kayak Adventure Center
4217 Swift Ave.
San Diego, CA 92104
619-282-3520
familykayak.com - The Wave is an affordable waterpark in Vista, California. There are four water slides, a river ride, a lap pool and an area for younger children. There are also cabanas and lounge chairs for relaxing and drying off. The park also offers swimming and lifeguard lessons. The park is only open from spring through early fall, and admission cost $16.95 for anyone over 42 inches tall and $12.95 for anyone shorter than 42 inches, as of October 2010.
The Wave Waterpark
101 Wave Dr.
Vista, CA 92083
760-940-9283
thewavewaterpark.com - Griffith Park is a public park that sits on 4,200 acres of land in Los Angeles. Within the park there are hiking and biking trails, a merry-go-round, pony rides, the LA Zoo, a children's train ride, a train museum and the Griffith Observatory, which is a space museum. There are views of downtown LA and the Hollywood sign from various points in the park. Griffith Park is open from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Specific attractions have their own operating hours and some charge admission.
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-913-4688
laparks.org - The California Science Center is located in downtown Los Angeles and has an IMAX theater and an ever-changing list of exhibits that are designed for both children and adults to enjoy. As of October 2010, the exhibits include the World of Life where children can learn about energy and the human body, and Air and Space, where visitors learn about how airplanes work and can see a real spacesuit and space shuttle. The Science Center is open daily except for major holidays and admission is free. There is paid admission for IMAX movies.
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
323-724-3623
californiasciencecenter.org
