Long Beach, California boasts an array of fun and interesting activities for kids and children of all ages. With weather at near perfect conditions year-round, a beautiful 6-mile stretch of beach, and many parks citywide, Long Beach offers just the right mix of things to choose from. Make your next family outing an event everyone can look forward to, and reap the rewards from watching your kids have fun!
A Step Back in Time
Take a step back in time with a visit to Long Beach’s two historic ranchos. Each provides visitors with a glimpse into Southern California’s early beginnings which include beautiful gardens, adobe homes and period antiques. Kids will love the "working barns" at Rancho Los Alamitos, and will thrill in making their own adobe bricks during "Mud Mania!" at Rancho Los Cerritos. Both ranchos hold family activities throughout the year. Self-guided and docent led tours. Open Wed.-Sun.
Rancho Los Alamitos
6400 Bixby Rd.
(562) 431-3541
Rancho Los Cerritos
4600 Virginia Rd.
(562) 570-1755
A Day at the Beach
Long Beach sits on the Pacific Coast and has nearly six miles of beach to offer residents and visitors a variety of activities to choose from. A bike path straddles the shoreline and gives people sweeping views of Santa Catalina Island, Seal Beach, Sunset Beach, and Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Spend a day at the beach, or take the kids for a ride on the bike path along the shore. The path is perfect for parents pushing strollers, kids skating on roller blades or children riding bicycles. For a great family experience, rent a surrey at Shoreline Village and peddle together into the sunset.
If your kids like the water, sign them up for a class at Leeway Sailing Center. They can learn how to kayak, canoe or sail a sabot sailboat. For those who have passed the assessment test, rent by the hour on Saturdays and spend a leisurely afternoon in Naples or Alamitos Bay. Classes offered for all levels, from 7 years and up.
Leeway Sailing Center
5437 E. Ocean Blvd.
(562) 570-1719
Art Abounds
Long Beach has two museums that are both recognized for their unique collections of art and programs for families: The Long Beach Museum of Art and The Museum of Latin American Art.
LBMA is located on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and consists of the main museum, a café, and a gift shop. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts during "Creativity Labs," held on the second Sunday of every month from 2-4. The museum also hosts the annual "Children’s Cultural Festival" each year and, week-long summer camps for those who love art.
Long Beach Museum of Art
2300 E. Ocean Blvd.
(562) 439-2119
Visit the Museum of Latin American Art for "Sundays at MoLAA." Art workshops every Sunday from 12-2 p.m. for all ages. Summer camps also available.
MoLAA
628 Alamitos Ave.
(562) 437-1689
Attractions and More
The Aquarium of the Pacific—Go "underwater" to a world of dazzling tropical fish and eerie dark caverns. Set in Rainbow Harbor, the Aquarium of the Pacific takes visitors on an exploration through 19 habitats and 3 regions of the Pacific Ocean. Throughout the year it presents educational programs to kids of all ages.
100 Aquarium Way
(562) 590-3100
The Queen Mary—This majestic beauty sits peacefully at the end of the 710 freeway just minutes away from Shoreline Village. Kids and children will be awed by her size and breadth, and wowed by her haunting history. Tours are available daily. Shops, dining and hotel rooms are also aboard this mighty legend.
1126 Queens Highway
(562) 435-3511
Shoreline Village—Take a stroll along the boardwalk of this quaint village located in Rainbow Harbor. Kids will enjoy watching the boats coming and going on the glassy water, while sampling a treat from one of the nearby eateries. For added fun, there is a carousel and arcade in the Pelican Pier Pavilion.
429 Shoreline Village Dr.
(562) 435-2668
Second Street—This hip strip gives children a chance to satisfy their ever-present sweet tooth. Get an ice cream cone at Cold Stone Creamery or buy a caramel apple at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. To encourage the artist in your child, take him/her to "Color Me Mine" for an afternoon painting clay pottery.
Regional Park/Nature Center
Long Beach has more than 25 parks, including El Dorado East Regional Park, the city’s largest park. Here, kids can go on a train ride on the weekends, or take a hike through the El Dorado Nature Center Tuesday-Sunday. The Nature Center has a variety of programs to help children develop an appreciation of the natural world, and includes a hands-on exhibit in the museum. Within the park, choose from other activities below and spend the entire day away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world:
Paddle boats
Fishing
Archery
Bike path
7550 E. Spring St.
(562) 570-1771
Park entry fee is $3.00 M-F and $5.00 weekends/holidays.
Skate Park
El Dorado Park West has a skate park for kids who want to show off their skate-boarding skills or test their "in-line" abilities on the concrete coping and ledges. Located behind the offices of the Long Beach Park and Recreation Department, this venue provides an outlet for those with energy to burn. Skateboards and in-line skates only. Protective equipment required.
2800 Studebaker Rd.
(562) 570-3225
Summer Tunes
During the summer months, the Long Beach Municipal Band takes its music on the road to various parks throughout the city. Families can enjoy listening to a variety of music from Americana to the Blues, and small children delight in dancing to the catchy tunes. The musicians in this band are some of Southern California’s best, and put on an incredible show which includes guest artists. Take along a picnic dinner or buy your meal from one of the food vendors, and sit back for an evening of free entertainment!
Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine
(562) 570-3100
Story Times
Children love hearing story tellers bring a book to life, or being enchanted by a favorite character during a special appearance. Visit the magical, "Once Upon a Story" bookstore or the Main Library, and let your kids be taken away by the powers of the spoken word:
Once Upon a Story
3740 E. 4th St.
(562) 433-6856
Main Library
101 Pacific Ave.
(562) 570-7500
Climbing, Anyone?
If your kids love a challenge and want to test their fear of heights, then take them to The Rock Gym! Here, they can work their way up a rock wall or free climb large boulders. This is Southern California’s largest indoor rock climbing facility, boasting 12,000 square feet of climbing area. Children can practice lead climbing, top-roofing, bouldering, and scaling a 24-foot vertical roof. Classes offered year-round. Daily passes: Adults $15.00, Children $12.00. Equipment rental extra.
The Rock Gym
2599 E. Willow St.
Signal Hill
(562) 981-3200
Other Highlights During the Year
Naples Boat Parade
Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
Kaleidoscope Festival (held in April) at California State University, Long Beach
Ice Dogs, Ice Hockey (October through April)
Long Beach, California offers families many opportunities to spend time together. Kids of all ages will enjoy the wide selection of things to do—especially outside—where the weather is usually just right for a day in the sun. From art projects to bike rides, Long Beach has it all. Reap the rewards that come from watching your children as participants or spectators, and join them in what matters the most: having a great time!
