Summer in LA with kids? You’re in for a treat! As caregivers at Seaside Nannies, we’ve spent countless hours exploring this amazing city with children of all ages, and let me tell you, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Whether your little ones are beach lovers, thrill seekers, or budding scientists, Los Angeles has something that’ll make their summer absolutely unforgettable.
We know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re trying to plan the perfect summer for your kids. That’s why we’ve put together this guide filled with all our favorite spots and insider tips from years of creating magical summer memories with the families we work with.
Beat the Heat at LA’s Best Beaches and Water Spots
Let’s start with everyone’s favorite summer solution – water! The Annenberg Beach House is honestly a game-changer for families. Your kids can splash around in the safe splash pad area while you actually get to relax for a minute. Plus, there’s a little gallery inside if someone needs a break from the sun. We’ve seen countless Seaside Nannies families fall in love with this place because it just works for everyone.
Venice Beach is where things get interesting. Sure, it’s a bit wild and colorful, but that’s exactly what makes it so exciting for kids. They’ll be mesmerized by the street performers, and building sandcastles never gets old. Just come prepared for the energy and maybe pack some hand sanitizer!
If you’re looking for something a little more chill, Manhattan Beach is your spot. Clean facilities, plenty of space to spread out, and the kind of peaceful vibe where you can actually have a conversation while the kids play. It’s perfect for those lazy summer days when you just want to soak up some California sunshine.
Don’t sleep on LA’s splash pads and community pools either. We’ve discovered some real gems around the county that are perfect for cooling off without the beach crowds. Your kids will love making new friends while staying cool.
Theme Parks That Never Disappoint
Okay, let’s talk about the big guns. Universal Studios Hollywood is basically summer magic in theme park form. The kids get to step into their favorite movies, and honestly, the adults have just as much fun. Pro tip from our Seaside Nannies team – the summer shows and character meet-ups are worth planning your visit around.
Disneyland might be a bit of a drive to Anaheim, but come on, it’s Disneyland! The smiles on your kids’ faces will make every minute of traffic worth it. We’ve watched children’s eyes light up here more times than we can count.
Knott’s Berry Farm is such a fun alternative too. It’s got that classic California vibe, and the kids learn a bit of history while they’re having a blast. Plus, it’s usually a little less crowded than the big-name parks.
For your older kids or teens who think they’re too cool for everything else, Six Flags Magic Mountain will definitely get their adrenaline pumping. Just maybe save this one for after lunch!
Museums That Actually Excite Kids
Here’s something that might surprise you – LA’s museums are actually incredibly fun for kids. The Getty Villa feels like stepping into ancient history, and if you visit both Getty locations in one day, you’ll save on parking. Win-win!
The California Science Center is where we’ve seen quiet kids suddenly become chatterboxes about space and dinosaurs. There’s something about hands-on learning that just clicks with children. The IMAX movies are pretty spectacular too.
At the Natural History Museum, you’ll have a hard time pulling your kids away from the dinosaur exhibits. And La Brea Tar Pits? It’s like a real-life treasure hunt that happened thousands of years ago right here in LA. These aren’t your typical boring museum visits – they’re adventures waiting to happen.
Parks and Outdoor Adventures That Won’t Break the Bank
Griffith Park is basically LA’s backyard, and what a backyard it is! The observatory shows are perfect for curious kids, and hiking up to see the Hollywood Sign is a rite of passage. Pack some snacks and make a whole day of it.
We love how LA County Parks offers so many free programs throughout the summer. Sports clinics, nature walks, swimming lessons – it’s like having a personal camp counselor without the camp fees. Many of our Seaside Nannies families build their entire summer schedule around these programs.
Runyon Canyon gives you those Instagram-worthy city views, but more importantly, it gets the kids moving and shows them how beautiful their city really is from up high.
Summer Camps Worth Considering
The camp fairs at places like UCLA and Harvard-Westlake can feel overwhelming, but they’re goldmines for finding the perfect fit for your child. We’ve helped families navigate these events, and the variety is incredible – dance camps, tech camps, art camps, you name it.
What we love about LA’s camp scene is how specialized everything can get. Your kid obsessed with cooking? There’s a camp for that. Future filmmaker? Yep, there’s something for them too. At Seaside Nannies, we often coordinate with these camps to make sure pickup and drop-off goes smoothly for busy parents.
Free Fun That Doesn’t Feel Cheap
Here’s the secret we’ve learned after years in this business – some of the best summer memories cost absolutely nothing. LA has 73 free activities for families, and we’ve probably tried most of them with the kids we care for.
Library summer reading programs are surprisingly engaging (and air-conditioned!), and the storytimes often feel more like performances. Community festivals pop up all summer long, and they’re fantastic ways for kids to experience different cultures without leaving the city.
The Day of the Ancestors Festival is one of our favorites – it’s this beautiful celebration with dancing and music that kids find absolutely captivating. Plus, it’s free and family-friendly.
Cool New Spots Worth Checking Out
The Sloomoo Institute might sound weird, but trust us on this one. It’s basically a playground made of slime, and kids go absolutely wild for it. It’s sensory play at its finest, and somehow even the parents end up having fun.
Angels Gate Park is one of those hidden gems that locals love but tourists often miss. Great hiking, beautiful views, and usually not too crowded. K1 Speed is perfect for your older kids who need something with a bit more edge – go-kart racing that’s actually safe and supervised.
Making It All Work
Look, summer with kids in LA can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. At Seaside Nannies, we’ve learned that the best summers happen when you mix the big exciting outings with simple, everyday adventures. Maybe it’s Universal Studios one day and a neighborhood splash pad the next.
The key is knowing your kids and what makes them tick. Some thrive on constant adventure, others need quiet beach days to recharge. That’s where having experienced caregivers who know your family makes all the difference.
Whether you need someone to help manage summer camp schedules, want a trusted caregiver for those big theme park days, or just need an extra pair of hands to make everything run smoothly, we’re here to help make this summer absolutely amazing for your family.
After all, childhood summers in LA should be filled with sandy toes, big laughs, and the kind of memories that last forever. Let us help you make that happen.
