By Contributing Writer
Don't let all the glitz and glamor fool you.
Los Angeles has something for everyone, even for baby. You just need to know where to look. It's easy to avoid busy tourist areas with the right planning, while you take in the sights of Los Angeles or simply spend a relaxing afternoon with your child. Crafts for kids and story times are abundant, and often times, free. Check local libraries or craft stores for kid-friendly events. Wander the parks, stroll along the
beach and more, as you experience all that Los Angeles has to offer.
Santa Monica Pier
Baby will love the sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and lively atmosphere of Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier. Take a stroll down the concrete, stroller-friendly boardwalk that connects Venice and Santa Monica or take in the sights and sounds of the pier. Ride the historic 1922 Carousel, listen to street performers or try some carnival foods. Parking at the pier is $8 during the week and $10 on the weekend. The pier is open 365 days of the year. Admission is free.
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 458-8900
Froggy's Arts and Crafts
In a city with so much artistic talent, expect nothing but intriguing and fun crafts for your little one. Froggy's Arts and Crafts in Toluca Lake offers "Story Art & Craft" classes, for ages 2 and up. The $10 single-session class lets toddlers experience interactive story time with painting, drawing and more. This is a great way for your baby to meet new playmates and learn different mediums of art.
11332 Camarillo St.
Toluca Lake, CA, 91602
(818) 907-7326
The Farm
A day (or night) on the town with a baby can be stressful, but The Farm in Reseda makes for one day trip she is sure to enjoy. The Farm offers pony rides and a barnyard petting zoo on weekends, where baby can get up close with goats, chickens, llamas, emus, ponies and other creatures. The corner lot is located in a suburban neighborhood, making parking a non-issue.
8101 Tampa Ave.
Reseda, CA, 91335
(818) 341-6805
City Strolls
To see more of Los Angeles, take a walk with baby down these city paths. Trek the Los Angeles River Greenway in Studio City, as you follow along the Los Angeles River. The area between Whitsett Ave. and Laurel Canyon is paved and stroller-friendly. Or hike through North Hollywood on a paved, shaded path from Coldwater Ave. to Burbank Blvd.
Paintbox Kids
Open Studio hours at Paintbox Kids in Pasadena lets you and your baby choose from a selection of traditional and recycled materials to create something of your very own. Paintbox Kids even provides ideas for projects and help when needed. And the best part for mom is, no clean up. The staff does away with your mess. Hourly rate per person is $8.
1383 East Washington Blvd.
Pasadena, CA, 91104
(626) 808-0330
Storyopolis Store
Every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. and Thursday at 12:30 p.m., Storyopolis hosts a free story time and themed-crafts for kids. Storyopolis staff, and sometimes a surprise guests, entertains kids of all ages with a variety of tales.
14945 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403
(818) 990-7600
Bergamot Station
Bergamot Station in Santa Monica is home to many art galleries, as well as the Santa Monica Museum of Modern Art. Let your baby take in colorful pictures, roam the galleries' large halls or play nice with gallery pets. It's a relaxing - and free - way to introduce baby to a little artistic culture.
2525 Michigan Ave.
Santa Monica, CA, 90404
(310) 829-9125
The Grove
For a day of shopping, trek with baby to The Grove, where he will certainly be entertained for hours by the dancing fountain, street cars and the occasional live music. Free movie nights run every Thursday night throughout the summer, while festive holiday decor rings in the Christmas season. With an ever-changing atmosphere and a relaxed crowd, The Grove is somewhere you can return with your baby time and time again.
189 The Grove Dr.
Los Angeles, CA, 90036
(323) 900-8080
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