By Aurelio Locsin
Fun Things to Do With Children in Los Angeles
With its nightclubs, sports arenas,
beaches and shopping malls,
Los Angeles is a haven for adult travelers looking for excitement. But kids won't feel left out, since there is plenty for them to do as well, at all price ranges. You can get them outside for some exercise or keep them indoors for more cerebral pursuits.
Rolling Robots
If your kids would like to create something that moves and that they can control, take them to Rolling Robots. For a small fee they can customize a rented robot that they can then test against others in an on-site arena. The first robot to reach a randomly designated area wins a point. Book a party so junior engineers can learn building techniques and bring their creations home. Or buy a robot ranging in price from three to 300 dollars.
Rolling Robots
21712 Hawthorne Boulevard, #295
Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 542-7836
RollingRobots.com
Surfing
You can't be a Southern California kid without trying surfing at least once. Group lessons start at 75 dollars for an hour and 45 minutes, and package rates are available. Rentals of surfboards and wet suits are included in the price. For the truly addicted, kids' surf camps run throughout the summer.
Learn to Surf LA
641 Westminster Avenue, #5
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 663-2479
learntosurfla.com
Zimmer Children's Museum
This museum focuses on Jewish culture and also promotes learning and self-expression for a better society. Here kids can play with one of the biggest pinball machines ever built, pilot a flight simulator to distant lands, or become a homemaker, grocer or puppeteer in special kid-sized models of houses and businesses. Rotating exhibits keep things fresh. Admission is 8 dollars for adults and 5 dollars for kids.
Zimmer Children's Museum
6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 761-8989
zimmermuseum.org
Belmont Shore Model Railroad
Most kids love model railroads, and there are plenty of them to admire in this 25-feet-by-90-feet layout. Watch passenger trains pull in to the station at Belmont City, marvel at switchers hauling freight cars at the Monolith Cement Plant, and spot a train wreck down treacherous cliffs. Operating sessions on most Tuesday nights are free, but always call first. Try and catch one of their frequent open houses, where the club displays and runs special locomotives and train cars.
Belmont Shore Model Railroad
3601 South Gaffey Street Building 824
San Pedro, California
(310) 831-6262
belmontshorerr.com
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Voted "Best of L.A." by L.A. Parent magazine, this theater entertains on a stage scaled to children. Marionette performers talk, sing and dance in always-changing, original shows Those inspired to try their hand at puppetry can buy a marionette for as little as $5.50. Shows cost 20 dollars and run every day except Monday.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
1345 West 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 250-9995
bobbakermarionettes.com
About the Author:
Aurelio Locsin has been writing professionally since 1982. He published his first book in 1996 and is a frequent contributor to many online publications, specializing in consumer, business and technical topics. Locsin holds a Bachelor of Arts in scientific and technical communications from the University of Washington.
Photo Credits:
U.S. Census Bureau
