Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in LA This Summer

While it’s always a good time to visit LA, summertime has a special list of fun and activities you’ll definitely want to take advantage of! From the beach to the mountains and everywhere in between, the City of Angels has something for everyone in your party to love about the famous California summer sunshine. Here’s a list of 10 attractions or activities to get you started on your LA adventure. 

California Science Center IMAX

Located in downtown LA, the California Science Center IMAX offers an afternoon of wonder and excitement, At 7 stories high, the IMAX screen brings to life worlds as small as an atom or as vast as the Universe. The Center has over 150 interactive exhibits, as well as the actual space shuttle Endeavor. Since the Center is a non-profit organization, all monies spent here benefit educational programs for children.

iFly Indoor Skydiving

We’ve all wondered what it would be like to fly, with the wind in our hair and the world beneath us, right? At iFly Indoor Skydiving, you can actually do it, without all the scary miles above the earth stuff.  While you may not experience seeing land mass below you, you will definitely have the sensation of floating through the air. iFly uses a vertical wind tunnel, which creates a huge surface of cushioned air, allowing you to easily float. It’s safe for anyone over the age of 3 and each participant is assigned an instructor. 

Aquarium of the Pacific

The aquarium allows you to experience marine life from all climates of the oceans, from the warm waters of Southern California and Baja to the icy waters of the Northern Pacific and then on to the tropical climate of the Pacific, with its colorful reef system. Get up close (though not too personal) with sharks and penguins and take advantage of the opportunity to feed the colorful Lorikeet birds. A great day for the whole family!

Visit Catalina Island

Catalina Island is located about 25 miles off the coast of Southern California and is part of Los Angeles County. Home to just 4000 residents, 90% of the island remains wild and is the perfect destination for hiking, biking and enjoying the outdoors. Some folks just visiting for the day decide to take a Jeep tour, for the opportunity to see as much of the island as possible. If you get lucky, you may spot the rare wildflowers, bald eagles or unique species of fox that Catalina is known for. 

Drive-In Movie Theater

There aren’t many places left in the US to enjoy this good old-fashioned family activity. But in Riverside, home of the Van Buren Drive-In Theater, the old is new again. Since 1963, this one of the last remaining drive-ins in southern California has been showing first-run movies on the big outdoor screen. Some things do change, though - movies are in high-def and the speakers are gone, replaced by your car radio. Show at about 8 pm, get there early for the best spots. 

Drive-In Movie Theater

Most people choose to have their picnics at the beach. Why not opt for views not only of the coast but also of the gorgeous Santa Monica mountains and forgo the sand on your blanket? Trade your flip flops for hiking shoes and take the relatively short (about 1.3 miles) trail in Los Liones Canyon up to the slice of Topanga State Park that overlooks the ocean. Then simply unpack your lunch to cooler temps and incredible views.  Parking is free and the experience, no doubt, will be priceless. 

Minor League Baseball Game

The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes will be happy to welcome you to their 6588 seat ballyard, where you can often chat with the players. Maybe one day, you’ll be able to say you knew a famous player “way back when”. While professional game tickets are often priced out of a families ability to pay, tickets for these games are just $13.

Waterfall Hike

Enjoy your exercise while staying cool! Choose one of the following 5 waterfall hike sites for your back to nature experience: Escondido Falls in Malibu, Paradise Falls in Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, Eaton Canyon Falls in Altadena, Solstice Canyon in Malibu or Sturtevant Falls in Angeles Natural Forest. 

Watch Butterflies Take Flight

Get up close and personal with more than 53 species at the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park. Watch them take flight and sometimes even land on your arms or shoulders. 

Walk through the Venice Canals

For a little bit of Europe right in southern California, spend an afternoon strolling through three canal-lined blocks and discover a world of charming beach cottages, pedestrian bridges and bunches of adorable ducklings 

Looking for the ideal family vacation property for your summer getaway to LA? The Beverly Hills Trousdale Villa is sure to thrill everyone. With 5 bedrooms and 6.5 baths, there’s plenty of room for your entire family to relax, unwind and enjoy this beautifully upscale vacation rental home. The kids (and the kids at heart) will adore the outdoor entertainment pavilion with its large pool, sun loungers, covered living area and alfresco dining. The adults will appreciate the dramatic interior, with luxury finishes and the latest in home automation. And finally, the group chef will be thrilled with the highest quality Poggenpohl kitchen. 

 For more Los Angeles homes, be sure to check out our Los Angeles rentals.