Family Staycation Ideas Around Los Angeles

Erynn said:  With rides, shows, and more, Castle Park is a small-scale amusement venue with tons of attractions. Rides like bumper cars, a merry-go-round, sea planes, and railroad trips cater to even the smallest visitors. Miniature golf, an arcade, splash zone, and magic shows round out the entertainment choices.

Cost: Tickets start at $14.99 for unlimited rides and mini golf. Arcade tokens and other attractions are extra.

Gina I. said:  Located at Dana Point Harbor, Baby Beach offers the perfect beach setting for families with young children. Little ones love splashing in calm, shallow water, while parents love the short trek from the free parking lot. There are also nearby grassy areas with picnic tables and BBQs and The Ocean Institute. Be sure to walk over and check out their pirate ship!

Erynn said:  Raging Waters Los Angeles has 50 world-class attractions for all ages to enjoy, including Aqua Rocket, the state’s only hydromagnetic water coaster! The Park also features a wide-variety of tube and body slides, a 30,000 square foot water playground, a one million gallon wave pool and a lazy river.

Kelly R. said:  Head to this incredible playground with your imagination, plenty of extra time, and a change of clothes for the kids - things might get messy! The fully enclosed 2-acre complex is filled with features that inspire unstructured play, including plenty of open space to explore. Kids can get messy in a mud hole, decorate an art wall, build structures with giant Legos, and unwind in a sensory garden. Standard playground fun can be had with equipment that is anything but ordinary, like cement hill slides and a towering fortress-inspired jungle gym.

Gina I. said:  If you're serious about mini golf, you have to check out Camelot Golfland! As one of the largest miniature golf courses in the country, you're sure to find their courses both challenging and fun. Courses include: Castles of the World, featuring Spanish forts with water cannons and a pagoda, a lush jungle themed course, and an oceanic themed course. Camelot Golfland is also home to a variety of other fun center attractions including laser tag, bumper boats, an arcade, raceway, and more.

Kelly R. said:  Experience areas that are normally closed to the public with a kid friendly behind-the-scenes tour of Angel Stadium! The tour route for this 75-minute experience varies, and can include a trip to the dugout, onto the field, a look at the visitors clubhouse, the broadcasting booth, and more.

Cost: $8/adult, $6/child (age 3-14)

Gina I. said:  Experience farm life right at the OC Fair & Event Center! This three-acre working farm is home to chickens, pigs, oxen, and other livestock. Animal educators are on hand to share their knowledge and answer questions.

Gina I. said:  From pirates and princesses, to everyone's favorite mouse, there is lots of family fun to be had at Disneyland! Attractions range from tot-friendly rides like Peter Pan's Flight and the Casey Jr. Circus Train to the thrilling Space Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure, perfect for adventurous older kids and adults. Families can also choose from a great selection of fast-casual and sit-down dining, as well as enjoy shows, fireworks, and the kids' favorite Disney Characters. Extend your fun with a visit to Disney California Adventure Park & Downtown Disney.

Erynn said:  While the food is a major attraction for teens and tweens, Medieval Times is an engaging experience that thrills the entire family. Kids will enjoy rooting for their designated champion as the knights joust, plus they can visit the "stables" and pick up a souvenir. Bring friends for an even livelier time!

Cost: 12 and under/$36.95; Adults/$61.95

Erynn said:  Between the arcade, children's theater, petting zoo, and a long list of family-friendly rides, there's something for everyone at Adventure City. Some rides have no height or age minimums (carousel, Rescue 911, train, mini Ferris wheel) while others are for bigger thrill-seekers. There's even a Thomas the Tank Engine area where kids (and parents) can build tracks and play together.

Cost: Admission is $19.95 for ages 12 and up; infants are free

Erynn said:  A meandering 127 acres of plant life and exploration await families at the LA County Arboretum. Among the attractions are a stream and bridge, a turtle pond, Meyberg Waterfall, Queen Anne Cottage, a Tropical Greenhouse, and more!

Also, the on-site Arboretum Library hosts storytimes for kids and other fun events for families.

Alexandra F. said:  This American Revolution-themed park is really something special. It has three playgrounds, large open fields, softball diamonds and basketball courts, and a large pond with plenty of ducks, geese and turtles. However, what really makes it special is the play island in the middle of the pond, complete with bridges, rock formations, and American revolution-themed play structures, including a “ship” that juts out into the water! It is SO much fun for playing and exploring, and my kids love going there as much as I did when I was their age. It’s worth noting that the line of sight is not very open on the play island, making it a bit of a challenge to keep an eye on very little ones who like to run off - especially with all the fun rocks and hills for climbing (and potentially slipping) on!

Gina I. said:  You'll be hard-pressed to find a better children's library than the one at Cerritos Millennium Library! From the 15,000 gallon saltwater aquarium and the towering T-Rex replica to the deep space mural and library's very own rainforest - there's lots to do and see! The library also hosts wonderful programs, including: Child & Teen Read Aloud, where little ones are partnered with enthusiastic teen reading buddies. Check out their calendar for info on upcoming story times, crafts, art classes, kids' book clubs, STEM activities, LEGO Club, and more!

Families may catch sightings of hummingbirds, geese, turtles, and more at the El Dorado Nature Center, which has two lakes on either end of the Nature Center and streams, ponds, wild flowers and trees dotting the stroller-friendly and mostly shaded hiking trails. The Center offers various nature programs on a regular basis, including a naturalist-led Family Night Walk every second Tuesday of the month, and workshops and other educational programming designed especially for kids.

Erynn said:  The Exit Game promises big excitement for even little kids, with challenging escape room games that have themes from your favorite movies, video games, and even real life. Kids may be especially interested in The School of Sorcery, a Hogwarts-like adventure, or a James Bond rescue mission.

Age: Kids 12 and under must have adult supervision

Cost: Games start at $32/person