Typically, living in LA means eating out, art museums, and playgrounds– all things children love. With numbers of COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, the activities for kids to participate in are limited. As a parent, this is a difficult time to ensure your children get enough outdoor time and social interaction. As all of us understand, staying inside every day can make you–and your family-–a little stir crazy.
Thankfully, there are still some things to do in Los Angeles right now that will keep your kids entertained and give them a sense of freedom from what they’re used to lately! We are here to provide you with local kid-friendly activities that are still options during the pandemic.
The beaches
Although it is winter, in southern California, the winters often remain mild and sunny. Los Angeles beaches are open for individual or family ocean activities or recreation activities like swimming, surfing, walking, or sunbathing. Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica pier– where you can get a beautiful view of the pacific ocean. Unfortunately, the pier is closed on the weekends for the month of January. However, if you plan a day afterschool, you can let your children run free on the pier. Otherwise, you can bring your kid’s favorite sand toys and a stereo to enjoy a weekend beach day.
If you or your kids surf– be sure to grab a wetsuit and jump right in. It is healthy for kids and adolescents to get plenty of physical activity as they continue to get older. Surfing is a great option to help them stay active while also allowing them to enjoy nature. If you’re worried about COVID-19, there are long stretches of beaches in Los Angeles that should allow for you to get some free space away from anyone else.
Shopping Day
Retail, shopping malls, and shopping centers are open but with a 20% occupancy limit. Although this may seem like a bummer, it still allows you to have a fun shopping day with your kids! Especially if you have a younger daughter, shopping could be a great bonding experience for the both of you. The Grove or Westfield Century City are two popular malls in Los Angeles you should check out if you haven’t done so already!
Hiking
It’s always a good day to hike! Hiking not only allows for your children to get some physical activity but is a great family experience. LA offers some pretty amazing hikes and views. One of the most popular hiking destinations is Griffith Park trails. At this location, you can get spectacular views of the city and take some amazing pictures of your kids. Another gorgeous hike in Los Angeles is Franklin Canyon Park, where you can see plenty of wildlife and birds!
Did your kids develop some pesky habits, like thumb sucking? Well, you can use a thumb buster or you can keep them occupied with some outdoor activities such as hiking. Sometimes, children develop bad habits because they’re bored!
Skiing or Snowboarding
Maybe your children just need a change in scenery, like a trip to the snow. Although, there isn’t snow in Los Angeles. Big Bear and Mammoth mountain are just a few hours away. Depending on your children’s ages, they can participate in skiing or snowboarding lessons. Daily skii tickets are still available on both these mountains, but you must purchase them online ahead of time.
If your kids are too young to ski, you can spend time in the snow– building snowmen or taking photos! You can also take them snow sledding or tubing, which will be a thrill for them. Whatever the case, they will most likely be happy experiencing the snow this season!
Drive-in Movie theater
Do your kids miss going to the movies? Bucket of popcorn and sour candy in hand? Well, you can still enjoy a movie at the drive-in movie theatre. Currently, all the drive-ins in L.A and surrounding counties are open. However, they must adhere to the 10pm curfew. Nonetheless, you can enjoy an earlier showing time and fill the back seat with blankets and snacks for the little ones. This might be even more fun for them than a traditional movie would be!
