Traveling to Los Angeles with Kids: A fun-Filled Family Guide to LA
Los Angeles offers a wide array of activities perfect for families, making it an ideal destination for a memorable trip with your children. Whether your kids are into sports, love exploring new hobbies, or just need space to run around, L.A. provides endless options for fun and adventure. From sports like tennis and skateboarding to swimming and hockey, this city has it all. Here’s how you can make the most out of your family vacation by exploring some of the best kid-friendly activities in Los Angeles:
1. Tennis: Perfect for Active Mornings
Tennis is a great way to keep kids active, and many courts around Los Angeles are family-friendly, with options for lessons if your child is new to the sport. If you’re looking for a way for your child to learn tennis in Los Angeles, you’ll find plenty of public tennis courts that offer schedules for beginners or family sessions, where parents and children can enjoy hitting the ball together or engage in some friendly competition.
For those wanting to level up their skills, private tennis lessons are easily accessible, and many are tailored specifically to kids to ensure they have fun while learning the game. Not only is tennis a fantastic physical workout, but it also helps improve hand-eye coordination and fosters teamwork, making it an excellent choice for children of all ages.
2. Swimming: Splash Away the Day
Swimming is a fantastic way for kids to have fun, cool off, and get in some exercise while on vacation. Los Angeles boasts a variety of family-friendly pools where kids can swim freely, and many places offer swim lessons for all ages. If you prefer a more casual day, some pools have family swim times where the water is shallow, making it safe for young swimmers to splash around.
For those looking to enhance their skills, enrolling your child in a local swim school can provide structured lessons focusing on water safety and technique, so they can learn to swim confidently and safely. Whether it’s competitive swimming or just fun poolside activities like water games, spending a day swimming is a great way to relax and energize your kids at the same time.
3. Hockey: An Icy Adventure
Even though Los Angeles is known for its warm weather, ice hockey is a popular sport for kids here. Ice rinks throughout the city offer youth hockey programs where kids can either learn the basics of skating or dive straight into hockey drills. Many rinks have beginner hockey clinics specifically for kids, ensuring they get the right guidance as they learn to skate, handle the puck, and work on their speed.
If your child is more into figure skating, these same ice rinks often provide lessons tailored to different age groups. It’s a fun and unique way for your kids to try something new, and it also gives them a chance to stay active while keeping cool during warmer months.
4. Skateboarding: Let Them Roll
If your child has ever dreamed of riding a skateboard, Los Angeles is the perfect place to let them explore this thrilling activity. Skateboarding culture is huge in L.A., and there are plenty of skateparks that cater to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. For those just starting out, enrolling them in an LA skateboard school can provide valuable lessons from experienced instructors who offer safety tips and teach the basics of balance, turning, and simple tricks.
For kids who are already confident on a skateboard, these parks offer challenging terrain where they can practice more advanced moves and tricks. The open, family-friendly environments are perfect for kids to learn while parents can watch and relax or join in the fun.
5. Basketball: Shoot Some Hoops
Basketball courts can be found all over Los Angeles, and this is an activity that’s sure to keep your kids engaged. Whether they’re learning to dribble for the first time or already love to shoot hoops, outdoor and indoor courts offer spaces for them to practice and play. You can even find youth basketball leagues or drop-in sessions where kids can participate in fun games with other children.
Basketball encourages teamwork, improves coordination, and offers a great cardiovascular workout, making it a perfect option for a family-friendly sport that’s easy to pick up while traveling. Some courts offer free access, so you can grab a ball and have an impromptu game anytime.
6. Cycling: Explore on Two Wheels
Cycling is an activity that lets you and your kids explore the city at a relaxed pace while enjoying some fresh air. There are numerous family-friendly biking paths and trails in Los Angeles, many of which are safe for kids of all ages. If you didn’t bring your bikes, rental services are available, and many offer child-sized bikes or attachable trailers for younger kids.
Riding through scenic paths, along beaches, or through parks, cycling allows your family to see more of the city while keeping everyone active. For younger children, look for kid-friendly biking routes that are flatter and less crowded, ensuring a stress-free ride for parents and a fun adventure for the little ones.
7. Gymnastics: Flip into Fun
Gymnastics is a great way to channel your kids’ boundless energy into an activity that improves their coordination, strength, and flexibility. Los Angeles has several gymnastics centers that offer drop-in sessions for visitors, allowing your kids to tumble, jump, and balance on equipment like trampolines, balance beams, and rings. If your child is interested in learning new skills, short-term gymnastics programs or private lessons are available.
For younger kids, some centers offer parent-and-child classes, making it an inclusive activity where the whole family can participate. Gymnastics provides a safe environment for children to test their physical limits while having a blast with their peers.
8. Surfing: Ride the Waves
If your kids love the water, why not let them try their hand at surfing? Los Angeles has no shortage of opportunities for kids to learn how to ride waves. Surf schools and camps are plentiful, offering lessons for kids as young as five. Whether they’re beginners or have some experience, these lessons focus on teaching balance, paddling, and wave-riding in a safe and supportive environment.
Instructors ensure the kids feel comfortable in the water and provide equipment like soft-top surfboards to minimize the chances of injury. Surfing is not only a fun way to stay active but also an opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the ocean.
Conclusion
Traveling to Los Angeles with kids opens up a world of exciting activities that combine fitness, fun, and adventure. From the fast-paced action of sports like tennis, skateboarding, and hockey to the refreshing thrill of swimming and surfing, there’s something for every child’s interest. Add in activities like cycling, basketball, and gymnastics, and you’ve got a full range of options that will keep your kids entertained and engaged throughout your trip. Whether you’re looking for casual play or structured lessons, Los Angeles is the perfect destination for an active family vacation.
