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20 Super Fun Things To Do in Santa Monica With Kids 2024

By: Author Wendy Kennar

Posted on Last updated:

Updated for 2024

Families will find so many things to do with kids in Santa Monica that they will most likely find themselves planning multiple days to explore this popular city.

Santa Monica is home to the famous Santa Monica Pier, which was built in 1909 and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. The pier features an amusement park, an aquarium, and a variety of restaurants and shops.

The city has been a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, with over 800 productions filmed in Santa Monica. Some of the most famous productions include Baywatch, Beverly Hills 90210, and Three’s Company.

This city on the coast is known for its beautiful beaches, including the iconic Santa Monica State Beach, which stretches for over 3 miles and is a popular destination for families year round.

Known for a strong commitment to sustainability, Santa Monica has implemented a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives, including a bike share program, electric vehicle charging stations, and a zero waste program aimed at reducing landfill waste.

Things to do in Santa Monica With Kids

Fun Things to do in Santa Monica with Kids

Douglas Park
2439 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403

Kids will find plenty to keep themselves happy and entertained at this park. Douglas Park features a fly fishing area, picnic tables, tennis courts, reflecting pools, a playground, and a splash pad. Have kids take a look and see how many different types of animals they can find in this small-ish park.

Santa Monica State Beach
1550 Pacific Coast Hwy., Santa Monica, CA 90401

No trip to Santa Monica would be complete without spending time at the beach. Santa Monica State Beach is 3 miles long. Families can spend time in the sand, splash in the ocean, and go for a bike ride along the adjacent bike path. (The bike path is 5.2 miles long and extends from Will Rogers State Beach to Venice Beach). Food and beverages are available for purchase from the concession stand on the beach.

Pacific Park
380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

At Pacific Park, you’ll find an amusement park located on the Santa Monica Pier. Families can spend the day playing games and enjoying the rides (including the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel).

Santa Monica Pier (Read our Guide to the Santa Monica Pier)
Ocean and Colorado, Santa Monica, CA 

There’s more to do on Santa Monica Pier than having fun at Pacific Park. The historic Carousel, special seasonal activities, souvenir stands, and an arcade will also be found. You can participate in a free historical walking tour or try something really new at Trapeze School. If you’re hungry, the Pier also has a variety of restaurants and concession stands. And don’t forget to look for the sign designating the Santa Monica Pier as the official western end of Route 66.

Looking for Places to Stay in Santa Monica?

Heal the Bay Aquarium
1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Located on the beach, right under the Carousel on the Pier, you’ll find the Heal the Bay Aquarium. On exhibit are more than 100 species of marine animals, all of which are found in Santa Monica Bay. In addition, different events are held each day the Aquarium is open. Check the website for the latest information on hours and prices.

3rd Street Promenade
Downtown Santa Monica

This outdoor shopping area is a popular tourist destination. Closed to vehicles, you’ll be able to leisurely stroll while you take in all the sights and sounds. You’ll find big-name stores as well as independent retail shops. A variety of restaurants, movie theaters, and street performers are on the Promenade as well.

Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Pl., Santa Monica, CA 90401

There’s lots to see and do at this open-air shopping center. Families will find the Disney Store, Gymboree, Nike, The Cheesecake Factory, Johnny Rockets, and more. Santa Monica Place is located adjacent to the 3rd Street Promenade so it’s easy to continue your shopping experience from one location to another.

Museum of Flying
3100 Airport Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90405

For aviation enthusiasts, a visit to the Museum of Flying is a must-do. Families will find artifacts from the Douglas Aircraft Company, aviation-related art, a replica of the Wright Flyer, a flight simulator, and more. There is also an interactive center for children. Check the website for the latest information on hours and prices.

Santa Monica Public Library
Main Branch: 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Branches on: Montana Ave., Ocean Park Blvd., Main St., and Pico Blvd

You’ll find plenty of family-friendly resources available at the Santa Monica Public Library. Different library branches offer different programs, but recent programs include story times, an interactive program with ceramics, and a puppet show. In addition, there are special programs designed for teens. The Santa Monica Library is also sponsoring a summer reading program — with variations for children of different ages. The Main Branch also houses the Bookmark Cafe which offers breakfast items, salads, sandwiches, beverages, and a special kid’s menu.

2024-Los-Angeles-with-Kids-book-ad

Tongva Park
1615 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Six-acre Tongva Park was once an asphalt parking lot. Now, families will find a pleasant park divided into four sections — Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill, and Gathering Hill. In the Discovery Hill section, families will find a children’s play area and shaded picnic areas. Gathering Hills is the site of a grassy amphitheater where the city hosts a variety of free performances. The name, Tongva Park, honors the indigenous Tongva people who once lived in the region for thousands of years.

Farmers Markets
Multiple Locations Including:
Downtown (Arizona Ave. between 4th and Ocean)
Virginia Ave. Park (2200 Virginia Ave.)
Main Street (2640 Main St.)

There are 3 different Farmers’ Markets held in different locations in Santa Monica. At each location though, you’ll find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, plants and flowers, and much more. Check the website for the latest information on hours for The Downtown Market, The Virginia Avenue Market, and the Main Street Farmers Market. The Main Street location is kid-friendly, with live musical performances and face painting.

Santa Monica History Museum
1350 7th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Exhibits at the Santa Monica History Museum are designed to give visitors a sense of Santa Monica’s history.  There are interactive exhibits, rare artifacts on display, and more. In addition, on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, the Museum hosts “Hands-on History” — a program for families. Each workshop is designed for children 5-11 years of age and includes a history lesson in the gallery followed by a related craft activity. (RSVPs are requested for the “Hands-on History” activities). Check the website for the latest information on exhibits, hours, and prices.

North Beach Playground
810 Pacific Coast Hwy., Santa Monica, CA 90403

Santa Monica’s newest playground has parking, bathrooms, swings slide,s and a lot of space to play. It has two separate play areas for 2–5 year-olds and 5–8 year-olds. “Sensory play elements such as touching, feeling, and hearing are utilized as well as swings, slides, and climbing equipment to inspire activity, mobility, and imagination in all children.”

Annenberg Community Beach House
415 Pacific Coast Hwy., Santa Monica, CA 90402

Located at Santa Monica State Beach, the Annenberg Community Beach House is a 5-acre property. The Beach House does not require membership and offers a splash pad, a children’s play area, and a pool. Information on admission fees and pool hours is available online, but keep in mind that Mondays (except for July 4 and September 5) are $1 Splash Mondays (admission is only $1 per person). A small cafe is located on-site as well. The Annenberg also hosts a variety of classes and community activities throughout the year.

John Drescher Planetarium at Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

The Planetarium at Santa Monica College is open to the public every Friday evening. This computerized planetarium theater will make you think you’re flying beyond the solar system! “The Night Sky Show” is at 7:00 pm and the “Feature Show” is at 8:00 pm. The Feature Show often includes guest lectures and the opportunity to look through telescopes. Planetarium shows are not recommended for children under 6 years of age. Check the website for information about upcoming shows and ticket prices.

Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 4th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401

The Santa Monica Playhouse is a not-for-profit theatre. Bring the family for an opportunity to see theatrical productions. Family-friendly performances include Snow White, Alice, and the Wonderful Tea Party, and Absolutely Halloween. Many of the shows are interactive and encourage audience participation. Check the website for a description of each show and the dates and times of performances. The Santa Monica Playhouse also hosts a variety of workshops (for kids and adults)

PAINT: LAB
1453 14th St., Santa Monica, CA 90404

PAINT: LAB is a walk-in art studio offering workshops and the opportunity just to come in and paint and create. Ongoing drop-off art workshops for kids (ages 6-12) are offered through September. Workshop sessions are also offered on weekends, and families have the convenience of selecting single-day sessions or full-week sessions. And on Sundays, the whole family (up to 4 members for a flat fee) can come and enjoy some fun and painting time. Check the website for information on fees and schedules.

Clover Park
2600 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

This popular park has many family-friendly facilities on its 17.9 acres. You’ll find picnic tables, a baseball diamond, 2 soccer fields, tennis courts, 2 softball fields, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and a fitness course.

Underground Donut Tour
Start at Randy’s Donuts, 829 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Have you ever heard of a donut tour? It’s a great way for you and your kids to learn about all things related to donuts. The tour includes three locations in the Santa Monica area, and you’ll want to try more than one of their classic menu items. Book your tickets for the tour online.

Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404

The site where Bergamot Station now sits was a railroad station for the Los Angeles and Independence Railroad until 1953, and has an interesting history. In 1994 it opened as a visual and performing arts center and offers free exhibitions, performances, and public programs. Admission and parking are free.

Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).

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