The Mid-Wilshire area offers lots for families to do. You’ll most likely plan more than one visit to this popular neighborhood.
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
A trip to the Farmers Market allows families to simultaneously experience the past and the present. The Farmer’s Market has been owned by the Gilmore Family since the late 1800’s. In 1934, farmers began selling their fresh produce from the corner of 3rd and Fairfax. Since then, the Farmers Market has continued to grow and evolve, although many of the merchants have been a part of the Farmer’s Market for a very long time (including Bennett’s Ice Cream and Magee’s Kitchen). Also, be sure to stop by Kip’s Toyland, which has been family-owned and operated for over 70 years (and doesn’t sell any electronic games!) The Farmer’s Market hosts a variety of special events throughout the year including the Fall Festival, which is scheduled for October 15th and 16th.
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Adjacent to the Farmers Market is The Grove, a shopping and dining destination. See a movie at the theaters (which host special “Monday Morning Mommy Movies”), read and play in the children’s section of Barnes and Noble, check out American Girl Place, and more. There are many dining options available too. Be sure to take a free ride on the Trolley (which travels between The Grove and the Farmers Market) and watch the Dancing Fountain. (The Fountain “dances” to different songs every hour and was designed by the same company who designed the famous fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas). And mark your calendar for Thursday mornings (from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm), when The Grove hosts “Kids Club” which features live entertainment and activities for children and their caregivers.
New Beverly Cinema
7165 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
The New Beverly Cinema has been a popular neighborhood theater since 1978. It is considered to be one of the oldest revival houses in the area. Oscar-winner Quentin Tarantino is the current owner and head programmer. Families will appreciate the Kiddee Matinees that are shown on select weekend afternoons. Admission to these special films are $6 each and children 12 and under receive a free bag of popcorn as well.
Play
5814 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
This popular spot on 3rd Street offers a variety of classes for children (infants to age 5). Activities and classes are designed to encourage joint participation between children and their adults. Check the schedule for a listing of music and art classes (including “Stories and Art” and “Messy Art” which are “drop-in art activities” and are designed for children ages 2-5).
Fairfax Branch Library
161 S. Gardner St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Fairfax Branch Library is a part of the Los Angeles Public Library system. While the library isn’t large, it does offer a variety of special events for children of all ages. Children will enjoy story times, projects (a recent one was “Tiny Terrariums for Kids”), and teen crafts (“Teen Crafternoon” is held once a month). Additionally, the designated children’s section has a variety of play items for children to engage in imaginative play. (Note- the library is closed on Sundays).
Pan Pacific Park
7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Adjacent to the Fairfax Library is the Pan Pacific Park. This large park offers a variety of facilities including basketball courts, children’s play areas, picnic tables, barbecue pits, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a baseball diamond, jogging path, and lots of spots for a picnic! Children will also enjoy playing at Renee’s Place — an accessible, inclusive playground that is a part of Shane’s Inspiration Foundation.
Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust (LAMOTH)
100 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust is located across the street from The Grove and at the far corner of Pan Pacific Park. While a visit to LAMOTH is obviously for older children, touring this Museum can be a powerful supplement to the lessons they are learning in school. You can tour the Museum while using an iPad and headphones to hear first-hand accounts and explanations of the exhibits which are organized into sections — before the war, during the war, and after the war. Museum admission is free, although donations are greatly appreciated.
Museum Row
Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Don’t forget that if you’re spending time in the mid-Wilshire area, you’re very close to Museum Row. Along one stretch of Wilshire Boulevard, you’ll find the Petersen Automative Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Craft and Folk Art Museum, the LaBrea Tar Pits and Museum, and more.
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