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12 Things To Do During the Big Game: Super Bowl Alternatives

Updated for 2023

This year our Los Angeles Rams aren’t playing in the Super Bowl, and that may mean less of us are interested in watching. Although the Half Time Shows are always fun, and so are the commercials, even if you’re not a football fan.

But we know the truth: not everyone is a football fan! Or maybe your favorite teams aren’t playing this year, so your interest level is a little lower than it might be. We get it.

While many families plan on spending Sunday in front of the TV watching the Super Bowl, that’s not the plan for all families. So if you’re looking for something non-football related to do, we’ve got the list of some Game Day Alternatives for you!

And you can always check out our weekly list of fun things to do in Los Angeles with Kids.

Super Bowl Alternatives for Families

Smorgasburg LA
785 Bay St., Los Angeles, CA 90021

Smorgasburg LA is a weekly Sunday market, happening each Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Families will find dozens of food vendors as well as many shopping opportunities. Take your time to stroll, browse, shop, and eat! Parking information is available online.

Whether you’re watching the game or not, these Recipes for Game Day Food are delicious and we highly recommend them!

Sofi Stadium where LA Rams and Chargers Football teams play
Sofi Stadium is where the LA Rams and LA Chargers play, and it’s where the 2022 Super Bowl is being held

Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

When was the last time you visited the Petersen Automotive Museum? You’ll most likely find fewer crowds there on Super Bowl Sunday giving you the perfect opportunity to check out some of their most recent exhibits. Tickets are available online. 

Cute quirky car at Carsland Disney California Adventure
Not a football fan? One option is to visit Disney California Adventure and see Carsland instead

Lunar New Year
Disney California Adventure Park
1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA

Disney California Adventure Park will probably be a lot less crowded on Super Bowl Sunday. Which means you and your family can celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with fun activities including Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, live holiday entertainment, kid-friendly crafts and activities, festive décor, special menus celebrating Asian cuisine, and much more. 

Sherman Oaks Castle Park
4989 Sepulveda Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Enjoy some outside time with a game of miniature golf at Sherman Oaks Castle Park. Actually, you can do more than mini golf. You’ll also find an arcade and batting cage on-site as well.

Noah’s Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049

If you haven’t yet been to the Skirball to check out Noah’s Ark in a while, Super Bowl Sunday could be the day to do it. This interactive exhibit for all ages invites play and imagination. Advance, timed-entry reservations are required and are available online.

Take a Day Trip to the San Bernardino National Forest
San Bernardino, CA 

Families can do it all in the San Bernardino National Forest. There are hiking, wildflower-viewing, and fishing opportunities here. The Forest is immense and includes “three National Monuments, eight designated Wilderness Areas, three Wild and Scenic Rivers, and many more noteworthy and beautiful locales.” In addition, the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, is an adventurous way to spend a day. This 110-mile long drive takes families through incredible vistas, from San Bernardino and up to Big Bear. Most likely, traffic will be a lot lighter on Super Bowl Sunday.

clueless movie poster
Clueless is one of our favorite movies, not only set in Los Angeles but filmed here, too

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027

You can expect less crowds at the LA Zoo on Super Bowl Sunday. Along with all your favorite spots to explore, be sure to take the self-guided Betty’s L.A. Zoo Tour, honoring the life and legacy of Betty White and highlighting some of her favorite Zoo spots. Online Zoo reservations are required.  

Sunday Funday at The Wallis
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts – Promenade Terrace
9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Sunday Funday at The Wallis! The free events begin at 10:00 am with dance and live music for kids and families. Activities are open for all ages. Monthly events ongoing.

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).

MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles

Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.

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