#visitlongbeach

[travellhq]

Top 10 Things to Do in Long Beach with Kids

Long Beach, California, offers a variety of family-friendly attractions and activities, making it the perfect destination for parents traveling with children. Whether your kids love marine life, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, Long Beach has something to keep everyone entertained. This guide explores the top 10 things to do in Long Beach with kids, ensuring your family vacation is memorable and filled with fun.

1. Aquarium of the Pacific

This world-renowned aquarium is one of the most popular family attractions in Long Beach. It houses over 12,000 marine animals, including playful sea otters, sharks, jellyfish, and colorful tropical fish.

Highlights:

Interactive touch tanks with rays and small sharks

Penguin habitat with Magellanic penguins

Daily feeding shows and educational programs

Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, and plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring. The aquarium also offers boat tours for whale watching during certain seasons.

2. The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary is an iconic ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach, now serving as a hotel, museum, and event space. Families will enjoy the interactive tours that reveal the ship’s fascinating history.

Highlights:

Scavenger hunts designed for kids

"Haunted" tours for older children

Explore the engine room and captain’s bridge

Pro Tip: Check if the Queen Mary is hosting special family events, like themed holiday experiences, during your visit.

3. El Dorado Nature Center

If your family loves nature and outdoor activities, El Dorado Nature Center offers a peaceful escape with trails, ponds, and plenty of wildlife. The park’s 105 acres provide the perfect setting for a hike or picnic.

Highlights:

Two walking trails (1 and 2 miles)

Wildlife spotting: turtles, ducks, and lizards

A visitor center with nature exhibits

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for birdwatching, and wear comfortable walking shoes!

4. Shoreline Village

This waterfront shopping and entertainment complex is ideal for a family outing. Kids will love the whimsical vibe and numerous activities, while parents can enjoy great dining options with ocean views.

Highlights:

Bike rentals and pedal boats

Arcade games and a classic carousel

Grab ice cream from the local vendors

Pro Tip: Rent a surrey bike to explore the boardwalk with the whole family!

5. The Pike Outlets & Ferris Wheel

The Pike is a fun spot for a bit of shopping, but it’s also home to an iconic Ferris wheel that provides spectacular views of the harbor. It’s a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Highlights:

Ferris wheel ride with ocean views

Family-friendly restaurants nearby

Outdoor play areas for toddlers

Pro Tip: The Ferris wheel is even more magical at night, with colorful lights illuminating the area.

6. Long Beach Waterfront and Rainbow Lagoon Park

Spend a leisurely day walking along the scenic waterfront promenade or having a picnic at Rainbow Lagoon Park. Kids will enjoy spotting boats and watching seals basking in the sun.

Highlights:

Swan boat rentals for paddling in the lagoon

Street performers and live music along the promenade

Play areas with grassy spaces for running and games

Pro Tip: Bring a kite or frisbee to enjoy at the open park areas!

7. Belmont Shore & Naples Island

Explore the charming neighborhood of Belmont Shore and the picturesque canals of Naples Island. Families can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in these areas.

Highlights:

Kayak rentals to explore the canals

Stroll along 2nd Street for treats and ice cream

Visit Alfredo’s Beach Club for beach games and snacks

Pro Tip: Take a gondola ride through the canals of Naples Island for a unique, family-friendly experience.

8. Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

Introduce your kids to art and culture at MOLAA, the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to modern Latin American art. The museum offers interactive exhibits and family workshops throughout the year.

Highlights:

Family-friendly art workshops on weekends

Hands-on activities in the educational center

Outdoor sculpture garden perfect for relaxing

Pro Tip: Check the museum’s calendar for free family days and special exhibitions for children.

9. Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge

Located just a short drive from Long Beach, the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge offers kids a chance to explore California’s coastal ecosystem. Guided tours are available to help families learn about local wildlife and habitats.

Highlights:

Birdwatching tours with expert guides

Educational programs about conservation

Opportunities to spot seals and sea lions

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable clothing and bring snacks, as the tours may take a few hours.

10. Dockweiler State Beach and Kite Flying

For a laid-back beach day, Dockweiler State Beach is a perfect choice. With its gentle waves and wide sandy shores, it’s ideal for families with young children. Dockweiler is also known for kite flying due to the ocean breeze.

Highlights:

Bonfire pits for evening fun

Easy beach access with restrooms and showers

Plenty of space for building sandcastles and flying kites

Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy a sunset bonfire to wrap up your day at the beach.

Conclusion

Long Beach offers a perfect blend of educational, adventurous, and relaxing activities that cater to families with children of all ages. From interactive marine experiences at the Aquarium of the Pacific to the cultural richness of MOLAA and the outdoor adventures at El Dorado Nature Center, your kids will have endless opportunities to explore, learn, and have fun. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, these top 10 things to do in Long Beach will make your family trip truly unforgettable.

[chefdomblr]

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[ronniekingofficial]

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[hquest007]

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[infinityevents]

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[futuristicallysteadylight]

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[djaron]

Mayor @robertgarcialb reception party. #longbeach #longbeachconventioncenter #visitlongbeach (at Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqXeNXjF48U/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1sid7oua6ivvj

[jenzie-in-the-city]

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[kevinlacyphoto-blog]

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[christineanneho]

3/26/20 - River Flows in You by Yiruma, a Korean Composer, is today's Piano Quarantine Home Recital piece of the day! This easy listening piece is so lively, yet refreshing and relaxing like a River. This piano piece is background music for the movie Twilight, which was released in 2008. Enjoy and be blessed! Performed with my very own Kohler and Campbell SKG-500S Grand Piano at my Home! 🏠🏞💦🎹🎶 #longbeach #Home #Piano #grandpiano #Pianist #kohlerandcampbell #Musician #classicalmusician #riverflowsinyou #musiccover #moviemusic #musicvideo #raw_concert @raw_concert #coronavirus #covid19 #stayhome #makemusic #longbeachgrammers #instaworthylb #longbeachlifestyle #golongbeach #thisislb #visitlongbeach #losangelesgrammers #influenceartists #abc7eyewitness #cbsla #ktla #nbcla #samsungs8plus (at Long Beach, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Nkjvcpkuu/?igshid=1j3h7pwkk2bsl

[hquest007]

The #clown #adonis. He’s striking a pose for me but he might be going after you if you #brave @qmdarkharbor going on now through the end of #October. So many great #ghouls to see there. . . . #dadlife @thequeenmary #queenmary @cityoflongbeach #longbeach @visitlongbeach #visitlongbeach #travelcaifornia #horror #haunts #haunt #hauntseason #halloween #halloween🎃 #halloweencostume #halloweenmakeup #circus #scary #thrills #chills #scarymakeup #southerncalifornia (at The Queen Mary) https://www.instagram.com/p/B28FZUuAn-Z/?igshid=yjll1sspi0vv

[infinityevents]

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[guestyquesty-blog]

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[djaron]

Setup complete for tonight's private event at @aquariumpacific for Grand Prix weekend. #visitlongbeach #meetinlbgp #lbgp #djaron #djlife #dj #eventplanning #event #mc #longbeachgrandprix #grandprix (at Aquarium of the Pacific)

[jenzie-in-the-city]

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