The holidays are behind us, school is back in session, and now you may be feeling a little, well, blah. If you have kids, it could be a case of the blahs with a bit of chaos thrown in.
One of the best things about the Long Beach, California area is that we have so many great events and activities. There is truly something for everyone – and every age group. If you need some ideas to get out of the house with the kids this weekend, here are some kid-friendly things to do in the Long Beach area.
Museums. Museums may not typically be at the top of your list for entertaining children, but they should be … in the Long Beach area anyway. Many excellent museums offer exhibits and programs designed especially for kids.
- Long Beach Museum of Art. The museum has a reputation for providing educational programs for students. In addition, the museum offers exhibitions that will appeal to kids and adults alike. For example, through February 12, Creature Comforts by Brent Estabrook “envelops you into his world of plush vignettes—confidants and comforts in an often unfamiliar world.”
- Museum of Latin American Art. As the only museum in the US dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art, the museum is worth a visit. The Robert Gumbiner: Sculpture & Events Garden is also included with your admission, but you might want to call ahead to ensure the garden is open. You can visit the website for free children’s art workshops.
- Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum. The goal of the PIEAM is to have one place to share the stories of the many islands of Oceania and their people. Admission is free for children under 12. If you can’t make it to the museum but are looking for an activity for your kids, check out the coloring pages online.
- The Getty. You have two options for visiting The Getty (we suggest both). The Getty Center is in Brentwood and showcases European art. The Getty Villa Museum is on the coast and displays ancient Greek and Roman art. Be sure to visit the website to find out what family activities are scheduled.
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Through February 20, you can explore the Deepsea Challenger in the unique exhibit Pressure: James Cameron Into the Abyss. There is so much to see and do here. The museum offers kid-friendly events and programming all year.
Nature. Speaking of natural history, take the kids to some of these attractions that will allow them to get up close and personal with the natural environment.
- El Dorado Nature Center. This 105 acres in the middle of the city is the perfect place to get away. You and your kids can relax and enjoy nature with trails, a lake, and forested areas.
- Aquarium of the Pacific. The aquarium features over 100 exhibits and 19 habitats, so visitors can see how the animals live and socialize. Not only can you and the kiddos get close to the animals, but you can also learn about habitats and sustainability. Also, the aquarium offers numerous other experiences and programs.
- Griffith Observatory. At the observatory, kids can explore and learn about nature beyond earth. A variety of shows and exhibits will introduce you to the world beyond. Star-gazing, anyone?
These options for things to do with the family are only a snapshot of the many fun things to do in our area. It’s easy to understand why people choose to visit our area each year. With numerous visitors, Long Beach and the surrounding areas provide an excellent opportunity for short-term rental properties.
If you’re looking for help managing your vacation home rental, let the experts at PMI Harbor Beach help. We have the industry experience to help you streamline your process and maximize your investment property. Our goal is to make vacation rental management in our area a breeze. Please visit our website for more information about our complete service package to owners. We look forward to connecting soon!
