Jun 7, 2023

In sunny Santa Monica, CA, families are spoiled for choice when it comes to kid-friendly activities. Load the kids and their friends in a big, comfortable SUV with plenty of space and go on exciting family adventures to the fun destinations below.  

3 Fun Kid-Friendly Activities in Driving Distance of Santa Monica, CA

1. Have a Blast on the Pier

The Santa Monica Pier, jutting 1,600 feet into the Pacific Ocean at Ocean and Colorado Avenues, is an iconic destination with endless family fun. Put your way around the country’s only over-the-water miniature golf course, enjoy tons of exciting games at the Playland Arcade, and experience thrilling rides at Pacific Park. Take a turn on the historic merry-go-round and spin on the Ferris wheel, the world’s first solar-powered wheel.
The Pier has so much to see and do, from street entertainers and live shows to the marker where Route 66 ends at the sea. When your little ones get hungry, the restaurants, treat shops, and food carts along the Pier offer various delicious options.

2. Discover the Fun along Ocean Front Walk

Take the kids on a stroll down Ocean Front Walk along the Santa Monica Pier’s south side. It’s a wide, paved footpath lined with palm trees and lots of fun things to do. Visit the Heal the Bay Aquarium at 1600 Ocean Front Walk, discover 100 local underwater species, and watch the kids play in the stone-walled sandbox with a Viking ship and an interactive dragon’s head.
If you’re an adventurous family, spend a few hours at the Trapeze School of New York at 370 Santa Monica Pier. The school offers the exhilarating two-and-a-half-hour Youth Circus Experience: a learning session for children aged 9 to 14. Your kids will try all sorts of thrilling activities, from flying trapeze to aerial arts and trampoline techniques.

3. Enjoy the Sun and the Sand on Santa Monica State Beach

Your family is in for a treat at the famous 3-mile-long Santa Monica State Beach at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway. They will love feeling the sand between their toes, building sandcastles, and splashing around in the waves. The beach has lifeguards, outdoor rinse-off showers, and restroom facilities. For a quick snack and soda, there’s also a concession stand.
Enjoy all the fantastic amenities at the Annenberg Community Beach House: the ideal spot for a fun-filled day on Santa Monica State Beach. Dip in the pool, play beach volleyball, watch your kids run around the splash pad, and climb, swing, and slide at the playground. Make yourself comfortable on the deck and enjoy the spectacular ocean views. 

When it comes to family fun, Santa Monica has it all, from the sun and the sea to exciting attractions and thrilling experiences. When you have the family in the car, stop at Santa Monica SUVs, and let them help you find the perfect vehicle for exciting outings. 

Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay