Family Activities in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a family friendly city with activities that offer a variety of memory-making opportunities. Whether you're looking for an aquatic adventure, are interested in exploring the history of the city, or want to enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful weather of Southern California, you'll find endless opportunities in Long Beach.

  1. Mother's Beach

    • A popular spot for families with small children is Mother's Beach at Marine Park on Appian Way, just off of Second Street. This stretch of sand is in a marina and features gentle waters for children to splash and play. The park also has a playground, picnic area and restrooms. Metered parking is available in the parking lot, and limited street parking is available.

    Rainbow Harbor

    • Rainbow Harbor was once the home of the Long Beach Pike amusement park. Today, the restored area features the Aquarium of the Pacific, numerous shops and restaurants, a bike path, marina and Shoreline Village. The Aquarium of the Pacific displays more than 11,000 animals with an emphasis on the inhabitants and ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean. Spend the day exploring the sea life, or stroll along the boardwalk at Shoreline Village. Explore the unique shops and enjoy cotton candy or ice cream from one of the many stores. Kids and adults can try the Rock N' Bounce; this bungee trampoline lets you flip and fly in a safe environment. Take a ride on the carousel and play games in the arcade at Pelican Pier Pavilion.

    El Dorado Park

    • El Dorado Park has playgrounds, a train ride, fishing lakes and picnic shelters. The jewel of the park, though, is the Nature Center. Located on East Spring Street, this nature center features a visitor center with bones, antlers, snakes and bugs. Kids will learn about local wildlife and habitats. Take a short walk along the 1/4-mile paved trail or enjoy a hike on the 2 miles of dirt trails that wind through mini forests, past streams and around the lakes.

    Rancho Los Alamitos

    • Rancho Los Alamitos is a 7.5-acre location rich in history from the early ancestral village of Povuu̵7;ngna to modern farmers. Some of the buildings on the site are viewable by tour only and small children should only enjoy the outside of the house -- no touching allowed. But the barn, the gardens, and the experience of being taken back to the early days of Long Beach, long before the city we know now, is fun and educational and well worth a trip.

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