Family
Santa Monica offers many activities for children and families. Exploring the hands-on aquarium under the pier, body-surfing and boogie boarding, building sand castles, enjoying the the sleight-of-hand at Magicopolos, riding the rides at Pacific Park or biking on the South Bay Bicycle Path are just a few of the fun and energetic family diversions.
Beach Playgrounds - What could be better ...a playground AND the beach! There are two playgrounds; near the boardwalk where Ocean Park Blvd. ends and another just south of the Pier next to the lifeguard headquarters. 310-458-8974
Carousel - 44 hand-carved and painted horses in the historic Hippodrome at the Pier. Sat. & Sun. 10am—9pm, Tues.—Fri. 11am—9pm, closed Monday. 310-394-8042 www.santamonicapier.org
Color Me Mine - Kids can create their own personalized ceramic bowls, dishes, plates...whatever they want! Daily 11am—9pm. 1109 Montana Ave. 310-393-0069 www.colormemine.com
Magicopolis - Two theatres of illusion, sleight-of-hand as well as full stage performances of magic that will delight and amaze you! 1418 4th St. 310-451-2241 www.magicopolis.com
Pacific Park - The west coast's only family amusement park located on an ocean front pier. Free admission. Rides and games are pay-as-you-go. Open daily, hours vary. Santa Monica Pier. 310-260-8744 www.pacpark.com
Playland Arcade - The only video arcade in the city of Santa Monica with the latest video and interactive games. Over 200 games including pinball, air hockey, skeeball and more. Santa Monica Pier. Open until 2am. Fri, Sat; open until midnight Sun–Thur. 310-451-5133 www.playlandarcade.com
Puppet and Magic Center - "Puppetolio!", a musical revue featuring marionettes, ventriloquism and magic followed by a tour of museum and workshop. Sat., Sun. 1pm & 3pm. 1255 2nd St. 310-656-0483 www.puppetmagic.com
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium - Experience sea life in "touch" tanks, aquariums and under microscopes. 1600 Ocean Front Walk (under Carousel) 310-393-6149 www.healthebay.org/smpa
Skatepark - The Cove at Memorial Park. Multi-use, municipal skate park for all levels and abilities. santa-monica.org/ccs/skatepark
Surfing - Hang ten with the locals and learn how to surf! Expert training by those who really know. Board rental at ZJ Boarding House. 2619 Main St. Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun 10 am.–6 p.m. 310-392-5646 www.zjboardinghouse.com