Summer is here and you’re ready for your next big adventure.
Maybe you have a big vacation planned. Maybe a trip to Disneyland or the beach. Or maybe you just want to enjoy the warm weather.
Either way, there’s still a lot of weekdays and weekends to fill.
We’ve come up with our top list of favorite places to take the whole family.
All these places make perfect day trips and they’re very inexpensive, often with child or student discounts. And on top of all that, they’re educational.
1. Aquarium of the Pacific
Cost: $30/Adult, $18/Child
Also known as the Long Beach Aquarium, this place will take you to an underwater world.
Inside the aquarium, you’ll watch sea life through giant glass walls and glass tunnels. See all sorts of marine animals including penguins, sea otters, octopus, jellyfish, and every kid’s favorite – sharks! There are also stations where kids can interact directly and touch some of the animals.
You can also buy tickets in conjunction with ocean tours to round out your experience.
Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific
2. The Arboretum
Cost: $9/Adult, $6/Student, $4/Child
The LA Arboretum is a beautiful escape to relax and take a stroll.
If you’re looking for a calmer day trip, you find it among the paths that wind through trees, plants, and flowers from all over the world. There are large open fields that you sit down of a picnic or just take a nap. There is one crazy part - there are peacocks that roam freely throughout the whole place, so kids are sure to enjoy that.
The Arboretum also has a wide variety of classes including cooking, gardening, and fitness.
3. LA County Museum of Art
Cost: $15/Adult, Free for Children
The LACMA is a great place to expose your kids to art of all kinds.
The museum features different exhibits that are constantly changing. There is art of all types from ancient to modern. Just outside the museum is the iconic lamp post display, which has been seen in multiple TV shows and movies.
There are also paths and gardens around the museum that offer a nice stroll or picnic.
Visit the LA County Museum of Art
4. The Huntington
Cost: $23/Adult, $19/Student, $10/Child
The Huntington is a library and botanical garden that is beautiful to spend an afternoon at.
The library features a collection of old, original manuscripts from as old as the Middle Ages. An art gallery features a collection of older paintings and drawings. Outside, there are 12 amazing gardens with different themes from Japanese to jungle.
The Huntington is a great place for a calm and relaxing day to spend.
5. Ronald Reagan Library & Museum
Cost: $29/Adult, $19/Youth, $16/Child
The Ronald Reagan Library is a great place explore the history of the presidency.
As the name suggests, there are exhibits dedicated to the life and presidency of Ronald Reagan. In addition there is a full size replica of the White House Oval Office and Air Force One, the actual plane the Reagan flew in. Surrounding the library are beautiful gardens to stroll through.
It’s a great place to understand more about our nation’s history.
