If you're heading to the beach, but you've got some water-resistant (or sand-phobic) kids in tow, you'll be happy to know that there's more to do than splash in the water and get wet. Many beaches have added play structures that are a perfect way to have fun. Take a break from the waves and push your kid on the swing, or let them climb the structure and see the view.
Many of these playgrounds have been recently upgraded, so the kids can get super creative. Plus you're right there by the ocean, so you'll have plenty of options to keep your kids occupied. It's the like having the best of both worlds: park play and beach play, all in one! Check out these popular beach playgrounds in and around Los Angeles.
Related: Best Outdoor Playgrounds in Los Angeles
Mother's Beach may be one of the most well-known family-friendly beach spots. At this man-made beach, recently renovated and freshened up, you'll find calm waters, a children's playground, covered picnic tables, and a scenic spot to enjoy your day. Once you visit, you'll find yourself returning again and again.
At Zuma Beach County Park, kids will not only have fun playing near the water, they'll also be entertained watching what's in the water! This is a great spot for observing dolphins and sea lions at play! But when kids need to move, you'll find volleyball courts, swing sets, and even a snack bar here too.
Playa del Rey Beach is in between LAX, Marina del Rey, and Dockweiler State Beach which means there is plenty to see, hear, and do. At this spot, families will find a grassy park, a paved bike path, basketball courts, and a children's playground.
Local families often visit Mother's Beach at Marine Park in the Naples neighborhood of Long Beach. You'll find a protected swimming area here perfect for young visitors, a large children's playground, and picnic facilities. It's a great low-key spot for a day out in the sun.
Santa Monica's third universally accessible playground (others are South Beach playground and Ishihara Park playground) opened in 2018. The North Beach playground includes separate play areas for children 2-5 years old and for children 5-8 years old. Universally accessible playgrounds include barrier-free equipment, increased maneuvering space, and accessible surfaces and paths. The playground is next to a pay parking lot, bathrooms and close to a pedestrian overpass to Palisades Park.
Related: Best Indoor Playgrounds in Los Angeles
Located on the border of Santa Monica and Venice Beach, this playground includes swings, slides and a ship structure for kids to climb on. The playground is close to bathrooms, the beach path for walking, restaurants and coffee shops.
Families speak highly of the Seal Beach Pier Playground. Kids will enjoy the brightly painted play structure, and parents will feel more at ease with the gate enclosure and will also appreciate the nearby bathrooms.
A family-friendly spot that doesn't always get as busy as neighboring Santa Monica Beach. Will Rogers State Beach is a fine spot for the usual beach activities - swimming, biking, and volleyball. You'll also find picnic tables, restrooms, and a children's playground here too.
Beach Park #1 is made up of 4.6 acres. Here families will find picnic tables, a children's playground, and grassy areas perfect for active kids that need a place to run. This beachfront park is popular with local families. In fact, the biggest complaint many have is that this enjoyable spot doesn't have a more original name!
Hermosa Beach is popular for its surfing and volleyball competitions. But families will be pleased to know that Hermosa Beach is also a family-friendly beach destination as well. Splash in the water, have a friendly game of volleyball, or check out the children's play structure.
You can spend the entire day at White Point/Royal Palms Beach and not run out of things to do. You'll find picnic tables, great views, and a children's play area here. For those interested in history, there are 12 plaques describing the history of the area. (Spanish explorers reached this area back in 1770).
While the famous Pier offers plenty for families to do, it can get costly. Thankfully, close by to the Pier, you'll find a children's play area right on the sand. Let the kids swing, build sandcastles, and have some inexpensive fun in the sun.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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