Beat the Heat with Indoor Activities: "Cool" Museums in Los Angeles

Yes, pretty much all the museums in Los Angeles are air-conditioned, but these are our favorites for when it's too hot to play outside, and keeping kids enthralled and entertained is key.

1. The Broad — DTLA

See modern art in a cool, climate-controlled space. Even better, admission is free—just be sure to reserve ahead of time and avoid waiting in a long, outdoor stand-by line.

2. Page Museum — Miracle Mile

The indoor, underground Page Museum is a cool place to hang out. You'll learn about the mammoth creatures that roamed prehistoric Southern California. 

3. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County — Exposition Park

There's nothing like a trip to see the dinosaur bones at NHM of LA County. Of course, the museum is so much more than prehistoric artifacts, with a gem room, animal dioramas, interactive exhibitions, and more!

4. California Science Center — Exposition Park

While you're at NHM, why not stop by the California Science Center? Located right next door, admission to the museum is free (though some attractions, like the IMAX, have an admission fee). 

RELATED: Best Children's Museums in Los Angeles and Orange County

 
Get behind the camera and make a movie. Photo courtesy of The Autry Museum of the West

5. The Autry Museum of the West — Griffith Park

Hop on a horse in air-conditioned splendor. The Autry has a new family play space with fun toys and sweet, mellow activities. 

6. Noah's Ark at the Skirball — West LA

Yes, you want to see the rest of the exhibits at the Skirball, too, but the real draw for kids is the Ark. Play time in the ark is included with admission (which is free on Thursdays), but you must reserve timed tickets in advance. This one is worth an entire afternoon, I had to drag my kids out of here on our last visit. 

7. Southern California Children’s Museum — Pasadena

If you have smaller children, SCCM is always a solid choice for a laid-back afternoon of play. The open space makes it easy to keep an eye on little ones as they explore the permanent and rotating installations.

8. Cayton Children’s Museum — Santa Monica

Modern, well-air-conditioned, hours of entertainment, and in the middle of Santa Monica. What's not to love? After playing at the museum, head downstairs to the shops and food court at Santa Monica Place for some retail therapy and a snack.

9. Discovery Cube — Sylmar and Santa Ana 

There are two Discovery Cube locations in the LA area, one up in the Valley and another along the I-5 in Orange County. Both museums feature unique, interactive exhibits that keep kids entertained for hours.

RELATED: Free Things To Do with Kids in Los Angeles this Summer

 
Something both parents and kids can enjoy! Photo courtesy of The Grammy Museum

10. The Grammy Museum — DTLA

Music lovers will adore the Grammy Museum at LA Live. Exhibits will entertain children of all ages, no matter what style of music they like to rock out to!

11. Central Library — DTLA

Not technically a museum, the Central Library in Downtown LA is a bit more like a living relic. The historic building has a huge children's section on the second level and guided tours for older kids. 

12. Aquarium of the Pacific — Long Beach 

Okay, this is also not technically a museum, but the Aquarium of the Pacific is a great place to beat the summer heat and scope out some incredible marine life. There's also an outdoor area with a splash pad to cool off, and kids will love waving at the penguins and gazing at the sharks. 

RELATED: Los Angeles Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat

 
Kids play while you sip an iced latte. That's a good day. Photo courtesy of My Little Paris

Cool Things to do in Los Angeles: Indoor Play Spaces for Wee Ones

Los Angeles has loads of great indoor play spaces all over the city, but these are our favorites, which are worth the drive and so compelling that once there, kids will happily play all day.

13. My Little Paris Cafe & Play — San Gabriel

This play space allows parents to enjoy legitimately authentic French-inspired dishes while the kiddos frolic in the adjacent play area. That C'est magnifique. 

14. Pretend City — Irvine

It's a bit of a drive from Los Angeles, but Pretend City is well worth the travel time. Not to mention, there's a mini Trader Joe's inside for the tiniest shoppers. 

15. Wild Child Gym — Culver City

This unique indoor gym offers free play and classes and is a wonderful space for kids and parents alike. It's not one of the hectic and plastic-filled play spaces but rather minimalist and chill, perfectly placing it as one of the many cool things to do in Los Angeles. 

RELATED: 25 Beat-the-Heat Crafts for Hot Summer Days

 
Keep it cool indoors while racing. Photo courtesy of K1 Indoor Track

Cool Indoor Activities: Big Kid Indoor Play

Big kids like to play indoors, too! But when they age out of play spaces, what's a parent to do? Head to one of these cool spots for teens and tweens.

16. K1 Indoor Track — Burbank, Torrance, Irvine, and More Locations

This indoor track means no sunburns as you burn up the track.

17. Escape Rooms

Escape Rooms are a great way to get a whole gaggle of kids together indoors, away from video games, and using a little brain power. Find the perfect one from our list for the ages and interests of your crew.

18. Virtual Reality Centers and Arcades

VR spots have been popping up all over LA, and while there are certainly ample options for even little kids, it's the big kids who can spend hours and hours in virtual worlds, making this a hot weather escape that can last all day. Check out our list of the best VR spots in the city to find one for your teen or tween.

19. Trampoline Parks

When you want to actually bounce off the walls, but not in your own home, these are the places to play. Kids can burn off all that energy in air-conditioned comfort, then sleep really well at night!

20. Jump 'n Jammin — Arcadia, Oxnard and West Covina

With multi-level play structures, giant slides, obstacle courses, ball shooters, an exploding foam ball volcano, rock climbing, and so much more, kids can keep busy here all day. While it's ideal for kids up to age 12, you can bring older siblings (up to 17 years old), and you'll love watching your big kids act young again.

21. Button Mash — Echo Park

If arcades were your passion growing up, Button Mash will make your heart sing. The Echo Park arcade/restaurant offers a large collection of classic arcade games and pinball machines that will reawaken your inner child (Pac-Man and Mario Bros, anyone?). 

22. Neon Retro Arcade — Pasadena

Today's tech-savvy kids still love playing the classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger, and pinball. Time travel and experience the arcade of yesteryear at Neon Retro Arcade, where you can maybe even beat your kids at video games for once!

RELATED: Free Outdoor Movies in Los Angeles this Summer for Kids

 
Who needs a chair that reclines, when you can watch a movie from an actual boat? Photo courtesy of Boat Cinema

Cool Movie Theaters to Chill In

Sure, any movie theater is a respite from the heat in the summer, but these offer something extra special for families, making them a cool thing to do in Los Angeles. 

23. Boat Cinema — Castaic Lake

Outdoor movies are awesome in the evening, but movies with a lovely lake breeze are even cooler.

24. Summer Movie Vacation Series at The Culver Theater — Culver City

Catch a $3 movie in Culver City on a Saturday, no less. Then, grab ice cream nearby at Salt & Straw. 

25. Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express — Multiple locations

You had me at $2 movies. Bring your own popcorn to keep it fun and cheap! 

26. Alamo Drafthouse — DTLA

This theater has made its name for serving food and drinks right at your seat—just don't be late because they won't seat you after the movie starts.

27. Cinépolis — Pico Rivera

This Mexican movie theater chain is new to the area, though it's well-established in its home country. This chain is known for its "Junior" theaters, which have a play area in front of the seating area! 

28. New Beverly Cinema — West Hollywood

You might not think of a movie theater owned by Quentin Tarantino for kids' showings, but there are weekend "kiddie" screenings of old-school, family-friendly films. Be sure to hit the snack bar for frozen Junior Mints, where prices are locked in at retro levels.

29. El Capitan — Hollywood

Smack in the middle of Hollywood, the El Capitan is much more than your usual movie-going experience. Step off the Walk of Fame and into this Disney-owned experience. 

Spend "Spare" Time at the Bowling Alley

30. Pinz Bowling Center — Studio City

The Pinz Bowling Center has a unique mid-century style, perfect for a bowling alley. Blacklight bowling times are extra fun for kids!

31. Shatto 39 Lanes — Koreatown

Shatto 39 Lanes in Koreatown is one of the few remaining classic alleys in Los Angeles, and the prices remain low, which makes it a perfect family spot.

32. Bowlero — Multiple locations

Bowlero is a large chain with locations all across Southern California. In addition to bowling, there's an arcade to keep kids busy. The chain offers summer promotions, making it even more enticing to beat the heat at the alley. 

33. Lucky Strike — Hollywood, DTLA, and Orange

Lucky Strike has three locations in Southern California: one on Hollywood Blvd., another at LA Live in DTLA, and a third in Orange. The arcade offers additional activities beyond bowling and the full bar is certainly a draw for the parents. Prices are higher here than at other lanes, but it's also a more upscale experience.

34. XLanes LA — Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo's XLanes LA is over 50,000 square feet—plenty of room to relax and knock down pins. After a few rounds, head to Daiso (in the same shopping center) for some back-to-school shopping. 

RELATED: Family-Friendly Bowling in Los Angeles for Birthday Parties or a Spare Afternoon

 
Skate the summer away. Photo courtesy of the Moonlight Rollerway Skating Center

Roller Rinks: Skating and Ice to Beat the Heat

35. Fountain Valley Skating Center — Fountain Valley

Orange County's Fountain Valley Skating Center has public roller skating sessions throughout the week. 

36. Holiday Skate Center — Orange

In addition to public roller skating sessions, the Holiday Skate Center has a whole summer skate schedule. 

37. Moonlight Rollerway Skating Center — Glendale

If Orange County is too far to drive for skating, then check out the Moonlight Rollerway Skating Center in Glendale. There are skating sessions and classes throughout the week. 

38. Toyota Sports Performance Center — El Segundo

One of several ice skating centers sponsored by the LA Kings, the Toyota Sports Performance Center is a sprawling complex. There are daily free skate sessions available. 

39. Pasadena Ice Skating Center — Pasadena

Pasadena's Ice Skating Center is another great place to catch a free skate. If you have a summer birthday, you can rent the facility for a one-of-a-kind curling birthday!

40. Pickwick Ice — Burbank

Pickwick Ice is another rink affiliated with the LA Kings. There are daily public skating sessions and youth hockey leagues.

RELATED: Swimming Spots to Host a Pool Party for Your Los Angeles Kid

 
Choose from the pool, the splash pad, or the beach. Photo courtesy of the Annenberg Beach House

Beat the Heat with Outdoor Activities Like Cool Pools

Public pools dot our city, and there's probably one right near your home. However, for a special treat, these favorites are worth the drive.

41. Annenberg Beach House — Santa Monica

This destination along the PCH in Santa Monica is a must-visit for those hot summer months. It's open to everyone; there's no membership required. There's a vintage pool, splash pad, playground, and indoor rec center. 

42. Begg Pool — Manhattan Beach

This pool is a nice back-to-basics pool, perfect for cooling off. There's a grassy area nearby for a picnic too. It's also close to the beach so you can spend the day in two kinds of water!

43. Seaside Lagoon — Redondo Beach

This pool is built right into the beach! With lifeguards on duty and a large sandy area for sunbathing, it's like the beach but even better.

44. Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center — Camarillo

This pool is unique in that it has an outdoor patio and an indoor pool. There's also a 65-foot water slide that will have kids begging for return trips out to Ventura County.

45. Hansen Dam Aquatic Center — Lake View Terrace

This pool is gargantuan! According to the city, it can fit 2,800 people. It has dual water slides, a zero-entry shore, and a sandy beach that surrounds the water.

46. Santa Clarita Aquatics Center — Santa Clarita

This aquatics center has two recreational swimming pools with an activity pool that has a water slide, spray fountain, and additional water play features. 

47. San Clemente Aquatics Center — San Clemente

There's a competition pool, an activity pool, a water play structure, and a wading pool. The whole location is surrounded by a park, ideal for a post-swim snack in the shade. 

48. Hemingway Aquatic Center — Carson

Hemingway Aquatic Center is located within a park of the same name. It has three pools: an activity pool with six swimming lanes, a smaller pool, and the exit pool with two twisting water slides.

RELATED: Best Family Resorts with Water Parks

 
There's something extra fun about splashing in the center of the city. Photo courtesy of Grand Park, Facebook

Beat the Heat with Favorite Splash Pads

Don't feel like watching kids in the pool? Let them run wild at one of our favorite splash pads. These are la creme de la creme in the whole city.

49. Grand Park — DTLA

Families flock to Grand Park's large fountain on the northeast end of the park (by Grand Avenue). The bubbling fountains and water are the perfect place to cool off to the soothing sounds of running water. 

50. Tongva Park — Santa Monica

This popular park in Santa Monica has a play area, a small splash pad, and a man-made stream that kids love. Plus, you can walk to both the beach and 3rd Street Promenade from this park.

51. Coldwater Canyon Park — Beverly Hills

This park is super shaded and includes a man-made creek for kids to splash around. (Plus, celebrity sightings!)

52. Rancho Tapo Community Park - Simi Valley

Locals call it "Lemon Park" but don't be deceived, this park is no lemon. The splash pad operates daily with plenty of fun water features spraying in all directions. 

53. La Pintoresca Park — Pasadena

La Pintoresca Park has a splash pad and shaded playground for kiddos to enjoy. 

54. Valleydale Park — Azusa

The big draw of this park's splash pad is that it's shaded! The splash pad is surrounded by play structures so kids can go back and forth between the two areas with ease.  

55. Alondra Park — Lawndale

This park is pretty awesome, with a large splash pad, a full aquatics center, shaded picnic tables, playgrounds, and a pond with an island ripe for exploration. 

56. Virginia Avenue Park — Santa Monica

The Pico neighborhood is home to Virginia Avenue Park, which includes a splash patio that's great for cooling off.

RELATED: LA's Best Ice Cream and Frozen Treats

 
The shady Ferndell path wanders along to a stream before ending at a playground. Photo courtesy of @lacityparks

Play in the Shade at these Top Shaded Playgrounds

On the plus side, LA is almost always sunny. On the minus side, that means our playground equipment gets h-o-t. But not at these favorite shaded playgrounds.

57. Ferndell Playground — Griffith Park

We love hiking up and down the winding Ferndell trail in Griffith Park. After the hike, kids will demand to play on the state-of-the-art playground at the top of the path and get treats at Trails Cafe.

58. Rustic Canyon Park — Pacific Palisades

We already mentioned this park for its awesome pool, but the park itself is a great place to play in the shade! It's up in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains so it has plenty of tree cover over the grassy areas and the playground. 

59. Bill Rosendahl Del Rey Park— Marina Del Rey

The play structure is partially shaded, but the real shade is created by a series of massive ficus trees.

60. York Boulevard Park — Highland Park

Catch a show at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater across York Ave., grab an iced coffee from Café de Leche, and watch your kids frolic in this small, gated, shaded, wildlife-themed park.

61. Garfield Park — South Pasadena

South Pasadena's best park attracts families from all over the San Gabriel Valley. The playground is located at the bottom of a small valley and has plenty of trees to provide shade when the temperature rises. 

RELATED: The Best Playgrounds in Los Angeles

 
Sail shades keep both equipment and kids cool at Polliwog Park. Photo courtesy of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation

62. Polliwog Park — Manhattan Beach

One of the best parks in the LA area, Polliwog Park has tons of places kids can play and explore. The playground area is partially covered by canopies and the adjacent areas are well-shaded by trees.

63. South Park — Hermosa Beach

At Hermosa Beach's South Park, large canopies stretch over much of the playground area. While not shaded, the large slides are a major draw for kids, and there's a butterfly garden just outside the park, along the bike path in Ardmore Park.

64. Roxbury Park — Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills' urban park has plenty of shade to protect your kids from the sun in the summer. 

Cool Things To Do in Los Angeles: Our Favorite Huge Water Parks

These giant water parks make for a fabulous summer treat.

65. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor — Santa Clarita

When the weather is too hot to enjoy the coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain, head to Hurricane Harbor. While the park may be known for its extreme water slides, there are attractions for the littles too: Castaway Cove and Splash Island both offer fun for the youngest kids.

66. Knott’s Soak City — Garden Grove

Like Hurricane Harbor, Soak City is located right next to a traditional theme park—in this case, Knott's Berry Farm. There are plenty of attractions for everybody, from adrenaline junkies to scaredy-cats. 

67. Raging Waters — San Dimas

Raging Waters is one of the original water parks in the Southern California area. There are attractions for kids of all ages, from moderate-intensity rides for kids and families to rides with big drops for the thrill-seekers in your family.

68. Legoland Water Park — Carlsbad

Build your summer fun by splashing around in the Legoland Water Park. Legoland itself also has a few fountains for the kiddos to run through on a hot summer day if they aren't quite old enough yet for a full-on water park experience. 

69. Alpine Slide Big Bear — Big Bear

Ok, this one is far, but you not only get to ride the amazing double water slide but also cool down with the wind in your hair at the Alpine Slide, which allows everyone in the family the chance to sled down a quarter-mile-long cement track. And the last way to cool down is a zip on the Soaring Eagle ride, which gives the sensation of flying while getting a bird’s eye view of Big Bear Lake— and getting those gorgeous lake breezes and mountain air. This is worth it as a long day trip or a weekend getaway.

70. Sesame Place - Chula Vista 

This one is also a bit of a drive, as Chula Vista is almost at the Mexican border, but the splash zones and slides at Sesame Place are so fun, it may be worth the trek. The Count's Splash Castle is a brand new water area. This half amusement park and half water park has kids running from the lazy river to a mild coaster and back again all day long. 

RELATED: SoCal Theme Parks and Water Parks Guide

 
This might be the best water park in town! Photo courtesy of Buccaneer Cove

Our Favorite Local Smaller Water Parks

These water parks are more manageable with kids, and less expensive, too!

71. Buccaneer Cove at Castle Park — Riverside

Buccaneer Cove is part of Castle Park in Riverside. This water park boasts four levels of family water play, five water slides, spray cannons, and spray fountains. If you're feeling a little exclusive, you can rent a cabana at the park for an extra fee. 

72. DryTown Water Park — Palmdale

Few places in the LA area that need a place to cool off more than the High Desert. Palmdale's DryTown Water Park is definitely one of the cool things to do in Los Angeles.

73. DropZone Waterpark — Perris

While the temperatures in Perris aren't quite as elevated as in the High Desert, it can get pretty scorching! There are also volleyball courts and swimming pools.

74. Buccaneer Bay — La Mirada

La Mirada's Buccaneer Bay is more than a municipal pool or splash pad, but not quite on the level of the major water parks. On the flip side, admission is much less expensive. The park has a lazy river, three water slides, a play structure, a zero-entry pool, and two splash pads.

75. Casitas Water Adventure - Ventura County 

Float along a lazy river of splash in a giant water zone at this beloved little water park in Lake Casitas, which has recently gotten a facelift! 

And of Course, There's the Beach

We live in LA, the home of the best beaches in the country (well, maybe Hawaii has a better claim to that title, but we'll take the continental US!). Whether you want to swim, surf, boogie board, watch for dolphins, or just walk and cool down in those ocean breezes, we've got the best beach for you and your family.

76. Best Beaches near Los Angeles for Kids

With easy access to bathrooms, nearby playgrounds, easy parking, and other important factors for families, these are the best beaches for a family day by the shore.

77. Hidden Gems That Won't Be as Crowded

However... if you don't mind working for something (parking, potties, proximity), these hidden gems are gorgeous and less crowded!