Iconic LA Summer Adventures 

1. Hike to the Hollywood Sign — Hollywood 

Start early to avoid the heat, but a hike to the Hollywood sign is the perfect way to get moving and enjoy an iconic LA spot this summer. 

2. Horseback Riding through the Hollywood Hills — Hollywood 

Want to get a different view of LA? Why not try horseback riding at Sunset Ranch—our go-to for epic adventures in the saddle. 

 
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Photo by @alpha_613

3. Pacific Pier — Santa Monica 

Yes, it's touristy, but Pacific Pier is also tons of fun whether you are a local or a visitor. Take the kids on a few rides, hit the Ferris wheel, and get some food on the pier. 

4. Grand Park Splash Pad — DTLA 

Gloria Molina's Grand Park is Downtown LA's most iconic park, and the splash pad in the summer is fantastic! 

5. Ride Angel's Flight — DTLA 

While you are in DTLA, take the $2 funicular train that connects Grand Park to South Hill Street. It's somewhat pointless, but very fun, and Grand Central Market is a quick walk away with iconic LA eats. 

6. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific — Long Beach 

Los Angeles' biggest aquarium is one of the best things to do in Long Beach this summer, with otters, sharks, penguines, frogs, sea lions, and more. 

7. Explore Griffith Park — Griffith Park

There is so much to do in Griffth Park, from the Ferndell hike, to Travel Town, to the Griffith Park Railroad. Spend all day exploring one of LA's best outdoor spaces. 

8. Enjoy Music at the Hollywood Bowl — Hollywood

You can purchase tickets to one of the Hollywood Bowl's summer headliners, or you can visit during a weekday and enjoy an LA Philharmonic rehearsal at the Bowl for free! 

9. Attend at Star Party at Griffith Observatory — Griffith Park 

On the first Saturday of every month, budding astronomers can check out the stars at the observatory using freely available telescopes. 

10. Echo Park Swan Boats — Echo Park 

These paddle boats are an LA classic, and now is the perfect time to head into the city and take one for a spin. They even light up at night for a perfect evening adventure. 

11. Bob Baker's The Circus — Highland Park 

Going to a Bob Baker puppet show is like stepping back in time- the kids will be delighted, and every performance ends with free ice cream. 

The Best Way to Hit the Coastline

RELATED: Road Trips from Los Angeles for a Weekend Family Getaway

 
Take in the stunning coastal views at Crystal Cove. Photo by Tracie Hall via Flickr 2.0

12. Crystal Cove — Newport Beach 

We just wrote an article on how much we love this incredible beach in Newport Beach. There are tidepool walks, movies on the beach, nature tours, and so much more to discover here. 

13. The Annenberg Community Beach House — Santa Monica 

Ever wanted to hang out in a beach house for the day? This community spot in Santa Monica has a splash pad, a pool, and lots of shade on Santa Monica's beautiful shoreline. 

14. Ventura Beach Playground — Ventura 

Swings in the sand? Now that's what I'm talking about. Plus, this Ventura Beach has surrey rentals and a pier with the famous Beach House Tacos open for business. 

15. Leo Carillo State Beach — Malibu 

Go tidepooling and enjoy the surf and sand at one of our favorite beaches in the southland. 

16. Paradise Cove — Malibu

Hungry? Enjoy amazing food in the perfect setting at this Malibu classic restaurant. 

17. Grunion Runs — San Pedro 

Here's an LA memory your kids will carry with them forever. Head to the beach at night to watch the phenomenon known as a grunion run. Check out our Instagram reel to learn more! 

18. Balboa Island Ferry — Newport Beach 

Ferry across the Newport Harbor to charming Balboa Island, grab a Balboa Bar, and then ride back for a spin around the Ferris Wheel at the Balboa Fun Zone. 

19. International Surf Festival — Huntington Beach

Watch the pros surf the gnar at this festival that is a big deal in Huntington Beach every year. 

20. Shoreline Village — Long Beach 

Wander this seaside village, dine at Parker's Lighthouse, and maybe even rent a surrey to ride around in style. 

21. Carpinteria Beach — California 

Head up the coastline to check out the "World's Safest Beach" in Carpinteria, California. This personal favorite is straight up the 101 before Santa Barbara, and the charming little town offers shopping, a candy store, snow cones, and an amazing little coffee and acai bowl shop called Lucky Llama. 

Can't Miss Summer Events in LA 

22. Festival of Arts Fine Art Show — Laguna Beach 

The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show is a Laguna Beach tradition and it's not one to miss. The art show culminates with the Pageant of the Masters, a performance of tablaeus by community members that you'll have to see to believe. 

23. Ventura County Fair — Ventura

We love this "country fair with ocean air" that lands in Ventura every August. 

24. Orange County Fair — Costa Mesa 

Find your happy (that's the theme of this year's fair) at the OC fair this year. The fun starts July 18, 2025 and continues through August 17, 2025. 

25. Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration — Anaheim 

It should be obvious that Disneyland is an LA bucket list item. This year, it's more affordable than ever with a 4-day multi-deal pass with prices as low as $100 per day. 

26. Disney Movies at the El Capitan — Hollywood

Summer is the time for blockbuster movies, and all the best Disney and Marvel titles are played daily at the El Capitan right in the heart of Hollywood. The best part? A live organist performs a prelude to every show. 

27. Kidpsace Campout — Pasadena

Kidspace is always fun, but they add some extra pizzazz for the summer with a camping theme running throughout the museum. The water features, which are always on, take on a whole new level of fun during the warm summer months. Make sure to bring a change of clothes! 

28. Shakespeare Festivals — Various Locations 

Between Shakespeare by the Sea, The Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival, and performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Theatricum Botanicum, there is plenty of al fresco Shakespeare throughout LA this summer. 

29. Strawberry Picking — Various Locations 

One of California's most delicious fruits is ripe and ready for picking all summer long. A sun-ripened berry on a sunny day? Say less. 

30. Cali Splash Park — Castaic 

This inflatable splash park on Los Angeles' largest lake is one of our favorite seasonal spots. This activity is best for older kids (think 5 and up), but it will wear them out and have them sleeping like a rock at bedtime. 

RELATED: Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Los Angeles 

 
Root for the home team at Dodger Stadium! Photo by @fourbyfourblazer via Flickr 2.0

31. Dodgers Games — Elysian Park

Has there ever been a better time to be a Dodgers fan? If you aren't bleeding blue at a Dodger's game this summer with a Dodger dog in hand, are you even an Angelino? Check out our Instagram reel on Dodgers games with kids. 

32. Electric Light Parade — Venice

You don't have to buy a ticket to Disneyland to see an Electric Light Parade; Venice bikers offer one for free every Sunday at dusk! 

More Summer Bucket List Items for LA Families

33. Outdoor Movies — Various Locations

We have a whole list of the best outdoor movies in LA, from free community events to some of the higher end, paid productions. I personally love Cinespia and Street Food Cinema. 

34. Outdoor Concerts — Various Locations 

Saturdays Off the 405 is one of many outdoor performances throughout LA all summer long. 

35. Camping Trips — Various Locations

Summer is the perfect time to take the family for a camping trip somewhere near Los Angeles. Or maybe glamping in LA is more your style. We have the guide, and all the tips to make your camping trip extra memorable. 

36. Adventure Playgrounds — Irvine, Yorba Linda, & Huntington Beach 

There are three incredible Adventure Playgrounds in the OC area, and every one of them is worth a visit. Kids can explore, enjoy water play, build with giant Legos, and more at these unique play spaces. 

Icy Treats LA Families Need to Try This Summer 

37. Happy Ice — Northridge, DTLA, & Melrose

These icy, fruity, beautiful scoops of goodness should be on every LA family's list this summer. 

38. Magpie's Soft Serve — Silverlake, Highland Park, and Tarzana 

The soft serve is divine, but the soft serve pies are on a whole new level. 

39. Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain — Pasadena

This old-time pharmacy and soda shop will take you back to a summer 70 years ago. Bring grandma and grandpa along on this adventure- it will get them reminiscing about "the good 'ol days."

Summer Day Trips from LA 

40. Ojai 

Ojai is a charming little town right off the 101, and it's the perfect spot to wander on a summer day. The sunsets are worth the drive to see the Topa Topa mountains glow pink every evening. 

41. Santa Barbara 

Keep going up the 101 and you'll eventually hit Santa Barbara, a beach town with it's own zoo, the MOXI Museum, sprawling beaches, and a lot of mouthwatering Mexican food. 

42. Carlsbad 

Carlsbad is the northernmost tip of San Diego, and if you time the traffic right, it doesn't take all that long to get there. We love the charm and class of this beautiful town. Pick some strawberries, grab some grub at Pizza Port, and maybe even sneak in a day at Legoland. 

RELATED: Why You Should Stay on Property at One of the Legoland Hotels

 
Pretend you're on vacation at Catalina. Photo by David Collier, courtesy of Visit California

43. Catalina Island 

Why not finally do it? Book the ferry and make your day an adventure as you explore Catalina Island. Boats depart from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point to Avalon on Catalina daily. 

44. Lake Arrowhead 

Craving some "campy" mountain air without the long drive? Lake Arrowhead isn't far away, but you'll be immersed in the pine-scented forests with a glistening lake.