As summer heats up, these cool things to do in Los Angeles will help provide respite from those lasting sun rays. It can be hard to soak up that sun for more than a few minutes when temperatures climb to triple digits. When it's too toasty to play at the park, ride bikes outside, or go for a walk, we've got answers and lots of ideas for cool things to do in Los Angeles. 

From pools and splash pads to bowling alleys and cool museums, we've gathered the best indoor and outdoor activities to beat those summer—or even rare fall or winter—heat waves, as well as those unfortunate smoky haze days. Plus, you can always head to the beach! There are even more cool things to do in Los Angeles this summer in our Ultimate Los Angeles Kids Summer Vacation Guide. 

Looking for a fun, scenic, and kid-friendly bike ride in Los Angeles? The Strand—also known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail—is a coastal gem perfect for families.  

As much as Los Angeles is consistently making improvements, the bicycling infrastructure in Los Angeles leaves quite a bit to be desired. This is doubly true for families who want to ride in the city with their kids. While it may not be advisable to take an epic 10-mile bike trip down Venice Boulevard (even if it does technically have bike lanes), there are several off-street bike paths throughout the metro. The crown jewel? The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, better known by locals as The Strand. 

While you're biking The Strand, you'll pass by the Santa Monica Pier, and many LA beaches for kids and families. For more essential things to do in LA, check out our Los Angeles Visitors' Guide for Families. 

Planning for any child’s birthday party can be a trying task, but finding teen birthday party ideas that your snarky teens won't deride is practically impossible. Teenagers are a particularly tough group to plan for—and you have to account for the fact that tastes vary wildly and what is exciting for one teen is a total bore for another. Luckily, Los Angeles is jam-packed with things to do with tweens and teens, and that includes places where you can hold teen birthday parties that your celebrant will truly adore.

From comedy clubs to private pool cabanas and tech wonderlands to falcon flying fetes, we've rounded up teen birthday party ideas (even sweet 16 birthday ideas) that are tried and true for teens. To get more ideas for your party, like where to get the best birthday cakes in LA, visit our Guide to Birthday Party Ideas in Los Angeles for Kids. Because big kids love birthday cake, too.

Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, but it can also be one of the most crowded, most confusing, and most chaotic. As a self-proclaimed "Disney kid" I've been to the Mouse House more times than I can count. I've gone in giant groups, with only one other person, with my troupe of four kiddos, with teenagers, with strollers, with Lightning Lane passes, with no plan, with a very detailed plan, you name it, I've done it. Which is why I'm thrilled to share some of my favorite Disneyland hacks with you.

Whether you are a new parent taking your baby for the first time, a Disney adult eager to share the magic with your kiddos, or a first time visitor (don't forget to grab a pin!), this article will sprinkle your next Disneyland day with an extra-dose of pixie dust. 

While most of these tips are for Disneyland, you can also see Disney California Adventure like local with these tips. You can also check out these tips for bringing a baby to Disneyland. Plus, discover other fun things to do in Anaheim with kids, and browse our Southern California Theme and Water Park Guide. 

Redondo Beach is a sunny seaside gem offering a wealth of family-friendly fun. It may even feel like a vacation within a staycation. This South Bay favorite locale is perfect for a day with kids. It's more laid-back and less busy than, say, Santa Monica if you want to enjoy a day at the ocean without crowds and tourists. 

From sandy beaches and the kid-favorite Seaside Lagoon to a dinosaur museum, playgrounds, and glass-bottom boat rides, there is no shortage of ways to play, explore, and make lasting memories. Whether your family loves nature, adventure, or laid-back coastal vibes, Redondo Beach offers something for every little explorer. 

For more coastal gems in Los Angeles, explore Palos Verdes with Kids, discover things to do in Manhattan Beach with kids, and browse our Beach Guide to Los Angeles and Orange County. 

Playgrounds in Los Angeles provide endless entertainment for kids of all ages. Remember the days of busted swings and boring slides? Well, kids growing up in LA will never have those memories; the best playgrounds in Los Angeles (which are open again, hallelujah) are bastions of play and creativity for kids of all ages and abilities.

These LA playgrounds feature rocket ships and pirate ships, fire trucks and trains, sea creatures, and more. There are climbing structures, sand pits, thrilling ziplines, and playgrounds that honor the original inhabitants of the land. While the neighborhood playground is great for every day use, sometimes cooped-up kids need something new. And these playgrounds have the ultimate accolade: they're worth crossing the 405!

For more playground inspiration, check our guide to LA's top parks and playgrounds, or our list of the best beach playgrounds in Los Angeles and Orange County.