Top Things to Do in Long Beach with Kids 

Dip into the touch tank at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Photo by Kylie Williams.

1. Aquarium of the Pacific 

Most parents know Long Beach as "the place with the aquarium." The Aquarium of the Pacific is a whale of a time (pun absolutely intended). This large aquarium has everything from predatory sharks to poisonous frogs (new!), playful otters, and perky penguins. 

A visit can last four hours or more, with plenty of interactive touch tanks, animal demonstrations, and movie presentations in the aquarium theater. We love this LA gem, and it should be at the top of your list should you find yourself in Long Beach with kids. 

2. Swan Boats at Rainbow Lagoon

Don a life jacket and take a swan for a spin in the charming Rainbow Lagoon, located right across the way from Shoreline Village in Long Beach. Swan boat rentals last one hour, and all ages are welcome to pedal around. The swans light up at night, adding an extra sprinkle of magic to the experience. 

3. The Queen Mary 

This stunning ship stands out on the Long Beach shoreline and is teeming with history. Families can book a tour to learn more about this ocean liner turned WWII battleship. From Hollywood-themed tours to ghost tours, there are various engaging and entertaining ways to learn about the ship's past. 

4. Whale Watching with Harbor Breeze Cruises

Long Beach is world-famous for whale watching, and most cruises do not disappoint! We spotted two grey whales and hundreds of dolphins on our whale watching excursion. Cruises leave from the docks at Shoreline Village daily during whale migration season and can be booked in advance or at the dock. 

5. Long Beach Museum of Art 

Take in some culture at this impressive museum with an extensive art collection. The Long Beach Museum of Art even offers kids workshops on some weekends. 

6. Shoreline Village 

Explore this quaint village on the harbor with a dazzling arcade, unique shops, and ice cream. The arcade is a kids' dream, complete with a carousel and plenty of blinking, beeping games. 

RELATED: The Aquarium of the Pacific: What Makes LA's Biggest Aquarium So Spectacular

Enjoy Long Beach views from the Ferris Wheel at the Pike. Photo by Kylie Williams

7. The Pike Carousel & Ferris Wheel 

The Pike Outlets are a Long Beach hot spot, mainly because of the eye-popping carousel rising into the sky. We had the chance to ride the Ferris wheel and the historic carousel and made some very sweet family memories. The carousel ride is surprisingly long. Settle in for the best view in the city! 

8. Glow Ride on a Hydrobike

This epic experience is great for kids ages 10 and up (kids must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older). Kids must have legs at least 28" long to hop on the bike. Hydrobikes are available during the day as well, though I recommend waiting for sunset.

9. Gondola Rides 

Pretend you are in Venice, Italy, with a ride around Naples Island in a traditional gondola. If you really want to feel like you're on an Italian holiday, book a "pizza" cruise. 

10. Lincoln Park Giant Penny

Take a photo next to a giant penny, then peruse all the fun at Lincoln Park. This sprawling metro park includes an accessible playground, a skate park, exercise equipment, pathways for scooters and rollerblading, a grassy field for sports, and a large library. 

11. Wheel Fun Rentals Surreys and Bikes 

Be a little cheesy with the whole family. Cruise the shoreline in a surrey, or rent some bikes to take down Long Beach's excellent seaside bike path. 

12. Museum of Latin American Art

Experience Long Beach's curated collection of Latin American art at this family-friendly museum. The museum even hosts kids' arts and crafts workshops on select Sundays. 

13. Rosie the Riveter Park & Interpretive Center 

Take a guided audio tour of the WWII events surrounding Rosie the Riveter using your cell phone at this pretty little park and interpretive center. 

14. El Dorado Nature Center

This sprawling park is home to a tranquil nature center with a perfect little 1/4 trail that winds around two lakes, a stream, and forested areas. A small island connected to the mainland with a bridge is home to the nature center with exhibits, a gift shop, and art galleries. 

15. Paddleboard Rentals

Hop off the dock and into the water for a fun stand-up paddleboard excursion. Lessons are available if you need some help learning the ropes! 

16. Rancho Los Alamitos 

History buffs will love touring this microcosm of Southern Californian roots and learning more about the Tongva people native to SoCal. 

RELATED: Adventure City: A Theme Park for Little Kids in the Heart of Anaheim

All aboard for all the fun at El Dorado Frontier! Photo courtesy of El Dorado Frontier

Top Things to Do in Long Beach with Toddlers 

17. El Dorado Frontier 

Did you know that Long Beach is home to a western-themed amusement park? I didn't until recently, and when I heard about El Dorado Frontier, we had to check it out. We were charmed by this happy little mining town, complete with a carousel, train ride, pulley carts, bounce houses, gem mining, and more.

The country music sounded from speakers as we moved from ride to ride. Our favorite was the railroad, which provides a surprisingly long run around El Dorado Park. To see a preview of all the amusement at El Dorado Frontier, view our Instagram reel. 

18. Aquabus

This might be the most budget-friendly thing to do in Long Beach! Families can take the Aquabus around Rainbow Harbor for only $1 each way ($2 round trip) per person. This is the perfect activity for little ones who are just itching to ride on a boat. 

19. Recreation Park 

Do you have a dino lover? If so, check out this amazing playground in Long Beach with a T-rex! This prehistoric park allows kids to dig for fossils, climb on some of their favorite dinos, and scale unique playground equipment. 

20. Mother's Beach 

As the name implies, this beach is great for moms (and their kids of course) due to the gentle waves, shallow swimming area, and lifeguard supervision. There is also a playground on the far side of the beach. Find this jewel in Alamitos Bay. 

Best Places to Eat in Long Beach with Kids 

21. Tequila Jack's

This Mexican restaurant in Shoreline Village stole my heart, not just because they offer chips, salsa, and margaritas, but because we had the most incredible, kid-friendly server during our visit. He brought the kid's food out first and patiently dealt with our crazy lot for the whole meal. 

22. Little Coyote 

Some say this "hole in the wall" pizza joint is LA's best, and I will say that their white pizza was out of this world. Little Coyote is casual dining- perfect for a hungry family that wants to enjoy some good pizza. There are a few booths inside and some outdoor seating near the street. 

23. The Win-Dow 

This smash burger spot is one of the most beloved, family-friendly eats in Long Beach. In addition to mouth-watering burgers, grain bowls, and chicken sandwiches, they are known for their hand-spun milkshakes. 

24. Gladstone's

The food at Gladstone's is top-notch, but make sure to leave some on your plate so that the wait staff will present you with a tin foil sculpture packed with your extras to take home. 

25. Long Beach Creamery

What's a visit to the beach without a scoop of ice cream? Long Beach Creamery has Long Beach's best scoops. Whether you like exotic flavors or traditional ones, Long Beach Creamery has something for you.  

26. Ammatoli

Ammatoli is by far my favorite restaurant in Long Beach. The Levantine cuisine is absolutely mind-blowing. Make sure to get some pita and hummus! 

27. Ballast Point Brewing 

Dine here if you want a meal with idyllic water views that's still casual and family-friendly. Spacious outdoor seating and a kids' menu make this brewery an enjoyable experience. 

28. The Hangar 

The Hangar in Long Beach is a family-friendly food hall with a variety of dining options to choose from. Casual seating makes it an ideal spot for families to enjoy a relaxed meal together. Plus, kids who love airplanes will appreciate knowing that planes were once built there. 

29. SteelCraft 

With an open-air setting, various food options, and communal picnic-style seating, Steelcraft is a fantastic and laid-back spot to take kids for a meal. 

30. The Attic 

This Long Beach staple is kid-friendly, featuring a welcoming atmosphere, a menu with popular dishes like mac and cheese, and outdoor seating that’s perfect for families. 

Can't Miss Events in Long Beach for Families 

31. WiBit Aquatic Playgrounds

Every summer, WiBit aquatic playgrounds start to pop up throughout Long Beach right on the shoreline. Recently, there were two in the area: one at Alamitos Avenue and one at Bayshore Avenue. 

32. Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

The fun goes full throttle at this annual grand prix that winds its' way throughout Long Beach. Families can purchase seating in the stands, enjoy the family fun zone, participate in the lifestyle expo, dance to live music, and more.  

33. Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade 

The Long Beach Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade is a beloved annual tradition that brings the community together. Expect festive floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer, all celebrated through a neighborhood residential street. 

34. Naples Island Holiday Lights 

The stunning homes along the canals on Naples Island get all decked out for the holidays. Stroll along the canals in December to enjoy one of the best holiday light displays in Los Angeles. 

35. Disney on Ice 

Mickey and the Gang grab their skates and hit the ice multiple times a year at the Long Beach Arena. We always make a trip down- Disney on Ice is one of our favorite winter traditions. 

Best Places to Stay with Kids in Long Beach ​

Admire the views of the Long Beach Harbor from the Marriott. Photo by Kylie Williams 

36. Marriott Downtown Long Beach

I had the distinct pleasure of staying in the newly renovated Marriott Downtown Long Beach on my family's recent staycation, and I can't say enough good things about this hotel! The lobby is stunning, there is a rooftop pool with cabanas, and the views are incredible. It is within walking distance of Shoreline Village, The Pike, and the Aquarium of the Pacific. 

There are adjoining rooms perfect for accommodating a big family like mine. When we arrived, we were greeted by a double room with a crib already waiting for our littlest. The hospitality was top-notch, and the Local Current, the hotel's restaurant, had a poke bowl that I am still thinking about. 

37. Hyatt Centric

This hotel is right in the center of the action. It is located at The Pike Outlets. It is also within walking distance from the Aquarium and Shoreline Village. 

38. The Queen Mary

Want to stay somewhere totally unique? You can book a room on the historic Queen Mary in Rainbow Harbor. How cool is that? Live like an heiress on a premier ocean liner and hearken back to the Golden Age of sea travel. There are more than 200 staterooms and suites available on the vessel. 

39. Dockside Boat and Bed

If you want to stay on the water but a smaller vessel is more your style, Dockside Boat and Bed offers sleeper boats for rent. Stay on a yacht in Rainbow Harbor and enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast in addition to many of the amenities that a traditional hotel offers. Kids will get a kick out of letting the waves rock them to sleep.