Los Angeles kids grow up swimming at some of the country's most iconic beaches, not to mention an array of flat-out awesome public swimming pools. But wait—there's more! Did you know that there are some wonderful swimming lakes within spitting distance of LA? And if you're willing to drive a little farther, lake options get even more plentiful. 

Whether you want to take a dip in a secluded swimming hole, or join the masses at a lavish lake resort, here are some of the best spots to take a swim out in nature.

Looking for something to do with the kids that’s outside of the box—and without the usual upsell for overpriced novelties? Then maybe it’s time to give Culver City's Museum of Jurassic Technology a try. Equal parts whimsical and educational, there’s nothing else in Los Angeles quite like this modern day cabinet of curiosities. But be forewarned—the less you know about its secrets, the more fun it is to explore.

Note: Happy Place is currently closed due to city zoning issues; it is due to reopen later this month at LA Live. More information is available on its Instagram page.

Move over Disneyland; there’s a new happiest place on Earth. Following in the exceedingly Instagrammable footsteps of the Museum of Ice Cream, here comes Happy Place, a pop-up art installation with a serious commitment to putting a smile on your face—and a selfie on your phone.