Things to Do in Santa Monica, CA with Kids

The best things to do in Santa Monica with kids are Pacific Park on the pier, the Heal the Bay Aquarium, the pier carousel and Tongva Park. Pacific Park is the classic, an amusement park over the water with a Ferris wheel, carnival games and rides for every age. The Heal the Bay Aquarium under the pier has touch tanks and makes a cool break at midday, the historic carousel is a quick ride for toddlers, and Tongva Park is a free city park with playgrounds and splash pads a few blocks inland.

Things to Do in Santa Monica with Kids At-A-Glance

Activity Name	Best For	Key Highlight	Recommended Age	Booking Options
Pacific Park	Outdoor Adventure	Ferris Wheel	All ages	View Details →
Heal the Bay Aquarium	Indoor Learning	Marine Life	School-aged	View Details →
Santa Monica Pier Carousel	Toddlers	Historic Ride	Toddlers
Tongva Park	Active Play	Splash Pads	All ages	View Details →

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is the classic beach-town day, with the ocean breeze keeping things cool while the kids go on the rides.

• The Fun: Kids get to ride the iconic Ferris wheel and enjoy various carnival games right over the water.
• Best Age Group: All ages. There are gentle rides for small kids and bigger ones for older kids.
• Tip: Buy the ride pass online before you go to skip the ticket line.

Good to know: It gets windy and crowded, so keep small kids close on the busy walkways.

Heal the Bay Aquarium

If you need a break from the midday sun, the Heal the Bay Aquarium is tucked under the pier, small and quiet compared with the boardwalk outside.

• The Fun: Children can get up close and personal with local marine life in interactive touch tanks.
• Best Age Group: School-aged children will appreciate the educational aspects and hands-on exhibits.
• Tip: It opens only on weekend afternoons, so plan it for a Saturday or Sunday.

Good to know: It is compact, so it feels tight when the pier is busy.

Santa Monica Pier Carousel

The carousel is an old-fashioned treat and an easy 15-minute stop when a toddler needs a distraction.

• The Fun: Toddlers enjoy the gentle motion of the beautifully restored historic horses.
• Best Age Group: Specifically perfect for toddlers and young children who aren’t ready for big rides.
• Tip: Get a coffee nearby and watch from the side while they ride.

Good to know: It runs set hours, so check the schedule online before heading to the pier.

Tongva Park

Tongva Park is a well-designed city park near the pier, a good place for kids to burn energy away from the sand.

• The Fun: Creative playgrounds and splash pads that hold kids for hours.
• Best Age Group: Great for all ages, with distinct areas for younger and older children to play.
• Tip: Bring a picnic and claim a shaded bench where you can see the play areas.

Good to know: Locals use it a lot, so parking nearby is hard on sunny Saturdays.

Where to Stay in Santa Monica

How lazy a Santa Monica trip actually feels comes down to how far you are from the things above. Both searches cover Santa Monica itself, so you can see what still has rooms on your dates.

FAQs About Things to Do in Santa Monica with Kids

Is it easy to navigate Santa Monica with a stroller?

Yes. The area around the pier and the beach paths are paved and easy with a stroller.

What is the best time of day for families to visit the pier?

We recommend arriving early in the morning, around 10 AM, to beat the crowds and the heat. By the time the afternoon rush hits, you will have already finished your fun and can head back for a nap.

Are there free things to do with kids in Santa Monica?

Absolutely, visiting places like Tongva Park is completely free and provides hours of entertainment. You can also walk the beach or explore the public areas of the pier without spending a dime.

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More Family Travel Guides for Santa Monica:

• Best Family Hotels with Pools in Santa Monica, CA
• The Ultimate Family Guide to Santa Monica Beaches