1. Hit the Beach at Alamitos or Mother’s Beach
Nothing says summer like a beach day, and Long Beach delivers with calm, family-friendly shorelines. Alamitos Beach, with its wide stretch of sand and bike-friendly paths, is perfect for building sandcastles and watching the waves roll in. For toddlers or younger kids, head to Mother’s Beach in the Naples area—its gentle waters, shaded picnic spots, and nearby playground make it a stress-free option for parents.
2. Explore the Aquarium of the Pacific
You can’t visit Long Beach with kids and skip the Aquarium of the Pacific. Home to more than 12,000 animals and marine life from the Pacific Ocean, this world-class attraction offers hands-on experiences like touch tanks filled with rays and sea stars, shark lagoons, and playful penguin exhibits. During summer, the aquarium often hosts family-friendly festivals, live feedings, and educational craft stations. Kids under three get in free, and you can save more with combo packages or advance ticket purchases online.
3. Take a Ferry to Catalina or a Harbor Tour
For a mini adventure that feels like a big one, hop on the Catalina Express for a 1-hour ferry ride to Avalon. The ride alone—with sea breezes and possible dolphin sightings—is a thrill for most kids. If you’d prefer a shorter trip, book a 45-minute Long Beach Harbor Breeze Tour, which offers fun narration about the port, sea lions lounging on buoys, and views of the Queen Mary and cargo ships.
4. Play and Learn at the Long Beach Public Library & Billie Jean King Main Library
The newly renovated Billie Jean King Main Library is more than a place for books—its kid zone includes interactive play areas, storytimes, free educational programs, and even a makerspace. The air-conditioned space is a great way to beat the summer heat while giving curious minds room to explore. Bonus: it’s totally free!
5. Get Creative at Rancho Los Cerritos
Step back in time at this hidden historical treasure nestled in the Bixby Knolls area. Rancho Los Cerritos offers a beautiful garden, free guided tours, and children’s craft activities throughout the summer. Look for their “Summer Day Camp” and family days with storytelling, adobe brickmaking, and nature scavenger hunts. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged.
6. Climb Aboard the Queen Mary (or Just Picnic Nearby)
While the Queen Mary is undergoing a phased reopening, the grounds and views still provide a fun backdrop for a family picnic and some awe from the kids. The surrounding area includes green lawns, walking paths, and access to Shoreline Park, where kids can run off steam. When parts of the ship are open, you can explore exhibits, haunted history, and old-fashioned ship cabins that make history come alive.
7. Catch a Free Concert or a Movie on the Beach
Throughout the summer, Long Beach hosts Moonlight Movies on the Beach and Concerts in the Park across various neighborhood parks. Pack a picnic blanket, snacks, and settle in for a free outdoor movie screening or live music. These events are super kid-friendly and a great way to mingle with locals.
8. Take a Ride on the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path
Rent bikes (or a surrey for the whole family) and cruise along the 5.5-mile Shoreline Bike Path that runs from Shoreline Village to Belmont Shore. Along the way, you’ll find play structures, snack stops, and plenty of ocean breezes. If your kids are too small to ride, strollers and wagons work great on the wide, flat path.
9. Cool Off with Ice Cream or a Sweet Treat Tour of Bixby Knolls
After all that exploring, reward yourselves with a treat. Long Beach’s dessert scene up in Bixby Knolls is booming, from the unique ice cream flavors at Long Beach Creamery to the 90 different flavors of popcorn at Pop’N Flavors. Make your final stop, Bundts on Melrose, home to the delectable, bite-sized, bundt cakes that have everyone in Long Beach lining up for these special treats.
10. Venture to the Top of the City inside the City
In neighboring Signal Hill, Hilltop Park offers panoramic views and a fun, low-key playground for kids of all ages. Signal Hill is its own incorporated city, completely surrounded by Long Beach. The views, especially at sunset will arouse all your senses!
Final Thoughts: Big Fun, Small Price Tag
Whether you’re staying for a few hours or a few days, Long Beach is full of affordable, explorers and curious minds, it’s easy to keep everyone smiling—even on a budget. So pack the sunscreen, grab your sandals, and “seas the day” in one of SoCal’s most kid-friendly destinations.
