Seal Beach

Location: Just South of Long Beach (at the end of the 605) map
Website: City of Seal Beach & Seal Beach Info
Type of Activity: Beach/Outdoors/Nature
Hours: 4:30 am to 10 pm
Cost: Parking-$6 all day

We've been to a lot of different beaches this summer and this is my favorite.

Likes: Theres a carpool lane on the 605 all the way there from Pasadena, parking is close to the beach (don't have to schlep the kids too far), there is a cute little mainstreet just a short walk from the beach (including a Cold Stone Creamery right on the corner), there is a little playground right on the beach, at the base of the pier you can discover cool sea life in the cracks, the waves never get too big and it has all the basics: bathrooms, showers, and lifegaurds.

Dislikes: The bathrooms are really smelly so be prepared to hold your breath, the showers don't have the most powerful spray, you have to pay to park (you can try to find a space on the street, but then you have to walk further with all your stuff-not worth it to me).

Seal Beach is a great beach destination. You can just hang out in the sand for a few hours, or make a whole day of it and explore the little town too. Don't miss the shell shop and the kite store.

Beaches_, Outdoors_, Nature_, Toddlers_, Kids_

Audubon Nature Center at Debs Park

Location: 4700 N. Griffin Ave., LA (just off 110 freeway, Ave 52)
Website: audubondebspark.org
Type of Activity: Outdoor/Nature
Hours: Wed.-Sat. 9am-5pm
Cost: FREE

I'd been hearing about this place for months and finally discovered what a gem it is. It's very close to Pasadena, very kid-friendly (my kids are 4 and 2), and totally free! And when our group went (Friday midday in Aug.), nobody else was there! At the entrance there's an information office where you can check out binoculars, bug catchers, butterfly wings, art kits, all kinds of fun things -- all for free. The kids area is also near the entrance where kids can climb rocks, play in the sand and water, explore a little cave, catch bugs, or sit at the child-sized picnic tables and eat lunch in the shade. Up the path a little ways, the kids area continues with an wooden play house and the best climbing trees you've ever seen -- and lots of shade. This is also where easels are set up so kids can paint. We didn't get any further than that, but we were there for about 2 and a half hours and none of the kids wanted to leave. Recommendations: Go when it's a little cooler. Bring good shoes, a towel, change of clothes if you want -- the kids get filthy (and possibly wet)!

Outdoors_, Nature_, Babies_, Toddlers_, Kids_