48 Fun Things to Do in Manhattan Beach With Kids: An Ultimate Guide (2026)
Updated: Oct 25
Looking for things to do in Manhattan Beach with kids that go beyond "let's just go to the beach"? We get it. The sand is wonderful, but this little South Bay city also packs in a pier-end aquarium, a giant sand dune you need a reservation to climb, a duck pond park with free summer concerts, a mid-century diner with Mickey Mouse pancakes and a hometown fair that has been rolling since 1972.
We have fully refreshed this guide for 2026. Every place below was re-checked against official sources this fall, we removed vague ideas in favor of real, named spots, and we added fall and holiday events with confirmed 2026 dates. You'll find 48 ideas, grouped by type, with a parent tip for each, plus a "nearby" section for quick add-ons in Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo and Torrance.
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Kids Activities Near Me (Manhattan Beach Edition): At a Glance
Where it is: Manhattan Beach (ZIP 90266) is a beach city in LA County's South Bay, between El Segundo to the north and Hermosa Beach to the south, about 10 minutes south of LAX.
Best for: Toddlers through teens. Little ones love the Roundhouse Aquarium touch tanks and Polliwog Park; big kids go for the Strand, surfing at El Porto, the Marine Avenue Park skate spot and the Sand Dune.
Getting there & parking: Downtown and pier parking is metered and fills early on sunny weekends. The east-side parks (Polliwog, Manhattan Heights, Live Oak) have easier lots and street parking.
Best time to go: Weekday afternoons and weekend mornings before 10 a.m. September and October bring warm water, thinner crowds and the Hometown Fair.
Free favorites: The pier, the beach, the Strand, Polliwog Park, the Botanical Garden, Bruce's Beach Park, library storytimes, Concerts in the Park, the Hometown Fair and the Holiday Fireworks are all free. The Roundhouse Aquarium runs on donations.
Coming up in fall 2026: Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair (Oct. 3–4), Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk (Oct. 18) and the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks (Dec. 13).
Things to Do in Manhattan Beach With Kids at the Beach and Pier
Start at the water. Almost every great Manhattan Beach day with kids begins or ends within sight of the pier and its little round building at the end.
Manhattan Beach Blvd & The Strand
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages, stroller friendly
The Manhattan Beach Pier is the city's front porch. It stretches straight out from the end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard, and it is wide, flat and easy for strollers, scooters (walked, please) and wobbly new walkers. At the far end sits the octagonal Roundhouse, which you'll recognize from about a thousand postcards.
Kids can watch surfers below, spot pelicans on the railings and count the fishing lines dangling over the side. On clear days, the view runs from Palos Verdes to Malibu. It's the kind of free outing that fits anywhere in your day, whether you have 20 minutes or two hours.
Parent tip: Walk the pier first thing in the morning or near sunset, when the light is soft and the crowds are thin. Bring a light jacket; it's reliably breezier and cooler at the end of the pier than on the sand.
2 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Donation based
Hours: Oct.–Mar.: Mon.–Fri. 2–5 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Best for: Ages 2–10
Inside the Roundhouse at the end of the pier, this small nonprofit aquarium is all about hands-on ocean learning. Kids can reach into touch tanks, meet animals from local tide pools and ask the educators on staff every "why" question they can think of. It's compact, which is honestly a bonus with toddlers who have 15-minute attention spans.
The Roundhouse also offers classes, camps, birthday parties and shark-themed programs. From April through September, weekday hours stretch to 7 p.m. and weekends run 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Parent tip: Weekday afternoons in fall and winter are the quietest time to visit, since school groups and weekend crowds are gone. Tuck a few dollars in your pocket for the donation box; it's what keeps the tanks running. Want more fish time? See our roundup of the 16 best aquariums in Southern California.
Manhattan Beach Blvd & The Strand
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free (paid parking)
Best for: All ages
The wide, clean stretch of sand on either side of the pier is the heart of any Manhattan Beach day with kids. LA County lifeguards staff the towers, restrooms sit near the pier, and there's enough room for sandcastle architects, boogie boarders and volleyball fans to coexist peacefully.
The sand slopes gently at the water's edge near the pier, which makes it a good spot for little ones to splash in the shallows while you stay close. Older kids can try bodyboarding in the small shore break when conditions are calm.
Parent tip: Set up near a staffed lifeguard tower and teach kids to find "their" tower number so they have a meeting spot if you get separated. Pack a bucket, a shovel and a small mesh bag; the mesh bag makes shaking out the sand at the end of the day much easier.
North end of The Strand at 45th Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free (paid county lot)
Best for: Ages 8+ for surfing; all ages for sand play
At the northern tip of Manhattan Beach, El Porto is where the local surf crowd goes. The waves here tend to be more consistent than near the pier, so it's where many South Bay kids take their first surf lessons with local surf schools and camps. The vibe is laid-back, and the sand is roomy even on busy weekends.
Non-surfers can build castles, watch the surfers bob in the lineup and walk the Strand south toward the pier. Because it sits at the far end of town, El Porto often feels calmer than the main beach, which is a welcome change when downtown is packed.
Parent tip: Book lessons only with a surf school permitted to operate on LA County beaches, and ask about wetsuit rental and group size before you pay. Mornings usually bring smaller, glassier waves, which beginners (and nervous parents) will appreciate.
Access at the foot of Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages, bikes and strollers
Manhattan Beach has two parallel beachfront paths: a pedestrian walkway lined with dreamy beach houses and, just below it, the paved bike path that is part of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Together, they are called the Strand, and they are perfect for a family ride, a scooter session or a stroller walk with the ocean on one side.
Ride south and you reach Hermosa Beach Pier in about two miles. Ride north and you'll pass El Porto on the way toward Dockweiler. Kids love the house-spotting as much as the views.
Parent tip: Bikes belong on the lower bike path and walkers on the upper walkway, and local police do enforce it. Go before 10 a.m. on weekends to avoid the cruiser-bike traffic jam near the pier.
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 5+
Pier fishing is one of the easiest ways to introduce kids to the ocean beyond the waves. California does not require a fishing license to fish from a public ocean pier, so families can bring a simple rod and give it a try. Kids watch the regulars, learn how bait works and wait for that magic tug.
Even without a bite, it's a lesson in patience with a spectacular view. Size limits and species rules still apply, so check the state's ocean fishing rules before you keep anything.
Parent tip: Bring a small cooler, a towel for slimy hands and a pair of pliers. Ask the regulars what's biting; many are happy to share a tip with a curious kid. Keep little ones well away from other anglers' casts.
Beach courts north and south of the Pier
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free courts; paid programs vary
Best for: Ages 6+
Manhattan Beach is the birthplace of a lot of beach volleyball history, and you'll see nets up and down the sand. Families can grab an open court for a casual game, or simply sit and watch some remarkably skilled locals play. The city's parks and recreation department runs beach volleyball programs and hosts two of the sport's best-known events each summer.
Kids who catch the bug can look into youth volleyball camps and leagues, which are a big part of growing up in this town.
Parent tip: Courts are first come, first served, and the ones closest to the pier go quickly. Bring your own ball and plan to play early. Sand gets hot by midday, so pack water shoes for little feet.
Highland Ave between 26th St & 27th St
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages; history talks for ages 8+
This terraced, grassy park overlooking the ocean is a lovely spot for a picnic, and it carries an important story. In 1912, Willa and Charles Bruce opened a beach resort here for Black Angelenos who were shut out of other beaches. In the 1920s, the city took the land through eminent domain. In 2022, LA County returned the property to the Bruce family, who later sold it back to the county.
A plaque at the park tells the story. It's a meaningful place to talk with older kids about local history, fairness and how communities try to make things right.
Parent tip: The park is on a slope, so bring a blanket rather than chairs, and hold on to rolling toys. Street parking is limited; walk up from the beach or come on a weekday.
Manhattan Beach (program sites vary)
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Paid; check the official site
Best for: Ages 9–17 (swim test required)
If you have a strong swimmer who lives for the ocean, this is the program to know. The LA County Fire Department's Junior Lifeguard program runs two four-week summer sessions at county beaches, including Manhattan Beach. Real lifeguards teach ocean safety, first aid, fitness and environmental awareness, and the kids come home tired and proud.
Participants must pass a competitive swim test: 100 yards of freestyle within a time standard for their age group. The 2026 sessions wrapped on Aug. 7, so now is the time to start training for next year.
Parent tip: Practice the 100-yard freestyle in a pool over the winter, and keep an eye on the official site in early spring for tryout dates. Begg Pool (No. 17) is a handy place to train.
Parks, Playgrounds and Outdoor Fun in Manhattan Beach
Head a mile inland and the city turns green. These parks are where local families actually spend their weekday afternoons.
1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 1–10
Polliwog Park is Manhattan Beach's favorite family park, and for good reason. Its 18 acres include a duck pond, shady lawns, gazebos, a rose garden, restrooms and playgrounds that were refreshed with new equipment in 2023. There's space to run, space to picnic and ducks to supervise.
In summer, the amphitheater hosts the city's free Sunday Concerts in the Park. The rest of the year, it's a peaceful place for a playdate or a birthday party. The Botanical Garden and the Historical Society's beach cottage are right inside the park.
Parent tip: Park in the lot off Manhattan Beach Boulevard and bring a picnic; there's no café in the park. Remind kids not to feed the ducks bread. Looking for more great play spaces? Browse our list of the 35 best outdoor playgrounds in LA.
1236 N. Peck Ave (west side of Polliwog Park)
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 3+
Tucked into Polliwog Park, this volunteer-supported garden shows off California native and drought-tolerant plants in a small, easy-to-walk space. Kids can follow the paths, look for butterflies and hummingbirds and notice how different plants handle sun and sea breeze.
It's a calm, quiet counterpoint to the playground next door, and a nice way to sneak in a little nature lesson. The garden also hosts community workshops and family events through the year.
Parent tip: Pair it with a playground session in the same park, and bring a magnifying glass or a simple "find five colors" game to keep little ones engaged. Check the garden's website for current hours and family events before you go.
1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 2–14
Right across the street from Polliwog Park, Manhattan Heights Park is where the city's sporty kids hang out. It has a children's play area, a lighted athletic field, basketball and tennis courts, pickleball and even a bouldering wall that climbing-obsessed kids will want to try.
The Manhattan Heights Community Center on site hosts the city's youth recreation programs and the Teen Center, so there's often something going on.
Parent tip: Make it a two-park day: start at Polliwog, then cross to Manhattan Heights when the kids want something more active. There's a lot plus street parking on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and nearby side streets.
1901 N. Valley Dr
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Live Oak Park is a roomy, nine-acre neighborhood park with lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, grassy multipurpose fields, picnic spots with grills and restrooms. It sits right along Valley Drive, so it connects easily to the Veterans Parkway greenbelt for a walk or scooter ride.
Each October, Live Oak Park becomes home base for the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair. The rest of the year, it's a relaxed spot for weekend soccer, pickup games and birthday picnics.
Parent tip: Bring a ball and a picnic; the open fields are ideal for kids who just need to run. The Joslyn Community Center next door makes a handy landmark when meeting friends.
1625 Marine Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 6+ (skate); all ages (park)
On the east side of town, Marine Avenue Park combines ball fields, basketball courts, picnic tables and play areas with the city's skate spot. Beginners can practice rolling and small drops while more experienced skaters work on tricks.
It's also right next door to AdventurePlex (No. 20), so you can easily combine an indoor climbing session with some outdoor skating.
Parent tip: Helmets are a must, and pads are smart for newer riders. Go on a weekday morning or early afternoon if your kid is just learning, since after-school hours bring bigger kids and more speed.
Bell Ave & 33rd St
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Park free; dune by paid reservation
Reservations: Required for the dune
Yes, there is a giant sand dune in the middle of a residential neighborhood, and yes, kids are obsessed with it. The steep, sandy hill at Sand Dune Park is famous as a workout spot, but it's also a thrilling climb-and-roll for kids with plenty of energy.
The dune itself is open by advance reservation only, and the city enforces the rules. The surrounding park is free and has a children's play area, picnic space and restrooms, so younger siblings have their own fun while big kids tackle the hill.
Parent tip: Book your dune time online through the city ahead of time, especially for weekends. Bring water, sunscreen and a towel. Climbing the dune is tougher than it looks, so plan a short session for younger kids.
Greenbelt between Valley Dr & Ardmore Ave (access at Manhattan Beach Blvd)
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Locals call it the Parkway, and it's a long, shady greenbelt with a soft wood-chip path that runs north and south through town between Valley Drive and Ardmore Avenue. Joggers love it, and so do families who want a nature-ish walk without leaving the city.
Little kids can look for squirrels and birds, older kids can race to the next bench, and everyone gets a break from the sun under the trees. Head south and it continues into Hermosa Beach as the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt.
Parent tip: The wood-chip surface is tough for small stroller wheels, so a jogging stroller or carrier works better. Enter near Live Oak Park for restrooms and a picnic stop.
1401 Artesia Blvd (Mira Costa High School campus)
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Low-cost drop-in; lessons paid
Best for: All ages
Begg Pool is the city's public pool, and it's where many Manhattan Beach kids learn to swim. The city runs recreational swim, lap swim and seasonal swim lessons, and the pool is a great place to build water confidence before tackling the ocean.
Swim-lesson registration opens each season, usually a couple of weeks earlier for residents than for nonresidents, so watch the calendar if you want a popular time slot.
Parent tip: Call the aquatics office before you go to confirm that day's rec swim times, since schedules shift with school and team use. Looking for more places to swim? Check out our guide to the best public pools for LA families.
Indoor Fun, Culture and Classes in Manhattan Beach
June Gloom, a rare rainy day or a sunburned toddler? These indoor picks save the day.
1320 Highland Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Hours: Mon.–Wed. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Thu.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 1–5 p.m.
Best for: Ages 0–12
This bright, two-story LA County library is a few blocks from the beach, and it has an interactive children's exhibit, early-learning computers and ocean views that make reading time feel like a mini vacation. It's the perfect cool-down stop after a hot morning on the sand.
The library hosts free family storytimes for ages 0 to 5 with books, songs, fingerplays and movement. Some storytimes require registration because space is limited.
Parent tip: Check the library's online events calendar and register early for storytime. While you're there, get a library card; it unlocks free museum passes and more. Here's our guide to the free perks you get with your LA library card.
1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd (inside Polliwog Park)
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Status: Temporarily closed for cleaning and repairs
The "Little Red House" is a 900-square-foot beach cottage built around 1905, back when sand dunes outnumbered homes in Manhattan Beach. Local volunteers saved it from demolition and moved it to Polliwog Park in 1987, where it now serves as a small history museum.
As of fall 2026, the Historical Society says the cottage is temporarily closed for cleaning and repairs. It's still fun to see from the outside when you visit Polliwog Park, and we'll update this entry when it reopens.
Parent tip: Check the Historical Society's website for reopening news before you plan a visit around it. Kids who love old photos can explore the society's online history pages in the meantime.
1701 Marine Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Paid; drop-in play by reservation
Best for: Ages 2–12
Run by the Beach Cities Health District, AdventurePlex is a 16,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor play space built around the idea that healthy habits should be fun. Kids can climb, crawl and explore an indoor play structure, try rock climbing and tackle an outdoor ropes course.
It's a lifesaver on gloomy days and a popular spot for birthday parties and school-break camps for ages 4 to 12. Drop-in play requires a reservation, and weekday hours are mostly mornings to early afternoon.
Parent tip: Book drop-in play online before you go, and call ahead if you're visiting near a holiday, since hours can change. Saturdays are generally reserved for private parties, so plan a weekday or Sunday visit.
1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Gallery free; classes paid
Best for: Ages 4+
The city's Art Center, a short walk from Polliwog Park, hosts rotating art exhibitions and art classes for kids, teens and adults through the parks and recreation department. It's a friendly, low-pressure place to introduce kids to looking at art, then let them make their own.
Class topics change each season, so browse the current recreation catalog for drawing, painting, clay and other kid-friendly options.
Parent tip: Gallery visits are short and sweet with little ones; ask them to pick a favorite piece and explain why. Register early for kids' classes, as popular sessions fill up quickly.
Manhattan Heights Park, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free drop-in; trips and camps paid
Best for: Grades 6–9
Tweens need a place to go too. The city's Teen Center at Manhattan Heights Park offers a drop-in hangout for middle schoolers and young high schoolers, with basketball, ping-pong, pool tables, foosball and video games.
The center also runs a Late Night Teen Center on the first Friday of each month, plus trips to concerts, sporting events and amusement parks.
Parent tip: Check the city's teen page for the current drop-in schedule and trip calendar. Late Night Teen Center is a great, supervised way for 12- and 13-year-olds to see friends on a Friday night.
Manhattan Heights Community Center, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Paid
Best for: Ages 5½–12
The city runs a busy lineup of youth programs, including the after-school REC program for kids in grades 1 through 5 and vacation camps during school breaks. Activities include arts and crafts, music, dance parties, movies, sports, gardening and cooking.
For visiting families, the vacation camps are the most useful. They're a smart option for winter and spring breaks when you need a structured, local day of fun.
Parent tip: Residents get early registration, so nonresident families should mark the public registration date and sign up the same day.
Shopping, Strolling and Family Eats in Manhattan Beach
Downtown Manhattan Beach is compact and walkable, so it's easy to mix a little shopping with a treat.
Manhattan Beach Blvd & Manhattan Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free to stroll
Best for: All ages
A few blocks up from the pier, downtown is a pleasant grid of surf shops, boutiques, cafés and ice cream counters. It's easy to walk with kids, and you'll find almost everything you need for a beach day, from sunscreen to a new boogie board.
The downtown business association hosts seasonal events here throughout the year, including the Holiday Open House and Pier Lighting in late fall.
Parent tip: Use the downtown public parking structures instead of circling for a street spot. Plan a loop: pier, beach, downtown treat, then back to the car.
451 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Metlox Plaza is downtown's open-air town square, built on the site of the old Metlox pottery factory. It has landscaped courtyards, fountains, public art and shops and restaurants around the edges, making it a good place to regroup, eat takeout and let kids wiggle.
It's steps from the farmers market, the library and the pier, so it works well as a central meeting point for your downtown day.
Parent tip: Park in the metered Metlox parking structure, which is usually easier than street parking. Grab takeout and find a bench by the fountains.
Civic Center Parking Lot and Plaza (13th St & Morningside Dr)
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
When: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free to browse
The weekly certified farmers market brings local produce, flowers and prepared foods to downtown. Kids can sample fruit, pick out their own snack and learn where their food comes from.
It's a great way to turn an ordinary Tuesday into an outing, and it's steps away from the pier and the library.
Parent tip: The market organizers promote kids' activities, so check the official page for what's on before you go, and give kids a few dollars to spend on their own fruit. For more markets, see our guide to LA farmers markets for families.
904 Manhattan Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free to browse; storytimes free
Best for: Ages 0–12
This independent, women-owned bookstore is a downtown favorite with a warm children's section and a busy events calendar. It hosts kids' storytimes, often with visiting authors and illustrators, plus book signings for older readers.
It's the kind of shop where booksellers actually know what an 8-year-old who "only likes dog books" might love next.
Parent tip: Check the events page for upcoming kids' storytimes and author visits. Let each child choose one book as a souvenir of your beach day; it lasts longer than a plastic toy.
1140 Highland Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free to browse
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
This beloved local gift shop has moved to a new Highland Avenue location, right next to The Kettle. It's packed with cute kids' gifts, beachy home goods and baby presents, so it's a great stop for birthday shopping or a small souvenir.
Note that the Gum Tree café is now at the Hermosa Beach location on Pier Avenue, not in Manhattan Beach.
Parent tip: Pair a Gum Tree browse with pancakes at The Kettle next door. If you want the café, head to the Hermosa Beach shop (No. 43).
3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free to stroll
Best for: All ages
Manhattan Village is the city's big open-air shopping center, with a mix of national stores, restaurants and quick bites. It's a handy stop for kids' clothes, school supplies or a rainy-day wander, and the outdoor walkways are easy to navigate with a stroller.
The center hosts seasonal community events, especially around the holidays.
Parent tip: Parking is free and much easier than downtown, so Manhattan Village makes a practical lunch stop before heading to the beach. Check the center's website for current holiday events and store hours.
1138 Highland Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Kids' meals $10.95
Hours: Sun.–Thu. 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 7 a.m.–2 a.m.
A Manhattan Beach institution for generations, The Kettle is the classic family diner of the South Bay. Its kids' menu, cheerfully titled "Under 9 & Over 90," includes a Mickey Mouse or chocolate chip pancake, rainbow sprinkle "Confetti Cakes," mac and cheese and chicken fingers, all with a side and a drink.
It's no longer open 24 hours, but it still serves breakfast from 7 a.m. and stays open late, which makes it a great fit for early risers and post-beach dinners.
Parent tip: Weekend brunch lines can get long, so go before 8:30 a.m. or try a weekday. Order the Mickey pancake early; it's the one everyone else's kids will be eyeing. For more ideas, see our list of 50 kid-friendly restaurants.
1120 Manhattan Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Treats priced individually
Hours: Sun.–Thu. 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
This downtown ice cream shop is famous for its "Cream'wiches," ice cream sandwiches made with cookies from the owners' family bakery and premium ice cream. There are about 28 rotating flavors daily, so every kid can find something to love.
It's the natural end to a pier walk, and it stays open late enough for an after-dinner cone on summer evenings.
Parent tip: Grab napkins and eat on the go toward the beach; Cream'wiches get melty fast. If the line is long, send one adult to wait while the others hold a spot on a nearby bench.
Annual Events and Seasonal Fun in Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach does community events beautifully. Here are the ones worth planning around, starting with what's coming up this fall.
When: Saturday–Sunday, Oct. 3–4, 2026, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Live Oak Park, Dorsey Field & Joslyn Center, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free admission; some games paid
The Hometown Fair is a volunteer-run community tradition that has been going since 1972, and it's pure small-town fun. Expect games (some free, some paid), food vendors, live entertainment, a parade, arts and crafts booths and community showcases.
It's a great way to feel like a local, even if you're just visiting for the weekend. This year's fair falls on the first weekend of October, just in time for fall.
Parent tip: Walk, bike or rideshare if you can; parking near Live Oak Park is very limited during the fair. Bring cash for game tickets and snacks, and check the fair map online before you go.
When: Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, 8 a.m.
Where: Manhattan Beach Pier to Hermosa Beach Pier and back
Cost: $30 per walker
This charity walk goes from the Manhattan Beach Pier to the Hermosa Beach Pier and back, about 3.5 miles, raising money for The Friendship Foundation and local schools. Registration includes a t-shirt and swag bag while supplies last, and kids can register for their own shirt and gift bag.
The morning includes entertainment, water stations and pumpkin races, so it feels more like a festival than a workout.
Parent tip: Use early check-in on Friday or Saturday to skip the morning rush. Bring a stroller or wagon for little legs, and expect street closures on Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
When: Usually a weeknight in mid- to late November (2026 date to be announced)
Where: Downtown Manhattan Beach and the Manhattan Beach Pier
Cost: Free
This evening kicks off the holiday season in Manhattan Beach. The 2025 event included a pier lighting ceremony, Santa's sleigh and family photos, face painting, balloon twisting, carolers, school choirs, a live reindeer display and downtown shops open late.
Watching the pier light up at night is magical for kids, and the downtown buzz makes it feel like a small-town holiday movie.
Parent tip: Arrive before the lighting ceremony to find a good view near the pier. Bring a new unwrapped toy for the Beach Cities Toy Drive collection. For more festive ideas, see our guide to 58 Christmas and holiday events in LA.
When: Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026, 3–8 p.m. (fireworks at 7 p.m.)
Where: Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
Now in its 38th year, this free festival draws about 20,000 people for live entertainment, holiday music, family activities, snow play areas and a fireworks show over the pier. It's organized by the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce Foundation with Skechers and the City of Manhattan Beach.
Fireworks over the ocean in December are something kids remember for years.
Parent tip: Come early to explore the festival and snow area, and bring blankets and warm layers for the beach at night. Leave a little extra time for traffic and crowds afterward. Need more lights? See our guide to the best places to see holiday lights in LA.
When: Summer Sundays (2026 series ran July 5–Sept. 6, 5–7 p.m.; 2027 dates to be announced)
Where: Polliwog Park, 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free
The city's free summer concert series turns Polliwog Park into a giant family picnic. Bands play on Sunday evenings, and the lawn fills with blankets, low chairs and kids dancing near the front.
It's a classic Manhattan Beach summer ritual. Seating is first come, first served.
Parent tip: Bring low-backed chairs and a picnic, and leave pets, scooters and skateboards at home. Walk or carpool if you can, since parking fills up fast.
When: July 28–Aug. 1, 2027 (hosted by Redondo Beach)
Where: Beaches in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance
Cost: Free to watch
This long-running summer festival celebrates beach culture across four South Bay cities. It includes surfing and bodysurfing contests, paddleboard races, dory races, beach running, lifeguard competitions and youth events.
For kids, it's an exciting chance to see athletes of all ages, from 8 years old to their late 80s, doing amazing things in the water.
Parent tip: Check the official schedule closer to summer 2027 to see which events land at Manhattan Beach, then plan a beach day around them.
When: During the International Surf Festival (next festival July 28–Aug. 1, 2027)
Where: Between the Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach piers
Cost: Free to watch
One of the International Surf Festival's signature events, the Pier-to-Pier Swim sends swimmers along the coast between the piers. Watching hundreds of swim caps bobbing through the surf is surprisingly exciting for kids.
It's especially inspiring for young swimmers and Junior Lifeguards, who might dream of doing it someday.
Parent tip: Find a spot on the Strand for a good view of the swimmers, and bring binoculars. Check the festival site for the exact date and start time.
When: Usually late July or early August (2027 dates to be announced)
Where: Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free to watch
The 6-Man is a Manhattan Beach summer tradition, famous for its team spirit and costumes. The city describes it as an inclusive, family-friendly event, and the energy near the pier is contagious.
The Jr. 6-Man tournament, usually the day after the main event, gives youth players a chance to play, often in themed costumes.
Parent tip: Use alternative transportation because parking is limited and there are street closures. Bring sunscreen and hats; there's little shade near the courts.
When: Usually mid-August (2026 was Aug. 14–16; 2027 dates to be announced)
Where: Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cost: Free general admission
The Manhattan Beach Open is one of pro beach volleyball's biggest events, held next to the pier. General admission is free with first-come, first-served seating, so families can watch top players up close.
Kids who play volleyball will love seeing the pros in action, and it's a fun, energetic atmosphere for everyone.
Parent tip: Go early in the tournament for easier seating, and save the finals for older kids who can handle big crowds. Bring hats, water and a small cushion for the bleachers.
Nearby: Easy Add-Ons Within 15 Minutes
Manhattan Beach sits right between some of the South Bay's best family spots. These are all within about 15 minutes by car (or a bike ride on the Strand).
Pier Ave & The Strand
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Just two miles south along the Strand, Hermosa Beach Pier offers a livelier, more casual beach-town vibe. Pier Plaza has restaurants, ice cream and people-watching, and the pier itself is great for a short walk.
Hermosa also hosts Fiesta Hermosa, a big arts-and-crafts festival held on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Parent tip: Bike down the Strand from Manhattan Beach to skip the parking hunt. Learn more in our guide to Fiesta Hermosa.
Between Valley Dr & Ardmore Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
The Hermosa Valley Greenbelt picks up where Manhattan Beach's Veterans Parkway leaves off, continuing the same shady wood-chip path south through Hermosa Beach. Locals use it for morning jogs and dog walks, and families use it for long, easy strolls under the trees.
Kids enjoy the change of scenery, the squirrels and the feeling of a real trail right in town. It's a quiet, cool alternative on days when the beach is too hot or too crowded.
Parent tip: Make it an out-and-back from Live Oak Park, and bring water; there are few drinking fountains along the way.
238 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Hours: Café daily 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; shop daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
If you loved the old Gum Tree café in Manhattan Beach, this is where it lives now. The Hermosa Beach location pairs a charming gift shop full of kids' presents and beachy home goods with a café that serves breakfast and lunch, making it a sweet brunch stop for families.
It sits on Pier Avenue, a short walk uphill from the Hermosa Beach Pier, so it fits easily into a Strand bike ride between the two piers.
Parent tip: Go early for breakfast on weekends, and let kids pick out a small gift while you wait for your table.
Foot of Torrance Blvd
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Cost: Free to stroll
Best for: All ages
About 10 minutes south, the Redondo Beach Pier and King Harbor feel like a busier, saltier cousin of the Manhattan Beach Pier. The horseshoe-shaped pier is lined with seafood counters and snack stands, and the harbor next door is full of boats coming and going.
Kids love spotting sea lions lounging near the docks and watching the fishing boats unload. It's a great option when you want more to do than a single pier walk, and the bike path connects it straight to Manhattan Beach.
Parent tip: Park in the pier parking structure and walk the full horseshoe first, before kids spot the snack stands. For the full scoop, check out our guide to fun things to do in Redondo Beach with kids.
3201 Plaza del Amo
Torrance, CA 90503
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 3+
This is where we send families who want real bird-watching. Madrona Marsh is one of the last vernal marshes in the LA area, with trails, seasonal ponds, wildflowers and lots of birds. The nature center across the street has exhibits and family programs.
It's a peaceful, educational break from the beach, especially in winter and spring when the marsh is at its fullest.
Parent tip: The preserve and nature center are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Sunday and Monday). Stay on the trails and bring binoculars.
140 Richmond St
El Segundo, CA 90245
Cost: Paid; check the official site
Best for: Ages 5+
This volunteer-run historic theater screens classic films, often introduced with live music on a mighty theater pipe organ. It's a wonderful way to introduce kids to silent comedies and old Hollywood movies in a setting that feels like stepping back in time.
Programs change through the year, so check the calendar for family-friendly screenings. Kids who have only watched movies on a tablet are usually wide-eyed at the sound of that organ.
Parent tip: Arrive early and grab a snack in Old Town El Segundo before the show. Classic comedies are the best fit for younger kids.
850 S. Pacific Coast Hwy
El Segundo, CA 90245
Cost: Free to stroll
Best for: All ages
Just north of Manhattan Beach on Sepulveda Boulevard (Pacific Coast Highway), The Point is an open-air shopping and dining center with walkable paths, outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe. It's a practical stop for a family meal, a coffee or a quick stroll before or after the beach.
The center hosts seasonal and community events through the year, so check its calendar around the holidays.
Parent tip: Check the website for events and dining options before you go. Parking is usually easier here than at the beach.
12001 Vista del Mar
Playa del Rey, CA 90293
Cost: Free (paid parking)
Best for: All ages
North of El Segundo, Dockweiler State Beach is a wide, less-crowded beach known for its fire rings and the planes taking off from LAX overhead. Kids love the airplane-spotting, and families love having so much open sand to themselves.
It's a great option when Manhattan Beach is packed, and a bonfire evening with s'mores is a classic LA family memory.
Parent tip: Fire rings are first come, first served; check county rules before you bring firewood. Pack a wind layer, as it can be breezy.
Parent Tips for Visiting Manhattan Beach With Kids
Arrive early on weekends. Downtown and pier parking fills fast. Aim for before 10 a.m. or park at the east-side parks and bike in.
Use the parking structures. Downtown structures are usually easier than street parking.
Pack layers. The beach is often cooler and breezier than inland, especially near the pier and in the evening.
Know your lifeguard tower. Set up near a staffed tower and teach kids the tower number as a meeting spot.
Plan reservations ahead. AdventurePlex drop-in play and the Sand Dune require advance booking.
Mix beach and park time. If the beach gets too crowded or hot, head inland to Polliwog Park or Manhattan Heights Park.
Check event dates. Big events like the Hometown Fair, 6-Man and Holiday Fireworks bring crowds and street closures.
Takeaway
Manhattan Beach packs a lot of family fun into a small city. You can spend a morning at the pier and Roundhouse Aquarium, an afternoon at Polliwog Park, and an evening with pancakes at The Kettle or ice cream downtown.
This fall is an especially good time to visit, with the Hometown Fair on Oct. 3–4 and the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk on Oct. 18. Then the holiday season brings the Pier Lighting and the Holiday Fireworks.
Looking for more beach-town ideas? Check out our guides to Redondo Beach with kids and Santa Monica with kids.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best free things to do in Manhattan Beach with kids?
The best free things to do in Manhattan Beach with kids are the Manhattan Beach Pier, the beach, the Strand, Polliwog Park, the Botanical Garden, Bruce's Beach Park and library storytimes. Seasonal free events include the Hometown Fair, Concerts in the Park and the Holiday Fireworks. The Roundhouse Aquarium is donation-based.
2. Is the Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach free?
The Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center is donation-based, and the official site doesn't list a set admission price. It's at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, with touch tanks and local marine life. Fall and winter hours are weekday afternoons and weekends from 10 a.m.
3. Do you need a reservation for Sand Dune Park in Manhattan Beach?
Yes, you need an advance reservation to use the dune at Sand Dune Park. The rest of the park, including the children's play area, is free and open to the public. Reservations are made through the City of Manhattan Beach.
4. When is the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair in 2026?
The 2026 Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair is Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3–4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's at Live Oak Park, Dorsey Field and the Joslyn Center, and admission is free.
5. What are some indoor things to do in Manhattan Beach with kids?
Good indoor things to do in Manhattan Beach with kids include AdventurePlex, the Roundhouse Aquarium, the Manhattan Beach Library, {pages} a bookstore and the Manhattan Beach Art Center. For more ideas, check out our list of 75+ indoor activities for kids in LA.
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