There is always so much to do with kids in Los Angeles, and at Fun With Kids in LA, we are dedicated to bring you the best of them. Our list of fun things to do in Los Angeles this weekend includes The Polar Express, Ice at Santa Monica, The Scenario Studio Photo Experience, Aquarium of the Pacific Holidays, Lights on Display, and much more!
Fillmore & Western Railway
N Main St, Fillmore, CA 93015
Now - Dec 29th
The magical story comes to life as families board a one-hour journey to the North Pole to meet Santa. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, characters lead fantastic onboard entertainment – just like in the film! Car hosts punch golden tickets and dancing chefs serve each passenger hot chocolate and a delicious cookie. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride!
1324 5th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Now – Jan 20th
2 pm -10 pm
Every holiday season Downtown Santa Monica brings a little ice to our beachside community, transforming the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue into the winter wonderland known as Ice at Santa Monica, an 8,000-square-foot ice-skating rink. You can also book private or group skating lessons.
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
Dec 7 - Dec 23, 2019
Aquarium Holidays features special holiday décor, a display of gingerbread houses, snow fall in the Great Hall, and the Aquarium’s costumed characters in their holiday outfits. Visitors can also enjoy shopping and a special holiday menu offered daily in Café Scuba. On weekends the Aquarium will have a snow play area, underwater shows with Santa Diver, children’s crafts, photo opportunities with Santa and holiday characters, and Hanukkah storytelling with opportunities to play dreidel.
3901 Longview Valley Rd.
Sherman Oaks, California
Nov 23th - Jan 1st, 2019
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The elaborate Christmas themed animatronics characters are returning with lights on display, dazzling light show, and a playlist of holiday tunes by the beloved DJ Jingles in Sherman Oaks at the resident of Mike Ziemkowski. The show runs every night until January 1, 2018. Check the website for exact times.
Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 4th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Now - Dec 20th
When it was first broadcast on National Public Radio, The SantaLand Diaries generated more requests for tapes than any story in This American Life’s history except the death of Red Barber.
Timothy Olyphant brought the story to life on stage off-Broadway, and now Patrick Censoplano once again dons the candy-cane tights for a Santa Monica Playhouse holiday celebration in this outrageously funny one-man play from NPR’s well-loved humorist David Sedaris about the author’s experiences as an unemployed writer taking a job as an elf at Macy’s department store in New York City, taking a wry look at how the holiday season brings out the best – and the worst – in us all.
The Old Lodge
2002 Stadium Way
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Now - Dec 29th
LA's first winter themed tubing park is back on November 9th with awesome new activities. The Festivities include Falling Snow Flurries, Multiple Tubing Lanes, Winter Skating Rink, Penguin Lounge, Animated Penguin Light Path, Giant Snow Globe Photo Booth, Games, and More. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Irvine Spectrum Center
670 Spectrum Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
Now - Jan 2nd
Visit Giant Wheel Court to “skate under the stars” in Irvine’s very own winter wonderland. Open to the public daily, Irvine Spectrum’s ice rink is a perfect destination for family and friends to take a break and capture the true essence of the holidays by creating magical memories together.
Theatre West
3333 Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
Now - Apr 4th
1 pm
Storybook Theatre's version of Beatrix Potter’s classic tale is hopping into Theatre West this Fall. As always at Storybook, there will be plenty of audience participation and singing and dancing. You can even expect audience members to join in a special version of “The Bunny Hop.” This funny version is specifically created to appeal to children and the whole family.
Music Center
135 N Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Now - Dec 15th
True love is never easy. Especially when there's a giant, angry spider, and she's your mom! A dazzling celebration of love conquering all, The Magic Flute transports you into an enchanted world where good battles the forces of darkness. ( Not recommended for kids under 6)
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Now - Jan 5th
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
L.A.’s brightest holiday tradition returns more brilliant than ever! Make unforgettable holiday memories as you explore this wild wonderland of light under the stars at the beautiful L.A. Zoo. Along the way, view real reindeer, visit with Santa on select dates, and enjoy seasonal treats and goodies.
Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanical Garden
301 N Baldwin Ave
Los Angeles, CA 91007
Now - Jan 12th
A fantasy of light transforms the Arboretum into an evening wonderland starting this weekend. Magnificent lantern art depicting exotic animals, shimmering flowers, whimsical pandas, soaring dragons and other themes create the mesmerizing experience of Moonlight Forest.
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 91011
Now - Jan 7, 2020
Enchanted: Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. Tickets are $30 for the general public. For additional fee, you can have dinner with the family at The Maple, and enter the Enchanted experience after you dine.
The Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 4th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dec 7 - 8, 2019
MagicMania features the very best magicians and variety acts from The Magic Castle, America's Got Talent, and more. New and Different acts each Monday! All ages are welcome but recommended for ages 8 and up! MagicMania is a magic show that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Interactive Photo Experience
262 N Rodeo Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA
Now - Dec 22nd
The Scenario Studio will have its first Beverly Hills pop-up and you are invited to experience a variety of professional photography sets designed by world-renowned photographer and set designer, John Ganun, complete with professional lighting, props and even some costumes. Throughout BOLD Holidays, you are invited to experience Ganun’s signature “Upside Down” room and a selection of scenes created specifically for BOLD Holidays. This event is open to public and complimentary.
Underwood Family Farms 3370 Sunset Valley Rd.
Moorpark, CA 93021
Dec 7 - 8 , 2019
Meet Santa at the farm this year on December 7 & 8 from 11am-4pm, and buy fresh cut northwest trees, mistletoe, and wreaths. Plus you get to see and enjoy Christmas decorations and pet some friendly animals through December 15th (weekends only).
Multiple Parks in Santa Monica
Dec 7, 2019
10:00 am to 1:30pm
Santa Claus joins forces with SMPD to deliver candy canes throughout Santa Monica. The Jolly Old Elf tours Santa Monica, stopping at several parks and waving from his police motorcade along the way.
Virginia Avenue Park (10am - 10:30am), Douglas Park (10:45am - 11:15am), Reed Park (11:30am-12noon), Marine Park (12:15pm-12:45pm), and Clover Park (1pm- 1:30pm).
9300 Civic Center Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Dec 8, 2019
9:00am - 1:00pm
The Beverly Hills Farmers' Market provides the finest California-grown, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, juices, breads, specialty items and more in a festive outdoor setting. The market features special events such as a Kid's Zone and Story Time, and a Petting Zoo.
