Best Water and Pool Activities for Kids in Los Angeles This Summer

Los Angeles families have real options beyond just beach days — city pools, splash pads, and aquatic centers spread across neighborhoods that otherwise see little public water access.

Start earlier than you think you need to. The best LA water outings collapse when you hit traffic or arrive after the morning cool has burned off. Here are the venues worth planning around.

Splash Pads & Spraygrounds

Grand Park Downtown LA

200 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012

12-acre urban park with splash fountains, forest-inspired playground, green space, and frequent family events. Free, all ages.

Tongva Park, Santa Monica

1615 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Beautiful 5-acre park with observation decks, rolling hills, splash pad, and modernist playground. Free ($$$ food), all ages.

Public Pools & Aquatic Centers

Heal the Bay Aquarium

1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Under Santa Monica Pier with 100+ local sea species, hands-on tide pools, and interactive exhibits. $12 adults, $5 kids.

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

1100 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Unique under-pier aquarium with touch pools and local marine life education

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, CA 90731

Museum with Southern California marine life, tide touch pools, and educational exhibits on ocean ecosystems. Free-donation basis ($), all ages.

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

World-class aquarium with 12,000 animals, shark tank, ray touch pool, lorikeet encounters, and 100+ exhibits. Paid $$, worth the trip.

Beaches & Waterfront

El Matador Beach

32350 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Hidden gem beach with sea caves, tide pools, and dramatic cliffs perfect for exploration and photography

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Beach Walk, Venice, CA 90291

Vibrant beach with street performers, skate park, shops, and restaurants along the scenic sandy shore

Malibu Lagoon State Beach

13005 PCH, Malibu, CA 90265

Scenic beach with tide pools, wildlife viewing, and pristine coastal scenery

More Water Play

Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108

Beautiful botanical gardens with fountains, art museum, and rare book library

Malibu Creek State Park

12000 Malibu Creek Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

Scenic state park with hiking trails, creek swimming holes, and Hollywood sign views

Torrance Beach

3600 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503

Family-friendly beach with calm waters, lifeguards, and plenty of parking and facilities

Topanga State Beach

Topanga State Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

Scenic beach perfect for swimming, picnicking, and beach games

Santa Monica Pier & Carousel

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Classic iconic pier with carousel ($2), arcade games, food, and beach access. Free to walk, paid rides.

Planning notes

Check facility hours before you go — city and county aquatic centers often shift schedules for maintenance, weather, or staffing. Most public pools in Los Angeles open in late May or early June and run through Labor Day weekend.