Family Fun Without the Sun

Fun for EVERYONE!

I know how it is, living in the LA area, we are super spoiled with the year round sunshine.  When a little bit of rain comes our way it seems like we shut down and trap ourselves in our homes as long as possible.  We sometimes dread the thought of stepping out.  However, many of you have little ones and they have energy to spend and isn't it more fun when they can run around while not breaking your things or making a mess that 9 out of 10 you have to clean up?!  Whether you have kids or not, the following is a list of places in the South Bay that you can play on a rainy day. There is something for EVERYONE here. (Please click on the links so that you can make a well informed decision and know that this is the right activity for you and your group) Of course there is always bowling and movie theaters, but these are some alternatives.


 Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
According to the Aquarium website, they house the largest collection of Southern California marine life on display in the world.
HOW MUCH : FREE but donations are appreciated ($1/hr in parking lot)
WHEN: T-F 12pm-5pm, Sa - Su 10am-5pm  CLOSED MONDAYS
WHERE: 3720 Stephen M White Drive, San Pedro, CA 90731  phone: 310 548 7562

Roundhouse Aquarium on the Manhattan Beach Pier
This aquarium is located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier and it contains sea life native to the surrounding area.  There are things to touch and great things to see, even a SHARK TANK! On Saturdays you can watch the "Feeding Frenzy" at 12:30 pm when they feed the shark tank and on Sundays they have story time at 11:30 where your kids can hear an ocean story and make a craft to take home.
HOW MUCH: FREE but donations are appreciated (Metered Parking QUARTERS aprox $1/hr)
WHEN: M-F 3pm-Sunset, Weekend 10am-Sunset
WHERE: Manhattan Beach Pier at the very end of Manhattan Beach Blvd.  phone: 310 379 8117

Redondo Beach SEA LAB
The Sea Lab in Redondo Beach is a small aquarium center that can be easily missed.  It is operated by the Los Angeles Conservation Corps.  If you have older kids interested in Marine Life this may be a great place to get them involved as they offer many Youth Programs.  Visitors are welcome to take a 30 minute GUIDED tour of the Sea Lab and participate in the daily Touch Tank Tours.  On rainy days they put up outdoor tents so that you are covered while doing the touch tank tour. (They often have field trips visiting and occasional birthday parties so it is recommended you call ahead)  Also if you call ahead you can ask when their "Fishtivities" are where they do stories, crafts, puppet shows...
HOW MUCH:  FREE but donations are appreciated and encouraged at $4/family, $2/individual
WHEN: T-F 9am-4pm, Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 11am-4:30pm  CLOSED MONDAYS
               Touch Tank TOURS: T-F 1pm,2pm,3pm,  Sat hourly 11am-4pm, Sun hourly 12pm-4pm
WHERE: 1021 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 phone: 310 318 7458

UNDER THE SEA indoor playground in Manhattan Beach
An indoor playground where kids ages 9 months-14 years can play all day.  There are multiple locations in the LA area, however we have on in Manhattan Beach.  Be sure that everyone has clean socks on and check their website for other rules.
HOW MUCH: $9 per child ALL DAY Adults are FREE
WHEN: M-F 10-6  Tues 10-7  CLOSED WEEKENDS FOR PRIVATE PARTIES
WHERE: 204 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, Ca 90266  phone: 310 379 2600

Adventure Plex in Manhattan Beach
There are different spaces and elements that are great for different people.  A huge indoor play area is best for the little ones, a Rock Wall for those daring to try and a FitPlex and basketball courts for those 8 and up.  Visit their site to see what is right for you.
HOW MUCH:  The admission fee STARTS at $5 and goes up depending on time and activity.
WHEN: M-F 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm
WHERE: 1701 Marine Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266  phone: 310 546 7708

Kid Concepts in Torrance
Another indoor playground where socks are required.  Outside food is not permitted but you can buy food there. Admission is based on a 2 hour visit.
HOW MUCH: Under 1 is FREE with paid Child, Ages 1-3 $7, Ages 3+ $10, Adult FREE (1) with paid child, Extra Adult $4
WHEN: M-Th 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm* (* may close early on Sunday for private parties so call ahead)
WHERE: 22844 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, Ca 90505  phone: 310 465 0075

Redondo Beach Fun Factory ARCADE on the Redondo Beach Pier
I must first admit this place is old and little on the dingy looking side of things, however it does not get in the way of having a good time.  You just have to look past the "antique" and salt water warped look. :)
There are a couple of rides and lots of games as well as an area to cash in your tickets for prizes.  Many people have no idea this places is still there or ever existed.
HOW MUCH: Prices vary but the Tilt A Whirl is $1.50
WHEN: M,W,Th 2pm-10pm, Fri 2pm-Midnight, Sat 12pm-Midnight, Sun 1oam-10pm, CLOSED TUESDAYS
WHERE: Redondo Beach Pier, 123 International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
phone: 310 379 8510

Laser Storm in Torrance
Believe it or not "Laser Tag" still exists and this is definitely fun for many ages (I would say 5 and older) You get to run around and shoot (I do not encourage gun play but if you can get the child to think that this is a laser and they are tagging NOT a gun they are shooting, then this will be a great activity) Remember to dress dark, because you are running around with black lights anything you have that is not dark will glow.
HOW MUCH: M-F $4.50 per game, Sat -Sun $5.50 per game
WHEN: M,T,W 3pm-9pm, Thurs 3pm-10pm, Fri 3pm-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-8pm
WHERE: 22501 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505 (near and run by Gable House Bowl)

Ice Chalet Ice Skating in Palos Verdes
On a day when the rain is coming down, indoor ice skating is certainly a fun activity (because remember when the weather is nice over the Holiday season you must go to Seaside Ice).
Ice Chalet has been around for years inside the mall in Palos Verdes near Ruby's.  Hours may change so always check the site or call for Public Skating and special events.
HOW MUCH: Prices START at $5.00 per person and change with age and skate rental needs
WHEN: Public Skating - M-Th 12-4:45pm, Fri 12-4:45 and 8-10pm, Sat 1-4 and 8-10pm, Sun 2-5pm
WHERE: 550 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274  phone 310 541 6630

IKEA in Carson
Yes, I did just say IKEA.  During the holiday season you need to shop and you would probably love for your kids to play without paying a babysitter.  You are in luck! Smaland- is a FREE supervised play area, you can leave potty trained kids between 37"-54" for one hour.  I have heard that it is a well kept and super fun place for kids to be distracted while you shop.
HOW MUCH: FREE (unless you are like me and cannot get out without buying tons) *bonus they even have meals in the restaurant for as little as $.99)
WHEN:  M-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm and on Fridays they have FREE craft activities
WHERE: 20700 Avalon Blvd., Carson, CA 90746  phone: 310 527 4532

Color Me Mine in Torrance
Color Me Mine is a fun place to spend time with kids or just friends.  If you bring kids, not only do you keep them busy, but you can make crafty and unique gifts for others or yourself.  Check out their website to see a calendar of additional events or themes.
HOW MUCH: Prices vary based on what you make or what activity you sign up for
WHEN: M-Th 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-8pm
WHERE: Rolling Hills Plaza, 2627 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505 phone: 310 325 9968

Palos Verdes Libraries
If your children enjoy books, which many young ones do, then be sure to check the library near you.  The Palos Verdes libraries have many activities at different branches so you may find the right time or activity for your family.  When you go to the link scroll over the activity you like to check out the location and suggested age.
HOW MUCH: FREE
WHEN: Times vary
WHERE: Locations vary amongst the Palos Verdes Libraries

Torrance Library Holiday Activities
The Torrance libraries have some Winter Holiday specific activities at various branches.  Whether it be a movie, craft or a story time there are still a few dates left.  Be sure after the holiday that you check with the library as they will continue to have various events and activities.
HOW MUCH: FREE
WHEN: Times Vary
WHERE: Locations vary amongst Torrance library branches.

Check your other local library websites for other activities and information:
Redondo Beach Library
Manhattan Beach Library
Hermosa Beach Library
Lomita Library
Palos Verdes Library District

Now you can have FUN when there is no SUN and stay warm and dry.