Summer Family Fun

Summer Family Fun

Keep kids entertained with one of these family-friendly activities in and around LA.

Open only during the summer months, the Butterfly Pavilion at the National History Museum lets kids get up close and personal with hundreds of native and subtropical butterflies. Running until 3 Sep, mid-morning is said to be the optimum flutter time.

For a truly all-American experience, take the sprogs to see a baseball game at the Dodger Stadium. Grab a drink and a hot dog as you cheer on the boys in blue – uber fans will enjoy the stadium tour, plus there’s an onsite souvenir shop at which to stock up on swag.

All-action outfit Bikes and Hikes LA offers a range of adventures for all levels of fitness; the ‘LA in a Day Tour’ is ideal for families with older kids. Spanning six hours, you’ll wheel around a range of the city’s best-known spots, including Venice Beach, Westwood and Marina del Rey.

Escape the city with a day trip to the beautifully scenic El Matador State Beach. Comprising three coves flanked with caves and rocky cliff formations, this photogenic and peaceful beach is perfect for lounging with a lazy picnic – ask the Pen to prepare one especially.

Wanting to reward (or incentivise) good behaviour? Famed Grom Gelateria is your go-to for a scoop or two. The real-deal, fruity-creamy, Italian-style gelato will put a smile on their faces – and hopefully yours too.

El Matador State Beach / 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy / Malibu / 8am-8pm daily / +1 818 880 0363/ parks.ca.gov

Butterfly Pavilion at the National History Museum / 900 W Exposition Blvd / +1 213 763 3466 / 9.30am-5pm daily / nhm.org

Dodger Stadium / 1000 Ave / +1 866 363 4377 / check website for game dates /  mlb.com/dodgers

Bikes and Hikes LA / 8250 Santa Monica Blvd / +1 323 796 8555 / 8am-5pm daily / bikesandhikesla.com

Grom Gelateria / 6801 Hollywood  Blvd / 10am-11pm daily rel="noopener noreferrer" / +1 323 873 2990 / grom.it