Family-friendly Memorial Day fun

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer for residents of Los Angeles. For Angeleno's this means warmer weather, longer days, and kids at home trying not to get bored. For parents with children up to 13 years of age, this means that they have to get creative about Memorial Day activities! Fortunately, in SoCal the fun can start as soon as they leave home. That's why we have compiled our list of fun Memorial Day activities that will have your children begging to stay a little bit more. Let's get started.

Griffith Park

A favorite getaway for many Angelenos, Griffith Park is always a delight. Famed for its observatory, it can also be a great place for a picnic or cookout under the shade on a warm sunny day. There is also a wonderful playground with swings, jungle gyms, and even a merry-go-round!

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Don't forget to include one of the best outdoor getaways for kids in your list of Memorial Day activities! The LA zoo has organized a good selection of Memorial Day events to keep kids busy while they visit the animals that live at the zoo. The zoo hosts 270 different species of animals that kids can view and learn about. In addition, there are many exhibits that represent different biomes. All of this is coupled with a myriad of plant life from around the world.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Located in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific, is a must-see for children and their parents. See lots of exhibits and the brand new expansion called Pacific Visions. The Aquarium offers many fun activities for Memorial Day, which will make for an experience your kids will never forget.

Hit the Beach

Los Angeles boasts a great number of beaches that make for a wonderful holiday activity. Mother's Beach, for example, offers a playground with slides and swings, and picnic tables to enjoy a nice lunch in the shade. The carnival at Santa Monica Pier is another great way to spend the day with kids that are in the 12-year-old and higher age range.

Memorial Day Parades

All ages enjoy parades and Memorial Day in LA always includes a few. This can represent a wonderful opportunity for your children to learn about the reason for the holiday. In addition, its a way to show respect to the men and women of the military who have sacrificed their lives to maintain our freedom.