Where Can You Buy Luna Legend’s Playhouse? It’s Not Too Pricey & It’s Super Cute

by Erica LoopApril 10, 2019

Now your little star can live like a celeb. Luna Legend’s playhouse is available at Sam’s Club and yes, you can have this cute cottage for the littles in your backyard, too.

Supermodel and super-mama Chrissy Teigen recently tweeted about something that’s oh-so-relatable to many parents—the trials and tribulations of building their own child’s playhouse. Even though the Teigen and hubby John Legend, could have hired out the build to a pro, the couple took the DIY approach.

2 hours 35 minutes and counting pic.twitter.com/0D9kFF5bjm

— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 28, 2019

Teigen documented the beginning of the build with a Twitter video, starting out with what most mamas know is a laughable shot of the playhouse box’s label reading, “Less build time, more play time.” The clip goes on to show the half-built mini house, along with all the extra parts sitting on the couple’s deck.

Yes we’ve all been there—especially when noting the title of the tweet, “2 hours 35 minutes and counting.”

DONE!! pic.twitter.com/TQWlJUT0ZD

— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 29, 2019

But don’t worry. Teigen and Legend eventually finished their project. In a later tweet Teigen shared a pic of the completed house along with one word, “DONE!!”

pic.twitter.com/iFXKB33Fnc

— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 29, 2019

If you’re in the market for a new pint-sized playhouse (and have a few hours to build it), the KidKraft Seaside Cottage retails for $399 exclusively at Sam’s Club!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Chrissy Teigen via Instagram

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The South Sound’s Top 15 Playgrounds

by Rachael BrandonAugust 22, 2017

Thanks to our record dry streak and long summer days, Seattle kids are loving the extra play time at their favorite parks. But if you’ve done the local playground circuit enough your smartphone thinks you work at the neighborhood tot lot, maybe it’s time to branch out into new territory. From medieval castles, to nautical play structures, to seaside swings and lakefront lunch spots, click through the gallery to see the best playgrounds the South Sound has to offer.

Fort Steilacoom Park

This castle park in Lakewood can best be described using one word - HUGE! The historic Fort Steilacoom park spans 340 acres and includes a dog park, playground and miles of trails through fields, woods and around the small Waughop lake. The play area offers two large sets of swings, big kid and toddler play structures with bridges, hidden nooks and slides to play on. The biggest challenge is keeping tabs on the wee ones among the tall walls and enclosures, so plan a lost parent spot in advance in case you get separated.

Bonus: Bordering the west end of the park is the Pierce College campus and Science Dome which offers kid-friendly, Saturday planetarium shows for just $6 per child.

8714 87th Ave. S.W.
Lakewood, Wa 98498
Online: cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation/parks/fort-steilacoom-park

photo: Jennifer B via flickr

Have you and your crew had a chance to explore these South Sound playgrounds? Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below.

— Rachael Brandon

Bike, Boat & Bask in the Sunshine at Redondo Beach

by Beth SheaMay 16, 2017

It’s no wonder Baywatch and scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed in Redondo Beach. The quintessential beach town and picturesque locale boasts a laid-back vibe where you and the fam can soak up the seaside fun and plenty of adventures from taking a dip in a lagoon or whale watching to cruising the town and the shore on bikes–– with the added perk that everything in the heart of Redondo is accessible via a short bicycle ride! Read on for our guide to the best place to stay and where to play and dine in Redondo Beach for your next family vacay.

STAY

photo: Shade Hotel Redondo Beach

Shade Hotel Redondo Beach
Unpack your bags at the well-appointed, brand new and beautiful Shade, a boutique luxury hotel with the perfect location in the heart of Redondo Beach. Kids get cake pops and adults get champagne upon entering their room––a sweet touch to kick-off any vacation for any age. The guest rooms are sleek, hip and modern, while also being cozy and kid- and dog-friendly. The complimentary “Beach Breakfast” each morning includes delicious gourmet breads, muffins and pastries, fruits and parfaits and of course coffee and OJ served at the hotel’s Sea Level restaurant that has plenty of outdoor seating with ocean views –– not a bad way to start the day!

photo: Shade Hotel Redondo Beach

Additional free amenities are the use of a rooftop pool with sweeping views of the Pacific (perfect for watching the sunset), free yoga classes on the aquadeck, Strand cruiser bicycles and free WiFi. The environmentally conscious Shade Hotel also plants a tree in your honor for every day you pass on housekeeping, with the philosophy that “trees give shade, Shade gives trees.”

The balcony from a marina front room at Shade grants a glorious vista of the boats and the ocean––and sunsets can be enjoyed right from your room. Another lovely touch: rooms facing the marina have a private balcony soaking tub, so you can relax in the bath while absorbing the sea breeze. Yes, please.

Shade Hotel
655 N. Harbor Dr.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
Online: rb.shadehotel.com

PLAY

Park Your Car & Bike Everywhere… Seriously.
One of the very best aspects of a family trip to Redondo Beach is that you can literally ride your bike everywhere… even with little ones. When you stay at Shade, you’re only about a five to ten minute bike ride away from Redondo Beach Pier, whale watching and water sport rentals, Seaside Lagoon, the beach… it’s all just a few short pedals of the bike up the road!

Redondo Beach is equipped with bike paths that have their own traffic signals for cyclists. You’ll feel safer that you and your kids aren’t riding on the same street as cars.

Go to Marina Bike Rentals (a three minute walk around the corner from Shade) to rent all types of bikes for your crew. They have kids bikes, cruisers, multi-speed bikes, tandem bikes, kid’s trailers, and Kazoo Tag-alongs that attach to the back of an adult bike for a kid to ride behind (shown above).

From Marina you can ride in either direction on a bike path: twenty miles north along The Strand as far as the Santa Monica Pier or south 2.25 miles through Redondo Beach.

Cycling around Redondo Beach is an added vacation perk that’s so much fun for kids and adults alike. No need to pile in and out of the car and look for/pay for parking.

Insider’s Tip: Be sure to ask the folks at Marina Bike Rentals to give you a basket to attach to your bike (for purchases you may make en route) and locks for when you arrive at your destination–– both are included with the rental fee.

Marina Bike Rentals
505 N. Harbor Dr.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
Online: marinabikerentals.com

Redondo Beach Pier
The Pier has old-fashioned appeal as it was originally built in 1889, and reconstructed in 1995. There are dozens of souvenir shops and food vendors and locals dub it a west coast “Coney Island” filled with novelties including funnel cakes, churros, popcorn and the freshest seafood in town.

Insider’s Tip: Enjoy free concerts on the Pier July-September and free movies on the boardwalk in June.

Visit the quirky, 70’s-era, Redondo Fun Factory on the Pier before it closes. Kids will love playing the vintage quarter arcade games (beat them at Pac-Man!), Skee-Ball and riding the Tilt-a-Whirl.

Redondo Beach Pier
100 W. Torrance Blvd.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: redondopier.com

photo: Visit Redondo

Seaside Lagoon
The Seaside Lagoon is an appealing haven for kids and families. This large saltwater lagoon boasts play equipment, lifeguard supervision, a snack bar with food from Ruby’s Restaurant, volleyball courts and both sand and grassy areas to set up shop. Every Friday in July this summer, there will be a summer movie shown at the Lagoon. Seaside Lagoon opens May 27, 2017-September 4, 2017.

Insider’s Tip: This is a great locale to watch fireworks on the 4th of July.

Seaside Lagoon
200 Portofino Way
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: visitredondo.com

photo: Visit Redondo

Whale Watching
Take the fam on a peaceful whale watching excursion on “The Indian,”a 65-foot, 42 passenger vessel at Redondo Beach Sportfishing. The friendly crew make the journey fun with their narration of the tour to spot Gray whales during their migration. You’ll probably catch sight of many dolphins and sea lions on the excursion too. An added bonus: along for the ride on each whale watch adventure is a trained Naturalist of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium/American Cetacean Society, who walks around the boat educating passengers about the marine life.

Insider’s Tip: Make sure everyone uses the restroom before boarding the boat. Excursions are three hours, minimum. Pack snacks and water to stay hydrated.

Redondo Beach Sportfishing
233 N. Harbor Dr.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: redondobeachsportfishing.com

Hit the Beach
Put the “beach” in Redondo Beach by taking your sea lovers to build castles in the sand and dive in the waves just south of the Pier. Avenue C Beach typically has less crowds and it’s equipped with volleyball nets for a sporty time in the sand.

Redondo State Beach
Pearl St. and Esplanade
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: californiabeaches.com

Feed the Turtles & Climb Trees at Hopkins Wilderness Park
This 11-acre park is perfect for kids who love to climb trees. The site has four ecological habitats: forest, meadows, streams and a pond filled with turtles you can feed. Pack a picnic and soak up the serenity.

Insider’s Tip: Bring change to buy turtle food from the dispenser near the park entrance, so kids can feed the turtles.

Hopkins Wilderness Park
1102 Camino Real
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: redondo.org

Monkey Around at Veterans Park
Stop by this scenic park before or after your beachgoing adventures to let the kiddos play on the playground while you take in the ocean view. On Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. there’s a farmers market here in the Park where you can buy fruits and vegetables, baked goods, plants and more.

Veterans Park
309 Esplanade at the corner of South Catalina Ave. & Torrance Blvd.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: redondo.org

EAT

Turquoise Restaurant
Dine on authentic and delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food right in Redondo Beach’s Riviera Village at Turquoise. The menu is bursting with healthy, organic dishes you can enjoy family-style. Kids can share the sandwiches, which are big enough for two. Order the littles the organic peanut butter panini which comes topped with grape molasses and grilled green apple slices. Don’t miss the homemade yogurt and hummus at this bright and cheery spot with friendly service, where you can also pose for a pic in front of the huge photograph of Greece on the restaurant’s back wall.

Turquoise
1735 S. Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: turquoise-restaurant.com

IShabu Shabu
Japanese hot pot is one of the latest trends in dining out. Order up your ingredients at Ishabu Shabu: locally sourced beef, seafood and veggies, then cook them in the broth of your choice in a hot pot in front of you. Be sure to indulge with the strawberry mojito and the decadent, oversized Brick macaron ice cream sandwiches for dessert.

IShabu Shabu
1212 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. #200
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: ishabushabu.com

photo: Joan S. via Yelp

The Green Temple
Vegetarians unite at The Green Temple where the zen vibe is as refreshing as the veggie cuisine. This restaurant has been a cherished part of the community for over 15 years and they pride themselves on sourcing their ingredients from local farms. Kids can opt for the “junior portion” of many dishes and they’ll devour any variety of the quesadillas while you gobble up the vegetarian edition of The Blue Plate: a flavorful homemade veggie burger topped with mushrooms, onions and gravy and served with mashed potatoes and broccoli. Hydrate with an array of fresh squeezed juices or rejuvenate with a Dragon Shot––an herbal extract prepared to result in a variety of outcomes from opening your heart to strengthening your immunity.

The Green Temple
1700 S. Catalina Ave. #103
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: greentemple.net

photo: Captain Kidd’s

Captain Kidd’s Fish Market
Renown for serving Redondo Beach’s freshest seafood since 1976, Captain Kidd’s affords visitors the opportunity to custom design their meal by choosing their cut of fish including swordfish, halibut and Arctic cod or seafood selection of crabs, lobsters, clams and mussels from the fish case, choosing how they’d like it prepared and adding on side dishes from garlic french fries to macaroni salad. Kids can order from the “mini pirates” menu from offerings including fish and shrimp and kid-faves: corndog, grilled cheese and more. Captain Kidd’s has three patios for dining with a view and they’re dog-friendly.

Captain Kidd’s Fish Market
209 N. Harbor Dr.
Redondo Beach, Ca 90277
online: captainkidds.com

For more information on all Redondo Beach has to offer, go to visitredondo.com.

Where’s your favorite place to go in Redondo Beach? Tell us in the comments.

–– Beth Shea

All Photos by the author unless otherwise noted.

This trip was paid for by Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

The Country’s 10 Best Beaches for Families

by Erin LemMay 9, 2017

Your summer to-do list includes soaking up as much sun and sand as possible. Get a head start on your planning by checking out these top 10 beaches across the country that offer more than just life guards and bathrooms for families in search of a memorable vacation. Flip through the gallery to discover the top beachy destinations hand-picked by our friends at Family Vacation Critic.

Seaside Beach, Or

As the first beach resort in the entire state, Seaside Beach has a little something for everyone. Spend the day relaxing surfside, hiking the nearby trails or shopping in the downtown district.

Insider Tip: Families can visit the Seaside Aquarium to explore its hands-on discovery center and interact with its resident seals.

3 Things Your Kids Will Love:
• Three miles of wide, sandy beach
• Walking the promenade
• Feeding the seals

Online: familyvacationcritic.com

Photo: Don Frank, for the City of Seaside Visitors Bureau

Have you visited any of these beaches with your family? Tell us about your experience! What other destinations should Family Vacation Critic add to their list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

— Erin Lem with Family Vacation Critic

It’s So Easy Being Green: 15 Earth Day Celebrations

by kim orchen cooperMarch 12, 2017

Little tree-huggers, take note: Earth Day is on Wednesday April 22, and there are loads of LA activities that will educate while you celebrate. From river cleanups to festivals, a party with Fairy Mother Earth and super blooming hikes, here are our 15 favorite ways to hop on the reduce/reuse/recycle (eco-friendly electric) bus.

Not Your Last Resort

Spend the day enjoying just how gorgeous our earth is at this seaside resort with spectacular views. For kids there are storybook reading and workshops highlighting how to recycle and compost at the Educational Green Wall. There’s also a wildflower planting station and Earth Day hikes, and grownups can join in the Kelp Forest Kyak Cleanup. Venture down the cliffs to play in the tidepools, and then end your day with an outdoor dinner as the sun sets. Learn more about this event.

When: Saturday, April 22 at various times
Where: Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes

photo: Terranea Resort

How will you honor our planet this year? We’d love to know; meet us in the comment section below!

—Kim Orchen Cooper

Beer, Here!: New Summer Spots to Toss A Few Back

by Mimi O'ConnorJune 8, 2016

It’s a potent cocktail, so to speak: NYC’s ever-expanding radius of livable/affordable neighborhoods, mixed with steamy summer temps and its residents’ hearty appetite for beer and good times. Blend it all together and you get lots of new places to chill this season. We’ve rounded up our picks from the many recently-opened spots in the city, many of which are located in formerly-industrial ‘hoods — which means there’s space for you, the stroller, and the kids to hang without disturbing fellow patrons too much. Click through to find your refresher!

To Escape to Italy on 5th Ave: Sabbia

We'll admit this may not be the most kid-friendly beer spot in NYC, but it's big, boasts a well-curated drinks menu and — most importantly — will do a pretty good job of transporting you to the Italian seaside 14 floors up in the Flatiron District. Located on the roof of foodie destination Eataly, Sabbia — which means "sand" in Italian — features colorful canopies, lush greenery, a retractable roof and a menu of seafood (oysters!), cheeses and meats, pasta and more. (Order the kids a cannoli from the dessert menu while you chill out.)

212-937-8910
200 fifth Ave.
Flatiron District
Online: eataly.com

photo: via Eataly Facebook page

Head to Morey’s Piers for Sun & Fun on the Jersey Shore

by Mimi O'ConnorJuly 15, 2015

The term “Jersey Shore” may conjure up images of Snooki and The Situation and a raging youthful party scene, but the folks at Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks want you to know: it’s not like that here. (Really, that’s more north.) In fact, if you’re hankering for a seaside family getaway that you can drive to (and won’t cost a fortune), this Wildwood, Nj vacation spot just might do the trick. Here’s the situation, so to speak, at Morey’s.

photo: Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks

Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
It’s somewhat hard to believe, but this sprawling seaside amusement park (the largest in the Western Hemisphere, FYI) began as a 12-lane fiberglass slide operating on a sliver of the Wildwood boardwalk in 1969. (Brothers Will and Bill Morey spotted the attraction near a shopping center in Fort lauderdale, Florida, and shipped it north.) Fast-forward 45 years, and Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks is home to more than 100 rides and attractions and two beachfront water parks on three of Wildwood’s piers. Now, Morey’s is Wildwood and Wildwood is Morey’s.

The spot has racked up scores of accolades over the years, including being named one of the top 10 piers in America by Coastal Living.com, #1 Best Beach Boardwalk by Family Vacation Critic, and Top Labor Day Escape by BudgetTravel.com.

photo: Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks

The Vibe
Morey’s Piers is the classic seaside boardwalk experience, complete with carnival rides and games, summer indulgences like funnel cakes, fries and ice cream. Americana is alive and well at Morey’s in the very best way. Families have been coming to Morey’s for decades, and they still are, for good reason. The vibe is ultra casual, relaxed and unpretentious, and the piers and parks are clean and welcoming (i.e. you won’t encounter the seedy, run-down feel you find on some boardwalks.) Both on the piers and along the main drag that hugs the beach, it’s all about hanging with the family — in the hotel pool, on the omnipresent motel balconies, at the water park.

Wildwood itself maintains a retro seaside feel, with many of the motels preserving signage both neon and otherwise and architecture of the 1950s and 60s (kitsch is celebrated here, not shunned), and the beach itself is clean, big — and free, which is somewhat of a novelty along the Jersey Shore. Nothing tacky about that at all.

photo: Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks

What’s New
Morey’s has a history of maintaining its heritage while also making way for the new; many classic rides have been phased out to accommodate more modern rides. For years, a looming, somewhat ferocious-looking “King Kong” ride presided over Surfside pier, eventually succumbing to wear and tear. A modern version of the interactive flying ride is the latest addition to Morey’s, and like its predecessor, it snorts smoke and fog. (Beneath him, a new Kong store offers a wide array of Kong-related souvenirs.)

The Rides
Morey’s offers a great mix of rides for every member of the family, with classics no old school amusement park would be without, and high powered coasters both steel and wood. (The Great Nor-easter coaster is especially impressive in that it somehow provides a complete, thrill-filled experience on a relatively small footprint.)

For the Littlest Thrillseekers
You’ll find tons of rides for little ones here, from mini boats and tea cups to tiny trains and not one, but two carousels. Morey’s is a great option if you want to go to an amusement park with small kids but a place like Disney or Six Flags would be a bit much both in expense and experience.

Raging Waters photo: Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks

Where to Cool Off
It’s not called Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks for nothing. Morey’s takes its water parks very seriously, as evidenced by not one, but two extensive water parks, each with its own feel, at the end of two piers. Raging Waters Adventure Water park is, naturally, the more intense of the two splash zones. Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club is more mellow and even features a swim up bar — although you’ll still find slides and activities for those who want to speed down a slippery slope. Both parks look out over the beach and water, driving home that you’re at the shore.

Lobby of the Pan American Hotel photo: Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks

Where to stay
A tourist town, Wildwood’s main drag is lined with lodging options, many which feature pools and balconies for taking in the view. Morey’s runs multiple, well-kept properties, which consistently rank as some of the nicest in the area, with many offering on-site restaurants. (For the ultimate tongue-in-cheek experience, you can stay in a renovated Airstream Trailer at the Starlux Boutique Hotel.) If you’re looking for a bargain and don’t mind a quick drive or walk to the seaside action, look further inland.

Of course, Morey’s provides incentive to stay with them, offering “Play & Stay” packages. Guests of Morey Hotels & Resorts properties can save up to 70% on ride and water park passes throughout the summer. Through September 13, 2015, hotel guests can choose from a one-day pass starting at $50 per person or the length of stay passes that range from three- to seven-nights. “Play & Stay” is available at the Pan American Hotel, Port Royal Hotel, Starlux Boutique Hotel, and Blue Palms Resort. For more information on this and other promotions click here.

Stubborn Brothers photo: Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks

Where to Eat
Yes, you’ll find all the classic summer treats here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat well at the Piers. In fact, Morey’s is committed to upping its culinary game by offering dishes using “Jersey Fresh” produce, and locally-sourced seafood and other ingredients at restaurants located right on the Piers. Get brick oven pizza, salads and fresh seafood at Joe’s Fish Company, or park yourself in an Adirondack chair on the deck of Stubborn Brothers Beach Bar & Grille, order up a mixed drink, and survey the surf and beach below. (We recommend the guacamole, bruschetta and strawberry shortcake.)

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, check out “Breakfast in the Sky,” a gourmet morning meal served (complete with linens and china) 150 feet above sea level in Morey’s Piers’ Giant Ferris Wheel. (Advance reservations are required; call 609-846-1624.)

Off the boardwalk, check out the nearby Jersey Girl for more upscale dining (where you can still wear your casual threads) or town favorite The Jellyfish Café on New Jersey Ave for a great breakfast.

Know Before You Go

You can choose to ride, splash and play pretty much however you want at Morey’s Piers, buying all-day passes or individual tickets. A combo pass for rides and water parks is $75 for adults and $57 for riders 48 inches and under. Pricing info can be found here.

Depending on when you’re there and what you like to do, you can also take advantage of a variety of specials, including discounted morning and afternoon passes at the water parks, Tuesday and Thursday $25 ride-all-you-want deals, and more.

The boardwalk is big, as in long. It makes for a nice stroll, but you can also hop on the boardwalk tram for $2. (And you should; it’s a Wildwood rite of passage. Just listen for the automated warning to make way for the tram!)

The town of Wildwood Crest itself, where Morey’s Piers is located is dry, which means some restaurants in town don’t serve alcohol (although beer, wine and cocktails are all available at the Piers’ eateries.) If you’re headed out for a bite and want a brew or Bordeaux, you can easily stop by one of the many stores conveniently and strategically located on the border and pick up your libation of choice.

If you want a change of scene, the quaint seaside town of Cape May, known for its picturesque streets of Victorian houses, is a 10-minute drive away.

Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks
3501 Boardwalk
Wildwood, Nj
609-522-3900
Online: moreyspiers.com

Will you be heading to Morey’s Piers this summer? Tell us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

Top of the World, Ma: Santa Monica’s Pacific Wheel

by kim orchen cooperMarch 26, 2013

“I’m flying, like Peter Pan and Tinkerbell,” giggles the 5 year old next to you. That pinch of pixie dust sure worked, because suddenly you also feel like like you’ll never grow up. And even prettier than the sites of London is the sand, sea, and sunset as you soar over the Santa Monica Pier. A spin on this wheel takes you straight back to childhood, taking your own kids with you…

It’s So Easy, Being Green
Super progressive energy-conscious Santa Monica installed this Pacific Wheel in 2008, the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel, replacing the 1996 original that sold on eBay with proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics. Well, well, a worldview to feel good about as you ascend 9 stories above the Strand.

Choices, Choices
Young riders soaring at heights of 3-1/2 feet can spin solo, or be accompanied by a grown up, who can stretch out in a gondola with actual legroom. Choose from oodles of options for tickets: single rides are a bargain at $5 while unlimited rides are less than $16 for the 7 & under set. Adventure-seekers who can’t imagine a day without dizziness opt for an annual pass ($99). Peruse Pacific Park’s website before visiting, and you just may find a nifty discount.

But Mom, I’m Huuuuuungry
When disequilibrium sets in, it’s time for a snack break. Among the surfers, fishermen, body builders and sun worshipers below, pick a spot to picnic with your pint-sized posse, digging tiny toes into the sparkling sand nearby. Small fry insisting on park fare will find fast food outposts (Taco Bell and Pizza Hut are popular; Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf presents healthier options).

Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier
Free park admission, rides and games extra
Open 365 days; hours vary (generally 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, until midnight Fri. & Sat.)
Online: www.pacpark.com

Insider Tips:

— When kids get tired and need a change of scene (as kids do…) you are right next to a fabulous beach playground with mini monkey bars and swings for all sizes, all with a free view of the sunset.

— Parking at the Pier can be a pricy proposition (say that 10 times, fast!). Try the $1/hour lot for 2 hours, at the end of Seaside Way, just south of the main Pier lot. Or check out the metered parking off the 1700 block of Appian Way; Pacific Terrace has $2/hour meters, good for 5 hours from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Or strap the tiny tots into the stroller (bring your own – no room for rentals on the Pier), and walk from Santa Monica Place parking at Colorado and 2^nd Street.

Do you have any tips or tricks for visiting the Santa Monica ferris wheel with your fam?

— Kim Orchen Cooper

Images courtesy of Kim Orchen Cooper.

ML Interest Tag: seaside

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