Fun Activities for Kids in Santa Monica, California

Toddler Activities

Stay-at-home moms with toddlers may look for activities for their little ones during the day while the older children are in school. Story-time at your local branch of the Santa Monica Public Library (smpl.org). Best of all, there is no charge for toddler story time. Story-times often include pre-story sing-a-longs, animated stories and a wrap-up with the little ones taking home books of their choice. The Ocean Park Branch Library has "Story-time for Two's" every Monday morning at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The Montana Branch Library has "Preschool Story Time" starting at 11:15 a.m. every Thursday. The Main Branch Library has "Story-time for Two's" starting at 10:15 a.m. every Monday morning. The Santa Monica Public library offers special events at certain times of year for toddlers as well.

While children out of the toddler phase may still enjoy story-time they are usually in school during the morning hours. Older children may want to participate in some kid-friendly activities after school or on the weekends. After school activities can provide enrichment and recreation activities for kids a bit older. CREST (Childcare, Recreation, Enrichment & Sports Together) offer programs such as musical theatre, ceramics, karate, golf and science club. These programs are geared towards children that are 6 to 12 years old. There are volleyball, soccer and track and field sports available through CREST with applicable registration fees. If kids receive childcare through CREST, they are also offered the option of participating in the nature club in which instructors teach marine biology, gardening and information on butterflies, birds and insects. Kids also have the option of playground access at no additional charge to parents.

Teens need an outlet to have good clean fun in Santa Monica as well. Santa Monica (santamonica.com) features a calendar of events for teenagers to delve into. "Movies on Deck" presents a weekly series of independent films for teenagers to enjoy and discuss. This event is located at Santa Monica Place every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Teens and young adults can participate in classes and activities given through the Virginia Avenue Park Teen Center. Teens have the option to participate in open recreation, chess, women's group session, DJ workshop, airbrush classes and golf academy. Programs at the Virginia Avenue Park Teen Center are subject to registration fees and are in session every day of the week.

A day at the Santa Monica Beach (parks.ca.gov) is an ideal activity for all in the family no matter what how old they may be. Santa Monica Beach is two miles long and offers picnic areas and shops. Families can enjoy the beach or play volleyball and basketball in designated areas. The Santa Monica Pier (santamonicapier.org) along the beach offers Pacific Park, an amusement park with roller coasters, cotton candy and Ferris wheels. The Santa Monica Aquarium is also open to the public throughout the week.