Thanks to SUBWAY® restaurants for sponsoring my post about summer fun with kids. Check out the Kids Eat Free program at any LA area location! Just purchase any two subs, two sides and two drinks, and you can get a kid’s meal FREE!
After a pretty mild June and July, summer has finally arrived in LA this week with temperatures soaring and the sun beating down all day long. When it gets this hot outside, Bob and I do one of two things: run to the water to cool off or find shade for outdoor picnics. Either way, we love to be outside. Lately, we’ve been spending a lot of time at the beach in Malibu and in Griffith Park, discovering new ways to enjoy our favorite inland adventure spot.
Heading to the beach in Malibu is always a treat for us– the drive on the PCH instantly de-stresses, the beaches are clean and waves are perfect. Malibu State Beach is ideal for families, and, with with plenty of surf shops located near by, it’s easy to rent a surf board or boogie board just for the day. Usually I don’t catch a lot of waves, but paddling out in the water at least gives me bragging rights.
When my muscles just can’t paddle anymore, I like to walk up and down the beach, searching for shark’s teeth and other treasures that have been stranded by the tide. Also left behind, I’ve found several small tide pools. These microcosm wonders can lead to great discoveries (crabs, starfish, sand dollars) and offer an excellent ocean area for small kids to play around in without the treat of the ocean waves. Even if the tide pools aren’t around during your visit, there are always lifeguards watching over those in the water, just be sure to play near the prominent guard towers.
A little closer to home is Griffith Park. Until recently, Bob and I only went to this park for hiking or for a shaded picnic, but we weren’t utilizing the park to its fullest advantage. To say this park is perfect for families would be a huge understatement. Imagine anything you or your kids like to do (play sports, tennis, soccer, frisbee, visit zoo) and it is available here.
One of our favorite activities in Griffith Park is horseback riding. With lessons and rides that last at least an hour, the saddle is a unique way explore LA. Just in case your kids are a tad too small or scared of the big horses, Griffith Park also has pony rides and a merry -go -round.
If you have a full day, head to the LA Zoo for the new elephant encounter. For free entertainment, take a ride to Travel Town and the LA Steamers Railroad Museum. Both choices are great for families or like with Bob, kids of all ages!
However you choose to spend your summer, get outdoors and soak up the sun. What’s your family doing for fun this summer?
I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.
