Fun Things To Do With Kids In Manhattan Beach

You will find lot of fun things to do with kids in Manhattan Beach, California. Do you live in Manhattan Beach? Looking to visit Manhattan Beach? Or looking to move to Manhattan Beach?

Manhattan Beach is a family friendly, relaxed beach community in the South Bay that’s ideal for outdoor fun! The photogenic and iconic Manhattan Beach Pier is a great spot for insta-worthy photos and a front row view of California surfers.  You’ll love taking a bike ride down the Strand bike path, which follows along the ocean lined with beautiful homes and sporty volleyball courts. Filled with family fun, Manhattan Beach features a classic aquarium, local boutique shopping, casual brunch spots, and vibrant hip restaurants. 

Related: 101 Fun Things to do with Kids in the South Bay
40+ Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles

The South Bay area of the Los Angeles county is made up of three distinct beach cities: Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. Covering 2.1 miles of beach, each city has its own personality and characteristics. 

Fun Things To Do With Kids In Manhattan Beach

The Beach

This beach is so iconic, it’s the beach featured by the Beach Boy’s, “Surfin’ USA!” Body boarding and surfing are popular ways to get sporty or you can also opt to just enjoy watching the experts surf their way around the mussel encrusted pillars. The Pier and El Porto are highly recommended spots for surfing. Beach volleyball is also all the rage at Manhattan Beach! With tons of nets, it’s a lively spot to spend the day. 

Bike Path at the Beach 

Soak in the gorgeous California rays with a bike ride on the Bike Path along the strand. The path is designated for bike riders only, making it super easy and breezy for a casual ride on a smoothly paved path. This scenic bike path has sparkling views of the ocean that you’ll be glad you didn’t miss. 

Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium

Located at the end of the Pier, the Roundhouse Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization managed and operated by the nonprofit oceanic and environmental organization Oceanographic Teaching Stations, Inc.

Sand Dune Park

This park acquired its name from the 100-foot high sand dune located there. It is a favorite destination for kids of all ages. Steps and switchbacks lead up into the nature area as a trail that provides different ways to reach the top. The trail winds through plant life and provides an interesting and educational nature walk. The top of the dune provides a panoramic east-facing view of the City.

AdventurePlex 

Our mission is to make healthy habits fun because healthy habits started early last a lifetime. AdventurePlex was created for families to play, learn and grow; to be a dynamic place to get physical, get silly and get healthy. It’s a perennial top pick for best indoor playground, best birthday and best camp.

Bruce’s Beach 

This is the oldest park site in Manhattan Beach. It is truly one of the most beautiful and scenic public properties in the area. Situated on a sloping terraced grassy hillside, the approximately three-acre park is one of the best ocean and sunset viewing areas away from the beach. A small basketball half-court is located in the center of the park and numerous shade trees and park benches are strategically located near the top of the park for resting and relaxation.

Polliwog Park

Encompassing 18 acres, this is the largest and perhaps loveliest park in the South Bay area. The property belongs to the local Unified School District and is leased to the City. The focal point of the site is a large pond bordered on one side by a natural wildlife refuge, home to migratory birds and an occasional raccoon or possum. A favorite site for concerts, performances, weddings and other special events, the park’s amphitheater looks out over the majestic pond as ducks and geese swim by providing one of the most idyllic and scenic backdrops for any occasion.

Begg Pool  

Begg Pool has year round swimming programs that includes youth and adult instruction, lap swimming, water aerobics fitness, a youth swim team, adult swim club, and many more including special events and general swim time.

Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden 

Also known as MBBG by the locals, is a ⅔ acre demonstration garden. It’s purpose is to show different habitats that are found around Southern California such as Coastal Sage Scrub, Riparian Woodland and Wetland, and more. MBBG is open from sunrise to sunset and free to visit. It has multiple picnic tables for use on the grounds so it’s perfect for lunch or just a quick snack.

Manhattan Beach Summer Camp 

Summertime is so much fun and there is no shortage of Manhattan Beach Summer Camps.  Get our Guide to South Bay Summer Camps here.  

Annual Special Events in Manhattan Beach

• Holiday Fireworks
• Pumpkin Racing 
• Hometown Fair 
• Volleyball Tournaments 
• Sketchers Pier to Pier

Find events, year round on our Community Calendar

Downtown Manhattan Beach 

Founded in 1912, Downtown Manhattan Beach is home to fashionably chic shopping, award winning restaurants and chefs, mouth-watering dining options steps from the beach, and amazing sunsets.

Manhattan Beach Farmer’s Market

Located at Metlox Plaza behind Shade Hotel

13th Street & Morningside Drive – Metered parking is available in the underground Metlox parking lot or in Lot 3 at Morningside and 12th Street. 

Manhattan Village  

With over 80 great stores and restaurants to choose from Manhattan Village is your destination for fashion, dining and entertainment in LA’s South Bay.  The center features stores like Macy’s, Apple, Mercado and so much more! Be sure to check out their Kids club for fun activities.

Restaurants and Local Eateries 

Known for so many delicious food options, Manhattan Beach has been described as a “food lover’s paradise!” Offering 50+ local eateries, with pretty much every kind of cuisine and vibe you could want, you can change up your dining experience every day. The dining scene is a major part of Manhattan Beach and the restaurants are abundant, making Manhattan Beach perfect for all foodies and families alike!

There are so many great Manhattan Beach restaurants choose from, you can find many of our favorites on our Local South Bay Restaurant Guide! You’ll find local Italian, Steak Houses, Burgers, Salads, Sandwiches, and more. If you have a sweet tooth, check out our list of the best Ice Cream or Bakeries. Maybe you just need a good brew of local coffee?

If you are looking for a great date night location check out our 35 South Bay Date Night Restaurants

Related: Top 5 Reasons To Move to Manhattan Beach

Local Hotels 

Planning to visit Manhattan Beach? There’s a variety of Hotels to choose from!

The Belemar Hotel
3501 North Sepulveda Boulevard
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 750-0300

Crimson Hotel
850 North Sepulveda Boulevard
(310) 318-1020

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Manhattan Beach
1817 North Sepulveda Boulevard
(310) 546-8942

Manhattan Beach Marriott
1400 Parkview Avenue
(310) 546-7511

Residence Inn by Marriott Manhattan Beach/LAX
1700 North Sepulveda Boulevard
(310) 421-3100

Sea View Inn
3400 Highland Avenue
(310) 545-1504

Shade Hotel
1221 North Valley Drive
(310) 546-4995

Wave Hotel
900 North Sepulveda Boulevard
(310) 318-6132