Best Things to do with Kids in Venice, CA

Last Updated: December 17, 2025By Tags:

Best Things To Do With Kids In Venice CA

Nestled along the iconic coastline of Los Angeles, Venice, CA offers families a vibrant mix of beachside fun, creative attractions, and kid-friendly activities. From the lively Venice Beach Boardwalk to peaceful canals and interactive parks, this eclectic neighborhood is an ideal destination for parents planning a memorable day with children of all ages. Families can explore safe biking paths, engaging playgrounds, outdoor art, and casual eateries that welcome young visitors. Moreover, Venice’s compact layout makes it easy to experience multiple attractions in a single visit, ensuring both convenience and variety. As you plan your itinerary, you’ll discover that Venice is not just a bohemian hotspot but also a surprisingly family-oriented community, filled with opportunities for learning, play, and exploration. In the following sections, we will highlight the best things to do with kids in Venice, CA to help you design the perfect family outing.

Best Things To Do With Kids In Venice CA

Planning a family trip to Venice, California and wondering how to keep everyone entertained? This iconic beachfront neighborhood in Los Angeles offers a surprising number of kid-friendly activities beyond its famous bohemian boardwalk. From sandy beaches and outdoor play spaces to creative workshops and relaxed eateries, Venice is an ideal destination for families seeking both fun and relaxation.

Enjoy The Beach And Venice Beach Boardwalk

Start your day along the Venice Beach shoreline, where kids can build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and watch surfers ride the Pacific. The wide sandy beach offers plenty of room for families, and lifeguard stations along the coast help keep everyone safe. Just a few steps away, the Venice Beach Boardwalk provides endless entertainment, including street performers, local vendors, and colorful murals that children love to explore.

For families with older kids, renting bikes or scooters is a great way to experience the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which runs along the shore and connects Venice to nearby Santa Monica. This combination of beach play and casual exercise makes the boardwalk area one of the best things to do with kids in Venice, CA.

Visit Venice Canals For A Scenic Stroll

Just a few blocks inland, the historic Venice Canals offer a peaceful escape from the busy beachfront. Families can walk along charming footbridges, spot ducks and fish, and admire the unique homes lining the waterways. The calm environment is perfect for strollers and young children who need a quieter break from the crowds. Be sure to bring a camera, as the canals provide some of the most picturesque views in Venice.

Play At Local Parks And Recreation Areas

Venice offers several parks designed with children in mind. The popular Venice Beach Recreation Center features playgrounds, basketball courts, and open grassy areas ideal for picnics. Nearby, the Oakwood Recreation Center provides indoor and outdoor facilities, including sports fields and play structures. These parks are excellent options for letting kids run off energy while parents relax nearby.

Park Key Features Best For
Venice Beach Recreation Center Playground, basketball courts, beach access All ages, active play
Oakwood Recreation Center Sports fields, indoor facilities School-age kids, group games
Muscle Beach Area Outdoor fitness, skate park nearby Teens, sports enthusiasts

Explore Artistic And Educational Experiences

Venice’s creative energy makes it an inspiring place for children. Families can browse local galleries, discover street art, and occasionally join kids’ art workshops at community studios. Many shops along Abbot Kinney Boulevard feature handmade toys, books, and crafts, turning a simple stroll into an engaging learning experience.

Additionally, seasonal events and festivals often include special programming for families, such as face painting, music performances, and interactive exhibits. Checking the local event calendar before your visit can help you find family-friendly things to do in Venice, CA during your stay.

Family Friendly Dining Options In Venice

After a busy day, Venice offers plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and cafés. Many eateries near the beach provide casual, outdoor seating where sandy feet are welcome. Pizza spots, burger joints, and fresh taco stands are easy crowd-pleasers, while ice cream shops and juice bars make sweet rewards for well-behaved travelers.

Area Dining Style Family Appeal
Venice Beach Boardwalk Casual, walk-up stands Quick bites between activities
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Sit-down restaurants, cafés Relaxed meals, broader menus
Near Venice Canals Cozy local spots Quieter atmosphere for younger kids

Conclusion

From sandy shores and scenic canals to dynamic parks and artistic adventures, Venice, California offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities that appeal to kids of all ages. By combining outdoor fun, cultural exploration, and convenient dining, you can create a memorable itinerary that keeps every member of the family engaged. When planning your trip, focus on the best things to do with kids in Venice, CA highlighted above, and you will enjoy a smooth, enjoyable visit to this vibrant coastal neighborhood.

Best Things To Do With Kids in Venice, CA

What are the best kid-friendly outdoor activities in Venice, CA?

Families can enjoy several outdoor activities in Venice, CA that are ideal for children. The Venice Beach Boardwalk offers plenty of space for walking, people-watching, and discovering street performers, which can be very entertaining for kids. The beach itself is great for sand play, shallow splashing under supervision, and simple games like frisbee or beach volleyball. Nearby, the Venice Skatepark is fascinating for kids to watch experienced skaters in action, even if they are not skating themselves. For a calmer experience, the Venice Canals provide a scenic, stroller-friendly walk where children can look for ducks, fish, and interesting bridges, making it both relaxing and visually engaging for the whole family.

Where can we take kids to play and burn off energy in Venice, CA?

For active playtime, Venice, CA offers several good options for kids. Along the beach, there are open sandy areas and nearby grassy patches that are suitable for running, ball games, and simple playground-style fun. Many families enjoy the nearby parks and playgrounds around the Venice area, which often include swings, climbing structures, and picnic spots. The paths along the beach and around the Venice Canals are also well-suited for biking and scootering, provided children wear helmets and are supervised due to shared paths with pedestrians and other cyclists. These areas give kids ample space to move, explore, and enjoy fresh air in a relatively safe environment.

Is the Venice Beach Boardwalk appropriate for young children?

The Venice Beach Boardwalk can be enjoyable for families with children, but it is important to be aware of its lively, sometimes edgy atmosphere. During the day, families often walk the boardwalk to listen to music, watch performers, and browse local vendors, which can be exciting and memorable for kids. However, it can be crowded, noisy, and occasionally feature content or behavior that is better suited for older audiences. Parents may want to visit earlier in the day, keep children close, and set expectations in advance. By choosing calmer times and staying near the more family-oriented areas, the boardwalk can be a fun part of a family outing without feeling overwhelming.

What are some relaxing, family-friendly spots in Venice, CA away from the crowds?

Families looking for a quieter experience in Venice, CA often enjoy visiting the Venice Canals and the residential streets nearby. The canals offer a peaceful walking route with charming bridges, calm water views, and interesting houses that capture children’s imaginations without the intensity of the boardwalk. Early mornings and weekdays on the beach can also be much less crowded, allowing kids more space to play. Some of the smaller neighborhood parks and green spaces around Venice provide shade, benches, and play areas where parents can relax while children explore. These locations are ideal for families who want to experience the character of Venice while avoiding the busiest tourist zones.

How can we plan a full kid-friendly day in Venice, CA?

A well-rounded family day in Venice, CA can include a mix of beach time, gentle exploring, and relaxing breaks. Many families start in the morning with a walk along the Venice Canals, when the area is calmer and temperatures are cooler. After that, heading to the beach allows kids to play in the sand and splash in the shallows under careful supervision. Around midday, parents can choose a nearby casual restaurant or cafe with kid-friendly options and outdoor seating to keep things relaxed. In the afternoon, a stroll along sections of the Venice Beach Boardwalk or a stop to watch skaters at the Venice Skatepark can add excitement. Ending the day with a quieter visit to a nearby park or a slower walk back along the water helps kids unwind before heading home or to their accommodations.

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