Half a Day in Los Angeles

Question

Hi everyone! My family and I will be in the Los Angeles area on July 19th. We'll wake up there and have until about 1pm that afternoon to do/see whatever we like! We (my husband and I) will have a three and five year old with us who love just about everything except museums (those are BORING, as they say). What do you recommend we do for half a day on a Saturday?

I should also mention I'll be 5 and a half months pregnant with our third. Yes, I know how it happens, haha!

Answer

With only half a day in Los Angeles and very young kids, the best plan is something outdoors, easy, and low-stress—especially with you being 5½ months pregnant and needing to avoid anything too exhausting or crowded. July 19 is a Saturday, so getting an early start is helpful, and by ending around 1pm you’ll avoid the peak heat and traffic of the afternoon.

Since your kids love “everything except museums,” the ideal choices are beaches, playgrounds, short scenic walks, or fun family areas with room to run around. Below are several highly family-friendly options that fit perfectly into a morning itinerary.

Here are the top half-day ideas:

Option 1: Santa Monica Beach + Pier (best all-around, very kid-friendly) Spend the morning playing on the beach, walking the pier, watching street performers, and maybe letting the kids ride one or two rides at Pacific Park. You can stroll as much or as little as you want, and there are bathrooms, snacks, and shade when needed. Great for young kids and low effort for adults.
Option 2: Griffith Park (multiple kid activities in one place) Griffith Park is huge and perfect for little kids. You can pick one or two easy activities:
- Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round (classic, inexpensive)
- Travel Town (old trains kids can climb on—fun even for kids who hate museums)
- The playground near the carousel
- The short, easy walk around the park areas with plenty of shade
It’s extremely family-friendly and requires little walking beyond what you choose.
Option 3: Malibu’s Zuma Beach or Malibu Bluffs Park A relaxing beach morning with softer crowds than Santa Monica. Malibu Bluffs Park has a great playground with an ocean view, bathrooms, and picnic tables—a perfect combo if you want something calmer and easier.
Option 4: The Original Farmers Market + The Grove Great if you want food + easy walking + kid-friendly outdoor space. Kids love the fountains, the trolley ride, ice cream stands, and wide open areas. You can be in and out fast, and it’s not physically demanding.
Option 5: Manhattan Beach (close to LAX, very family friendly) If you're staying near the airport or heading that way afterward, Manhattan Beach has playgrounds on the sand, gentle waves, clean facilities, and a beautiful pier. Restaurants for breakfast are very close by.

If you want a very gentle, pregnancy-friendly plan:

Choose a beach close to wherever you’re staying (Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, or Malibu).
Let the kids play in the sand while you sit comfortably under an umbrella.
Walk a pier or promenade if you feel up to it.
Finish with an early lunch before traffic builds.

Sample easy half-day itinerary (best universal fit):

7:00–8:00am — Breakfast near your hotel or in Santa Monica.
8:00–10:00am — Santa Monica Beach playtime + walk the pier.
10:00–11:30am — Small rides or ice cream/snacks at Pacific Park or a relaxing stroller walk along Ocean Front Walk.
11:30–12:45pm — Early lunch at a nearby casual restaurant.
1:00pm — Wrap up and head to your next destination.

What to avoid with small kids and pregnancy:

Hiking to the Hollywood Sign (hot, steep, time-consuming).
Universal Studios or theme parks (full-day, long lines, not ideal pregnant or with toddlers).
The Getty or LACMA (museum setting—your kids will be bored).
Downtown LA attractions (busy, hot, and not great for young kids).

Final recommendation: Spend your half day at Santa Monica Beach or Griffith Park. Both offer a perfect mix of fun for small kids, minimal stress for you, easy walking, and flexibility to end early when everyone gets tired. Plus, they’re classic LA experiences you’ll enjoy without feeling rushed.

Half a Day in Los Angeles

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