5 Day Trips Near Los Angeles To Do Before The Kids Go Back To School
Summer vacation is fleeting, and in the wink of an eye it's over. Kids are forced back into uniforms, classrooms and exams for another nine months. Packing as much fun and adventure into three school-free months is essential. Not everyone can afford or has the time to take island vacations or explore foreign countries, but if you live in Los Angeles you don't necessarily need to. With plenty of fun and exciting things to do locally you'd be surprised what you and your kids can experience in a single day. Check out some of these day trips for you and your kids before school starts.
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
(323) 724-3623
www.californiasciencecenter.org
The California Science Center will take you around the world and to space and back, all without stepping foot into the summer heat. Learn about the inner workings of the smallest organisms to how the largest mammal on the planet survives. See the interior of a spaceship up close and personal and take in a film in the IMAX theater on a seven-story screen. Every step is an adventure.
The Magic Castle / Academy Of Magical Arts
7001 Franklin Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028-8600
(323)-851-3313
www.magiccastle.com
The Magic Castle has always had an allure to LA residents and tourists. Built in 1909 as a private estate, the castle has gone through a number of transformations before it became known as a house of mazes and magic. Normally for adults only, the castle and all the spectacular magic it has to offer is open to minors during Saturday and Sunday brunch. Feast on prime rib, omelettes, crab legs and many other dishes, and then catch one of the amazing magic presentations. Unless you're a member, the only way in is to know a member or employee.
Medieval Times Dinner And Tournament
7662 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(866) 543-9637
www.medievaltimes.com
Guaranteed to to make the kids put down the electronics, the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is action packed and a great time for the whole family. Dine on fare fit for a King while watching live action jousting tournaments, horsemanship and the age old sport of falconry. Even if your kids aren't old enough to follow the show's story plot, they can still take a guess on which knight will win the King's Championship. This is, without a doubt an epic summer experience.
Audiences Unlimited Inc.
www.tvtickets.com
Los Angeles is home to many TV studios of programs your kid probably watch. Instead of waiting for their favorite show to come on, get them off the couch and into the audience where they can view it live. Being an audience member is a lot easier than one might think. Of course the more popular the show (Instant Mom, The Thundermans, America's Funniest Home Videos) the longer the list to get a seat. But this is LA, anything can happen.
Disney California Adventure Park
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4565
www.disneyland.disney.go.com
If you only have one chance to give your child a memorable summer event, you've got to go to Disney California Adventure Park. The characters of Disney are timeless and nostalgic for the older kids and adults of all ages and a truly magical experience for the little ones. Beloved Disney characters not only walk and talk but they sing and dance, too. There's thrilling rides, delicious food, merchandise shops and a whole lot of fun at every turn.
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