Long Beach · Los Angeles County, CA
Family things to do in Long Beach
Scout analyzed 96 Long Beach places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
96
Matches
24
Typical spend
$15
Typical visit
1.6 hr
Scout-verified spots
Los Cerritos
The Merchant
The Merchant is a good stop for coffee and pastries, ideal for a casual start to the day or a quick midday snack. Expect to spend 5-20 dollars per person for a visit lasting about 30 minutes.
Downtown Core
Recreational Coffee
This chill coffeehouse is good for a quick solo coffee break or a casual meeting, expecting to spend $5-15 per person for a coffee and light fare. It pairs well with local errands or before heading to nearby shops.
Belmont Heights
Ubuntu Café
Ubuntu Cafe is good for a casual meal or coffee with a view of the Colorado Lagoon, perfect for a relaxed start to a day or a midday break. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for a visit lasting about an hour.
Los Cerritos
Los Cerritos Park
Los Cerritos Park is suitable for a free outdoor activity with kids, offering play equipment and picnic areas. Expect a visit of 1.5 to 2 hours, easily paired with a local lunch or coffee.
Waterfront
Yard House
Yard House is a reliable choice for a casual meal with friends or family, especially if you're looking for a wide variety of food and beer. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $25-$60 per person.
Belmont Shore
Nick's on 2nd Long Beach
Nick's on 2nd is suitable for a relaxed meal of American comfort food. Plan for about 1.5 hours and a cost of $30-70 per person. It pairs well with local shopping or a walk along 2nd street.
Queensway Bay
The Reef Restaurant, Bar & Special Events
This is a good spot for a sit-down meal with harbor views, especially for a special occasion or when visiting Long Beach. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and between $75-$150 per person for food and drinks.
Waterfront
Gladstone's Long Beach
Gladstone's is suitable for a sit-down meal with a view, potentially for a special occasion or a nice family dinner. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $50-100 per person.
Sports & Recreation
Ocean Trails Reserve
Ocean Trails Reserve is best for a several-hour outdoor adventure, offering scenic coastal views and hiking. It's a free activity suitable for families or solo exploration, often paired with a picnic.
Outdoors
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
This nature preserve is a good spot for a few hours of walking or biking, suitable for families or a solo outing. It costs nothing to enter and offers views of birdlife and the bay.
Bixby North
Scherer Park
Scherer Park is a free, versatile outdoor space good for a family afternoon or solo walk, especially if you have a dog or want to play sports. Plan for about 1.5 hours and pack a picnic.
Waterfront
ShoreLine Aquatic Park
ShoreLine Aquatic Park is a good free stop for an hour or two, perfect for a relaxed walk or picnic with family. It can be paired with a visit to the nearby Aquarium of the Pacific.
Outdoors
Colorado Lagoon
Colorado Lagoon is a free outdoor park with a sandy beach and playground, suitable for a relaxed family outing or solo walk. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the wetlands and picnic areas.
Los Cerritos
Dominguez Gap Wetlands
This is a good spot for a free outdoor activity like a walk or bike ride along the trails, lasting about 1.5-2 hours. It can pair well with a picnic or a visit to a nearby restaurant afterward.
Outdoors
Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve
This shoreline preserve offers hiking trails and scenic ocean views for a solo or family outing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours walking and pay nothing for entry, though parking may be at a nearby street.
Belmont Heights
The Attic
The Attic offers Southern-inspired American cuisine in a unique bungalow setting, perfect for a brunch or lunch outing. Expect to spend $25-50 per person for a meal and plan for a 75-minute visit.
Outdoors
Willow Springs Park - Long Beach
Willow Springs Park is suitable for a relaxed hour-long stroll or a family picnic, offering green space and views for free. It pairs well with a stop at a local cafe or playground nearby.
Outdoors
El Dorado Park West
This park is suitable for a couple of hours of outdoor activity or a half-day picnic, easily paired with local eateries for food. Expect to spend $0-$25 per person depending on activities like golf or tennis.
Outdoors
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is good for a half-day or full-day outdoor excursion, offering beaches and hiking. Expect to pay around $15-20 for parking, and pack a picnic for an affordable visit.
California Heights
The Exhibition Room
The Exhibition Room is an upscale speakeasy perfect for a special night out with craft cocktails and entertainment. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $35-75 per person.
Outdoors
El Dorado Nature Center
El Dorado Nature Center is good for a couple of hours of quiet walking in nature, suitable for families or solo adventurers. Entry is free, but parking has a small fee. It pairs well with a picnic or other outdoor activity in the broader El Dorado Park area.
Old Lakewood City
Heartwell Park
Heartwell Park is a large community park ideal for a free family outing, a solo walk, or engaging in various sports. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the fields, pond, or fitness course, with ample parking available.
Bluff Park
Bluff Park
Bluff Park is ideal for a relaxed stroll with ocean views, perfect for a cheap day out or a quiet break. Allow about an hour for a walk along the footpaths, and it costs nothing to visit.
Outdoors
Hilltop Park
Hilltop Park is ideal for a scenic, relaxed outing to enjoy panoramic views and a gentle walk. Expect to spend about an hour here and it's free, making it a great add-on to a local meal or other activity.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 96 analyzed Long Beach places fit family.
- 58% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 48% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Social, Playful, Quiet, Adventurous.
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