My daughter had a blast at Cayton Children's museum!!! We have been here many times and each time…read moreis better than the last. We will definitely be back in the future.

I rarely leave reviews, but this experience left our family extremely disappointed…read more We were visiting the children's museum, when my husband, who is a Santa Monica police officer and assigned to the area, stopped by to say hello while actively on duty and in full uniform. He entered the museum without issue, and staff allowed him inside. At no point was any "no weapons" policy explained to him. While there, the interaction between my husband and the children was honestly so heartwarming. Kids flocked to him, excited to meet a real police officer. He handed out stickers, took photos with children who asked, and created such a positive, sweet moment for families and kids. It was one of those genuinely special interactions that helps children feel safe and build positive relationships with law enforcement. Unfortunately, that moment was completely ruined when a manager approached and told him he had to leave because he was carrying his service weapon, despite being an on-duty officer in full uniform. Had this policy been clearly communicated at entry, that would have been one thing. Instead, he was allowed in, warmly engaging with families and children, only to be asked to leave afterward in a way that felt unnecessary and upsetting. I respect that businesses can have policies, but the inconsistency and lack of communication were disappointing. More than anything, it was sad to see such a positive interaction for children abruptly cut short. Experiences like these matter because children benefit from positive relationships with the people who serve their communities, whether that's police officers, firefighters, mail carriers, or other public servants. Those everyday interactions help kids feel connected, safe, and familiar with the people they see in their neighborhoods. What should have been a lovely memory and a meaningful community moment for my kids turned into an uncomfortable and disappointing experience for our family.

What a fantastic place! They are FULL of all kinds of…read moreactivities, like air hockey and video games and even boast Virtual Reality experiences. They even have chess! There's a side room where entertainers can perform for party guests away from any distractions. The staff is friendly and welcoming. Can't wait to visit again! Thank you Activity Center!

Of course I always Yelp before I go anywhere but I found it interesting there were no recent…read morereviews for The Activity Center. We were invited to a 5 year old birthday party and it's a cool spot. There's lot of fun activities such as air hockey, basketball, a doll house. magnetic tiles, jumbo jenga tiles, foosball, a VR headset, an art room, big screen TV, and a crafts table. Yes, there's lots of stuff to run around and play with and to fit whatever interest your LO's heart desires. My LO just turned 3 so a lot of the games really weren't for her but she LOVES crafting so we spent most of the time at the craft table The art room looked cool but would be cramped if a bunch of kids ran in there There is a connected room with a long table where the kids eat and pizza and cake are served The owner and his family are super nice and helpful. One star off for no longer having a parking lot. My friend said it had been converted to an outdoor play area but we came on a day it had rained so maybe that's why it wasn't available for the party. Parking is a pain but persistence paid off and I found a spot two blocks down. Be careful of permit only parking areas I don't live in the area so I don't see myself coming often but it think it's a neat place to take your kids but I feel age 5 and over would appreciate it more

Went for the soft opening of two bit circus in promenade a couple of years ago, and it was really…read morefun! I'm surprised they closed down! They have a ton of fun arcade games, both nostalgic and new ones. They also have integrated VR into their experience. I really enjoyed it!

Great place to have fun with family and friends! They have escape rooms, VR, 3D experiences, and…read moreplenty of multiplayer games. There's also a full bar and decent food. We had a great time competing against each other and enjoying all the different activities. Definitely a fun spot for a night out!

A quaint aquarium right at the heart of the SMP, (Santa Monica Pier) serving the community by…read moreteaching guests all about the different sea life they have thriving there! I took my son, (9yo) and he had a blast! There were a few touch tanks, a cool lil gift shop, and vital information all around! If you're looking for another fun activity to do at the SMP, I definitely recommend visiting Heal the Bay Aquarium; you will not be disappointed!

***This review is for gift shop only***…read more My eldest daughter and I were at Santa Monica Pier for the Heal the Bay beach cleanup volunteer event recently. After the event, I wanted to offer my patronage and support them on their wonderful cause. I found their standalone gift shop that happens to be near the centralized restroom area. I saw a shirt that I liked, but the lady behind the counter suggested I check out their gift shop located inside their Heal the Bay Aquarium as they have other shirt selections. I took the lady's recommendation. Upon arrival at their main gift shop, they did not carry the shirt I wanted. Btw, it's a very small aquarium and gift shop. We headed back to the standalone gift shop location and they were closed. OMG... I was so bummed! I guess both gift shops have different operating hours. I didn't get my shirt and I don't know when I'll return to Santa Monica Pier. I guess I was not meant to buy that shirt at that time. Until we meet again, be good my shirt!

Fave public pool! A little cold when it's shaded, gorgeous sunsets and staff is always welcoming…read more Bathrooms are clean, bring your own towel. Parking is available but fills up quick in hot summer months.

Somehow have never heard of this before last week and now, I wouldn't want to go to the beach…read moreanywhere else in the Santa Monica area! We got there about an hour after they opened on a hot, sunny Sunday, and the parking lot was already pretty full, so I would recommend getting there on the earlier side. Parking was $15 for the entire day. We rented a canopy for 4 hours for $60. They are permanently set up pretty far from the shore, but it was really nice to have a big, shaded area for an affordable price (though I think the advertised capacity of 30 people would be pretty tight). Though the pool would've normally been closed for the season, it was super hot, so they did a pop-up day. Passes are very reasonably priced -- $10 for adults, $4 for kids under 17, $5-$7 for seniors (NOTE: You must have your entire party with you when you buy wristbands--you cannot buy them for someone not present). The pool was pretty full for the time we were there, but there was still plenty of room for the kids to play. There were also plenty of lounge chairs around. There's also a little restaurant that's basically right on the beach. Prices trend on the higher side for the fare that's offered, but it's not outrageous. All of the facilities and the stretch of beach were super clean and well organized, and the staff was very kind and accommodating.

Went to the Art on Ocean event yesterday where Paint Lab was participating. So fun to see a local…read morestudio popping up to inspire the city. Lots of kids painting and a mural for everyone to be a part of. The staff did a great job managing the event given there was just one person running the show with a lot of interest. We stopped by to check out the mural and I've painted at the studio before. It's a really lovely place and I was excited to see such a good showing. There's so much creativity in Santa Monica and Ally is doing a great job fostering the nest generation of it!

We met Ally at the pier and she was the best vibe ever! We had so much fun at the pier she brought…read moreall vibes and encouraged us to let out creativity flow. Shes the best! So happy we ran into her today!!!

Big and Tiny has felt like home from day one. I first toured the school during the Palisades fires,…read moreand I was incredibly impressed by the grace, compassion, and professionalism of the entire team. Even as many families in the community faced unimaginable challenges, including the loss of their homes, the staff continued to provide a safe, nurturing haven for the children. The school administrators and teachers have created a warm, welcoming community for both students and families. The Spanish immersion program is fantastic, and the art curriculum does an excellent job of keeping the children engaged, creative, and connected to one another. Our daughter started at Big and Tiny in the Little School program at 18 months old and is now thriving in preschool. The environment is warm, down-to-earth, and truly reflective of the Santa Monica community. We couldn't be happier with our experience and highly recommend Big and Tiny to any family looking for a nurturing and enriching early childhood program.

We joined Big and Tiny 10th Street in 2022, and we're not planning on leaving anytime soon! Our now…read morefive-year-old is thriving in kindergarten thanks to the incredible foundation she built here. Her pre-K teachers (thanks to Teacher Jordan) prepared her beautifully for this transition - from social confidence to academic readiness. Special thanks to teachers Lacie and Kim, whose handwriting classes helped her leave behind those "wiggle-wubble" letters. Now her words are legible! Teachers here created a place that felt safe and joyful even when the world around us felt uncertain. Now we're experiencing Big and Tiny all over again with our younger daughter. Different journey, different little person, and a different personality yet the same warmth and growth. She's thriving in her own way, finding comfort and laughter with her teachers, and expressing her truest self: something Teacher Jemena models so beautifully every day. For us as parents, this school has given us more than we expected 1. a true community and 2. friends. We've put time and love into this experience, and it has paid back tenfold.

One of the greatest classes for toddler in Los Angeles! Lots of imagination, relaxing and fun! I…read morewish they had a location in the Valley. We really enjoyed the classes. A+ highly recommended for parents who want to spend quality time with they child.

I took my four year old daughter to a Saturday morning Kids Revolving class and we loved it…read more Tiffany is warm and kind and very very patient. The content in the class is lovely for all ages, she plays soothing music, offers exercise and play activities that engage both parent and child and there is a time for massaging your child at the end. The other moms were so sweet too. I invited my best friend along and she enjoyed it as well. Kids 2-6 would benefit from this. Great for working moms who can enjoy such a nice wknd activity together.

Just had my son's 3rd birthday party here today and I couldn't say enough good things about this…read moreplace. The friendliness of the staff, the cleanliness of the place and the overall amazing time everyone had! I couldn't recommend this place more. Thank you Fun Play World for making my son's 3rd birthday so memorable!

I enjoy the atmosphere and the children all play along with eachother! Complimentary coffee and…read moretea. Workers are nice too :)

Free beach gym fun and swings for all ages. Plenty of public parking (I listed some below), and…read moreother activities around. A legit outdoor gymnastics training area. Online lists outdoor features with "chinning bars at various heights, parallel bars, rings, a small jungle gym for children and a padded gymnastics area". Plenty of public parking garages around where 1st 90min is free, then $2 for additional 30min/2hour mark. For a total of 2hrs = $2, 2.5hours $3.50wkday $4wknd price, etc. $20 max day. Credit card taken. Closest parking garage was 1571 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401. - Or closest public parking is Lot 1 South Short Term Parking. Open unshaded parking of 2hrs max at $1 per hour (6am-6pm winter, 8pm rest of the seasons). Located by Hot Dog on a Stick. 1640 Appian Wy, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Website will show times, and % full. Credit card taken. https://www.santamonica.gov/places/parking-lots/beach-parking-lot-1-south-short-term-parking - If you plan to stay longer than 4hours $9-$11. There are other flat fee lots around. As an Angeleno/local to LA but not Santa Monica residence: funny that not wasn't until middle age, where we started appreciating parts of LA we didnt care for before or thought it was too touristy haha Great date place to exercise or stroll by to play. - As for dependants, only human dependants allowed everywhere here on sand of off. "Leashed dogs are permitted on the boardwalk, but not on the beach or in the water." - Located by Hot Dog on a Stick!! - This gym play area is between 2 bike/stroll concrete paths. The indoor merry-go-round carousel, indoor arcade to pier of outdoor activities are nearby. Short stroll from outdoor 3rd Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place Mall. Ebikes and more are available to rent. - It is next to a public restroom. It has soap and a sink. But be careful. The sink located outside of the stall is is very low and close to drain. You'll end up touching the bottom water, ew! - Tip: Come with gloves or gym gloves if you have sensitive untained hands like me.

This was the original location of the outdoor epicenter where physical fitness became a public…read morespectacle. The Original Muscle Beach is next to the Santa Monica Pier and is an outdoor extensive gymnastics training area that serves gymnasts, acrobats and youth. Here you will find chinning bars at various heights, parallel bars, rings, a small jungle gym for children and a padded gymnastics area. Ocean Front Walk passes through here. Muscle Beach is the birthplace of the United States physical fitness boom that became popular in the 1950s. Venice Beach would construct a Muscle Beach years later. Even though I can't do most of these activities anymore, I still enjoy watching other people perform on the bars.