Los Angeles Official Visitor Guide 2008 - (Page 19) Photos (left to right): California Science Center; Cabrillo Marine Aquarium; Enjoying the beach; Grauman’s Chinese Theatre ©Ambient Images, California Science Center, LA INC., iStockphoto.com/Andrei Tchernov Park in the afternoon. For more beach ideas, see our story on page 46. “We’ve got a toddler on a nap schedule.” If you have pacifiers stashed in nearly every pocket and you set your watch to your child’s circadian rhythms, you’re probably in need of some peace and quiet. Combat the fatigue by checking into a low-key beach hotel, then go for a long walk along the surf’s edge. Later, when you need to escape the world of drool and teething rings, take turns getting a massage at one of LA’s tranquil spas. “They’re 10 and 12, and this is probably the last vacation — at least for a while — in which they don’t see me as a total dork.” When you want to give your kids some experiences that won’t turn them into teenagers who dread family vacations, there’s no better place than LA. Visit Universal Studios HollywoodSM, where movie-making magic will keep them reminiscing for days, if not weeks. Another option is to take them to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, where they’ll be captivated with the wonders of the ocean. The California Science Center, which seems custommade for kids this age, has three levels of nonstop interactive exhibits. Six Flags Magic Mountain is another popular destination for kids this age. With rides with names such as Scream and Dive Devil, the theme park is home to some serious thrills. If rides aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of entertainment, food and fun to keep every family happy. Ready for dinner? Pack up the kids and head to Medieval Times. Located in a European-style castle complete with a tower, a Hall of Arms, an outdoor courtyard and a stable area where the horses are on display, Medieval Times is anything but your typical dining experience. messaging home about. Pony up for a surf lesson in Venice for your son, and he just might thank you for it with a big smile. And if your 16-year-old wants to rent a Ferrari F430 Spider for the day? We agree with you; that’s an absurd request, at least until he has left the nest. Instead, let him fantasize about sports cars at the Petersen Automotive Museum. “My kids are huge music fans.” Take them to Universal CityWalk Hollywood and have lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood. With its 78-foot-tall neon green Fender Stratocaster guitar marking the entrance, you won’t have a problem finding this legendary restaurant. Once inside, your kids will marvel at the music memorabilia and the 1957 Cadillac suspended over the main bar. After your meal, be sure to check out Janis Joplin’s purple suede pants, the Jimi Hendrix bell bottoms and Jimmy Page’s double-neck Gibson guitar. “I have a teenager who’s hard to impress.” Fortunately, Los Angeles is about as cool as it gets. Take them to Hollywood Boulevard and let them explore the hand and footprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Get them into a studio for a behind-the-scenes tour. For teenage daughters, shopping at The Grove, in Downtown’s Fashion District or on Robertson Boulevard will be worth text- For more information about familyfriendly LA, visit our Web site at www.discoverLosAngeles.com 19
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.