👶 Ages 0–2
Things to do with a baby in SoCal
Out with a little one? These are the calm, shaded, stroller-friendly outings that work with naps and feeds — gentle on the grown-ups, lovely for baby's first SoCal adventures.
Curated by Simir Shah
Places that suit this age
18 spots from our catalog specifically flagged for ages 0–2 — tap any for hours, cost and directions.
Beaches & Coast · Dana PointDoheny State BeachGentle waves, a grassy picnic lawn, and tide pools make this the classic easy beach day for families with little ones.Free walk-in; parking ~$15/carIndoor Play · IrvinePretend City Children's MuseumA miniature city where kids run the grocery store, fire truck, and farm. Built for ages 0–10 and a lifesaver on hot or rainy days.~$18.50/personAnimals & Nature · Corona del MarSherman Library & GardensA walled botanical jewel box — koi, butterflies, a tropical conservatory, and a tea cafe. Small, shaded, and toddler-paced.~$5 adult; kids free-ishAnimals & Nature · Santa AnaSanta Ana ZooA compact, monkey-famous zoo with a farm, train, and carousel — perfectly sized for little legs in a single morning.~$13 adult / $10 kidIndoor Play · Lake ForestPump It Up / Indoor BounceWall-to-wall inflatables for open-jump sessions — the go-to when little ones need to burn energy and it's too hot outside.Open-jump ~$12–$15Animals & Nature · Costa MesaCentennial FarmA free working farm at the OC fairgrounds with pigs, goats, chickens, and crop rows — a quick, easy animal fix for little ones.FreeAnimals & Nature · San Juan CapistranoZoomars Petting Zoo & Los Rios DistrictBrush goats, ride a pony, and dig for gems in California's oldest neighborhood — then grab a treat at the historic Los Rios cottages.~$14/personAnimals & Nature · Los AngelesLos Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens130+ acres of animals plus a kids' playground and botanical gardens inside Griffith Park.~$27 adult / $22 childMuseums & Learning · Los AngelesTravel Town MuseumOutdoor railroad museum where kids climb vintage locomotives and ride a miniature train.Free (mini train ~$5)Indoor Play · PasadenaKidspace Children's MuseumHands-on museum near the Rose Bowl with water play, climbing towers, and nature areas.~$15.50/personArts & Culture · Los AngelesBob Baker Marionette TheaterHistoric puppet theater delighting young kids with live marionette shows.~$18-20/personIndoor Play · PasadenaRose Bowl Aquatics CenterFamily pools and splash play near the Rose Bowl, great for hot-day water fun.~$8-10 day passIndoor Play · Santa MonicaCayton Children's MuseumLarge hands-on children's museum at Santa Monica Place with imaginative play zones for young kids.~$20 per personMuseums & Learning · EscondidoChildren's Discovery Museum of North CountyHands-on museum for young kids with art studios, a toddler area, water play, and rotating exhibits.~$12-14 per personMuseums & Learning · TemeculaPennypickle's Workshop (Temecula Children's Museum)A whimsical interactive children's museum themed as a mad inventor's lab full of gadgets and experiments.~$5–6 per personMuseums & Learning · Los AngelesSkirball Cultural Center & Noah's ArkNoah's Ark is a magical, hand-built menagerie of puppet animals where little ones climb aboard a giant ark, ring bells, and slide down the gangplank. One of LA's best indoor destinations for under-10s.~$18 adult / $12 kid; free parkingMuseums & Learning · CalabasasLeonis Adobe MuseumAn 1880s living-history ranch in the heart of Calabasas, complete with longhorn cattle, sheep, goats, and big Percheron horses kids can visit and feed.Suggested donation; kids welcomeAnimals & Nature · SomisUnderwood Family Farms (Somis)The quieter sister farm — a roadside market with pygmy goats, alpacas, and sheep to feed plus acres of u-pick produce. Lower-key than Moorpark and easy with toddlers.Free entry; u-pick by weight
Easy & shaded
Gentle outdoors
Tips for this age
- Plan around one nap — a single, close outing beats a packed day.
- Pick shade and easy parking; SoCal sun is strong even in winter.
- Free museum days and indoor playgrounds are your rainy/hot-day rescue.
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