👶 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
106 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/carAnimals & Nature · OrangeIrvine Regional Park & OC ZooPony rides, paddle boats, a tiny train, and a $2 zoo under giant oaks — an all-day outing that barely dents the wallet.Parking $3–$5; OC Zoo $2Animals & Nature · Huntington BeachBolsa Chica Ecological ReserveFlat boardwalk loops over a coastal wetland alive with herons, egrets, and stingrays — bring binoculars and let kids spot wildlife.FreeBeaches & Coast · Newport CoastCrystal Cove State ParkTide pools, a historic beach cottage district, and bluff trails. Time low tide and the kids will find crabs and anemones.Free walk-in; parking $15Beaches & Coast · Laguna BeachHeisler Park & Laguna Tide PoolsClifftop gardens above protected coves with some of the most accessible tide pools in OC, plus a marine-life refuge.Free (paid street parking)Indoor 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 kidAnimals & Nature · Long BeachAquarium of the PacificSea otters, a shark lagoon, and a lorikeet aviary. One of SoCal's best rainy-day-proof outings for animal-loving kids.~$44.95 adult / $29.95 kidIndoor Play · IrvineK1 Speed Indoor KartingElectric go-karts on an indoor track with junior karts for kids 48"+. A great rainy-day adrenaline hit for older kids and teens.~$25 per raceBeaches & Coast · Huntington BeachHuntington Beach Pier & Pacific CityWalk the iconic pier to watch surfers, dig in the wide sand, and grab a bite at the bluff-top Pacific City shops.Free (paid parking)Animals & Nature · Newport BeachEnvironmental Nature CenterNative-habitat trails and a seasonal butterfly house tucked behind the city — a quiet, free nature fix close to the coast.Free (donation); butterfly house seasonalIndoor 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–$15Beaches & Coast · San ClementeSan Clemente Pier & Beach TrailA laid-back pier, a flat beachfront trail past the train tracks, and gentle sand — easy, free, and quintessentially SoCal.Free (paid parking)Beaches & Coast · Newport BeachBalboa Island Ferry & Frozen BananasRide the tiny three-car ferry across the harbor, then stroll Marine Ave for frozen bananas and Balboa bars. A classic cheap thrill.Ferry ~$1.50/person; treats extraAnimals & Nature · Newport BeachUpper Newport Bay Nature PreserveA wide back-bay estuary with flat trails and kayak launches — paddle past egrets and learn at the interactive nature center.Free; kayak rentals extraBeaches & Coast · Newport BeachCorona del Mar State BeachSoft sand framed by rocky jetties and tide pools, with fire rings for a sunset cookout. One of OC's prettiest family beaches.Parking ~$15/dayBeaches & Coast · Dana PointSalt Creek BeachA grassy bluff-top park rolls down to a wide surf beach with tide pools — great for kite-flying, boogie boards, and picnics.Parking ~$1/hrAnimals & Nature · Dana PointDana Wharf Whale WatchingHead out from the harbor to spot dolphins year-round and gray or blue whales in season — a genuine ocean adventure for all ages.~$50 adult / $35 kidAnimals & Nature · IrvineTanaka FarmsA working farm with wagon rides, u-pick produce, a petting corral, and seasonal strawberry and watermelon tours kids adore.Wagon tours ~$28; varies by seasonAnimals & 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.FreeBeaches & Coast · Laguna BeachAliso Beach ParkA flat, sandy cove with a creek mouth kids love to dam and splash in, plus fire rings and a playground steps from the water.Metered parkingBeaches & Coast · Laguna BeachTreasure Island Beach & Montage Tide PoolsManicured bluff gardens and a ramp down to a gentle cove with rich tide pools — accessible, beautiful, and free to enjoy.Free (paid garage)Indoor Play · IrvineGreat Park Ice Public SkateThe Ducks' practice facility opens its rinks for public skating — a cool, indoor energy-burner on a hot OC afternoon.~$15 admission + skate rentalAnimals & 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/personBeaches & Coast · Newport BeachNewport Pier & McFadden SquareWatch the dory fishing fleet, walk the pier, and rent bikes or surreys along the boardwalk — quintessential easygoing beach-town fun.Free (paid parking)Animals & 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)Parks & Hiking · Los AngelesGriffith Park Pony Rides & Merry-Go-RoundMassive park with easy hikes, a historic carousel, and acres of picnic lawns.Free (rides extra)Museums & Learning · Los AngelesLa Brea Tar Pits & MuseumActive Ice Age fossil site with mammoths, saber-tooth cats, and bubbling tar pits.~$18 adult / $7 childIndoor Play · PasadenaKidspace Children's MuseumHands-on museum near the Rose Bowl with water play, climbing towers, and nature areas.~$15.50/personAnimals & Nature · San MarinoThe Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens130 acres of gardens including a Children's Garden plus Japanese and desert gardens.~$29 adult / $13 childAnimals & Nature · La Cañada FlintridgeDescanso Gardens150-acre garden with a kids' enchanted railroad, oak forest, and seasonal blooms.~$15 adult / $11 childAnimals & Nature · ArcadiaLos Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden127-acre garden famous for free-roaming peacocks, a waterfall, and historic grounds.~$15 adult / $6 childMuseums & Learning · Los AngelesThe Autry Museum of the American WestFamily-friendly Western history and Native American art museum with hands-on kids' areas.~$14 adult / $6 childIndoor Play · Los AngelesHighland Park BowlLA's oldest bowling alley, beautifully restored, fun for older kids and families.~$7-9/gameArts & Culture · PasadenaStorrier Stearns Japanese GardenTranquil historic Japanese garden with koi ponds and a teahouse for a calm outing.~$12.50 adultParks & Hiking · PasadenaHahamongna Watershed ParkOpen-space park at the foot of the mountains with flat trails and a kids' nature stream.FreeArts & Culture · Los AngelesBob Baker Marionette TheaterHistoric puppet theater delighting young kids with live marionette shows.~$18-20/personAnimals & Nature · PasadenaEaton Canyon Nature CenterNature center and easy trail to a seasonal waterfall, with live-animal exhibits for kids.FreeIndoor Play · PasadenaRose Bowl Aquatics CenterFamily pools and splash play near the Rose Bowl, great for hot-day water fun.~$8-10 day passAnimals & Nature · Santa MonicaHeal the Bay AquariumSmall hands-on aquarium tucked beneath the Santa Monica Pier with local sea creatures and touch tanks.~$5 suggested; kids under 12 freeAnimals & Nature · San PedroCabrillo Marine AquariumFree aquarium focused on Southern California marine life with touch tanks and tide-pool programs.Free (suggested donation)Beaches & Coast · Manhattan BeachManhattan Beach & PierWide sandy beach with a walkable pier, the small Roundhouse Aquarium, and a family-friendly downtown.Free; metered/paid parkingBeaches & Coast · Hermosa BeachHermosa Beach & PierLively beach with a long pier, The Strand bike path, and volleyball courts.Free; metered/paid parkingBeaches & Coast · Redondo BeachRedondo Beach Pier & King HarborHorseshoe-shaped pier with arcades, seafood, harbor boat rentals, and a small marina.Free entry; paid parkingBeaches & Coast · VeniceVenice Beach BoardwalkFamous oceanfront boardwalk with street performers, the skate park, Muscle Beach, and bike paths.Free; paid parkingBeaches & Coast · Marina del ReyMarina del Rey / Mother's BeachCalm, lifeguarded harbor beach ideal for young kids, with kayak, paddleboard, and pedal-boat rentals.Free; paid parking; rentals varyBeaches & Coast · MalibuMalibu Lagoon & Surfrider BeachProtected lagoon and bird estuary beside a classic surf beach with boardwalk nature trails.~$12 parkingBeaches & Coast · MalibuPoint Dume State BeachScenic Malibu cove with a headland trail, tide pools, and seasonal whale and sea-lion viewing.~$12 parkingIndoor Play · Santa MonicaCayton Children's MuseumLarge hands-on children's museum at Santa Monica Place with imaginative play zones for young kids.~$20 per personAnimals & Nature · Manhattan BeachRoundhouse AquariumTiny free aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier with touch tanks and local sea life.Free (suggested donation)Animals & Nature · San DiegoSan Diego ZooWorld-famous zoo in Balboa Park with lush habitats, a Skyfari aerial tram, and a kids' petting area.~$72 adult / ~$62 childIndoor Play · San DiegoThe New Children's MuseumDowntown interactive art museum built for kids, with climbing installations and hands-on art studios.~$15 per personBeaches & Coast · San DiegoSunset Cliffs Natural ParkDramatic Point Loma sea cliffs famous for tide pools, sunset views, and coastal walking paths.FreeBeaches & Coast · San DiegoOcean Beach Pier & BeachLaid-back beach with a wide sandy stretch and a long fishing pier (pier periodically closed for repairs).FreeBeaches & Coast · San DiegoMission Beach BoardwalkLively oceanfront boardwalk for biking, skating, and swimming along miles of sandy beach.FreeBeaches & Coast · San DiegoPacific BeachPopular family beach with gentle surf, Crystal Pier, and a walkable boardwalk full of eateries.FreeAnimals & Nature · La JollaBirch Aquarium at ScrippsLa Jolla aquarium overlooking the ocean with kelp tanks, a seahorse exhibit, and tide-pool touch experiences.~$25 adult / ~$20 childAnimals & Nature · La JollaLa Jolla Cove & Children's PoolScenic cove where families watch sea lions and harbor seals haul out on the rocks and beach.FreeBeaches & Coast · La JollaLa Jolla Shores BeachWide, gentle-surf beach ideal for young swimmers, sandcastles, kayaking, and beginner surfing.FreeBeaches & Coast · CoronadoCoronado BeachWide, sparkling-sand beach beside the iconic Hotel del Coronado, great for swimming and sandcastles.Free (paid parking)Animals & Nature · EscondidoSan Diego Zoo Safari ParkSprawling open-range wildlife park where animals roam savanna habitats viewed by tram and trails.~$72 adult / ~$62 childAnimals & Nature · CarlsbadCarlsbad Flower FieldsFifty acres of ranunculus blooms in rainbow rows, open only in spring with tractor rides and a sweet-pea maze.~$25 adult / ~$14 child (spring only)Beaches & Coast · OceansideOceanside PierOne of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast, great for strolling, fishing, and beach play below.Free; food and rentals extraBeaches & Coast · CarlsbadCarlsbad State Beach (Tamarack)Wide sandy beach with a seawall promenade, gentle surf, and tide pools at low tide.Free beach; metered/paid parkingBeaches & Coast · EncinitasMoonlight State BeachFamily-favorite cove beach with lifeguards, a playground, volleyball, fire pits, and easy facilities.Free; lot parkingAnimals & Nature · EncinitasSan Diego Botanic GardenThirty-seven acres of themed gardens plus a large children's garden with a treehouse and play areas.~$18 adult / ~$10 childAnimals & Nature · Chula VistaLiving Coast Discovery CenterBayfront nature center on the wildlife refuge with sea turtles, rays, sharks, and shorebirds.~$20 adult / ~$15 childParks & Hiking · San DiegoLake Miramar ReservoirFlat 5-mile paved loop around a reservoir, ideal for stroller walks, biking, and shoreline fishing.Free; boat rentals extraMuseums & 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 personBeaches & Coast · Del MarDel Mar Beach & Powerhouse ParkCalm family beach next to a grassy bluff-top park with a playground and ocean views.Free; metered parkingBeaches & Coast · Cardiff-by-the-SeaCardiff State BeachMellow beach known for beginner surf, tide pools, and the famous "Cardiff Kook" statue nearby.Free beach; paid lotParks & Hiking · RiversideCalifornia Citrus State Historic ParkLiving-history park among working orange groves with picnic lawns, trails, and a glimpse of SoCal's citrus heyday.Free; parking ~$5Animals & Nature · Big Bear LakeBig Bear Alpine ZooMountain wildlife rehabilitation zoo where families see bears, snow leopards, eagles, and rescued native animals.~$15 adult, ~$12 kidsAnimals & Nature · Oak GlenRiley's FarmApple-country farm with seasonal apple picking, colonial living-history reenactments, and farm fun.~$10–20 per activityMuseums & 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 personIndoor Play · OntarioOntario MillsHuge indoor outlet mall with Dave & Buster's, an arcade, a ropes course, and comedy — great for rainy days.Free entry; attractions extraMuseums & 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 parkingAnimals & Nature · SylmarWildlife Learning CenterA small, friendly rescue zoo in an old olive grove where families meet sloths, a giraffe, porcupines, and eagles up close on easy stroller-friendly paths.~$18 adult / $14 kidParks & Hiking · Lake BalboaLake Balboa / Anthony C. Beilenson ParkA swan-boat lake ringed by a flat 1.3-mile path and cherry trees that burst into pink blossom each spring — easy biking, ducks, and picnics in the heart of the Valley.Free; swan-boat rentals ~$18/hrAnimals & Nature · EncinoSepulveda Basin Wildlife ReserveA 225-acre river refuge with a bird-island lake and a 2.6-mile loop — some of the most accessible birdwatching in the Valley, with herons, egrets, and even pelicans.FreeAnimals & Nature · West HillsOrcutt Ranch Horticulture CenterA free 24-acre historic estate of rose gardens, a citrus orchard, and a 700-year-old oak — shady, calm, and toddler-paced, with seasonal u-pick citrus days.FreeMuseums & 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 welcomeParks & Hiking · Agoura HillsParamount RanchA historic Hollywood movie ranch and National Park land with flat, grassy, oak-lined loop trails — gentle enough for strollers and rich with film history.FreeAnimals & Nature · Beverly HillsFranklin Canyon ParkA hidden 605-acre canyon with a duck pond, a small lake loop, and the Sooky Goldman Nature Center — easy, shady, and a favorite for toddler nature walks.FreeAnimals & Nature · Thousand OaksGardens of the WorldA free 4.5-acre garden tour of England, France, Italy, Japan, and a California mission courtyard — fountains, a pagoda, and bell tower delight little explorers.FreeAnimals & Nature · Thousand OaksConejo Valley Botanic Garden & Kids' Adventure GardenA hillside garden whose Sunday Kids' Adventure Garden adds a treehouse, a pirate's cave, and a zoo garden — playful, free, and made for curious kids.Free (donations welcome)Animals & Nature · MoorparkUnderwood Family Farms (Moorpark)A beloved working farm with a big animal center, tractor-pulled wagon rides, a play barn, and u-pick fields that change with the seasons — a classic all-day family trip.~$5–$15 entry (more on event days)Animals & 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 weightBeaches & Coast · VenturaVentura Pier & PromenadeCalifornia's longest wooden pier sits beside a beachfront promenade with a playground, wide sand, and Channel Islands views — easy, breezy, classic beach-town fun.Free; paid parking nearbyAnimals & Nature · VenturaVentura Botanical GardensA hillside garden of Mediterranean-climate plants above downtown, with a stroller-friendly path to the first viewpoint and big ocean and island views.~$7 adult; under 18 freeBeaches & Coast · OxnardChannel Islands HarborA calm harbor with surrey and bike rentals, a Sunday farmers market, a maritime museum, and easy waterfront paths — laid-back coastal fun away from big surf.Free; rentals & farmers market extraAnimals & Nature · NewhallPlacerita Canyon Nature CenterA free foothill nature center with live-animal exhibits, oak-shaded creek trails, and Saturday family nature walks and animal presentations — a Santa Clarita staple.FreeAnimals & Nature · NewhallWilliam S. Hart Park & MuseumA free 265-acre ranch park with a barnyard to feed animals, a roaming herd of bison, shaded picnic lawns, and a silent-film star's mansion to tour.Free (free parking & tours)Animals & Nature · TemeculaPeltzer FarmPig races, pony/train rides and gem mining (winery for the adults). Go a weekday in October to dodge the crush.Fall admission ~$15–20Animals & Nature · Santa ClaritaThe Gentle BarnA rescued-farm-animal sanctuary where you hug cows, give pigs belly rubs and hold chickens. Reserve ahead; wear muddy-OK shoes.Adults $20, kids $10; reserveAnimals & Nature · MontebelloMontebello Barnyard ZooA beloved old-school petting zoo inside Grant Rea Park with pony rides, a little kiddie train, and a barnyard full of goats, sheep and bunnies to feed. It's ideal for toddlers and preschoolers rather than older kids. Bring small bills for feed cups and pony tickets, go on a cooler morning since there's limited shade, and park free in the Grant Rea lot.~$11 zoo admission, pony rides ~$12; weekend combo ~$24/childAnimals & Nature · Palm DesertThe Living Desert Zoo and GardensA 1,200-acre desert zoo and botanical garden where you can walk giraffes right up to a feeding platform and ride the endangered-species carousel. In cooler months come at opening (8am) so the animals are active and you beat the heat, and don't skip the model-train garden near the entrance. Summer hours end early, so plan a morning visit June–September.Adults $39.95, kids 3–17 $29.95, under 3 free (buy online)Animals & Nature · Lake ArrowheadWildhaven Ranch Wildlife SanctuaryA small nonprofit sanctuary in Cedar Glen caring for rescued indigenous animals like black bears, bobcats, foxes and birds of prey, with docent-led programs such as Bear Watch. You must reserve ahead — drop-ins aren't allowed — so book through their website before you drive up. It's an intimate, education-focused visit rather than a big zoo, memorable for animal-loving kids.Varies (reservation required; donation/fee-based)Animals & Nature · Fountain ValleyThe Reptile ZooHome to 100+ exotic reptiles and amphibians, this indoor spot is a hit with kids who love snakes, lizards and giant tortoises. For an extra $5 the whole family can hold and pet some of the smaller creatures under staff supervision. It's compact, so it pairs well with another nearby stop.Adults $15, kids 3+ $10 (+$5 to handle animals)Animals & Nature · Valley CenterBates Nut FarmA working farm store with a farm zoo of goats, sheep, alpacas and ducks, a fudge counter and big shaded picnic lawns — a San Diego County tradition for generations and genuinely good year-round, not just in October. Bring a picnic and quarters for feed; October brings the county's largest pumpkin patch and enormous crowds, so go on a weekday if you can.Free entry; animal feed ~$1Animals & Nature · AlpineLions Tigers & BearsAn accredited 93-acre rescue sanctuary for lions, tigers, bears and bobcats — a genuine refuge rather than a zoo, so it's docent-led and unhurried. Reservations are required and do sell out, and it's a further fifteen minutes east of Alpine village on rural roads.Guided tours from ~$55Animals & Nature · National CityOlivewood Gardens & Learning CenterA seven-acre organic teaching garden on a historic estate, with cooking and gardening classes for families. The free third-Saturday open garden needs no registration and tours start mid-morning — the easiest way in.Free public toursAnimals & Nature · RamonaOasis Camel DairyA working camel dairy east of town where the open-farm day includes meeting the camels plus a bird show and other animals. Tickets are date-specific and sell out, so buy ahead — and the entrance is off Highway 78 even though the mailing address reads Old Julian Highway.~$15 open farm tourAnimals & Nature · Del MarHelen Woodward Animal CenterA nonprofit centre where families can meet adoptable animals for free, plus a humane-education program with live animal ambassadors, hands-on feeding and crafts. The paid encounters book out well ahead, especially in summer — reserve rather than turning up hopeful. It's about ten minutes inland from Del Mar.Free to visit; encounters and camps priced separately
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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