Southern California offers a lot for families to see and do, from the beach to the mountains and everywhere in between. There are many destinations that are not only kid-friendly but also designed specifically for young ones. Here are five kid-friendly day trips that are popular in the Southland.

 

Disneyland is a world-famous destination for those who are into rides, parades and shows. Although it is one of the more expensive amusement parks in the area, people come from all over to the city of Anaheim to enjoy the magical experience. Ticket information, park hours and other information can be found at http://disneyland.disney.go.com/

 

Aquariums can be intriguing places for children, and the city of Long Beach has a fantastic facility that is very kid-friendly. Adults and children can enjoy fish, ocean mammals, shows and interactive exhibits at the Aquarium of the Pacific, which is located along the waterfront near downtown. Information on exhibits and events is available at www.aquariumofpacific.org.

 

The Orange County Great Park is located on the site of a former air base and offers a wide variety of sights and activities. You'll find a number of diverse happenings here, including a tethered balloon ride that soars up to 400 feet above the ground. The park also features a museum, carousel, rock climbing, a Walkable Timeline and free sports equipment that can be checked out. It's located in the geographic center of Orange County and information can be found at www.ocgp.org or by calling 866-829-3829.

 

Some museums are designed for a broad audience while others are created specifically with kids in mind. The Discovery Science Center was built with a focus on children and education, and the facility includes a variety of exhibits, hands-on activities and special events. Interested families can visit the Center in Santa Ana, and more information is available on their website at www.discoverycube.org.

 

Southern California is known for its beaches, and a day trip to the ocean is perfect for the whole family. Enjoy sunbathing, beach sports, swimming, body surfing and boogie boarding. For those who prefer more structure, there are companies that provide surfing lessons. One such organization is Aloha Surf Instruction, which offers lessons in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. Visit www.alohasurfinstruction.com for details, or call 714-887-9278.

 

Southern California is filled with kid-friendly activities that are great for family entertainment and building memories. With a little planning and research, families can have a fantastic time at locations all over the Southland.