What to do in LA in August with an 8 year old?

January 7, 2020 9:03 AM

We will be in LA at the end of August with our 8 year old and looking for things to do. We already have 3 days at Disney, a day or so at Griffith park, day at the beach, studio tour and probably brunch at magic castle. What am I missing? Any fairs or festivals end of August?
posted by UMDirector to Travel & Transportation around Los Angeles, CA (6 answers total)

I think the OC Fair is in late July or August, but it's not that great and you are already going to Disney. Sounds like you have enough, but maybe some site seeing if you haven't done that before, ie: Santa Monica Pier or the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
posted by The_Vegetables at 11:16 AM on January 7, 2020

the california science center is pretty awesome, and they'll be having a large lego exhibit then if your kid is into that.
posted by koroshiya at 11:30 AM on January 7, 2020 [1 favorite]

August is usually prime outdoor drive-in pop-up season, though schedules may not be finalized yet. I personally always attend one or two put on by My Valley Pass (their fb is probably the best way to keep an eye out for the announcement), which is in my neck of the woods. The ones they do at the Lake Balboa complex have food trucks, a band (usually somehow themed to the film), decent bathrooms (port-o-lets, but with lighting and sinks). Almost nobody sits in the car, everyone sets out lawn chairs, and August weather generally means that even if it's been quite hot during the day you might still need a little jacket after the sun goes down. There are other events around town, you'll find them listed on TimeOut once all the season's schedules are published.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:40 AM on January 7, 2020

Nthing the Science Center -- and the space shuttle! The bonus here is that it will be cool in there; August is gonna be HOT.

If your kiddo likes cars, the Peterson Automotive Museum is pretty rad. (You can pop across the street and see the giant rock out LACMA too; Metropolis II at LACMA is very cool too but I would not sadly advise buying tix for the museum right now; it's basically closed.)
posted by Countess Sandwich at 12:48 PM on January 7, 2020 [1 favorite]

If your travels take you to Pasadena, Kidspace museum is pretty rad.
posted by BlahLaLa at 2:44 PM on January 7, 2020

This wasn't the case a few years ago, but you really have to factor in how hot it gets in LA in August now (also, fires seem to be the norm, so traffic and freeway shutdowns are common.) Have indoor backup plans for your schedule. Some places (like Griffith Park and the Getty) can be visited later in the day to minimize heat exposure.

The new Cayton Childrens' Museum is pretty cool, but I actually came in here to say that it skews towards younger kids so an 8 year old might find it boring.

My 4 year old loves the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena - there's miles of running to do and the gardens are absolutely beautiful. The downside is that August is getting to be unbearably hot in LA, so if that happens...

...the downtown Grand Park splash pad is a treat! Matter of fact, there are several splash pads around the city, and if you find yourself wanting a shaded place to relax while your kid plays in the sun/water, check these out.

Also, I know you said day at the beach, but I recommend the Annenberg Beach House as an alternative or add-on to your beach day. It's a fun place with something for everyone to do!
posted by Everydayville at 2:26 PM on January 8, 2020