Southern California serves as home to the state's two largest cities: Los Angeles and San Diego. The region offers a variety of attractions for families that live in the area or that are visiting. Among these attractions are theme parks, museums and animal exhibits geared toward kids, offering fun things to do in Southern California any time of the year.
The Griffith Park Pony Ride is on Crystal Springs Drive near Los Feliz Boulevard in the northern end of Los Angeles. The theme park has served as a kids' attraction in the region since its opening in 1948. The park changed hands in 1980, but remains a family-owned and operated business.
Babies and children who weigh up to 100 pounds can enjoy a ride on one of the park's ponies. For babies, the ride of choice is the Pony Sweep, which features live horses tethered to a circulating wheel, simulating a live merry-go-round. Preschoolers and school-aged children can enjoy two laps around the park's riding ring. Older children can ride unassisted without a guide leading the horse.
The Griffith Park Pony Ride is open Tuesday through Friday, year round. The park typically closes every Monday, but opens for some school holidays like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Hours vary seasonally. The park charges a flat fee for each ride. Free on-site parking is available.
The Children's Museum at La Habra is on Euclid Street between East La Habra Boulevard and West Electric Avenue in the town of La Habra, approximately 28 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The museum opened in a historic train station built during the 1920s in December 1977.
The exhibits at The Children's Museum at La Habra are designed for hands-on play, allowing children to learn through action. Among the activities at the museum is the Science Station, where kids can dig for dinosaur bones. The Science Station also has exhibits about alternative forms of energy. An indoor playpark for children under five years old and a carousel for all ages are also located at the museum.
The Children's Museum at La Habra is open Tuesday through Sunday. The museum closes every Monday and on all major holidays. La Habra residents receive admission discounts. Free on-site parking is available.
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is on El Prado off Park Boulevard in San Diego's Balboa Park. The facility opened in 1973. This science center for children held "Zagat" ratings of "extraordinary to perfection" for its appeal and "very good to excellent" for its facilities and service, as of October 2010.
At the The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, children can explore scientific exhibits regarding topics like San Diego's water supply and the five senses. There are also areas dedicated to learning through play, such as an exhibit that encourages children to use blocks and other materials to construct buildings and other structures. The plantetarium hosts live star shows daily. The science center has an IMAX theater that shows educational and first-run entertainment films.
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is open daily throughout the year, including major holidays. Children 12 years old and younger and senior citizens enjoy discounted admission rates. There is no on-site parking, however, there is city parking nearby.
