Kids in Los Angeles
As the entertainment capital of the world, expats who relocate to Los Angeles with children will be pleased to know that there are plenty of fabulous activities and attractions to take advantage of in this sprawling metropolis.
As far as theme and amusement parks go, LA surely has one of the most enviable selections of any city on the planet. Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Castle Park and Magicopolis are all here – and indeed, you might want to consider buying a season pass to one or two of them, as it could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
In a more creative vein, Camp Monkey Muffin – where children are given the opportunity to try their hands at a range of artistic activities – is a great place to leave the kids for the day, while the Santa Monica Puppetry Center provides hands-on fun and games, and Peach Tree Pottery facilitates lessons in a fun and friendly atmosphere. These places are wonderful environments for children to make friends, while at the same engaging in educational and artistic pursuits.
The quintessentially American phenomenon of shopping malls is perhaps nowhere more celebrated than in LA – and 'mall ratting' remains a popular pastime for kids of all ages.
Bookish children will be astounded by the wealth of museums on offer (the Natural History Museum is especially kid-friendly), as well as the excellent quality of public libraries in the city; while parents who desire that their children spend more time outdoors, being active, also have cause to celebrate. LA boasts a plethora of parks, promenades and beaches, and – coupled with the great weather – is the perfect city in which to spend some quality time outside with the kids, perhaps taking in some light exercise while you're at it.
Finally, those parents who worry about America's reputation for unhealthy dietary habits, can console themselves with the knowledge that California (and Los Angeles in particular) is light years ahead of many other states when it comes to responsible eating, and wholesome lifestyle choices.
