Places to Go with Kids Around LA & OC This Fall

As we transition from summer to fall, from vacation to school, from hot to… less hot, here are some places to go with kids in Los Angeles and Orange County in September.

With summer vacation over and the family transitioning back into the routine of school and work, how can we keep up with the adventure?

This autumn, there are 3 types of places you can experience:

  1. Indoor places that are educational, fun, and air-conditioned to escape the heat
  2. Immersive experiences to celebrate the season and learn about different cultures
  3. Outdoor hikes to experience nature and all the different environments of Southern California

1. Indoor Places

In September, these places are especially great for getting back into learning while still having fun, and also to stay out of the heat while it’s still hot.

Children’s Museums

Museums designed specifically for kids are a great way to jump back into learning while still having fun. Here are some of our favorites:

Aquariums

Similarly, aquariums are a fun way to help kids learn:

  • California Science Center & Discovery Cube both have aquariums
  • Heal the Bay Aquarium: website | video
  • Roundhouse Aquarium: website | video
  • Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: website | video
  • Aquarium of the Pacific: website

Libraries

Your local library is a great place to go for a quick visit. In addition to books, some libraries have educational computers games, toys or even crafts. But if you want to make a trip out of it, here are some really unique libraries to drive across town for:

2. Immersive Experiences

Whether it’s the cultural celebration of harvest in the fall, or celebrations from cultures during the season, these are some really unique places to visit.

Family Farms

There are many farms that offer family-friendly experiences that immerse you into farm life, such as fruit and vegetable picking, pumpkin patches, tractor rides, and farm animal petting. Here are some of our favorites:

Cultural Landmarks

Various cultures have significant holidays during the fall and there are cultural centers to really experience that culture.

  • Olvera Street for Dia de Los Muertos: website | video
  • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple for Diwali: website | video
  • Malibu Hindu Temple for Diwali: website

3. Outdoor Hikes

As the weather cools down, there are lots of nature spots to explore, both in the city and farther out across SoCal.

Nature Centers

Located in the middle of the city or on the edge, nature centers offer a convenient way to get into the outdoors. They usually feature flat walking paths and educational rooms. Here are some that we’ve visited:

Desert Day & Weekend Trips

If you can drive a few hours and get out of the city for a day or weekend, the deserts around SoCal are a great place to visit in the fall:

More about SoCal Deserts to Visit >

With the diversity of places and landscapes in and around Los Angeles and Orange County, autumn is a great time to explore new features of Southern California.

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