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Home › Donut Guides › Things to Do with Kids › Santa Monica
Things to Do in Santa Monica with Kids
Santa Monica is a beach day built for families: a pier with a Ferris wheel and roller coaster, an aquarium under the boardwalk, a bike path along the sand and great parks downtown. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Santa Monica tour stops for donuts, churros and ice cream, so it's a sweet way to start a family day by the beach.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: The beach, Tongva Park, Palisades Park, the beach bike path, the Third Street Promenade
- Rainy day picks: Heal the Bay Aquarium, the Santa Monica Public Library, Natural History Museum in LA
- Sweet treat: Our Santa Monica donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Santa Monica, by neighborhood
The Pier and the beach
Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park
A Ferris wheel, roller coaster and arcade over the ocean.
The beach
FreeWide, sandy and great for families, with a playground near the pier.
Annenberg Community Beach House
A beachside pool open in summer, with a playground.
Parent tip: Rent bikes or a surrey and ride the beach path. It's flat and easy with kids.
Downtown
Tongva Park
FreeA playground, splash fountains and hills for rolling down.
Palisades Park
FreeA clifftop park with ocean views and paths.
Third Street Promenade
FreeA walking street with shops, street performers and treats.
Santa Monica Farmers Market
FreeA market on Wednesdays and Saturdays downtown.
Nearby
Venice Beach and the Venice Canals
FreeA colorful boardwalk and quiet canals to stroll, just south.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our Santa Monica Donut Tour walks downtown with stops for donuts, churros and ice cream, plus stories about the city along the way. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.
Taste Santa Monica's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
What families say about our Santa Monica tours
"Our kids really loved it!"
Michelle G., TripAdvisor, February 2025
"Great experience for the kids and my boyfriend who has a huge sweet tooth!"
Kandace K., TripAdvisor, June 2026
"He was knowledgeable, patient with kids and gave us endless flavor options."
Ian O., TripAdvisor, September 2024
All 5-star guest reviews.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Santa Monica guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Santa Monica covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: The beach
- Morning: sweet treats tour downtown.
- Beach time near the pier.
- Heal the Bay Aquarium.
- Pier rides at sunset.
Day 2: Bikes and parks
- Ride the beach path to Venice.
- Lunch.
- Tongva Park splash fountains.
- Third Street Promenade.
Day 3: Nearby
- The Getty Center.
- Lunch.
- Venice Canals.
- Sunset from Palisades Park.
Santa Monica with kids by season
Holidays
- Holiday decorations on the Promenade: lights and seasonal events downtown.
- Winter beach days: mild, sunny weather is perfect for the pier.
- LA Zoo Lights: a lights display at the Los Angeles Zoo, a drive away.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Santa Monica.
The rest of the year
- Spring: quieter beaches and sunny days.
- Summer: busy beaches, the beach house pool and outdoor concerts.
- Fall: warm water and fewer crowds.
- Winter: mild days for biking and the pier.
Santa Monica with kids FAQ
Is the Santa Monica donut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, the route is an easy downtown walk, and kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in Santa Monica with kids?
The beach, Tongva Park, Palisades Park, the beach bike path and the Third Street Promenade.
Is the Santa Monica Pier free?
Walking the pier is free. Rides and the arcade cost extra.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
Heal the Bay Aquarium, the library or a museum in Los Angeles.