The city is opening, the city is closing, we’re staying home, we’re venturing out…I can’t even keep up with what’s open for kids sometimes. To be honest my kids hate wearing masks (frankly so do I) so we really don’t do a whole lot these days – but sometimes we just gotta get them out of the house! So you ask what’s open right now for kids in Los Angeles and Southern California during quarantine and coronavirus? Today was my day to look into the open options for kids right now all over SoCal and to get these kiddos out of my house (and stop making a mess of it! I just can’t clean anymore do you feel me?) for some fun. Although many things to do are closed, there is still lots that is open! The Aquarium of the Pacific, Santa Barbara Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, Downtown Disney District, the Arboretum and more are all open and fun for kids. Complete list of what’s open for kids this summer during Coronavirus below!
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As always…please contact them before you go to confirm all information, ticketing and safety requirements. Things can and do change day to day!
What’s Open Now in Los Angeles for Kids?
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is Open Now
The Aquarium of the Pacific is open with outdoor exhibits only including the Harbor Terrace (featuring the Moon Jelly Touch Lab and archerfish and mudskipper exhibits), Shark Lagoon (including touch pools), Lorikeet Forest, the Our Water Future exhibit, Southern California Steelhead Story, Molina Animal Care Center, June Keyes Penguin Habitat, the Ray Touch Pool (open for touch), and the Seals and Sea Lions Habitat. The outdoor gift store and some food service will be open. Indoor areas will be temporarily closed.
During this period, admission is $12 per person and you must visit the website to reserve a time.
Keeping our guests and staff safe is our top priority. The Aquarium is limiting the number of visitors, requiring advance timed reservations, managing traffic flow to ensure social distancing, requiring face coverings for everyone age 2 and older and temperature checks for everyone, providing numerous hand-sanitizing stations, sanitizing surfaces constantly, and much more. Please visit our Aquarium Safety page for full details before visiting.
Aquarium of The Pacific
Santa Barbara Zoo is Open Now
Via a one-way route through the Zoo, visitors will see multiple outdoor exhibits including Asian small-clawed otters, snow leopard, Masai giraffes, African lions, and more.
Online tickets purchased in advance are required for ALL guests, including Santa Barbara Zoo Members (member tickets are free of charge) during this time. To ensure adequate social distancing between guests, attendance is capped each day to limit the total number of guests in the Zoo at one time. No tickets required for children under 2.
Tickets range from $12-$20.
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San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are Open Now
Entry to both the Zoo and Safari Park are on a first-come, first-served basis until a reduced limit. Once the on-grounds attendance limit is reached, as guests exit the parks, the same number of waiting guests will be admitted. You can find the best times to visit and estimated wait times on their respective websites: Zoo and Safari Park.
Knott’s Berry Farm Taste of Calico is Open Now
While Knott’s Berry Farm theme park remains closed, Knott’s Ghost Town is open for an outdoor dining experience called Taste of Calico. This is a ticketed outdoor event, gusts can sample unique Knott’s culinary creations including boysenberry specialties, visit local crafters and shop at the unique stores.
Taste of Calico tasting cards are $25 and include 5 tastings. Junior (ages 3-11) tasting cards are $15 and include 3 tastings. Children 2 and under are free.
Downtown Disney District is Open Now
The following restaurants are open:
- Asian Street Eats
- Ballast Point® Brewing Co.
- Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
- CrazyShake™
- Earl of Sandwich®
- Jamba®
- Naples Ristorante e Bar
- Salt & Straw
- Starbucks®
- Starbucks® West
- Tortilla Jo’s
- Uva Bar & Cafe
- Wetzel’s Pretzels
There is no admission cost. You get 3 hours of parking free when you make a $20 minimum purchase and receive validation from any Downtown Disney restaurant.
Universal Studios City Walk Is Open Now
While the theme park is closed, the following on City Walk remain open:
The following restaurants are open:
- Antojitos
- Bubba Gump Shrimp CO.
- Buca di Beppo
- Jamba Juice
- Johnny Rockets
- Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
- Mini Monster (Wednesday – Sunday)
- Pink’s Hot Dogs
- Pizza Hut/KFC
- Taco Bell
- Voodoo Doughnut
The following stores are open:
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Dodgers Clubhouse
- Fossil
- Francesca’s
- Guess
- Hot Topic
- IT’SUGAR
- LIDS
- Locker Room by LIDS
- Nectar Bath Treats (Friday – Sunday)
- Sephora
- Shoe Palace
- Skechers
- The Raider Image
- Things From Another World
- Tillys
- Universal Studio Store
Self parking is complimentary during our initial re-opening phase. Subject to change. Valet parking is not available at this time.
Underwood Family Farms Pick-Your-Own is Open Now in Two Locations
Underwood Family Farms PYO fields are large outdoor farm fields in two locations, Moorpark & Somis. Kids can pick their own fruits and vegetables daily from 9am – 6pm. With plenty of fresh air and wide-open space, it will enable families to select and harvest their own produce directly from the fields and it’s reasonably easy to keep a fair distance between families.
Admission to harvest your own produce is $5.00 per person in Moorpark and $3.00 per person in Somis. Children UNDER 2 are Free. Produce picked is charged on a per lb basis. No reservations required.
The Arboretum is Open Now
The Arboretum is outdoors and is open – but you must buy tickets in advance online here. Tickets are not sold at the door. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for kids. Some senior and student discounts are available.
The next FREE DAY is August 18th, ticket registration starts August 1st. Mark your calendars.
Paramount Drive-In Movie Theater is Open
This drive-in theater shows first-run movies on 2 screens, with FM radio sound & a snack bar. Check their Facebook page for shows, times and other details.
Legoland Hotel is Now Open (Park is NOT)
Looking for a kid-friendly hotel overnight? The Legoland Hotel is open with their huge kid-friendly pool, and it’s about ten minutes to the beach…could be a fun mini getaway for kiddos (despite the park being closed).
Legoland Sea Life Aquarium is Now Open!
All SEA LIFE tickets must be purchased in advance and include entry to SEA LIFE Aquarium. Tickets will not be available to purchase at the gate. To purchase a SEA LIFE ticket with prices from $9.99, click here.
Santa Ana Zoo is now Open!
The Santa Ana Zoo is now open again to the general public and its members. Entry is on a first come, first serve basis. High touch will be closed, these include the playground as well as the rides. More info here.
LA Zoo
The Zoo is now open, with a modified experience and advance, timed-entry reservations required. You can get info and tickets here.
The Following Los Angeles and SoCal Attractions Continue to be Closed:
- California Science Center
- Museum of Natural History
- Pretend City
- Travel Town
- Knotts Berry Farm Rides
- Disneyland
- California Adventure
- Soak City
- Hurricane Harbor
- Six Flags
- Adventure City
- Discovery Cube Los Angeles
- Discovery Cube Orange County
- Legoland
- Universal Studios
Awesome list! Thanks so much.