Playgrounds
7 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- Live Oak Park0.3 mi from downtown
- Larsson Street Parkette0.7 mi from downtown
- Sand Dune Park0.8 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Manhattan Beach with kids
5 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Manhattan Beach, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Indoor fun
Places to go when it’s too hot, cold or wet outside.
- 3rd GalleryArt gallery and vintage boutique
- Bo Bridges GalleryPhotography gallery
- Brooke Wilen Fine Art PhotographyPhotography gallery
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- Manhattan Beach Library1320 Highland Ave.
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Sepulveda Dam20 mi north
- Whittier Narrows Dam22 mi northeast
- Hansen Dam26 mi north
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- Sepulveda Dam20 mi north
- Whittier Narrows Dam22 mi northeast
- Hansen Dam26 mi north
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Best Things to do in Manhattan Beach, CA
A local activity Short shared by My Fav Getaway.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Downtown Manhattan Beach | What’s Your Favorite Beach Town
A local activity Short shared by Going Places.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Manhattan Beach with kids?
Playgrounds (7), Indoor fun (10), Libraries (1), Picnic spots (16), Wildlife and nature (18). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Manhattan Beach for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Manhattan Beach when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.