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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Santa Monica

Kid-friendly spots

A kid-friendly restaurant where your children are actually welcome at the table instead of just tolerated by the staff.

Based on 899 Opinions
+896
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Updated May 2026
01
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Amusement center

Massive VR playground features spacious play areas and interactive VR rides that thrill all ages. Staff show patience and kindness, making it perfect for active birthday parties. Bright lights and energetic vibes keep kids engaged and happy.

Offers active, inclusive birthday parties where kids can play, run, and use screens simultaneously. Staff show patience and kindness with children, creating a fun environment for groups of various ages.

People are saying

"It's a blast; the VR experience is so much fun."

"The staff here is so patient and friendly with kids."

"The staff made our party an awesome success and were so helpful."

Good to know

1

Booking a party room requires at least two weeks' notice.

2

Parking is available nearby for easy access.

3

Prices are affordable, making it accessible for families.

02
THE CUBE VR Immersive Park image 1

Bright, clean space offers high tech VR and Six Flags roller coaster rides that thrill kids and adults alike. Fun, stress-free atmosphere suits families and groups. Multiple immersive experiences like airsoft games and racing keep everyone active and engaged.

Immersive rides like the Six Flags roller coaster offer fun for kids aged 6 to 13. The environment stays engaging for both kids and adults, making it a solid spot for family outings.

People are saying

"I had so much fun with the VR experiences here."

"It's a super fun place, great for kids and parents."

"It's a unique and awesome experience I'd never seen before."

Good to know

1

The park offers a 15% discount on admission for groups.

2

The VR experiences are suitable for both kids and adults.

3

Expect a variety of immersive experiences, including racing games and rollercoasters.

03
Museum of Illusions image 1

Museum features interactive exhibits that captivate kids and adults alike. Kids aged 9 to 14 love the fun displays that spark curiosity. Visitors enjoy the mind-bending illusions and bubbly atmosphere perfect for family exploration.

Interactive exhibits engage kids of various ages, making it a fun spot for families. Children from 9 to 14 years old find the displays especially enjoyable and entertaining.

People are saying

"It's a fun place to play with your mind and see unique objects."

"It's a fun place with lots of activities for the kids."

"The staff here are so helpful, they even take your pictures for you."

Good to know

1

Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children.

2

The museum is located on the third Street promenade.

3

Expect to spend about 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits.

04
Lumee DIY Santa Monica image 1

Art studio offers booth-style seating and unlimited charms for crafting. Friendly staff help kids with clips, making it kid-friendly and perfect for parties. Cozy, colorful vibe invites groups to enjoy hands-on creativity.

Kids enjoy unlimited crafting with hundreds of charms to choose from. Staff engage directly with children, helping with details like fixing clips, making it a fun and calming creative outing suitable for birthday parties.

People are saying

"I had so much fun decorating my own phone charm and Polaroid frame."

"The staff is so kind and patient with kids."

"The Bottomless drinks and helpful staff made my project a masterpiece."

Good to know

1

An appointment is needed to visit Lumee DIY Santa Monica.

2

Walk-ins are okay if it's not busy.

3

They offer various items to decorate, including phone cases and notebooks.

05
The Acorn Store Santa Monica image 1

Wooden toys and whimsical designs create an inviting space that sparks imagination. Unique, high-quality options appeal to families valuing craftsmanship and low-fi play. Shelves offer pretend play trinkets and dress-up items that kids love.

Clever and unique toys fill the shelves, sparking imagination with low-fi, beautifully crafted options. Dress-up items, dolls, and pretend play trinkets offer a wide selection that kids enjoy.

People are saying

"It's a kid-friendly spot with unique, high-quality wooden toys."

"I found unique crafts and clever toys here."

Good to know

1

The store specializes in whimsical, high-quality toys for children.

2

Expect to pay more than typical toy stores; prices are on the higher side.

3

Parking is available at street meters near the store.

06
Wonders of the World image 1

Store feels like a small museum with rare fossils and handcrafted jewelry. Henry's explanations keep kids captivated and curious. Unique pieces invite slow, thoughtful browsing for all ages.

Children find the collection fascinating and engaging. Explanations by Henry keep kids captivated and interested throughout the visit.

People are saying

"This jewelry store has one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces with so much care."

"The owner's passion and knowledge about his collection are truly unique."

"Henry's explanations about the fossils were captivating for my whole family."

Good to know

1

The store features a unique collection of rare crystals, fossils, and handcrafted jewelry.

2

Items range in price from one dollar to a million dollars, catering to all budgets.

3

Henry, the owner, has extensive knowledge about the pieces and their histories.

07
Purple - Santa Monica Place image 1

Showroom blends modern design with a soft, inviting feel. Staff offer clear explanations on mattress tech without pressure. Kids enjoy animal puzzles and safe play areas while adults shop. Mattresses provide balanced comfort supporting back and neck well.

Kids can play with animal puzzles on the beds while adults shop. Staff clean up spills quickly and let children test products fully before deciding.

People are saying

"Dominique guided me through mattress options for better sleep."

"The staff here are so helpful and knowledgeable about the products."

"The staff here are so helpful and knowledgeable about everything."

Good to know

1

The store offers a 100-day trial for free return and exchange.

2

Parking is available in the garage at the mall.

3

Knowledgeable staff provide detailed explanations of products.

08
Burton Santa Monica Flagship Store image 1

Snowboard shop welcomes dogs and offers a cozy environment with comfy couches. Staff provide personalized help for kids, ensuring gear fits right. Large selection of gear and clothes suits all levels, making it a go-to spot for snowboarders.

Staff provide personalized help to find the right snowboard for kids. They assist with setting up gear like boots and bindings to make the process smooth.

People are saying

"This footwear store's expert help made me feel comfortable choosing boots."

"It's so dog friendly; the shop dogs are really cute!"

"They helped my daughter set up her new gear and made it pleasant."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a public garage above the store with 90 minutes free.

2

The store offers a large selection of snowboarding gear and clothing.

3

Staff members are knowledgeable and can assist with product features.

09
Kim Young Hair image 1
Hair salon

Studio offers a boho chic design with a private, comfy atmosphere perfect for relaxing. Staff provide gentle haircuts and fun styles for kids. Affordable prices and convenient parking make visits easy and budget-friendly.

Staff handle young kids with quick, gentle haircuts and deliver pleasing styles and colors for children.

People are saying

"My hair color never looked better, it's flawless and shiny."

"The staff here is so nice and does a beautiful job on kids' hair."

"I got one of the best men's haircuts I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Kim offers affordable prices for her hair services.

2

There is convenient parking available near the salon.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

10
Lincoln Barbers image 1
Barber shop

Big hall with about 10 chairs offers a calm, welcoming space where barbers are patient with kids and create stylish haircuts. Prices stay affordable and only cash payment is accepted, making visits easy without appointments.

Barbers are patient with kids and create fresh, stylish haircuts that make children look like big kids. The shop welcomes young children and keeps a friendly atmosphere during haircuts.

People are saying

"Chayan's barbershop skills gave me a really good haircut."

"They're really Kid Friendly and patient with my son."

Good to know

1

Lincoln Barbers accepts only cash payments.

2

No appointment is required for haircuts.

3

The haircut costs $30, with an optional tip.

11
Rizo Sports & TCG image 1
Sports card store

Store offers huge variety of sports and Pokรฉmon cards with affordable prices that attract both kids and adults. Staff are friendly and patient, making it great for children. Collectors find hard to find items and enjoy buying, selling, or trading here.

Friendly staff show great patience with kids and answer their questions. Affordable prices and exciting card pulls keep children engaged and eager to stay.

People are saying

"The staff here are so down to earth and fair."

"It's cool how fair they are when you sell or trade items."

"It's so kid friendly, my child didn't want to leave!"

Good to know

1

The shop specializes in buying, selling, and trading sports and Pokรฉmon cards.

2

Prices are affordable for both kids and adults.

3

Bring old or valuable cards for fair evaluations and offers.

12
The Bike Center Santa Monica image 1

Bike shop offers well-maintained bikes including electric and kid-friendly options like an electric tricycle with a box. Staff help families with a friendly atmosphere and safe bike paths near the beach. Rentals are affordable with skilled mechanics on site.

Staff go the extra mile to help families, making things easier for kids and parents. Bikes come built and tuned, with options like an electric tricycle with a box for younger riders, and bike paths feel really safe for kids.

People are saying

"The mechanic was super thorough and detailed with my bike."

"They're so Kid Friendly, helping with bike suggestions and navigation."

"I found their prices to be affordable and honest."

Good to know

1

There is free 90 minutes public parking available in the same building.

2

The rental bikes are affordable and in excellent condition.

3

Validated parking is available for customers with a rental receipt.

13
CJJF SANTA MONICA, CA image 1
Martial arts school

Martial arts school offers family-friendly atmosphere with clean facilities and skilled instructors. Classes teach self-defense and encourage respect and friendships among kids. Students of all levels enjoy a supportive community focused on learning and growth.

Classes focus on self-defense and teach kids how to stand up to bullies. They match each child with what fits them and encourage friendships and respect among participants.

People are saying

"The instructors here are skilled and passionate, making it an inspiring place to train."

"This martial arts gym's professors shape character and have a life-changing impact."

"It's so Kid Friendly; they build confidence and discipline."

Good to know

1

Membership allows up to four classes per week for a monthly fee.

2

Classes are well-structured, balancing technique instruction, drilling, and live rolling.

3

The gym fosters a respectful culture and a welcoming community.

14
Road Runner Sports image 1
Running store

Bright, spacious store offers state-of-the-art foot scanning and expert advice. Staff provide personalized shoe fittings for kids and adults, ensuring the right size and style. Community-minded energy welcomes runners seeking customized footwear and detailed assessments.

Staff provide personalized shoe fittings and spend time helping kids find the right size and style. They offer knowledgeable recommendations and focus on making sure children like their shoes.

People are saying

"The footwear store staff are patient and knowledgeable about finding your perfect fit."

"The staff here is so patient and knowledgeable with kids."

"The staff's knowledge helped me find a truly comfortable fit."

Good to know

1

They offer free foot scans to recommend the best shoe for your running style.

2

You can try out shoes on a treadmill before purchasing.

3

VIP membership provides a 10-15% discount on select shoes.

15
Nick The Greek image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers a casual, cozy atmosphere with authentic music that lifts the vibe. Staff are attentive to kids' needs and serve well-seasoned meals with high chairs available. Outdoor seating adds a nice touch, though indoors can feel warm and smokey.

Staff listen carefully to special needs and customize meals accordingly. Kids meals come well seasoned and perfectly put together. High chairs are available for seating.

People are saying

"The Greek food, especially the gyros, is delicious."

"I loved the Mediterranean food, especially the amazing falafel pita."

"The kids' meals are well-seasoned and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

2

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so plan accordingly.

16
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for families and dates. Menus cater to both adults and kids, blending kid-friendly options with a homey space that invites relaxation. Bright, spacious interior feels curated and welcoming.

Menus adjust to both adult and kids' tastes. The spot balances a kid-friendly vibe with a setting suitable for date nights.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, healthy, and delicious."

"This Local Spot's fresh, from-scratch cooking uses local ingredients."

"The kids menu was awesome and had very affordable prices."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

17
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior with modern design and beautiful chandeliers creates a calm, clean vibe. Kids love the simple avocado rolls and the fun prize wheel for gift cards. Robot waitress Bella adds a unique touch to the cozy sushi experience.

Simple avocado rolls with giant, fresh pieces appeal to kids. A prize wheel offers chances to win a $20 gift card, creating excitement for children.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the fresh, well-prepared sushi."

"The lunch special here is a huge, affordable plate."

"It's so kid friendly, my daughter won a gift card!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour features items priced around $5 to $7, with good-sized portions.

2

The lunch special costs $24 for a full plate, including a nice roll and sashimi.

3

The restaurant and bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.

18
Downtown Santa Monica image 1

Wide sidewalks with palm trees offer plenty of room for kids to run and play safely. Bright storefronts and live street performances keep the vibe lively and fun. Ocean views and benches create a peaceful spot for families to relax and enjoy the day.

Lots of open space lets kids run and play freely. The area suits walking with kids and pets comfortably.

People are saying

"The beach here is beautiful, wide, and sandy."

"It's a lively and fun place, always buzzing with activity."

"It's a nice area to walk with kids and pets."

Good to know

1

Public Parking Structure 6 offers 99 minutes of free parking.

2

Parking is often difficult to find in Downtown Santa Monica.

3

The area is generally safe and cheerful for visitors.

19
The Butter End image 1

Dark, stunning bakery offers custom wedding cakes and gluten-free options. Kids love Strawberry Vanilla Bean cupcakes and birthday cakes that delight all ages. Calm energy highlights high-quality pastries that look like art.

Cupcakes and cakes here appeal to kids with flavors like Strawberry Vanilla Bean. Cakes made for birthdays please both kids and adults.

People are saying

"This cake was so delicious, guests were raving about it."

"The bakery's cookies and cupcakes are delicious and beautifully decorated."

"The cakes here are beautiful and perfect for special kid-friendly occasions."

Good to know

1

The cake costs $77 for the smallest size.

2

Booking a wedding cake tasting requires weeks in advance.

3

The bakery uses quality ingredients, especially butter.

20
Benihana - Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open hibachi-style setup offers theatrical grilling shows that entertain all ages. Kids love the special souvenirs and photo keepsakes for birthdays. Dim lighting and cozy decor create a fun, lively atmosphere perfect for families and date nights.

Kids get special souvenirs and enjoy interactive entertainment. Hosts take extra steps like photo keepsakes to make birthdays memorable.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and full of flavor."

"Marlon made my daughter's birthday a night to remember."

"The chef's performance made the meal a lively dinner and a show."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The staff celebrates birthdays with a special song and treat.

21
Santa Monica Place image 1
Shopping mall

Open-air mall boasts rooftop ocean views and live music for a lively vibe. Kids enjoy play areas and a museum, while families find plenty of seating and shaded spots. Unique features like the Immersion Room and rooftop dining make it special for all ages.

Children find plenty to do with play areas, rides, and a kids museum. Clothing stores and restaurants offer options for all ages, making it easy to spend time together.

People are saying

"This mall is a beautiful, large, open space."

"It's a fun place with plenty to do for the whole family."

"It's a great Kid Friendly place with rooms for children to explore."

Good to know

1

DJ performances occur on weekends, providing live entertainment.

2

Parking is available, making access convenient for visitors.

3

Many stores are currently closed or boarded up.

22
Illusion Magic Lounge image 1
Performing arts theater

Small theater offers intimate setting with clear views and a cozy vibe. Artie Loon's interactive magic blends comedy that delights both kids and adults. Birthday parties here are a hit, praised for fun and engagement in a friendly atmosphere.

An hour-long magic show features Artie Loon's humor and tricks with lots of audience interaction that keeps both kids and adults engaged. Birthday parties here get rave reviews from parents and kids alike.

People are saying

"I had so much fun, it was hilarious and mind-bending!"

"This place is so kid friendly, the shows are fun and entertaining."

"The nightlife here features talented performers with unique, engaging acts."

Good to know

1

VIP tickets include a free drink and front-row seating.

2

Parking costs about $3.00 per hour, located half a block away.

3

The magic show lasts about 90 minutes and features multiple acts.

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Downtown, Santa Monica

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