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Kid-friendly relaxing spots in Downtown Santa Monica

You need a moment of calm, and you refuse to leave your children behind just to find a space where you can actually breathe.

Based on 838 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Lumee DIY Santa Monica image 1
Lumee DIY Santa Monica image 2
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Art studio with booth-style seating and spacious tables creates a cozy, colorful atmosphere. The vibe is friendly and relaxing, welcoming groups for hands-on, creative activities. Unlimited charm options add a playful, engaging element to the experience.

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.

Creating clips here offers a very relaxing and satisfying experience. It suits groups or dates looking for a calm, hands-on activity.

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."

"It's a great relaxing activity for a girls group or a date."

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.

02
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior features modern design and beautiful chandeliers with a calm, clean atmosphere ideal for relaxed dining. A robot waitress named Bella delivers food, adding a unique touch to the experience. The place attracts those seeking high-quality sushi in a cozy, inviting setting.

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.

Clean and calm ambiance creates a relaxing diner vibe. Perfect for a calm night out.

People are saying

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

"The sashimi here is so fresh and buttery."

"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.

03
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families.

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

Open air atmosphere offers a refreshing and calm setting. Friendly environment makes it suitable for kids and easy to unwind.

People are saying

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

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

"It's a great relaxing spot with a friendly atmosphere."

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.

04
Downtown Santa Monica image 1

Wide sidewalks lined with palm trees and bright storefronts create a playful, creative space filled with live street performances and ocean views. The atmosphere shifts from lively and vibrant during the day to quiet and peaceful at night. Plenty of benches and outdoor games invite relaxation amid a mix of shoppers and families.

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

A lively yet relaxing atmosphere blends with the close ocean views near the pier. Benches along the street invite quiet moments, while the sandy beach and bike path offer easy ways to unwind.

People are saying

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

"It's a lively yet relaxing spot with a great mix of shops and dining."

"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.

05
Santa Monica Place image 1
Shopping mall

Open-air mall with modern architecture and rooftop ocean views offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music and family-friendly entertainment. Spacious design includes plenty of seating areas and shaded outdoor spaces. Unique features like the Immersion Room and rooftop dining add extra charm.

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.

A relaxed vibe sets this spot apart from other malls. It offers a stylish and convenient place to hang out, enjoy good food, and unwind.

People are saying

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

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

"It's a stylish and convenient relaxing spot for shopping and food."

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.

06
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes the evening. Outdoor seating features fire pits enhancing the vibe. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the lively environment.

Staff handle food allergies carefully, confirming details with the kitchen. Kids enjoy dishes like the cheeseburger and fries and perfectly cooked salmon with charred broccolini.

Warm and comfortable atmosphere with fireplaces and relaxing live music creates a welcoming vibe. The outside patio offers a relaxed family setting perfect for enjoying a good drink or meal.

People are saying

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

"The servers here are so attentive and friendly, making it feel Kid Friendly."

"The service here is so attentive and friendly, it makes it a truly relaxing spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

All-night happy hour is available on Mondays, offering great deals.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Super Bowl.

07
Santa Monica Proper Hotel image 1

Boutique hotel with warm, comforting vibe and beautiful, charming design offers a rooftop pool oasis and panoramic city views. Spaces range from relaxed rooftop bars to lively restaurants with strong energy. Guests encounter a mix of calm ambiance indoors and vibrant social scenes on the rooftop.

Staff provide personalized attention, remembering kids' names and suggesting quiet spots for families. The pool offers a fun space where kids can enjoy themselves.

Rooftop offers a very relaxing atmosphere with a quiet vibe away from busy areas. Palma restaurant on the first floor combines stylish design with a calm setting.

People are saying

"This hotel's design is beautiful, stylish, and incredibly comfortable."

"It's a beautiful, relaxing spot with stunning design."

"The staff remembered my daughter's name, making it feel kid friendly."

Good to know

1

Valet service fee is $55, but some guests report being charged $70.

2

Additional $40 per night for amenities not disclosed at check-in.

3

The pool and bar may be closed for private events, impacting guest access.

08
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers cool views of water and Ferris wheel with a club-like vibe created by a live DJ and percussionist. Atmosphere suits large groups and blends beachy elegance with lively energy.

Kids enjoy the calamari and Kobe beef here. The atmosphere suits family celebrations like birthdays.

Outdoor lounge offers a charming and relaxed setting with rooftop seating that provides beautiful views and a lively yet calm vibe. The atmosphere feels polished and chill, blending Mediterranean ambiance with a West Coast feel.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"It's a relaxed vibe, perfect for a calm, comfortable meal."

"The calamari here is above and beyond, and my kids approved."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks, making it worthwhile.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events, like Valentine's Day.

3

The restaurant turns into a lively party after 9 pm with dancing.

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Downtown, Santa Monica

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