Our LA Summer Bucket List- Volume 1
Nothing says Summer quite like needing about a million activities to fill these extra-long sunny days. We have compiled Volume 1 of our LA Summer Bucket List to help you fill the time in between the constant snack breaks. But don't worry, we have recs for those too 😉 Enjoy!!
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1. Attend Summer Nights in the Garden at the Natural History Museum
One of our all time fave Summer time events, Summer Nights in the Garden is always a blast for the whole fam! Happening on July 12 and July 26 from 5:00 p.m.-9 p.m. Click here for details.
Why Kids Love it: Live music, activity centers, crafting, animal encounters, and food trucks
Why Grown Ups Love it: Admission is free, kids are entertained, there is live music, multiple food trucks, and a plethora of areas to score a cocktail ;)
Pro tip: Bring a picnic blanket and if you are getting food from the food trucks get there early as it can take a while once it gets busier.
2. Eat all the Rainbow 🌈 Rockets from Happy Ice
This Instagram worthy treat is so craveable and so, so colorful!! Visit the location on Melrose or follow them on social media to find where the truck is going to be.
7324 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Why Kids Love It: It's colorful and delicious
Why Grown Ups Love it: It's delicious, and happens to be vegan friendly and kosher
3. Go Visit the Second Home Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano at the La Brea Tar Pits
Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. (9 on Fridays) this rainbow paneled tunnel looks amazing as it refracts and reflects light through out. It's the perfect place to rock some pieces from our Land of Neon collection (duh) and take some colorful pics. For more information click here. Reservations are free and walk ins are welcome. Also, the Tar Pits are really cool and if you have a membership to the Natural History Museum (or maybe snagged one at the Summer Nights party) admission to the tar pits is free!
Why Kids Love It: Colorful tunnels and fossils preserved in tar-- pretty sweet combo
Why Grown Ups Love it: It's just really cool (we won't be mad if you just admit you're doing it for the 'gram anyway)
Pro Tip: Make a reservation and either plan on going early or going late. Mid day is kind of a zoo!
4. Spend 4 Hours in Beach Bliss at Paradise Cove
Paradise Cove in Malibu is kind of a parent's dream beach scenario combining food + drink + tide pools + day beds + beachfront parking. Bonus: There is also a life guard stationed at the beach during day.
Why Kids Love it: Our kids love hanging out at the beach chasing waves and walking over to the tide pools to check out the local sea life. (All kids meals also come with ice cream which doesn't hurt)
Why Grown Ups love it: We love the chilled seafood tower and fruity frozen drinks at the beach cafe. And when you eat at the restaurant parking is majorly discounted for 4 hours.
Pro tip: The crowds clear out by 4ish. We usually plan on arriving around that time and making a dinner reservation for 6:00.
5. Go Play at the Neon Retro Arcade in Northridge
This hidden gem was the site of our last photo shoot and we all had a blast! So much so that after the shoot we came back to play some more! They have classic arcade games including pinball and pacman and some sweet interactive racing games for the littles. They also have TV's in the back where you can challenge the kids toclassic Nintendo games like Mario Kart
8943 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, CA 91324
Why Kids Love It: All you can play arcade games
Why Grown Ups Love it: It is packed with nostalgic games (that we used to be really good at) and there is an hourly fee with unlimited gaming included!
Pro tip: Call ahead to find out what the summer specials are. When we were there it was 2 hours for the price of 1.
6. Make the trek Down to Korea Town for a 100% Plant Based Meal at Monty's Good Burger
If burgers, fries, and a shake are your idea of a perfect summer meal then Monty's should definitely be on your summer bucket list. Their instagram page is drool worthy and we can't even believe it's all plant based!
516 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Why Kids Love it: Fries, a wicked grilled cheese, tater tots, and shakes!
Why Grown Ups Love It: The menu is 100% plant based and made from locally sourced ingredients that promote sustainable eating.
Pro tip: Skip the long car ride and take the METRO Purple Line to make it a real adventure
7. Pretend its the Fourth of July Every Friday at Friday Night Fireworks at Dodger Stadium
Baseball is the epitome of a Summer sport so why not make it a real party-- fireworks included!
Why Kids Love it: Baseball + Dodger Dogs + Ice Cream
Why Grown Ups Love it: See above LOL
Pro tip: You can go on to the field for the fireworks show so bring a picnic blanket and go as close to the infield as you can for best viewing.
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Which of these places have you been to? Which will you try? Don't forget to let us know in the comments or on Instagram( @theicecreamcastles ) We would also love to hear where your fave Summer events are happening-- your suggestion might just make it into Volume 2!
Happy Summer!!!
XOXO