Where: Los Angeles
What: Surf, swing, suntan and personalize a pizza with the Pelosi family
Who: Originally from San Francisco, Andrew and Lydia Pelosi made the move to SoCal about a decade ago and have enjoyed beach cruising, surfing and exploring with their 2-year-old, Carter, ever since. Andrew works with the World Surf League and Lydia is in branding at Doing Good Marketing. Inspired by local artists, Lydia and Andrew recently launched their own local apparel company, Gracias California. They are big fans of the Los Angeles community, from the camaraderie and arts to the entrepreneurial spirit. Check them out on Instagram @graciascalifornia.
Andrew and Carter getting some glidage at Venice Beach
Jackson Market and Deli
Culver City, All ages
Andrew and Lydia Pelosi: Dubbed “The secret garden market”, Jackson is a hidden gem on a residential street in Culver City. It’s a friendly neighborhood market that happens to have amazing deli sandwiches and salads and a very cool secret garden with a fish pond in the back that kids love. The owners, Tony and Nick, are incredibly friendly and have also revamped The Green Store in Hermosa Beach. Pro tip: Order online in advance, it gets crowded!
Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck
Santa Monica, All ages
A & LP: “Airplane! Airplane!” There’s nothing more satisfying than hearing our little guy exclaim his enthusiasm as he waves at planes and the pilots sometimes even wave back because they are so close.
The Cow's End Cafe
Venice, All ages
A & LP: Who knew singing kids songs in the morning could be so fun? Cow’s End runs an awesome (free) sing-a-long that kids enjoy along with adults, as they sip their exotic smoothie and coffee creations. The sing-a-long happens every Monday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Venice Skate Park
Venice, Ages 1+
A & LP: Locals and tourists alike flock to the bowls by the beach to see skaters pulling epic tricks. Beware of the fact that your youngsters may want to start skating early and there is a group of 2-3 year olds already shredding, and teachers for kids that young!
Pitfire Artisan Pizza
Culver City, All ages
A & LP: A neighborhood staple. Fun for kids and adults alike. Great for kids to run around and even dance when the DJ is playing. Also good for big groups on the outside patio or big tables and you pay before you sit so everyone can order for themselves, so splitting the bill isn’t awkward.
CicLAvia
Downtown, All ages
A & LP: We wish this event happened more often! Four Sundays a year in rotating neighborhoods in LA, the city streets are closed to cars and open for bikes, skates and whatever no car form of enjoyment you choose. The event is a blast for parents and kids and showcases the cool cultures of Los Angeles from the people, food to local musicians and merchants. Cool fact: Over 1 million people have experienced CicLAvia. It's the biggest open streets event in the USA!
Venice Canals Walkway
Venice, All ages
A & LP: The canals are fun to walk in no matter who you are or how old. Our son loves finding ducks along the shore and the playground is a fun treasure tucked in the maze of bridges.
Sullivan Canyon
Pacific Palisades, All ages
A & LP: The Santa Monica Mountains are full of amazing hikes, but this one always seems to have rope swings off the trail, which is cool for kids, or makes you feel like a kid again when you do it.
APEX
Sawtelle, Ages 1+
A & LP: Super fun gym and play classes for kids in West LA. The founder, Ed, is highly passionate and involved in the classes. Huge bonus, the place is impeccably clean.
Venice Beach
Venice, All ages
A & LP: It’s sometimes easy to forget the magic that lies in your own backyard. Early mornings at the beach are always a nice way to start the day—from building sandcastles to splashing in the waves.
Jackson Market and Deli courtesy of @ritamariejohnson
Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck courtesy of the Pelosis.
The Cow's End Cafe courtesy of @thecowsendcafe
Venice Skate Park courtesy of the Pelosis
Pitfire Artisan Pizza courtesy of @pitfirepizza
CicLAvia courtesy of Andrew and Lydia Pelosi
Venice Canals Walkway courtesy of Andrew and Lydia Pelosi
Sullivan Canyon courtesy of @meg_ers1
APEX courtesy of the Pelosis
Venice Beach courtesy of Andrew and Lydia Pelosi
