Catalina Island offers a quick getaway that will make you second guess if you left California and somehow found yourself on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Easily done in a day trip or longer if your family prefers, Catalina Island is reachable by an hour-long boat ride (or slightly longer, depending on the port you depart) from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. 

There are endless activities for kids on Catalina Island, from glass-bottom boat tours to bison expeditions and just playing in the sand at the beach. Plenty of entertainment and activities will keep little ones and grown-ups happy for a day or a weekend trip on Catalina Island. 

When departing from Long Beach, check out these things to do in Long Beach with kids. If islands are your thing, drive up the coast to explore Channel Islands National Park with the family, and plan your next adventure with our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for Los Angeles Families. 

Extreme sports in Los Angeles might be the thrilling solution for kids that are getting older and aren't necessarily as entertained by the prospect of an afternoon at the playground or a Chuck E. Cheese birthday. 

It might be time to graduate to more action-packed activities that are a little more grown up! There are plenty of activities in Southern California that fall under the umbrella of extreme sports but are still kid-friendly. From go-karting to axe throwing, read below for the best extreme sports for kids in SoCal.

Thrill-seeking kids can jump into these trampoline parks in Los Angeles or soar to new heights at Los Angeles's best skateparks. Discover more electrifying activities in our Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones for LA and OC Kids Guide. 

Glamping near Los Angeles offers all the benefits of camping outdoors without giving up those comfortable amenities.

From the fresh air to the clear starry skies, for many Angelenos, spending time in the great outdoors is a welcome reprieve from the congestion, pollution, and hustle-bustle of the city. But for other families, packing up the car, setting up the campsite in the dirt and dust, and maybe even purchasing all of the supplies you need is so much of a hassle that it offsets the joy of the experience. Whether the former or latter describes your family, glamping is the perfect halfway point between roughing it and booking a hotel room. 

The beautiful thing about Southern California is its array of glamping options. The city is bounded by towering mountains, providing an abundance of pine-laden wilderness retreats—drive a little further, and you're in one of the most unique desert landscapes in the world. And, of course, we're famous for our beaches. No matter your preference, there are dozens of opportunities for glamping near Los Angeles. Here are some of our favorites. 

If you're feeling more adventurous and want to transition from glamping to camping, try these SoCal campgrounds with extra entertainment for Kids, or test out tent camping with kids. Explore more outdoor recreational fun in our Hiking and Camping Guide for Los Angeles Families.