The Guide to Venice Beach for Families

Paige Mycoskie started Aviator Nation in her family’s Venice Beach garage. So if the line of colorful hoodies, t-shirts, and sweats feels very Venice, there’s a good reason. There are now seven Aviator Nation stores throughout California, including the flagship on Abbot Kinney. Sizes start at 3-6 months and go up to adult XXL. And while prices aren’t cheap—a baby five-stripe hoodie is $87—these designs are attention getters. Or as the labels read, in true Venice vernacular: “This garment is rad.”

Kids and the young at heart can't resist a treat from gourmet donut purveyor Blue Star Donuts. Sweet tooths queue up for flavors like the Blueberry Bourbon Basil, Mexican Hot Chocolate, or Real Maple Bacon with 100% pure maple syrup topped with freshly cooked bacon bits. The PB&J is a sophisticated take on the childhood favorite, or go traditional with a Buttermilk Old-Fashioned.

The delightful Burro Kids collection has everything from starfish shaped crayons to a shark fin baby jumpsuit, solar system puzzle, camping play set, and even a mini red piano. Even if you don’t have any kids, you're sure to find something that a niece or neighbor will enjoy at this meticulously arranged boutique. The baby section is in the back, where you’ll find the softest plush animals. Simple gift wrap—tissue and gift bag—is free.

Every Monday and Thursday at 10:30 am, The Cow’s End Café near the Venice Pier—look for the black and red building with the cow behind jutting out on top—hosts a free, half-hour sing-a-long upstairs for kids (3 months to 3 years old). Parents can sip a latte and enjoy an acai bowl or egg sandwich, while their kiddo is entertained by a local musician. No outside food or coffee, baby food is okay.

Before you hit the beach, stop by Huzzah! Toys to pick up a colorful, quick to assemble mermaid or pirate kite, or maybe a gigantic racket set, perfect for sand play. The colorful shop specializes in old timey and novelty toys like rubber chickens, whoopee cushions, and pick-up sticks. But they also have the popular new kids from the likes of Calico Critters, Stomp Rocket, and Melissa & Doug. Superb collection of prank items too like hand buzzers and fake boogers for mischief makers of all ages.

Judging by the fervor that locals showed when Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams opened on Rose Avenue, you’d think they’d been waiting for years for the sunny Midwest import to arrive. It certainly has become the neighborhood hang. And for good reason: the brambleberry crisp is rich vanilla ribboned with violet jam and loaded with nubbins of streusel. Kids might prefer the sweet cream or salty caramel. Jeni's also offers custom sundaes and ice cream sandwiches.

Perry’s has three locations on the Boardwalk that rent everything the entire family needs to hit The Strand in style (and safely). In addition to standard bikes in all sizes, they carry tandem bikes and full size bikes with kid size tagalong bikes attached or trailers. They also have bikes with baby seats, low rider choppers that older kids love, and helmets for the entire family. Have something less aerobic in mind? They’ll hook you up with beach chairs, umbrellas, mats and catering for that family reunion you've been planning.

Among the smoke shops, t-shirt vendors and tattoo studios on the Venice Boardwalk, you would not expect a superb indie bookstore. But Small World Books, which is tucked behind The Sidewalk Café, is exactly that. It has an excellent poetry section. Although the kids section is smallish, there are lots of treasures, like a sweet “One To Ten L.A.” counting board book featuring popular So Cal sights, along with classics from the likes of Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl. There is also a young adult section. Gift wrapping is gratis.

Named for a street just to the north, Superba Food + Bread is a hip, grown-up restaurant with a distinctly SoCal vibe. But it is one that's super welcoming to kids of all sizes. They have high chairs and the servers don’t blink when you ask if you can get the terrific skinny French fries (usually dusted with chili flakes and parsley) plain for your picky eater. The menu is wide-ranging - there’s pasta, rotisserie chicken, the requisite burger, and for dessert, tempting pastries and oversized cookies. Superba also serves breakfast and nearly all-day weekend brunch (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Walk towards the Pacific when you leave Small World Books and you will arrive at Venice Beach Skate Park. (Pay special attention when crossing the bike path, which can be reminiscent of the 405, especially on weekend afternoons.) Find a spot along the rail that encloses the park. From there, you can watch some stellar skaters who may have you holding your breath as they soar skyward or practice some crazy, screeching stop. If roller disco is more your thing, you might be treated to a display on the makeshift stage nearby.

The Venice Canal Historic District is home to some of the richest real estate in all of Los Angeles. It is also storybook picturesque, with its series of canals and arced bridges modeled after Venice, Italy. The homes are a happy mish mash of vintage bungalows and streamlined contemporaries of glass and steel. Some owners have small rowboats tethered in the water in front of their properties. It’s a lovely place to stroll. And if your party includes small children, you can stop for a bit at tiny Linnie Canal Park, popular with the residents.

Now in its 35th year, the Abbot Kinney Festival is taking place on Sunday, September 29. Always a good time, the mile-long festival features hundreds of artisans (who all go through a juried process), live music, and good eats. There are three beer gardens for the 21 and over crowd as well as a sizable Kids Quad where the school age set can ride ponies or a Ferris wheel but also make their own tutu or tie dye, or paint a rock. While the festival is free, rides and activities are ticketed. But the Abbot Kinney Festival Association is actually a non-profit that supports many worthy causes. So if your toddler wants to paint an entire rock family, let them; you’ll be supporting local organizations doing good work.