Ever wanted to hit the road, set sail off into a totally different change of scenery just for a couple of days? Then reality hits, and you realize your kids are in-tow, and you have monthly expenses that never cease – what are the chances of that happening? Well, take a look at this quick list of top things to do on a budget with kids in Inglewood, California, and that daydream may just become the REAL reality! Buckle up, here we go… Well, you’ve gone and found yourself in Inglewood have you? If you are like me, you’ve never been before, and all you know about Inglewood is what Dr. Dre & his ‘homies’ told us: “Inglewood ain’t nothing to mess with…” – right? So, what to do when you’re in the hood of Inglewood, especially when you’ve got your kids with you? Are there any family-friendly attractions? Don’t even bother asking Siri, because we’ve gone and done all the homework for you (Siri, you can thank us later…). Just make sure to check out the best hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals first for your accommodations needs, then read on to find out the best things to do in Inglewood, California.
1. Have a picnic at Darby Park
Inglewood is a city that is home to many beautiful parks. No wonder it is a favorite hideaway destination for families, couples, and even solo wanderers who want a relaxing holiday. Nestled in West Arbor Vitae Street, Darby Park offers an abundance of outdoor opportunities to its visitors. It has picnic shelters and restrooms, ideal for families who plan to have a bonding time in the park. Also, it features a playground where kids can swing and slide all they want. Plus, it has sports fields and a skate park for teens and adults who are into physical sports.
Darby Park
Address: 3400 W Arbor Vitae St, Inglewood, CA 90305, United States
Website: Darby Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
2. Test your skating skills at Eucalyptus Skate Park
Do you feel like you have visited all the interesting places in Inglewood for the holidays? Are you thinking of going out of the city to try other things? Why not visit Hawthorne? It is a short drive away from Inglewood and houses Eucalyptus Skate Park. It is a vast skate park with diverse platforms, ideal for skaters of all skill levels. Eucalyptus Skate Park features ramps, slides, handrails, snake runs, and a lot of other challenges for professional and budding skaters. If you don’t have your equipment, there’s a nearby skate shop in the area that can assist you with your needs.
Eucalyptus Skate Park
Address: 12022 S Inglewood Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States
Nearby things to do
3. Check out the historic Centinela Adobe
If you are the type of tourist who is into museum hopping and checking out remarkable architectures, be sure to include Centinela Adobe in your vacation itinerary. Established in 1834, Centinela Adobe is a Spanish colonial home formally called La Casa de la Centinela. Managed and operated by the Historical Society of Centinela Valley, this historic landmark is one of the few mudbrick homes in Los Angeles County that stood the test of time. People who want to explore this vintage home can avail themselves of the weekly tours. Inside, you will find artifacts and historical home fixtures.
Centinela Adobe
Address: 7634 Midfield Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045, United States
Website: Centinela Adobe
Opening hours: Sun: 2pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Sat)
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4. Take photos of Public Art "LAX Gateway Pylons"
Do you like snapping Instagram-worthy landmarks? If so, be sure to swing by Public Art “LAX Gateway Pylons”. Nestled in a beautiful area in World Way with lush plants and blooms, this park is open for everyone. Like the Hollywood sign, Public Art “LAX Gateway Pylons” is a favorite photography subject of many millennials and tourists. Lettered sculptures were built with pylon and translucent glass and lit with monochromatic LED.
Public Art "LAX Gateway Pylons"
Address: World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045, United States
Website: Public Art “LAX Gateway Pylons”
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Bond with your loved ones at Dockweiler Beach
Dockweiler Beach, with its 3.75 mi (6 km) stretch of shoreline, is one of the heavily trafficked beaches in California. It is a bustling public beach that is a perfect summer destination for beach lovers. It attracts all types of people—families, friends, couples, and solo adventurers. On the shore, there are volleyball nets that can be used by interested visitors. There are picnic tables and restrooms in the area. Plus, fire rings are scattered on Dockweiler Beach, perfect for some smores or barbecue nights.
Dockweiler Beach
Address: 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293, United States
Website: Dockweiler Beach
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
6. Immerse yourself in the world of science at California Science Center Attraction
Get your intergalactic mode on as you take some time out to immerse yourself in the world of science and wonder at the California Science Center. Admission is free, and you’ll have the chance to interact with Big Lab programs, see the various permanent and special exhibit attractions, and there’s a chance to enjoy IMAX educational movies too.
California Science Center Attraction
Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Website: California Science Center
7. Breathe in the fresh air at Exposition Park
For the sake of full disclosure, Exposition Park is also home to the Science Center mentioned above. However, this park is so epic, we had to give it its own mention too. Why not check out the main attraction, Rose Garden, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings? Admission here is also free.
Exposition Park Attraction
Address: 701 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Website: Exposition Park
8. Let your kids play at Glen Alla Park
Calling all parents of toddlers! Yes, this one is just for you. Check out Glen Alla Park, a perfect location for kids and parents alike. The children are in playful spirits, spending all their energy running around, and the parents in sheer bliss, as they know their little darlings will soon be tuckered out and ready to nap. It’s great to be able to sit back in the park while watching your little ones run about with laughter and glee. Also, admission is free for this top pick of ours.
Glen Alla Park
Address: 4601 Alla Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90292
Website: Glen Alla Park
9. Go for a picnic with family at Edward Vincent Park
Our top pick, number 4, goes to the Edward Vincent Park; a perfect picnic spot, or to simply lay about with a tantalizing book, while the kids play a game of catch. Admission here is also FREE!
Edward Vincent Park
Address: 700 Warren Lane, Inglewood, CA 90301
Website: Edward Vincent Park
10. Engage in group sports at Inglewood Soccer Academy
Join in on the immensely fun and fantastic football, or rather, soccer good times. For a great way to train your kids up in the way of soccer, Inglewood’s Soccer Academy is the perfect training ground. Sign up at the Inglewood Soccer Academy, and your kids will quickly be trained in the way of the ‘Soccer-samurai’. Soccer training takes place with experienced coaches leading the training courses. The basics of soccer are taught to the participating youth, from dribbling the ball, to passing and receiving the ball, to scoring goals; before you know it, your budding soccer-star will be blazing a trail of goals right before your eyes. Make sure your kids get in on this opportunity to kick a ball around with the industry greats and watch as they become all-around athletes and great soccer players.
Inglewood Soccer Academy
Address: 700 Warren Ln, Inglewood, CA 90302
11. Expect a wide selection of cocktails at DJ's Supper Club
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Break the rules just for one night and get yourselves a babysitter – to mind the kids – and let your hair loose for a few nightly hours when you stop by DJ’s Supper Club. Here you will need to leave the kids at home, as it’s an adult-fare galore at this top-pick venue situated in Inglewood, Cali. Get ready for top quality in food, drink, and entertainment as this vibey, jazz-blues club brings to your doorstep a great atmosphere made all the more memorable by the live music aspects. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself tip-tapping your feet to the local artists taking to stage on regular occurrences. Prepare for your senses to be caressed in all their fullness. From the auditory sense, being taken care of by the live music, head-bopping to acts of jazz, blues, and R'nB – and the like, to the sense of taste being tantalised by the diverse cuisine on offer from the Dj’s Supper Club’s kitchen, to the tactile, and visual senses – all of which remain pleasantly allured by each facet in this homey, quaint, and downright Inglewood-bred midnight marauding joint. Expect a wide selection of cocktails too.
DJ's Supper Club
Address: 675 S La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301
Website: DJ’s Supper Club
12. Watch a concert at The Forum
If you are looking to add some time spent at an indoor arena to your Inglewood to-do list, be it to enjoy a spectacular live concert of the likes of Chris Brown, Maroon 5, or Trey Songz, to name just a few, or just to step foot in the arena for some other type entertainment event, then The Forum in Inglewood, California should definitely make the cut! Place it on your ‘next stop in Inglewood’ list. Being a fully functional and operational multi-purpose indoor arena, known to be home to many a live concert, The Forum is no stranger to catering for the hordes of fans popular artists have in-tow. With a capacity of 17,500 people, there is no bigger way to set your night to dancing, than to go The Forum route. Check in on any of The Forum’s social media avenues, be it Facebook, Twitter, or Yahoo, for a list of events to take place, this way you can plan your Inglewood visit so that it coincides with great live entertainment act of your liking.
The Forum
Address: 3900 W Manchester Blvd 90305 Inglewood
13. Treat your family to a fun day out at Hawthorne Aquatic Center
Have a whale of a time when you stop by Inglewood’s aquatic haven that goes by the name of Hawthorne Aquatic Center. Here family fun times, on a budget, are indeed an expected occurrence. Not only can you laze the summer days away poolside, donning your favourite itsy-bitsy bikini (or board-shorts, whatever your fancy), but you can also watch wistfully as your kids expunge all their excessive energy. Lap after lap, dive after dive, submersion after submersion – you’ll surely be wiling the day away, Hawthorne Pool style, knowing when the time comes to bid adieu to Hawthorne Pool, your whole family will be satisfied from a day well spent. Pack you bag lightly though, taking only what’s needed: your towel, bathing suit, swimming cap, sunscreen (SPF higher than 15), and a light lunch – this way you’ll have no need to go anywhere for hours. Simply lean on back, and watch the hours slip by. A blissful afternoon of fun in the sun ensues.
Hawthorne Aquatic Center
Address: 12501 Inglewood Ave. (North of El Segundo Blvd.)
Website: Hawthorne Aquatic Center
14. Improve your skating skills at Larry Guidi Skatepark
Now, here’s one pretty much exclusive for the kiddos: the Larry Guidi Skatepark, situated in Hawthorne, Inglewood. This skatepark is a great space for youngsters to get stuck into the business of ‘kick-pushing’ with rambunctiousness into an activity that promotes great motor skills and co-ordination. Let’s give skating a round of applause for being a great tool that enables parents the world over to get more athletics into our kids – and in a fun-filled way. Great attention was made to creating this space at Larry Guidi Skatepark, one specifically designed with the skater in mind. Along with ample space to push around in, Larry Guidi Skatepark also boasts great ledges and railways to encourage skaters to up their grinding skills, their ollie skills, and basically up their skating skills and techniques in general. Well done to the City of Hawthorne for catering to this popular youth culture, as it’s great to know there is a place designated for our inner city youth too.
Larry Guidi Skatepark
Address: 12100 Inglewood Ave Hawthorne, CA 90250 United States
Website: Larry Guidi Skatepark
15. Fill your tummy with homemade classic donuts at Randy's Donuts
Now, our final and top 10 pick is not exactly a FREE activity, but we would be remiss if we left out a mention of the famous donut take-away spot: Randy’s Donuts. Being an L.A landmark since it’s opening in 1953, Randy’s (with the hard-to-miss giant donut) has even reached stardom, having been featured in top-grossing films, including Iron Man 2 and Mars Attacks! Go ahead and stop by, the donuts are worthwhile too.
Randy's Donuts
Address: 805 West Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301
Website: Randy’s Donuts
You can thank us later
Be sure to stop by these locations to have a great time. With plenty of eateries, cafes, and attractions, Inglewood has so much to offer. Building memories with your family, and without having to spend so much as a dime. Have fun!