Ask An Expert: Spring Break Staycation Activities For Kids In Los Angeles

Wanderlust can be cured simply by taking a new approach to getting the most from the city where we live. After all, Los Angeles offers a lot of layers to those of us who dwell here. That said, one expert has taken the time to come up with staycation ideas for kids that will make these youngsters feel as if they've left the City of Angeles, and, in some cases, planet earth. Meet Janeen Christoff.

Janeen Christoff is an award-winning travel writer, editor and blogger. This talent has been navigating the L.A. scene for more than 15 years, covering everything from adventure travel in New Zealand to family getaways in her own backyard. Her free-range parenting style has led her down the path of raising global citizens, with her two daughters, ages 6 and 7, already world travelers. She writes about their adventures on her blog, LATravelMom.com.

Beach Break

Janeen says, "The art of the staycation is making an experience in your own backyard seem like somewhere far away." She says that taking a beach break "can mean just a short 30-minute drive to Santa Monica, but it can seem miles away from home." Christoff points out that this area of town sitting on the sea boasts "an assortment of family-friendly hotels, beaches [that] are usually warm and sunny in April and the Third Street Promenade" which provides ideal shopping, dining and entertainment options all in one place. This expert says of Santa Monica, "You can't go wrong with a turn on the Ferris wheel or a roller-coaster ride on the pier," but warns parents, "Just make sure you have some cash on hand for all of the arcade games later on."

The Urban Life

Downtown is another area of town that Janeen Christoff thinks is great when focusing on making your staycation itinerary. She says that this urban section of Los Angeles is "changing, so it's not just fun for hipsters on a bar crawl. Rediscover the history and culture of the city of Angels with a stay downtown. Hit up Olvera Street to explore the city's Mexican heritage, take the kids to Grand Park to burn off some energy and grab a bite to eat at the newly renovated Grand Central Market. In the evenings, the whole family can enjoy a show at the Ahmanson or the Walt Disney Concert Hall." This expert adds that going downtown is "almost like you've traded L.A. in for the Big Apple."

Malibu In the Rough

Hiking in L.A. is a good way to spend part of your staycation if you have the staying power, says Janeen. She states, "For adventure enthusiasts, there's no need to drive far for an outdoor family experience. Malibu's 21-mile coastline is dotted with stellar campgrounds that offer access to the beach as well as to trails throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. Swing by the Malibu Creek State Park Visitor's Center for suggestions on some of the best short walks and full-day hikes. And if tent camping isn't your style, you can stay in style by renting an Airstream camper that can be delivered directly to your campsite."

Related: Best Hotel Dining in Los Angeles

Going Luxe

Getting to know the more upscale side of a place like L.A., which is known for being lavish, is a must according to this expert who notes that the city has "many stylish and award-winning hotels." She adds, "There is no reason you shouldn't take advantage by taking the family for a luxury staycation." As for where to go? Christoff says, "Why not hole up in a five-star retreat such as Palos Verdes' Terranea Resort right here in the city. Enjoy the pool, order room service and relax at the spa just as if you'd flown off to a far-flung deserted island. And then don't stress about the travel home because it's probably only 20 minutes away."

Back to Nature

"L.A. is so blessed with its variety of landscapes that you can literally ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon," points out Janeen, speaking to Angeleno "families who may not be so ambitious, this can be done over a weekend." Her directions? "Head up to Mount Wilson Observatory, which begins offering scheduled tours in April and spend a day checking out the skies through its giant telescopes, some of the world's largest. Families can enjoy hikes in the woods and for the truly adventurous, check out the bungie jump offered by Bungee America on the Bridge to Nowhere."

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