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Best Father-Son Activities In Los Angeles

K1 Speed header
(credit: K1 Speed)

Don't pass an opportunity to spend your day off bonding with your son. He's growing up and you're not getting any younger. Head out, just the two of you, for a little one-on-one time, whether it's going head-to-head on a go-kart or exploring nature together. Step away from your man cave and start planning your next father/son activity with the best options in Los Angeles.

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Photo Credit: Yvonne Marrow

Leo Carillo State Park
35000 W. Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
(800) 444-7275
Price: free
www.parks.ca.gov

Enjoy the serenity of the outdoors in beautiful Malibu. Bond while you build a fire, camp and wake up to enjoy surfing, swimming, hiking, tide pool observing or relaxing on the beach. This campground, located in the Santa Monica mountains, features 135 campsites, each with a fire ring and table. Don't stray too far into the wild here, take advantage of actual restrooms and token operated showers — tokens are available for purchase with $1 bills — and stay for a while. Make reservations online through Reserve America.

Related: Best Beach Camping in Los Angeles

city of downey
(credit: City of Downey)

Rio Hondo Golf Course
10627 Old River School Rd.
Downey, CA 90241
(562) 927-2329
Price: free
www.downeyca.org

Spending a day on the course is the perfect setting for any father and son bonding day. Rio Hondo is a public golf course that features a lighted practice range, locker rooms, a restaurant and four sets of tees well-suited for various levels. This a narrow course provides a challenging game for any player. If you are a Downey resident, a discount provides an added bonus.

Related: Best Public Golf Courses in Los Angeles

K1 Speed
(credit: K1 Speed)

K1 Speed
1000 N. Edwards Ct.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 632-6999
www.k1speed.com

Hit the track with your little man at K1 Speed indoor go kart racetrack. Its arrive and drive sessions last roughly 10 minutes, and can include up to 12 drivers. The minimum height requirement for adult karts is 4 feet 10 inches, and junior racers must be four feet tall. Karts are capable of speeds up to 40 mph, and after each race, drivers can compare times and rankings to put a competitive edge on the fun.

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Photo Credit: Yvonne Marrow)

Irvine Lake
4621 Santiago Canyon Rd.
Silverado, CA 92676
(714) 649-9111
www.irvinelake.net

Relax and have a stress-free day on the lake at Irvine Lake in Silverado. Rent a pontoon or motor boat, or cast your rod from the lake's edge. This lake proudly boasts more stocked fish than any other single lake. No need to settle for just fishing here, enjoy a concert, chili cook off, or compete in a fishing tournament. Check its events calendar for more information.

Flight Deck
Photo Credit: flightdeck1.com

Flightdeck Air Combat Center
1650 S. Sinclair St.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 937-1511
Price: from $59
www.flightdeck1.com/

Enjoy the day with the rush of adrenaline as you engage in some air combat and aerial maneuvers at Flightdeck Air Combat Center of Anaheim. It offers nine fighter-jet simulators and a Boeing 737-700 flight simulator. Air combat missions include a 45-minute flight. The 737 flight simulator offers three packages ranging from 30 minutes at $89 up to 90 minutes at $199. Reservations are required, and there is a minimum age of 11, with a minimum height of 4 feet, 11 inches.

Yvonne Marrow is a married mom and Southern California native. She is a writer, educator and small business owner. Her passion is to search out money saving ideas, deals and strategies that will help you get in touch with your frugal side. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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