Southern California Weekend With Kids

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Beaches, Hollywood, theme parks, and great food. Southern California is a tourist magnet. If you're bringing the whole brood, here are some great ideas to keep your kids involved.

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Disneyland Hotel
Really good hotels by Disneyland start at around $200. Since the Disney properties start at just a few dollars more, why not stay there? Great rooms with that renowned Disney service. Large courtyard with pools, shops, and restaurants all with that Disney touch. You'll also find it handy to zip straight to Tomorrowland on the resor... More >
Really good hotels by Disneyland start at around $200. Since the Disney properties start at just a few dollars more, why not stay there? Great rooms with that renowned Disney service. Large courtyard with pools, shops, and restaurants all with that Disney touch. You'll also find it handy to zip straight to Tomorrowland on the resort's monorail. Lowest price is the Paradise Pier hotel but if you want to splurge, the Grand Californian Hotel with it's own gate to Disney's California Adventure would be the way to go.
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Knott's Berry Farm
A superb alternative to Disneyland is just a few miles to the south. Older than Disney, with more exciting rides, better food, smaller crowds, and lower prices. I've been to both hundreds of times and would much rather spend the day here. More down home and relaxed than Disney. Ghostrider is the best wooden coaster I've ever had the... More >
A superb alternative to Disneyland is just a few miles to the south. Older than Disney, with more exciting rides, better food, smaller crowds, and lower prices. I've been to both hundreds of times and would much rather spend the day here. More down home and relaxed than Disney. Ghostrider is the best wooden coaster I've ever had the pleasure to ride. Tickets are $54.99 for adults/$23.99 for kids and discounts are easy to find.
Knott served her delicious fried chicken to help make ends meet on the family's berry farm during the depression.
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Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant
Hands down, the best amusement park food I've ever had. Before the park, there was this restaurant where Mrs. Knott served her delicious fried chicken to help make ends meet on the family's berry farm during the depression. The big crowds that showed up inspired her husband to create the world's first theme park next door to give the... More >
Hands down, the best amusement park food I've ever had. Before the park, there was this restaurant where Mrs. Knott served her delicious fried chicken to help make ends meet on the family's berry farm during the depression. The big crowds that showed up inspired her husband to create the world's first theme park next door to give them something to do while they waited for a table. The chicken, biscuits, and boysenberry pie are still very delicious. My favorite is the chicken 'n dumplings dinner. Around $10 - $20 per person.
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Knotts Berry Farm Resort Hotel
If you decide to center your trip around Knott's, instead of Disney, this is a great hotel right on the property and at about 1/3 the price of Disneyland hotels, it would be worth it to stay here if you're trying to stay on budget, even if you are going to nearby Disneyland. Rates start at around $70 and can be combined with park tic... More >
If you decide to center your trip around Knott's, instead of Disney, this is a great hotel right on the property and at about 1/3 the price of Disneyland hotels, it would be worth it to stay here if you're trying to stay on budget, even if you are going to nearby Disneyland. Rates start at around $70 and can be combined with park tickets.
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Universal Studios Hollywood
Real Hollywood...as in Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards...can be a bit much for a typical family. Grungy and harsh, it's not what most people think of. Instead, take the kids just over the hill to Universal Studios where they can take the entertaining and informative backlot tram tour. Many show and exhibits make learning how movies ... More >
Real Hollywood...as in Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards...can be a bit much for a typical family. Grungy and harsh, it's not what most people think of. Instead, take the kids just over the hill to Universal Studios where they can take the entertaining and informative backlot tram tour. Many show and exhibits make learning how movies are made fun. A few great rides are also to the kids liking and, yes, this is an actual working movie studio. Tickets start at around $50, discounts are easy to find...especially in seasons other than summer.
I've been to both hundreds of times and would much rather spend the day here.
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Catalina Island
Finish off the trip where the kids can still be kids, and the parent can decompress. Take the two hour ride on the ferry to this magical island off of the coast. The more adventurous can snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Others can look through glass bottom boats or take night-time cruises to find flying fish. Many beaches invite the rest to just take it easy with a nice, cool libation. Ferries run bout $65 round tr... More
Finish off the trip where the kids can still be kids, and the parent can decompress. Take the two hour ride on the ferry to this magical island off of the coast. The more adventurous can snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Others can look through glass bottom boats or take night-time cruises to find flying fish. Many beaches invite the rest to just take it easy with a nice, cool libation. Ferries run bout $65 round trip for adults, and in the fifty dollar range for kids.
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About the Author

Darryl Musick
Darryl Musick
I produce a travel blog with my son, Tim, who uses a wheelchair. You can see our adventures at http://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com and you can send us a message at dmusick61-at-gmail.com
Websitefacebook.com/darryl.musick
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