Best Outdoor Activities for Kids in Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is one of the best places in Southern California to raise a family — and a huge part of that is the sheer amount of outdoor space for kids to run, explore, and play. With 300-plus days of sunshine per year, you really have no excuse to stay indoors. Here's our locals' guide to the best outdoor activities for kids in Manhattan Beach, from the beach itself to hidden park gems and seasonal highlights.

The Beach (Obviously)

Manhattan Beach has one of the most family-friendly stretches of sand in the South Bay. The water is calmer than many neighboring beaches, and lifeguards are stationed year-round. For younger kids, stick to the beach near the Manhattan Beach Pier — the waves are gentler, and the flat sand is perfect for building castles. Older kids can try boogie boarding or take a surf lesson from one of the many local surf schools that operate right on the beach. Parking is tight on summer weekends, so arrive before 9am or use the paid lots on Valley Drive.

Polliwog Park

If you have one park to visit in Manhattan Beach, make it Polliwog Park. This 18-acre green space on Manhattan Beach Boulevard is the beating heart of local family life. There are two playgrounds (one designed for younger toddlers, one for older kids), a duck pond that kids absolutely love, basketball courts, a running path, and an amphitheater that hosts free concerts and events throughout the year.

During summer, Polliwog Park is home to the beloved Concerts in the Parkseries — free outdoor shows on Thursday evenings with live bands and food trucks. Bring a blanket, grab dinner from the trucks, and let the kids dance on the grass. It's one of the best free family traditions in the South Bay.

Manhattan Beach Pier & Roundhouse Aquarium

The iconic Manhattan Beach Pier is more than just a pretty landmark. At the end of the pier sits the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab & Aquarium, a free aquarium run by the local school district. Kids can see live sharks, rays, and local marine life up close. It's open on weekends and certain weekday afternoons — check their schedule online before going, as hours can be limited. The walk out to the pier itself is great for spotting pelicans and watching surfers below. On clear days, you can see Catalina Island.

Mira Costa Hill (Bruce's Beach Area)

The stretch of bluffs above Bruce's Beach (Manhattan Beach Blvd and The Strand) has been revitalized into a thoughtful open space with interpretive signs about the park's significant history. Below, the beach access here leads to a less-crowded section of sand that's popular with locals. The grassy area up top is great for picnics and kite flying when the ocean breeze kicks in — and in Manhattan Beach, it almost always does.

Live Oak Park

Live Oak Park on Elm Avenue is the go-to for active older kids. The park has lighted tennis courts, sand volleyball courts (this is South Bay, after all), a baseball diamond, and a basketball court. There's also a recreation center that runs youth sports leagues and seasonal programs. If your child is getting into organized sports or you just want a bigger open field to kick a ball around, Live Oak is the spot.

Surfing & Beach Volleyball Lessons

Manhattan Beach has a long beach volleyball tradition — it's the birthplace of the sport, and the courts near the pier are legendary. Several local instructors offer youth beach volleyball clinics in summer. If surfing is more their speed, schools like Spyder Surf Schooland others operate seasonally and cater to kids as young as 6. Getting your kid up on a board for the first time on a sunny Saturday is an experience they'll talk about for years.

Seasonal Highlights

Summer

Summer is peak season in Manhattan Beach. Beyond the beach and park events, the city hosts the Manhattan Beach Open AVP volleyball tournament in August — a fantastic free spectator event that gets kids inspired. The Hometown Fair at Polliwog Park happens around the Fourth of July, with rides, games, and live entertainment.

Fall & Winter

Don't overlook the off-season. Fall brings cooler temperatures and far smaller crowds, making beach walks and bike rides along The Strand genuinely pleasant. The annual Holiday Stroll in downtown Manhattan Beach (Manhattan Beach Blvd between Valley and Sepulveda) is a festive tradition with window decorations, live music, and visits from Santa. Kids love it.

Spring

Spring is arguably the best season for outdoor activities in Manhattan Beach. The wildflowers along the PV hills are blooming, school crowds haven't yet hit the beaches, and the water is warming up. The Manhattan Beach Little League season kicks off, and youth soccer leagues run games at Live Oak Park most weekends.

Tips for Outdoor Outings in Manhattan Beach

• Parking pro tip: The city's paid lots near the pier fill up by 10am on summer weekends. Park in the residential streets east of Sepulveda and walk 10-15 minutes.
• Sun protection is non-negotiable: The beach reflects UV like crazy. Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and bring a UV tent for babies and toddlers.
• The Strand bike path: Rent bikes at one of the shops near the pier and head south toward Redondo or north toward Playa del Rey. It's flat the whole way.
• Low tide = tide pool time: Check the tide charts. A minus-tide anywhere along the Manhattan Beach shoreline reveals mini marine ecosystems kids love exploring.

More South Bay Resources

Manhattan Beach is the gem, but the whole South Bay is full of incredible outdoor spaces for kids. Check out our guides to free family events across South Bay and our toddler-friendly spots guide for even more ideas. And for a broader look at weekend options, our events homepage is updated weekly with what's happening right now.