The best indoor activities for kids in LA

To keep the kids from taking all that energy out on your furniture, check out Sky High Sports—an enormous warehouse where children of all ages (and children at heart) can literally bounce off the walls. Because the trampolines stretch from one wall to another (and even up them), there’s absolutely no way to fall off—and there are thick pads and court supervisors on duty to help ensure maximum safety. There’s another where kids can launch into a foam pit, as well as a dodge ball trampoline court. When it’s time to take a break, there’s a nice selection of video games and a small snack bar. Birthday parties are always a hit here, as well.

Part wildlife rescue center, part educational facility, this very family-friendly enterprise practices what it preaches in terms of environmental awareness—it was even built from recycled materials. Staff provide care for unwanted exotic animals, many of which have either been donated by the public or confiscated by governmental agencies. Families are welcome to pet an alligator or stroke a snake as they learn about endangered species, environmental concerns and how kids can make a change. A number of other exhibits add further context; call or check online for details of special events.

Specializing in music and art for babies, toddlers and preschoolers up to age 5, this Mid-Wilshire space offers a whole host of crafty classes for parents to participate in with their progeny. The “Messy Mixed Media” courses involve a variety of creative activities, including papier-mâché; sculpting with recycled wood, cardboard and clay; collage-making and more. On Thursdays, “Stories and Art” begins with a book as the inspiration for the painting that follows. Little ones can also drop in for “Messy Art” and paint up a storm at their own pace. When they’re not creating, kids can hang out in the community area where there are plenty of toys and books to keep them entertained. 

Taking your kids to a restaurant might not seem like the best indoor activity, but here it is. The unique creation of owner Jessica Biel, Au Fudge is an exclusive kid-friendly restaurant that serves organic dishes in an upscale setting. Designed to put more fun back in taking kids out, the restaurant's menu features a mix of healthy and indulgent fare. Treat your kid to colorful Au Fudge choices like rainbow cheese cake, brightly colored spaghetti and rainbow bread, while enjoying a delicious salad. In addition to food, there's a creative space where various workshops take place for children. Au Fudge also features a good selection of wines and cocktails for parents.

Do your little ones enjoy soccer? Are they LA Galaxy fans? Head on down to the LA Galaxy Soccer Center for indoor soccer pick-up games, leagues and classes. Work up an appetite? There's the LA Galaxy Cafe on site to fill those needs as well. And if your little one just insists on having a soccer-themed birthday bash, the center can take care of that as well. Check the website for a full schedule of pick-up games, leagues and more.

Whether you're coming for a bite to eat from the Snooknuk cafe or to let your kids run and play in the playground, this indoor facility that has it all. With beautiful fairytale-like murals on all the walls, kids can get lost in their imaginations here. To help tap into that creativity, Snooknuk hosts a variety of classes and workshops, including Messy Arts and Crafts, Storytime Adventures, Obstacle Course and Tumble Time and even ballet classes.

Located at Skirball Cultural Center, Noah's Ark is a kid-oriented exhibit that explores cultural differences through a retelling of the old animals-two-by-two tale. Folk art-esque animals hang from the ceilings and peer out from a mock-ark and hands-on interaction is encouraged as part of the most enjoyable family-friendly exhibit in the LA region. Unlike some other museums that are strictly hands off, here kids can play, climb and learn all at the same time.

For tykes who prefer science and technology to ceramics and teddy bears—and who are at least 7 years old—this place takes building your own toy to a whole new level. Specializing in after-school and weekend workshops, as well as birthday parties and holiday camps, they teach budding engineers how to construct and customize their own mechanical creations. But that’s not all! When the robots are ready, kids can take them into the game arena for a battle in the center ring—or simply take them home to play with later. Note: There’s a second location in Palos Verdes.

Have a competitive kid? Let him or her go head to head on four go-kart tracks at Speek Zone. You can keep the competition going at Speedway Golf’s two 18-hole miniature golf courses, Strike Zone’s mini bowling alley and the Electric Alley’s arcade of more than 100 video games.

This Encino space, part children's bookstore and part gallery, exhibits original artwork from children's books and hosts numerous family-friendly events (including book signings, concerts and weekly storytimes for babies and toddlers). If you're looking to foster a love of reading, here's the place to do it.