Nikki is one of my oldest friends, and she’s holding down the fort in our hometown. You may have heard of it: Los Angeles, California.
Nikki’s favorite places to go with a baby in Los Angeles
Now that baby Lennox is 7 months old, Nik is an expert on where to go with a baby in L.A. Today she shares her suggested itinerary for new moms in L.A.:
Mommy and Baby Movies
Bring your baby to Pacific Theatres at The Grove and spend time in a theatre filled with other parents and their kids. Don’t fret if your babe is crying because other little ones are doing the same. Amazingly, you can concentrate on the movie! ($9.50 The Grove 11:00 am)
Not as fancy as The Grove, but you have a much better chance of seeing an art film here at the Los Feliz 3 on Vermont. Afterwards you can check out La La Ling down the street and check out some high-end baby clothes and classes. ($4.00 at 10:30 am)
Douglas Park
This is a great park in Santa Monica at 2501 Wilshire Blvd. Lots of moms and nannies with their little ones. Swing on the baby swings, sit in the sand or watch the ducks swimming in the pond. In the summer, there is a water feature to run through! Afterwards stroll west on Wilshire and visit the Pump Station. Shop a bit and get a schedule of breastfeeding support classes. Cross the street and keep going west and you’ll end up at The Right Start for some more shopping. (Free!)
Goldenbridge Yoga
Join other moms and babies in a yoga class led by Gurmukh. First, do some yoga for you while your baby lies down and hangs out, and then incorporate your baby in your practice. End class with some dancing followed by a short discussion group. ($15 at 10:30 am at 6322 De Longpre)
Shane’s Inspiration, Griffith Park
A playground designed for disabled children, Shane’s Inspiration is very baby- and toddler-friendly. On the way stop and look at the ponies or take a ride on the carousel. Lots of free parking. (4800 Crystal Springs Dr.)
Shane’s Inspiration playground is epic and baby-friendly
Best destination for the true newbie: The Pump Station
Check out The Pump Station in Santa Monica or Hollywood as an amazing resource. Bring your baby to a breastfeeding support group and learn a ton as you meet other new moms.
thanks for the tips gals! Especially for those of us who will be spending way more than a week there. (Wek!) Meanwhile I recently had the pleasure of meeting the two women behind the Pump Station and they’re awesome- I second the reco.
Sweet. Hey, what about when you’ve got a toddler? I live in SoCal but any tips and ideas can be so helpful as to where to go for some cool outings in LA.
Another great baby (and toddler) friendly park is behind the Federal building, off of Wilshire, between Sepulveda and Veteran. It is similar to Shane’s Inspiration, but more West-side friendly!
I was just wondering if you had more info about the swim class. I tried emailing them, but they have not responded. Thanks!! 🙂
Thank you for the Mommy Movie listings!!! Great
I also tried to email the contact listed for the swim class but have gotten no response. Can you please provide the name of the facility and a phone number or website?
Thanks!
Hi – I just emailed the swim contact and then noticed your post. Were you able to get the information? This class sounds fun! Thanks, Susana
hi there, thanks for the swim info. i emailed them though and have not heard back. is there any other contact info you could share? would love to take my daughter there! thank u!
I know this sounds silly, but this article was one of several that I referred back to often when my second child was born and I was “bored out of my gourde!” Then…I got just a wee bit obsessed, lol, and the whole thing snowballed into my current project, Mommy Adventure Club.
Thanks so much for the initial nugget of inspiration…and I LOVE your book!
Wishing you all the best, Carrie
Thanks Carrie! That sounds very cool to us. We’re happy to hear we inspired you… too bad we don’t live in LA or we could take you up on your adventures.
I didn’t have any luck with the swim class either. Does anyone have an update on that? ~Rose Cole