You’ve been to the beach, the farmer’s market, the park and your local library. Here are some other destinations to help alleviate midsummer kid boredom, without dropping a bundle.
1. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: Marine exhibits, touch tanks and special events. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $1 for kids and seniors. http://www.cabrilloaq.org
2. South Coast Botanical Garden: 87 acres of land with a collection of plants from all over the world, classes, tours, walks, and special shows. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students & seniors, $2.50 for children under 5. http://www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org
3. Charles H. Wilson Park: Free Little Train Rides on the first Sunday of the month. The park also has a treehouse. http://www.visittorrance.com/parks.htm
4. Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center: Learn about the animal and plant species that benefit from the marsh at the Nature Center, then explore the marsh itself and see them in their natural habitat. http://www.friendsofthemadronamarsh.com
5. Pointe Vicente Interpretive Center: The 10,000 square foot center features exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with an emphasis on the Pacific Gray Whale. No admission fee. http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/recreationparks
6. Roundhouse Lab & Aquarium: Native and non-native marine life, including sharks, moray eels, lobsters and octopus, on display in tanks. Free Admission. http://www.roundhouseaquarium.org
7. L.A. Maritime Museum: Exhibits include vessels, models, paintings and memorabilia of maritime life. Hands-on exhibits include knot board and amateur radio room. $3 general admission, seniors and youths 7-18 $1, children 6 and under free. http://www.lamaritimemuseum.org
8. Western Museum of Flight: Focuses on the history of the aerospace industry in Southern California, with planes from all eras on display. Admission $5, students $3. http://www.wmof.com
9. Bannning Residence Museum: Built in 1864, the restored, 23-room Greek revival mansion is the former home of Phineas Banning, who founded Wilmington. Admission is $5, $1 for children under 12. http://www.banningmuseum.org
10. Sea Aire Golf Course: Sea Aire is a very short nine-hole, par 27, pitch and putt golf course nestled in the Seaside Ranchos Neighborhood of South Torrance. http://www.ci.torrance.ca.us/Parks/10153.htm
Courtesy of the Daily Breeze Saturday, Jully 26, 2008
