15 Summer Activities for Toddlers in Long Beach & Lakewood (2026 Parent Guide)

Looking for fun and engaging summer activities for toddlers in Long Beach and Lakewood? Summer break is the perfect time to explore local parks, enjoy outdoor adventures, and discover fun activities that help little ones stay active and entertained.

Whether you're a local parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this guide highlights some of the best things to do with kids this summer throughout the Long Beach and Lakewood area.

1. Visit a Local Indoor Play Space

Summer temperatures can quickly become uncomfortable for young children. Indoor playgrounds provide a safe, climate-controlled environment where toddlers can climb, crawl, explore, and socialize while staying cool. At Coastal Kids Playspace, we strive to provide a clean, welcoming, and calm play environment specifically designed for ages 0-6 (and most-loved and visited by ages 1-4!).

2. Spend a Morning at Heartwell Park

Heartwell Park is a popular destination for families thanks to its open green spaces, walking paths, and playground areas. Early mornings are often the most comfortable time to visit during the summer months. Looking for a small, cozy & toddler-friendly outdoor playground nearby? Check out Del Valle Park’s “firetruck” playground, or Birdcage Park in Long Beach - it backs up to the golf course and is gated in on 3 sides, preventing toddler escapes!

3. Enjoy Sand Play at the Beach

Long Beach offers family-friendly shoreline areas where toddlers can dig, build sandcastles, and explore safely with supervision. Bring buckets, shovels, and plenty of sunscreen for a fun beach day. Our top picks? Mother’s Beach for calm, toddler-accessible water or anywhere in Seal Beach for those fun ocean waves!

4. Attend Story Time at Your Local Library

Many local libraries offer free story times and children's programs during the summer. These events encourage early literacy while providing opportunities for social interaction. Some programs may require advance registration, be sure to double check on their website before heading over!

5. Create a Backyard Water Play Day

A simple sprinkler, splash pad, or water table can provide hours of entertainment. Water play helps toddlers stay cool while developing coordination and motor skills. Our family favorites? Reusable water balloons (find at Target or Amazon), large bubble wands, and even basic cups and kitchen scoops to “scoop and pour!”

6. Visit a Farmers Market

Farmers markets offer colorful sights, fresh produce, and opportunities for toddlers to learn about different fruits and vegetables. Many markets also feature live music and family-friendly activities. Lakewood has a nice, smaller farmer’s market on Saturday mornings near the Civic Center, and Long Beach has a Sunday morning market near 2nd & PCH.

7. Explore Nature Together

Take a short walk and encourage your child to look for birds, butterflies, flowers, and interesting leaves. Nature walks help develop observation skills and curiosity. My family’s recent favorites: Neighborhood or park walks with scavenger hunts we draw at home, the Hellman Ranch Trailhead in Seal Beach, and of course El Dorado Park Nature Center!

8. Plan a Playdate

Summer is a great time to connect with other families. Playdates help toddlers practice sharing, communication, and social skills while allowing parents to build community. Start the group chat for your street, connect with parents at daycare/preschool pickup, or exchange numbers with a new family at CKP during open play & set a date! :)

9. Visit El Dorado Nature Center

The trails, wildlife, and natural scenery provide a wonderful opportunity for toddlers to experience nature in a calm and engaging environment. The have choices of a ¼ mile mini hike, 1 mile or 2 mile trails - I can [pretty] easily take all 3 of my boys (ages 2, 4 & 6) on the 1 mile hike loop by myself and they can all hang!

10. Try Sensory Play Activities

Sensory bins filled with rice, water beads, sand, or scooping tools can keep toddlers entertained while supporting fine motor development and problem-solving skills. Two of our most-loved sensory play days at CKP were ‘play sand day’ as well as ‘flower soup.’ Just grab sand or kinetic sand and some scoops at the store and place them into small tubs for kiddos to scoop and mold, or fill a bin with water and some scoops/tongs and leaves, flowers, etc and let your little one make some creative designs!

11. Get Creative with Arts and Crafts

Finger painting, coloring, stickers, and simple craft projects are excellent indoor activities for hot afternoons. Creative play encourages imagination and self-expression. Our latest find: Chalk Paint Rollers at Target in the summer section! Limited colors (2 per pack), but my oldest son had a great time drawing and creating with them in the back yard.

12. Explore Local Playgrounds

Rotating between different playgrounds throughout Long Beach and Lakewood helps keep outdoor play exciting. New environments encourage exploration and physical activity. We enjoy Channel View Park playground near Kettering Elementary in Long Beach, San Martin & Del Valle Parks in Lakewood, and of course - you can’t go wrong with the cute little pier-side playground in Seal Beach!

13. Attend Family-Friendly Summer Events

Many local communities host outdoor concerts, movie nights, festivals, and special family events during the summer. Check local event calendars for upcoming activities. Lakewood will be starting their summer Thursday night concert series soon, and LBX and 2nd & PCH often have monthly kids activity days to check out!

14. Have a Picnic at a Local Park

Pack lunch, bring a blanket, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon outdoors. Picnics are a simple way to combine fresh air, movement, and family time.

15. Join an Open Play Session

Open play sessions allow toddlers to explore independently, develop confidence, and interact with other children in a safe environment. For many families, indoor play becomes a regular part of their summer routine when outdoor temperatures are high. Skip the hot slides and shade-less outdoor parks, and visit us at Coastal Kids Playspace for cool, clean, and welcoming indoor playtime!

Making the Most of Summer in Long Beach and Lakewood

Finding great toddler summer activities in Lakewood and Long Beach doesn't require extensive planning. By combining outdoor adventures, indoor play, sensory activities, and community events, parents can create meaningful experiences that support healthy development and family connection.

If you're searching for things to do with kids this summer, consider mixing active play, creative activities, and opportunities to explore your local community. Even simple outings can become memorable summer adventures for young children!