Ideas for a family with small children?

[KristyKenna]

We will be going to DL mid april but have two extra days to spend. I have really been except when I was a kid and don't remember too much. I was kind of thinking about going to a beach one day. Does anyone have ideas on a good one. Also how warm will it be mid-april? I'm not sure how long to plan on spending there.

The other idea would be going to the Hollywood area. Seeing the handprints. I've heard about a Disney Studio Fountain Store but I don't know what it is it sounds cool. Maybe checking out where American Idol is filmed (we are all really into it). I don't know if they do tours though. I have also heard of a really good cupcake place. I can't remember the name though.

Any other ideas or tips on these things. My boys are 9, 7, 4, and 18 months. I don't really want to do another park like Sea World, or Knotts cause we are already doing 5 days at Disneyland. Thanks!

 

[fairycat]

I will be honest doing a day in Hollywood might be dull to the kids if you don't work it out just right. Since its walking and looking at shops and sights.

I believe in April (4/18-5/11) El Capitan is doing a special screening of Little Mermaid with a sing along show and a Character Breakfast.

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/

Besides the fact that it is right there on Hollywood so you could see everything it is also a stunning theater, with an organ and old classic style. It is so worth it if you can. From there you can go right next door to the Disney Fountain for Ice Cream.

This thread might help you some
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1741375

On the American Idol studio I hate to say this but skip it, you will only be able to drive by and most lucky all you will see is a non-descript row of buildings or a line of trees. I don't know what studio it films at, but that is the way most of them are. And with the kids ages even if you could get a ticket they are all too young. Instead maybe take a tour of the Kodak theater, were lots of stars also have preformed.

The cupcake place is called Sprinkles http://www.sprinklescupcakes.com/locations.html

There isn't one in Hollywood but over a few cities in Beverly Hills. I would personally try for the one in Newport or skip it, unless you also want to go and do La Brea Tarpits. Which with kids might be lots of fun. But watch for tar, I cried for hours when I was told the tar I wiped on my pretty dress was ruined forvever when I was about 6 years old.

Also next to the Tar Pits is the Paterson Musuem which has a Hot Wheels exhibition I am hoping to see. The whole musuem is dedicated to cars. If your boys like cars it might also be fun.

For the ocean, be prepared April weather can go either way by the coast and be 50-80 degrees. The water however will be VERY cold. But if you are prepared for that, get the kids some buckets and they can splash their toes and then build sand castles.

I know you said no parks but you might want to check out Legoland. I have heard that kids in your age range LOVE it. I don't have kids and haven't been but thought I would add it incase you were interested.

If you have more questions feel free to ask.

 

[KristyKenna]

Fairycats-Thanks for your reply. It was very helpful. I will check it all out. I am so excited and just want to have ideas for when we go so we are not sitting around wondering what to do. Thanks!

 

[annieb727]

I took my now five year old to Hollywood with me when he was four. He LOVED LOVED LOVED the Wax Museum...we went to it a couple of times actually he loved it so much. It's pretty cool. It's just down the streed (if I remember correctly) from the El Capitan Theater.

That little Mermaid thing sounds FUN!!