Non-theme park ideas to do w/ a 18 month old

[Jynxed]

I will be in the area for 8 days the beginning of July. I have done the Hollywood/LA and surrounding area many times. This is my first trip out there with a toddler and am looking for ideas on filling some days in between DLR, besides the pool and beach and shopping.
Any suggestions?

 

[Dizneydaz]

Parks are another great option. When my DD11 was younger we would almost always stop by parks that we drove by. She still loves to swing and play on a playground.

You mentioned the beach which is a good option. Will you have your own vehicle. That will make suggestions a little easier to come up with if you do.

 

[Cagirl767]

Adventure City is pretty close by. www.adventurecity.com
They are a little amusement park catering to kids under 10. They have a petting zoo, puppet shows, small rides, a Thomas the Tank block building area, etc. It's a couple hours or half day of low key fun.

 

[cyclenut]

Long Beach Aquarium is close and it is a great experience for all ages, even though the 18 month old won't understand much but could be very taken by the experience.

The Orange County Fair opens July 15th. You said early July so I'm not sure you'll be there then, but they have quite a few things to do and they have wristband days for kids. To find the link, just google "Orange County Fair 2011".

There are also a few outdoor malls that have "rides" for kids and you can do a little shopping too. Try Irvine Spectrum if you would be willing to go down that way.

You can find all of these on google maps.