LA for 5-days, with a 5-year old...

My sister finally made it to California!  After much discussion about what to do, and trying to find kid-friendly activities in Los Angeles, we came up with 5-days filled with fun and excitement.

First stop was Hollywood.  I was a little nervous heading over there, because while adults enjoy sightseeing, I wasn't sure if Kaila was going to be bored...I should have known better.

Inside Hollywood and Highland

We found small hands and high heels outside Grauman's Chinese Theather!

We could see Shirley Temple's hand prints but unfortunately there was a movie premier going on and it was blocked off.

iCarly on Sunset Blvd.

 Don't tell anyone, but I am so happy that driving past Nickelodeon Studios and saying, "Look! iCarly is filmed there!" generated enough excitement and we didn't actually have to go in.

The next day was Manhatten Beach and the Dodgers game.  Don't expect anything glamorous in the south bay.  You have to take into account that you can see oil tanks right on the beach, but I prefer it over Malibu simply because there is less traffic, an emptier beach and warmer water.  

The Sand Dune Park is a great stop to make before the beach. 

100 ft sand dune - note to self, next time bring cardboard and you can slide down!

Fenced in playground

The water is warm enough to stay in all day

Kerri and Kaila at the Dodgers game - a great way to end a perfect day

 Next stop. Disney.

 

We walked the entire California Adventure Park, but The Grizzly River and Soarin' Over California were my two-favorites

 

Fantasy Land was great, Kaila really enjoyed walking upstairs inside the castle, the parade, Space Mountain and Fantasmic.  Note to anyone who loves BBQ...The Big Thunder Ranch all you can eat was no joke!

They asked for all the kids to join them and learn how to dance like a princess during the show - so cute.

The next day we drove closer to the Hollywood sign for a photo, Griffith Observatory and American Girl at the Grove.  Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos at the observatory, but I found this great album online by Kayte Deioma that can show you all of the cool things inside!  Click here

The lemonade stand at the Grove

The last day we started out with the Los Angeles Zoo and then went over to Santa Monica for the Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier.  We actually contemplated going down to San Diego for the day, but to be honest...the LA Zoo was actually impressive, and much less expensive!

 

A monkey feeding her baby!

Barney's Beanery on the Third Street Promenade is enjoyable for everyone, and they even have a "make your own s'mores" dessert where they bring fire to your table!

The last night was spent on the Santa Monica Pier and it was so much fun!

There was no chance of me getting out of this one...believe me I tried!

Kaila is one fearless little girl - love that face!

I had a great time showing my sister around Los Angeles and I'm so happy I have the ability to share our experiences with you.  I hope you enjoyed it!