By Lori Ford of Gum Tree

We like to walk Downtown Manhattan Beach along the strand with the kids for a trip to the Roundhouse Aquarium. We could spend hours watching surfers off the pier and searching for seals and dolphins, and then we head inside the Roundhouse to explore.

Since the renovation the kids new favorite is the eel tank, but the touch tanks are a close second followed by the Jellies.

Our kids always request a stop in to Pages: A Bookstore to see what’s new. Our little guy is still convinced that he can find Waldo. Their Where’s Waldo event is a favorite for us a couple of years running, super family friendly, it’s a great adventure through our downtown businesses.

We like to head up the hill for an early dinner at Pitfire Pizza. The menu has great options for both the kids and grown ups. They never look at you funny when your picky kid orders the cheese pizza with no sauce extra crispy, and it’s perfect every time. The kids especially love the free clay, it gets their creative juices flowing, and keeps them busy, sometimes we can even sneak in an extra glass of rose!

After dinner we walk down to the Creamery for a sweet treat. Sometimes it’s candy, sometimes it’s ice cream, but it’s always delicious and fun. We sit in the big chairs out front and watch everyone pass us by.

If it’s not too dark we’ll walk the greenbelt back home, or if the littles are worn out we’ll hop in an Uber or Lyft.