Things to Do in Santa Monica

Repertory cinema in Santa Monica. Double features, Q&As with filmmakers. $14.

Repertory cinema run by the American Cinematheque, screening classic, foreign, and independent films with frequent double features and post-screening Q&As with filmmakers and actors. Single-screen, 370 seats, beautifully restored Art Deco interior. $14 general admission, $8 students/seniors.

1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 · Screening times vary, check schedule · indoor

Above Santa Monica Place. Two blocks from the Pier. Ball pit, art studio, building zone.

21,000 square feet above Santa Monica Place mall. Ball pit, building zone, art studio, RE:MAKER space -- all for kids up to 8. Two blocks from Santa Monica Pier, so you can do both in one trip. Book online in advance.

395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CA 90401 · Wed–Sun 10am–5pm. Closed Mon–Tue. · (424) 416-8320 · indoor · Ages 0–8

Free to walk. $10 Ferris wheel. Sunset Deal wristband: $24.95 after 5pm.

Walking the pier is free -- you only pay for rides. 12 rides including the solar-powered Ferris wheel ($10) and West Coaster ($10). Unlimited ride wristbands $40 online ($20 for 7 and under). Sunset Deal after 5pm: $24.95. Street performers, arcades, ocean views.

380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 · Pier open 24hrs. Rides generally 11am–11pm summer, shorter off-season. Check pacpark.com for daily schedule. · outdoor · Ages 0+

Free splash pad on the beach. Pool and playground too. Santa Monica waterfront.

Free splash pad and playground on the Santa Monica waterfront. The pool is $10 per session (seasonal). The splash pad, lawn area, beach courts, and gallery are all free year-round. Pack a lunch and bring towels -- you can spend a full day here without buying anything.

415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90402 · Daily 8:30am-5:30pm (seasonal hours vary) · outdoor · Ages 0+

Tournament Beach offers 18 sand volleyball courts along the Santa Monica coastline. Courts are free on a first-come, first-served basis when not reserved. Reservations available through the City of Santa Monica ActiveNet system up to 28 days in advance at about $15/hour. The epicenter of beach volleyball culture in LA.

1200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90401 · Dawn to dusk daily · outdoor

Public beach facility with pool, splash pad, playground, volleyball courts. Pool is seasonal. Grounds are free to visit and include the Marion Davies guest house gallery. Pool and some programs cost extra.

415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90402 · Daily 8:30am-5:30pm (seasonal hours vary) · outdoor

Four lighted beach volleyball courts near the Santa Monica Pier -- one of the only lit court locations on the beach, allowing evening play. Free on a first-come basis when not reserved. Court reservations available at approximately $15/hour through the city. Perfect for after-work games year-round.

1560 Appian Way, Santa Monica, CA 90401 · Dawn to 10pm (lighted courts) · outdoor

22 miles of paved coastal bike path from Pacific Palisades to Torrance Beach through Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach. Free. Bike rentals along the route at $10-25/hour.

Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica, CA 90401 · Daily, open 24 hours · outdoor