Not sure what time you are arriving, but when we got to Disneyland a day early we took that opportunity to eat at goofy's diner and walk around DTD. Made us even more excited for the next day in the park. - rdaann  285.2 #715 11:10AM

The discovery science museum is a must stop on our dl trips. 5 minutes away and way cool. - jim4far  10.8 #6668 11:26AM

One food option is the California Science Center in Exposition Park. It's free admission and many of the exhibits are geared toward children and young adults. They have an IMAX theater there which always has interesting shows. The LA County Natural History is also right next door and is worth a visit. I'm not sure what the admission fee is though. Another good choice is the Griffith Observatory just below the Hollywood sign. They completed a major renovation there about 6 years ago that more than doubled the exhibit space. If you go, be sure to attend a planetarium show. In the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater below ground, they show a movie about the history and renovation of the Observatory. It's very interesting and educational. On a clear day, the view is spectacular. Either way, you won't be sorry with those choices. You can still spend the evening at DTD and have a nice dinner. I hope this helps. - grumpypapa  554.8 #206 11:35AM

I would suggest maybe something like Hollywood, the La Barea tar pits, Universal (yes, universal studios lol), Santa Monica Pier, but if nothing else, just hang out at Downtown Disney and the hotel - dlmickeymouseCM  2382.5 #27 11:08AM

I'm not from LA, but we went to La Brea tar pits. It was very interesting. I think the LA museum has some type of dinosaur exhibit right now. Most kids love dinosaurs. 😊 - DisneyFanZoe  1099.6 #75 11:10AM

My kids just luv to hang out at the hotel as much as possible when we stay at one of the Disneyland hotels. They luv them. - AdventurelandFam  168.0 #2068 11:13AM

Try the discovery musuem a few exits south on the 5.their doing a star wars exibit til april. - Jfigg23  254.7 #990 11:17AM

Go to the Disney Soda Shop in la and enjoy Hollywood blvd. Griffith Obsevatory is a lot of fun too. - KissDclown  1088.4 #77 11:18AM

You could easily spend a day walking around the grounds of the hotels and Downtown Disney. Go swimming if the weather is good. Start collecting the pressed pennies, there are many machines outside the parks. My kids love the scavenger hunt part, you can also get a list of where they are do you can point them in the right direction. - Autoalice  137.1 #2534 11:20AM

Knots berry farm is not far away either - edcub  231.0 #1253 11:24AM

Are you using a new annual pass? if so correct me if im wrong but can't you go into disneyland on almost any blackout day if its your first day you activated your pass? - JollyRoger5  2071.6 #34 11:30AM

It should say good, not food in the first sentence. - grumpypapa  554.8 #206 11:37AM

maybe Legoland, Seaworld, or a cheaper but nice option is the Long Beach Aquaium - JollyRoger5  2071.6 #34 11:52AM

Either walk around DTD and enjoy the hotel. Or hit up the beach. Newport or laguna beach are not that far away I you have transportation. - DisneyBride°O°  370.4 #388 11:56AM

You plan to spend money, right?  Spend it on Disney (DTD as said earlier).  Make it a magical day anyway. - MyPark  946.4 #94 11:58AM

I agree with walking around dtd or goofys kitchen whenever we go the first day we love to relax and walk around. - cmdlgurl  255.5 #973 11:59AM

Southern California is a beautiful place! Visit Downtown Disney, Visit the beaches (Newport,Laguna,Huntington..), go to In N out & enjoy the weather =) There is lots to do! - raebell  7.2 #8237 12:02PM

There's the garden walk down the street lots of shops and eating and a movie theater - missteacup  44.3 #3945 12:45PM

Have you taken them to Legoland? It's only an hour away from DLR AND if you get a Lego club magazine (which you can find online, probly for free) they always have a coupon for a free child admission with the purchase of an adult! - SuperCooper  818.1 #117 12:50PM

Thanks to all. Great suggestions. Turns out the PP hotel pool will be closed so we have pool privileges at the other hotels. That should be fun. I also like the idea of hitting up Hollywood and giving the kids that experience. Much appeciation. - lostboy20  25.3 #4731 3:50PM