Over the hill and far removed from the hectic (and sometimes cuckoo pace of Hollywood) is Studio City. Tucked between Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood and the Cahuenga Pass, Studio City has become a popular spot for parents to raise their growing broods thanks to the easy walkability, incredible restaurants and shops, plus some top-rated schools. It’s no wonder so many families call it home! Whether you’re a resident or just a valley visitor for the day, scroll below for the best things to do in Studio City—plus some exciting new developments coming this summer.

Where to Shop

 

Studio City Farmers Market

Every Sun. rain or shine, Angelenos flock to the Studio City Farmers Market. Featuring locally grown produce, artisan foods and crafts, this is the place to be and what’s even better is that profits are given directly back to the community. During your visit, you’ll find everything from grass-fed beef and fresh seafood to prepared foods, artisan breads, olive oils, honeys, and of course, colorful fruits and veggies.

Littles will dig the pony rides, petting zoo, train rides and bouncy slide. To keep things COVID-safe, the market currently has just one entrance on Laurel Canyon with an exit at Radford. This market to be a hotspot for celeb spotting as well—though kids may only be impressed if it's Waffles + Mochi.

Hours: Sun. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Studio City Farmers Market
2052 Ventura Pl.
Studio City

Online: studiocityfarmersmarket.com

More Place to Shop around Studio City

classic toy retro robot
AM via Yelp

  • Classic Toys: This retro-esque toy shop has all the toys you loved as a kid like pinwheels, kaleidoscopes, pick-up sticks, jacks, marbles, PEZ dispensers, and so much more. Great for presents for your kids, your kid's bestie, and who are we kidding, a piece of nostalgia for yourself as well. 
  • Kit Kraft: For crafts, supplies and all things DIY, head to Kit Kraft—a family-run business that has been located on Ventura Blvd. since 1954. PS: Check out their fun tutorials on sand art, wire wall art and more.

Where to Eat

Aroma Coffee & Tea Co.

This all-day dining hotspot on Tujunga has a been a local favorite for over 20 years. Once a private bungalow, it’s no wonder Aroma captures the charm and warmth of dining at someone’s home. Grab a seat on the wraparound patio and listen to the soothing sounds trickling fountains as you enjoy a delicious meal or just grab a cappuccino on your way out. At night, the space become even more magical with twinkling fairy lights abound, so it pays to visit for dinner as well.

Aroma Coffee & Tea Co.
4360 Tujunga Ave.
Studio City

Online: aromacoffeeandtea.com

McConnell's Fine Ice Creams

Luckily, you no longer have to trek to Santa Barbara for a double scoop of McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. With an adorable shop now in Studio City, locals can enjoy what folks in Santa Barbara have known for over 70 years—the taste of delicious ice cream that’s sustainable, organic and what some have deemed the “best ice cream in the world.” The menu features a fantastic array of flavors ranging from the usual suspects of mint chip and salted caramel chip to limited releases like peanut butter and jelly sando or honey and cornbread cookies.

McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream
12073 Ventura Pl.
Studio City

Online: mcconnells.com

Cocoa & Candy

If your sweet tooth leans more in the candy direction, have we got a place for you. Cocoa & Candy in Tujunga Village is a boutique candy shop filled with drinking chocolate, carefully curated candy, as well as old family favorites (hello, Everlasting Gobstoppers!). They have just about every kind of candy you can imagine with many imported, harder-to-find options as well. It’s a great shop to grab a unique gift for others or to pick up a little something for yourself. Go ahead…we won’t tell.

Cocoa & Candy
4375 ½ Tujunga Ave.
Studio City

Online: cocoaandcandy.square.site

More Places to Eat around Studio City

train restaurant
Fan H. via Yelp

Grabbing breakfast, lunch or dinner is a no-brainer at any of these favorite kid-friendly dining hotspots. 

  • Granville Cafe: Family-friendly spot dishing out American comfort food that's made from scratch. Don't miss out on the kid's menu called, "Little Villager Menu"—a steal for $7.50.
  • Carney's Express Limited: In addition to having some of the best hot dogs in town, Carney's serves up epic burgers and fries, all in a vintage railcar.
  • Your Good Neighbor Restaurant: All-day breakfast and lunch are always a win-win for dining with kids and this could very well become your weekend go-to spot. Make sure to save room for dessert! 
  • Casa Vega: This iconic Mexican dining spot is always fun for a special occasion for kids and adults alike. 
  • Sharkey's Woodfire Grill: For modern Mexican food, we can't get enough Sharkey's. Pick up their "Family Meals"—Fajita Taco Fiesta for 4—or order from their kid's menu. Either way, we love their use of natural and organic ingredients, resulting in some of the tastiest meals around. 

Where to Play

Fryman Canyon Park

Fryman Canyon Park is a favorite hiking spot of Studio City residents featuring 122 acres of breathtaking views and a fitness course. There’s also easy access to the Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail—a 3-mile loop that connects to Wilacre Park, Franklin Canyon and Coldwater Canyon Park. At an elevation of 450 feet, you’ll definitely get some stunning valley views that are worth the climb. Parking is available in the trailhead lot, but usually gets crowded on weekends so be sure to arrive early.

Fryman Canyon Park
8401 Mullholland Dr.
Studio City

Online: mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/fryman-canyon-park/

Weddington Golf & Tennis

Whether you have budding tennis players or golfers in your abode, Weddington Golf & Tennis is one of the best places in the valley to play both. Weddington Golf is lovely a 9-hole, par 27 course that also features a 25-stall driving range, practice putting green and chipping practice area. Weddington Tennis offers private lessons to players of all ages and is open to the public with 16 courts for rent, 7 days a week. The facility can also help set you up with tennis coaches who can help you level up your game.

Weddington Golf & Tennis
4141 Whitsett Ave.
Studio City

Online: weddingtongolfandtennis.com

More Places to Play around Studio City

Looking for more things to do in Studio City? We also love:

  • We Rock the Spectrum: An all-ages play space, that also offers fun classes, special school's out sessions, and more. 
  • Beeman Park: A large playground with swings, an outdoor mini-gym to work up a sweat, plus open grassy fields make this spot a perfect pit-stop during the day.
  • iFly Hollywood: Have a burgeoning daredevil on your hands? Then the sky's the limit (sort of) with this indoor skydiving space located at Universal CityWalk.  
  • Universal Studios: Check out the magic of Hollywood (and Butterbeer) by spending the day at this unforgettable theme park. 
  • PINZ Bowling Center: Nothing says good, retro fun like a bowling ally that's been serving up strikes since 1950.
  • Meet up with the Treepeople for epic moonlit walks.
  • LA River Walk: Take a stroll along the LA River's Valleyheart Greenway and check out the Great Toad Gate, Butterfly Bench and Rattlesnake Wall—all designed by 4th & 5th-grade students.
  • Get a day pass and take a dip at the pool at The Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel.
  • The Coop Los Angeles: This modern play and party space gives the kids a fun environment to play while you enjoy free wifi and cappuccinos. 
  • The Playroom: Stay tuned as this go-to play and party space is relocating and is planning some new and exciting additions.
  • Genius Kids Club: This cool spot offers creative arts and crafts classes as well as science classes for kids ages 10 months to 10 years old.
 
 

New Developments

roberta's pizza with pepperoni
Arielle P. via Yelp

While we already can't get enough of The Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel for their resort pool day passes, when you are ready to eat and shop, head to the area's newest development at the corner of Ventura Blvd. and Coldwater Canyon to visit The Shops at Sportsmen’s Lodge. Here you'll find some favorite Red Tricycle spots like Civil Coffee, Roberta’s Pizza (here's why we love this pizza spot), SALT Optics, Tocaya, Tuesday’s Sweet Shoppe, Ushi Ushi, cult-worthy ice cream maker Van Leeuwen, and Vuori. Expected to open this summer. 

 

—Jennifer O’Brien

featured image: istock

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