Things to do around Los Angeles while you’re expecting

Gentle outdoors

• Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge. Camellias under old oaks, a rose garden, and paths you can take at any speed.
• The Huntington, San Marino. Gardens outside, art galleries and a library inside, so you can change the plan when the afternoon heats up.
• Brand Park, Glendale. Open lawns at the foot of the hills. Bring a blanket and a book.
• Santa Monica Pier and the beach path. Walk past the Ferris wheel to the end of the pier, then take the flat, paved path beside the sand for as long as you like.

For anything more physical, like a hike or a prenatal yoga class, ask your doctor or midwife what’s right for you.

Cool and indoors

• Griffith Observatory. Space exhibits and a planetarium inside, and a wide view over the city from the terraces outside.
• The Getty Center. Galleries to wander at your own speed, plus a garden and a view that reaches the ocean on a clear day.
• A matinee. Easier to arrange now than it will be in a few months.

Getting ready for your baby

• The Americana at Brand, Glendale. Shops and restaurants around a green with a fountain. Bring the list of what you still need, and stay for lunch.
• The name list. Take it to any bench on this page and cross three names off.

Bigger days out

• A theme park, for the shows. Many rides post warnings for pregnant riders, so read the sign before you get in line.
• Maternity photos. A garden or the beach makes a good backdrop. If you’re bringing a photographer, check the place’s photo rules first.

One more idea, and we’re biased: see your baby. Our studio is in Glendale, a short drive from Brand Park and The Americana. We do gender scans from 13 weeks and 4D sessions from 16 to 36 weeks. Both are elective keepsake ultrasound, not medical exams. See sessions and prices.