With so many family-friendly places in and around the Los Angeles area to explore with the kids (and anyone else that may be tagging along), how do you know where to begin? As the second-largest urban region in the entire country, L.A. offers families more activities and adventures than many small nations – but that doesn’t mean they are all worth your time, money and effort. Sure, you could spend – as so many of us have – a week at legendary Disneyland, but Los Angeles is about so much more; take some pointers from us locals here and have a family fun night in Woodland Hills that you and the family are not soon to forget. Why? Because the following suggestions for a fun family night out are just different.

Skateland Northridge has been named “One of the 10 Best Roller Skating Centers in America” by USA Today, and for good reason: Skateland has become an uber-popular hangout for San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Conejo Valley and surrounding community residents and visitors almost since its inception. Specializing in parties for groups up to 1,000 people, Skateland can be the backdrop for any birthday, anniversary or graduation in addition to fundraiser, wrap party, corporate event or retirement celebration. Children and adults alike enjoy parties here – and have for over 50 years. For something different this family fun night out, give Skateland Northridge a try, located at 18140 Parthenia Street in Northridge.

Sky High Sports Woodland Hills was designed and built for one purpose: FUN. Kids, teens and adults can bounce off the walls, fly into the foam pit, throw it down on the dodgeball court or slam-dunk on the courts, whether it’s at a birthday party, group event or just a family fun night inWoodland Hills. The newly-expanded Ninja Course offers a chance (for an additional fee) for warriors-in-training to hone their climbing, swinging, balance and obstacle skills while challenging their friends against the clock. Whatever the indulgence, you and the family will find more ways to have more fun at Sky High Sports Woodland Hills, located at 6033 De Soto Avenue in Los Angeles.

Corbin Bowl Whether bowling with friends or competing in league, “bowling on the boulevard” at Corbin Bowl is the place to be. Often referred to as the “Premier Bowling Experience on the BOWL-evard,” Corbin sits in the heart of the San Fernando Valley off the 101 in-between Tampa and Winnetka Avenues, offering accommodations for any occasion – whether it’s family fun or celebrating a huge bash. During the summer, Corbin Bowl offers a Kids Bowl Free Program which enables two free sessions every weekday; this ensures the fun never stops in a bowling center that’s always cool with powerful air-conditioning. Corbin Bowl is located at 19616 Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana.

MB2 Raceway offers a unique high-speed race simulation with a challenging road course that equates to fun for all ages and skill levels. Indeed, once you and the family have experienced MB2 Raceway, you will understand why indoor “karting” has become the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.; the high-performance European electric “karts” are capable of speeds of up to 45 miles-per-hour, combined with a low-to-the-ground stance and quarter-mile road course that will definitely get the adrenaline pumping. The facility welcomes everyone, from walk-in racers who want to share in the family experience, to private groups both small and large. MB2 Raceway is located at 1475 Lawrence Drive in Thousand Oaks.

It’s summertime, and you know what that usually means: Bored kids. But it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to keep your kids busy this summer and have an awesome family fun night inWoodland Hills…the aforementioned attractions are proof.