Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Long Beach, CA

I have a confession to make. I always meant to take Bella to the Queen Mary, but it took me four years to follow through. Last weekend, my husband told me admission was free to California residents through the month of January (you still have to pay for parking), and that was incentive enough for me.

Another confession. I didn't really know much about the Queen Mary before our visit. I learned it was a luxury ocean liner that sailed from 1936 to 1967. In the 1940s, it was used to transport troops. (On one voyage in 1942, it carried more than 15,000.) It also carried some famous passengers, including Winston Churchill and Fred Astaire.

The ship is massive. It's so big that when you stand close, you can't take in its whole size. When you're standing on the top deck, the views of the ocean and downtown Long Beach are stunning. The ship's interior is very art deco, with lots of highly polished wood and period furniture. The decor in the chief officer's quarters is the height of 30's glam. If you're into retro electronics, check out the radio room, which looks like something out of a WWII movie. Bella was more interested in the antique wooden toys in the ship's nursery.

Alas, it's not the most kid-friendly place. There's a lot of walking up and down stairs. We endured some whining. The ship's interior smelled musty, and it's showing signs of wear. (I've heard that it's being renovated.) Was it worth the admission? Sure. But I don't know if I would pay $25.00.

Admission is free through Sunday, January 31st. Parking is $3.00 for the first hour, and $12.00 thereafter. You can save money by parking elsewhere and taking the Passport bus.