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

Mornings always go better when my daughter and I get out of the house. Lucky for us, most of the time it's nice enough that we can take a stroll around the neighborhood or play at the park. But for those days when the weather is cold and rainy, here are a few indoor options:

The Long Beach Public Library Toddler Storytimes. There are several toddler storytimes at branches around the city, including the Main on Thursday and Los Altos on Friday. After the reading and finger plays, librarians roll out a cart of educational toys (like simple wooden puzzles and peg boards) for kids to explore.

Chick-Fil-A. I'm not generally a fan of fast food, but at least Chick-Fil-A has a few healthy options on the menu, like milk and fruit with kids' meals. The one at Long Beach Towne Center also has a toddler-friendly play area with a big glass wall, so you can eat and keep an eye on your kid at the same time.

The Liberty Park Playroom. I've written about the playroom before, but I think it rates another mention. It's a large room with a puppet theater and a wealth of picture books and toys. The space is organized so that clean-up is a cinch, and if you have two small kids, you can easily keep track of both.

My Gym. My Gym offers fun, interactive fitness classes for children from six months to thirteen years old. If you register for a class, your child can also drop in for a free play session once a week. Call (562) 986-0066 to sample a class before signing up.