Hourly Drop-in Daycare in Los Angeles: For When You Gotta Work, but They Need To Play

Having an unconventional work schedule seems to be the new norm. With many people working from home, juggling work and parenting is a heroic feat. For those of us who are not looking for full-time daycare but sometimes need a helping hand, know that you can find a drop-in daycare in Los Angeles (and Pasadena and Santa Monica and loads of other local towns) where you can leave your kids for a few hours while you work or just get a little well-deserved me time.

I know firsthand that finding a place where you feel at ease leaving your little ones is not an easy task, but we've done the legwork, asked all the questions, and compiled a list of places that offer drop-in daycare. For more ways to get work done when you have young kids, check out our review of one of our favorite Co-working Childcare Spots in Silverlake and our compelte guide to Childcare Options in Los Angeles.

Please check with the venues for the latest Covid guidelines and requirements. Los Angeles County mandates everyone ages 2 and up to wear a mask in indoor public places.

Drop-in Daycare in Los Angeles with Multiple Locations

Kids Klub Pasadena — Pasadena, South Pasadena, and San Gabriel/Rosemead 

If you're interested in getting an evening off, have plans with your friends on the weekends, or have the flexibility to work at odd hours, Kids Klub provides an evening and weekend program where you can drop off your kids (ages 6 weeks to 12 years) anytime from 5:30pm to 7pm Tuesday through Thursday and Saturdays from 3pm to 11pm. All you have to do is pay a one-time registration fee of $50 for weekend access and show proof of immunization for your child, and you'll have free time for work or even a date night on evenings and all day Saturday.

Hourly rates are $13 for children ages 6-12, $15 for children 2-6, and $17 for infants up to 2 years, with a 20% discount for siblings. Walk-ins are accepted as space allows, but it's best to call 24 hours in advance to make an appointment. The hourly rates include snacks on weekdays or breakfast on Saturdays!

 
INdoors and out, kids can play at Kids Klub while you get some grown-up time. Photo courtesy of Kids Klub

We Rock the Spectrum — Tarzana, Santa Monica, Studio City, Redondo Beach, Northridge, Long Beach, and Agoura Hills

We Rock the Spectrum offers two types of care services. One is a program called Respite and Break Time, which it's designed for children with special needs but is also open to kids without special needs for maximum use of 4 hours once a week. Kids play while being monitored by trained staff while you take a merited break.

There is splendid equipment throughout the play area at each location and also toys that develop fine motor skills. These include everything from trampolines, zip lines, chalkboard arts and crafts, tunnels, crash mats, and much more. The other program is the One-to-One Attendant care that's designed for children that require special attention and care. The hourly rate is $14.

 
Learning stations and play areas are separated by age at We Village. Photo courtesy of We Village

Drop-in Daycare in the Valleys

We Village — Sherman Oaks

This is my favorite, and features a beautifully designed, clean space. We Village has learning stations and play areas that are separated by age group. I love that they have a shoe-free policy. (I have the same one at home!) The kids do have to wear socks though. It's open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Hourly rates range between $15/hour to $22/hour, depending on your kid's age. There is a one-time enrollment fee of $250, or you also have the option to pay per visit with an extra $20 on the day your kid attends. There are hourly discounts for siblings. Kids enjoy free snacks at 9 am and 3 pm. 

 
Need someone to watch the kids at the last minute? KidsPark to the rescue. Photo courtesy of KidsPark

KidsPark — Northridge

If a friend invites you to lunch at the very last minute, or you get that much-awaited callback notice, don't panic—there is a place where you can drop off your kids that's the definition of flexible. No reservations are needed; all you need is to give them your child's info upon arrival, pay a one-time registration fee of $25 and you're all set. You're free to go out and about!

The rate is $10 per hour or a daily rate of $60. There is a 50% off discount for siblings. KidsPark has activity programs designed for each age group so your kid will have fun, and actually ask to return. The facility is open during the day, evenings, and weekends.  

Amiel Family Daycare — Valley Village

This is a traditional family daycare home that also offers a drop-in service. It has a cozy and warm familial setting. There are plenty of toys and a wide selection of developmental activities for children to engage in. I like that there's a secure outdoor area for the little ones to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. For $14 an hour, the daycare will take care of your kids in the beautiful home facility which is open Monday through Friday.

 
The giant play structure is the big draw for kids at AdventurePlex. Photo courtesy of AdventurePlex

Drop-in Daycare on the Westside and in the South Bay

AdventurePlex — Manhattan Beach

Ah, remember sleeping in on Sundays? Or how about having the time to either glam up and go out for a mimosa brunch, or spend a few extra hours in your pajamas doing nothing? If you're up for reminiscing, you can drop off your kids on Sundays from 11am to 3pm at AdventurePlex, where they will have fun on a huge play structure, create arts and crafts, play cool games, listen to music, and engage in developmental activities.

Brella — Playa Vista

With a lovely playroom that feels utterly inviting and welcoming, your kids will have no problem saying bye to you for a few hours. It's ideal for kids aged 3 months – 6 years. There are activities that are both educational and fun, as well as a vast selection of quality toys that will keep your child entertained while they learn through play.  You can use the on-demand service, which is an hourly drop-in program that costs $25/hour for pre-school-aged kids, and $30/hour for infants and toddlers. Or you can create your very own flexible plan designed according to your needs. Just download the app to create a profile and from there you can manage your schedule and book your spot on the go. It's open Monday- Friday from 8am to 5pm. There will be a second location opening in Hollywood very soon—check the website for the opening date.