Planning a trip to LA on a budget? Good news — there are loads of free things to do in Los Angeles with kids, and we’ve rounded up ten of the best. Most of these attractions cost nothing at all, while a handful offer a low-cost extra (like a ride or a special exhibit) if you want to extend the fun. Every idea here has been recommended by MyKidsTime parents, so you know it’s family-tested and budget-friendly.
1. Visit California Science Center at Exposition Park
Our first stop is Exposition Park, home to a cluster of free family attractions. There’s enough here to fill a whole day.
Admission to the permanent exhibitions at the California Science Center is free, and there’s plenty to keep curious kids busy and learning. A visit to the Space Shuttle Endeavour needs to be booked in advance and does carry an extra charge, but it’s well worth it.
2. California African American Museum
Also free at Exposition Park is the California African American Museum, along with the seven-acre Rose Garden nearby. Bring a picnic and let the kids explore the roses and play by the fountain.
3. Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is a firm family favourite — full of interactive displays that help kids get to grips with space and the planets. The Observatory also runs public star-gazing events on select evenings, where families can look through a range of telescopes and chat with volunteer astronomers about the night sky. Check the Observatory’s website before you go, as timings vary.
Looking for a great place to eat? Check out The Best Restaurants in Los Angeles for Kids.
4. The Griffith Park Carousel
The Griffith Park Carousel has been delighting LA kids since the 1930s, and it’s rumoured to be the very carousel that inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland. Hand-carved and hand-painted, with moving figurines, it’s a lovely stop for younger children — rides cost a small fee, so check current pricing when you arrive.
Just up the street from the carousel are the remnants of the Old Zoo, now a great open space for imaginative play and exploring. The carousel generally runs on weekends year-round, with extended weekday hours in summer, though it’s worth confirming opening times before you travel.
5. Travel Town
Got a train fan in the house? Travel Town is free to enter and regularly hosts family-friendly events. There are train tables where kids can play with toy trains, and a small-fee train ride around the park for those who want to go further. The gift shop is great for themed party bits, and the park even hosts birthday parties.
Heading to New York? Have you checked out our 10 Free things to do with kids in New York?
6. Step into Hollywood History on Hollywood Boulevard
One of LA’s most iconic stretches. Adults will recognise more names on the Walk of Fame than the kids will, but children love placing their hands and feet inside those of the stars to compare sizes.
Along Hollywood Boulevard you’ll also find costumed street performers — great fun, though some characters may be a little much for younger children.
Older kids might enjoy the boulevard’s museums, such as the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Guinness World Records Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (some exhibits can be spooky, so it’s worth a quick look ahead for younger visitors).
7. Visit Zuma or Santa Monica Beach
You can’t visit the Golden Coast without a trip to the beach! Zuma Beach is known for its clean water and lovely scenery, and you might even spot dolphins offshore.
Nearby Point Dume has a cliff walk with views over the cove where scenes from the original Planet of the Apes were filmed.
“Digging our toes in the sand, or building a sandcastle, my kids just love the beach!” — Jean F.
8. Go Hiking in Topanga or Coldwater Canyon
Fancy a hike? Pack the sun hats and explore one of LA’s kid-friendly canyons. Two local favourites:
- Coldwater Canyon is great for free family fun, with toddler- and stroller-friendly trails, lovely views, and plenty of grassy spots to take a break.
- Topanga State Park offers around 36 miles of trails through open grassland and oak woodland, with spectacular Pacific views. Explore independently or join a free guided nature walk with the Topanga Canyon Docents, local volunteers who lead public walks.
9. Hang Out at The Grove Shopping Center and Farmers Market
There’s a great range of food stalls at the Farmers Market beside The Grove, so there’s something for everyone. The eating area is casual and relaxed — no need to worry about noisy little ones.
Look out for the free Grove Trolley, which runs between The Grove and the Farmers Market, and don’t miss the dancing fountain in front of the theatre, which puts on a show every hour. Keep an eye out too for “The Spirit of Los Angeles,” a striking bronze angel statue in the heart of The Grove.
10. Art Exhibits and Activities at LACMA
LACMA (the Los Angeles County Museum of Art) is a world-class museum that genuinely welcomes families. It runs a free youth membership programme that lets kids in at no charge and brings an accompanying adult along too — well worth checking out on the LACMA website before you visit, as details and enrolment can change. There’s something for all ages here, including a painting studio, regular story times, family art tours, and weekend programmes designed especially for kids.
The La Brea Tar Pits are right next door and well worth a look — bring a change of clothes, as kids do love to explore here. If street parking is tricky, the underground car park has a glass elevator that feels straight out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
That’s our round-up of free things to do in Los Angeles with kids! Found a great free activity of your own in LA? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there really enough free activities to fill a family trip to LA?
Yes — from science museums and observatories to beaches and canyon hikes, there’s enough free family fun in Los Angeles to build several full days out without spending on admission.
Do any of these free attractions have extra costs?
A few do offer optional paid extras, such as a themed ride or a special exhibit. These are clearly optional add-ons — the core attraction itself stays free. Always check current pricing directly with the venue before you go.
What should we bring for a day of free LA sightseeing?
Sun hats, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes for walking or hiking, and a change of clothes if you’re heading to the beach or the tar pits. A picnic is a great budget-friendly option for parks like Exposition Park.
Is Los Angeles walkable for families, or do we need a car?
Many of these attractions are spread across different parts of LA, so a car (or rideshare) makes getting between them much easier, especially with kids and gear in tow.
When is the best time to visit these free attractions?
Weekday mornings tend to be quieter at museums and parks, while beach visits and hikes are best planned around good weather and, in canyons especially, cooler parts of the day.
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