Los Angeles is a super family friendly destination! Everyone wants to visit the action-packed Universal Studios and the timeless fantasy of Disneyland California, but if you’d also like to get a sense of place and culture, we’ve rounded up some fantastic activities in our 10 Fun Things to do in LA with Kids:
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10 Fun Things to do in LA with Kids
#1. Get Hands On at the Skirball Cultural Centre
The Noah’s Ark exhibit as the Skirball Cultural Centre really is a must-see, especially if you have children under 5. Surrounded by animals cleverly made from recycled materials, there is so much for the kids to interact and play with including climbing, pressing buttons, turning cranks and making the exhibit come alive!
Lots and lots of stimulation and learning activities, including digging for artefacts on the roof. A gorgeous building with superb grounds, the centre is really cool and other sections are sure to appeal to older kids. Free entry on Thursdays.
#2. Get Your Skates On!
For something different, one of L.A.’s last remaining roller rinks, Skateland, is a super experience (and great exercise)! Young kids will enjoy learning to skate and to do the Hokey Cokey, while the DJ spins all the recent hits they’ll know from the radio. Older kids and teens will enjoy the club atmosphere, video games and a lazer maze.
Looking for free family activities? See 10 Free Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids.
#3. So Much Fun at LACMA
Love this place! LACMA is a top world-class museum that does the most amazing Sunday Family Days with exciting art challenges, story-time and special tours! There is also a free admission NextGen program which means kids get in free and can bring an adult. There are also programmes for teens and fun workshops! Visit the café for a treat when you’re done!
#4. Explore the Stars
My favourite place is Griffith Observatory. Loads of fun activities for kids and interactive displays to help the kids learn about space and the planets. One Saturday a month, the Observatory hosts a public star party from 2 to 9.45 pm.
This a chance for the whole family to look at all the visible planets and other objects, try out a variety of telescopes, and talk with the helpful amateur astronomers about the sky and their equipment.
#5. Los Angeles Beaches
You’re visiting the Golden Coast, we have to mention the beach!! The very clean and scenic stretch of Zuma Beach is rated among the healthiest beaches for clean water, so you won’t have to worry about the kids swallowing some saltwater as they play. You might even get lucky and spot one of the local dolphins jumping the waves off shore.
#6. Cute Baby Animals and Funny Chimps
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens are a great place to spend the day with the kids. As zoos go, it’s quite a small one so take your time and you will get so much more out of your visit! A great idea is to ask your child to pick 2 favourite animals, then go see them first. You can then relax and stroll through the rest of the grounds at your leisure.
Great places to eat in Los Angeles? Check out Best Restaurants in Los Angeles for Kids.
#7. Check Out Hollywood Boulevard
One of LA’s most well-known attractions! While adults may recognise more names on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame than the kids, this stretch of street will delight children as they place their hands and feet inside those of the “stars” to see how they compare.
Also along Hollywood Boulevard – you’ll find lots of entertaining performers but beware, some might appear a little scary for younger kids.
Older kids will enjoy the museums located along the boulevard, like the Hollywood Wax Museum, Guinness World of Records Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
#8. Pony and Train Rides
Older and younger kids will find something fun and interesting at Griffith Park on Crystal Springs Drive! Thomas the Tank Engine and train fans will love the train rides at Travel Town and young kids will be thrilled with the pony rides, traditional merry-go-round and playgrounds. Teens can relax and enjoy the outdoors or play Frisbee on the grass.
#9. Chinatown Summer Night Parties, LA
LA’s hidden urban treasure! A wonderful festival atmosphere with bright, pretty lights, arts and crafts and live music! The China Town Summer Nights take place on the 4th Saturday of June, July and August from 5pm to midnight. Sample the delicious tastes from the gourmet food trucks and enjoy the wonderful cookery demonstrations.
#10. Visit and Save with the Go Los Angeles Card
If you’re visiting the famous Los Angeles family attractions, the Go Los Angeles Card is an excellent, budget-friendly way to see lots of attractions!
The Card includes tickets to over 35 must-see Los Angeles destinations including Universal Studios, LEGOLAND California, California Science Museum, Paramount Studios, Hollywood Wax Museum and the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, amongst other attractions.
If you’re visiting other US cities, you’ll find more great family ideas:
- Free Things to do with Kids in Atlanta
- Free Things to do with Kids in New York City
- Free Things to do with Kids in Boston
- Free Things to do with Kids in Orlando
Have you enjoyed any of these fun things to do in LA? We’d love to hear your recommendations, so please let us know below.
About the Author: Sharon Tighe
