12 Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids

Are you looking for fun things to do in Los Angeles with kids, but not sure where to start? The area has so many attractions that it can be hard to know the must-see in Los Angeles with kids.

We’ve created this list of 12 fun things to do in Los Angeles kids to help you plan your visit. You’ll also find a few fun places to discover around the city for your family to enjoy. Some of the activities are free, while others are paid attractions.

Now, let’s see what to do in Los Angeles with kids

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hollywood sign in Griffith Park
Hollywood Sign in Griffith Park Photo from Canva

1. Griffith Observatory & the Hollywood Sign

Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park are some of the best things to do in LA with kids. Griffith Park is the largest urban-wilderness municipal park in the United States. It’s filled with trails, trees, trains, and attractions.

It’s also in Griffith Park that you can see the Hollywood Sign.

At the Observatory, you can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, and see live shows. Admission to the Griffith Observatory is free, but you’ll have to pay for parking.

It’s one of the only facilities in the world that does exclusively live planetarium shows. The shows are an average of 30 to 40 minutes long. Then, plan for a few more hours to explore the park.

You’ll need at least 2 hours to visit the observatory. Try to arrive early in the morning to secure a good parking spot. Otherwise, you may have to start your day with a small hike up the hill.

There are many great hiking trails in Griffith Park. One of the most popular trails is the Hollyridge Trail, leading to the Hollywood sign. Guided hikes to the Hollywood sign are also offered. But be prepared for a fun 4-mile (6.4 km) hike.

💡 PRO-TIP when planning a trip to Los Angeles
Los Angeles (the Greater Los Angeles area) is huge. And there are a lot of people. In fact, there is a population of about 13 million people. The Greater Los Angeles area is one of the largest regions in the United States.

For example, it takes 58 miles to reach Disneyland in Anaheim from Malibu or more than 1 hour without traffic. It’s important to take that into account when planning a trip to Los Angeles and when deciding on where to stay.

warner bros studio in Los Angeles
Warner Bros Studio Courtesy of Caterine from<em> <em>Savvy Family Traveler

2. Warner Bros Studio Tour (Hollywood)

Contributed by Catherine from Savvy Family Traveler

If your children are five years or older and are into Batman, DC Universe or if there are Harry Potter fans, head out to Warner Brothers Studios. It’s only 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. It’s one of the great kid activities to do in Los Angeles.

Your kids will be fascinated peeking behind the scenes into their favorite movies They can even get a chance to interact with some of the sets, like a green screen ride on a broom or Batman’s Batpod! 

💡 PRO-TIP If you plan on visiting a few paid attractions, it might be worth purchasing the GoCity Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass or the GoCity Los Angeles Explorer Pass.

The tour is about 1 hour, but plan for an additional 1-1.5 hours to explore Stage 48. It’s a highly engaging museum capturing how stories are brought to life on screen and a journey through 100 years of history. 

As parents, you might favor stepping onto the Friends Central Perk set or getting up close with animatronics from Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. if your family is also a Harry Potter fan, I also recommend visiting the Universal Studios in Hollywood.

If your kids are a bit older and you have time to plan ahead, try to get tickets to a TV filming!  It is advised to book your tickets at least 24 hours in advance.

disneyland-with-kids

3. Disneyland (Anaheim)

Contributed by Debbie from WorldAdventurists.com

As one of the most popular family activities on the planet, Disneyland remains a destination that brings joy to kids and adults alike.

Disneyland is a place full of wonder and enchantment. From the moment you step into the heart of Main Street USA, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer power of Disney magic.

Everywhere you look are immersive attractions and captivating shows that make it impossible not to be swept away in the stories of beloved characters.

There’s something special about Disneyland that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth – a genuine joy and excitement that can turn a regular day into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re riding thrilling rides, taking pictures with beloved characters, or exploring unique lands like Adventureland or Frontierland, there’s no doubt that Disneyland is truly a magical place.

Even better, there are multiple events hosted throughout the year—from festive-specific celebrations to live shows—each designed to give guests something new and different every time they visit.

For an unforgettable experience that all ages can enjoy, a day at Disneyland is truly one of the best things you can do with your family in Anaheim and Los Angeles! 

From the moment you enter until your magical day ends, one thing is certain – Disneyland will never fail to capture your heart with its enchanting magic!

💡 PRO-TIP: While there is a great public network in Los Angeles (with a metro and many buses), it’s recommended to rent a car when visiting Los Angeles with kids. A Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is also a great way to explore the city if you don’t wish to rent a car.

4. California Science Center

If your children love science, then a stop at the California Science Center is a must things to do in LA with kids. It’s in the Exposition Park, next to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the University of Southern California.

You’ll want to plan at least 3 hours in the museum to explore all the exhibits and the IMAX film. The California Science Center is home to the Endeavour space shuttle.

It’s free to enter the museum and to visit the permanent exhibit, including the Endeavour space shuttle. Tickets are required for IMAZ movies. There is also a parking fee ($15.00 before 5:00pm or $18.00 after 5:00pm).

point dume in Malibu
Point Dume in Malibu Purchased from DepositPhotos

5. Point Dume (Malibu)

Contributed by Melissa from The Family Voyage

Want to escape LA’s notorious crowds? Head up the coast to Malibu! This Los Angeles County coastal enclave is the perfect place to experience some of LA’s prettiest spots.

Start your visit to Malibu with a hike to the top of the bluffs at Point Dume. The views are stunning, and the hillside comes alive in spring with yellow wildflowers. The hike is only 1.5 miles roundtrip and many preschoolers can do it on their own.

At the top, there’s a beautiful platform for bird watching, and if you look patiently at the ocean, you may see whales or dolphins swimming by!

After the hike, spend the rest of the day lounging on the beach. The water in Malibu is a little warmer than many other Los Angeles beaches, but don’t expect balmy temperatures! It’s perfect for splashing on a hot day, or your big kids can rent a boogie board and wetsuit to try out the waves.

The only downside of visiting Malibu is that it’s far from inland parts of Los Angeles. Be sure to book a family-friendly place to stay in Los Angeles along the coast to minimize your drive time!

6. Venice Beach

Contributed by Faith from 3 Tickets Please

Known for its bohemian vibe and eclectic boardwalk, Venice Beach is a great place to spend the day as a family. While the beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, adventurous families can rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely ride along the 22-mile Marvin Braude bike path.

The path starts in Torrance Beach, winds through Venice Beach, and past Santa Monica before it ends at Will Rogers Beach. 

As you pedal along, take a break to be impressed by all the flips and ollies at the famous skate park, to people watch at Venice Beach’s famous Muscle Beach or to take in some art at the Venice Beach’s Art Walls

If your little ones can make the 15 minute ride to Santa Monica Pier, they will be rewarded with carnival rides, fair food and fun games. Then pedal back to Venice Beach as a family just as the sun sets to remind yourself how wonderful it is to be at the ocean and on a bike, with those you love most.

💡 PRO-TIP: For more family-friendly activities in California, you can download the GoWhee app.

Manhattan Beach near Los Angeles

7. Manhattan Beach

The California Coast is perfect for spending a few days at the beach in the Pacific Ocean. There are a few different options for beaches in or around Los Angeles. But Manhattan Beach is a great option for families.

Manhattan Beach has a nice downtown where it’s easy to walk around. You’ll find some restaurants, stores, and ice cream shops. Note that most parking spaces are paid.

Manhattan Beach is popular with families for its free aquarium at the end of the historic pier: the Roundhouse Aquarium. The Roundhouse Aquarium is quite small and can’t be compared to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Los Angeles, but kids will still enjoy it. Plus, it’s a fun walk on the pier.

Then, kids will love playing in the sand and the ocean.

For older kids, there are a few surf schools if you’d like to learn this sport. There is also a fun playground for kids as well as green parks.

8. California Adventure (Anaheim)

Contributed by Adriane from Put On Your Party Pants

California Adventure is one of the two theme parks at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. In addition to this park, you can visit Disneyland and Downtown Disney, which have several shops and restaurants.

There are a few rides with height requirements, but most are family-friendly, and there are several slow-moving dark rides with a ton of detail and no height requirement whatsoever.

Cars Land is the star of this park. It is incredibly immersive and features one of the best rides at the park, Radiator Springs Racers.

Pixar Pier is another popular section. It has the Incredicoaster, a large roller coaster with an upside-down loop themed around The Incredibles. Another highlight of this area is Toy Story Mania, a ride that allows its occupants to play arcade games by shooting at screens.

In addition to the various lands, you can see World of Color, a nighttime show with a lot of shooting water, Disney music, and movie clips. There are also many characters to meet and several places to play.

La Brea Tarpits & Hancock Park
La Brea Tarpits Hancock Park Courtesy of Kristy from JJ and the Bug

9. La Brea Tarpits & Hancock Park

Contributed by Kristy from JJ and the Bug

Stroll through Los Angeles’s Hancock Park, and you’ll find kids playing with super-sized Ice Age mammals, a Pleistocene Garden representing vegetation of the Los Angeles basin from thousands of years ago, active excavation sites, and great spots for a family picnic. 

Hancock Park is home to the La Brea Tar Pits. Over the last 50,000 years, animals, plants, and insects have been trapped in the area’s sticky asphalt. The result is the only actively excavated Ice Age fossil site in an urban location and a city park that fascinates scientists and fossil-curious visitors alike.  

There are five active “tar pits” including the iconic Lake Pit. Located in front of a Museum that houses the most spectacular fossils found on site, the Lake Pit is known for its sticky bubbles and odor from a deep underground oil field. Models of trapped mammoths make it easy to imagine the area thousands of years earlier.

Whether you’re looking for a unique park day or have a family of fossil lovers to impress, you will find something to pique your curiosity here.

Santa Monica
Santa Monica Courtesy of Melissa from Los Angeles Traveler

10. Santa Monica

Contributed by Melissa from Los Angeles Traveler

One of the best ways to spend a day in Los Angeles with kids is by exploring all the fun things to do in Santa Monica.

Start your day off renting bikes from Perry’s Beach Cafe (near tower #23). You can ride south to Marina del Rey, check out the spectacle of Venice Beach, and visit some playgrounds along the way. On the way back, you can lock up your bike and enjoy some time at the Pier, try the rides at Pacific Park, or meet the “locals” at the Heal the Bay Aquarium.

When your ride is complete, return the bikes and walk about 10 minutes north to the Annenberg Community Beach House. This delightful space is a beachside getaway for all Angelenos and visitors, even if they can’t afford a tony beach club membership.

The Annenberg is the perfect place to grab lunch with your toes in the sand, either at the picnic benches of Back on the Beach Cafe or down by the ocean if you opt for the takeaway window. You’ll spend your afternoon enjoying the beautiful views and frolicking in the waves, but if the kids need a break, they can always head back to the Beach House for some playground time!

Discovery Cube in Santa Ana
Discovery Cube Courtesy of Astrid from The Wandering Daughter

11. Discovery Cube (Santa Ana)

Contributed by Astrid from The Wandering Daughter

For a fun way to sneak in learning during a visit to Los Angeles, head to Discovery Cube. This children’s museum offers exhibits that help kids learn about the world through physics, the natural world, exploring how cities work, and the world of illusion. Discovery Cube is a great place for families to learn about science and social studies.

Discovery Cube has two locations in the Los Angeles area. Discovery Cube Los Angeles is located in Sylmar (off of I-210), while Discovery Cube OC is in Santa Ana (off of I-5). Discovery Cube OC’s proximity to Anaheim is a great supplement to a Disneyland itinerary!

Admission costs are $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 3-11. Discovery Cube is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. The museum has a cafe, so if your kids get hungry, they can grab a quick snack and then return to their learning fun!

Newport Beach

12. Newport Beach

When in Los Angeles, why not take a day trip to Orange County and explore Newport Beach?

Newport Beach is one of the many coastal towns in Orange County that are worth a trip. Families will love the Balboa Peninsula Park beach. There is an excellent kids’ playground and access to the beach for kids to run around and play in the water.

There is also a nice boardwalk, the Newport Beach Boardwalk, where you can ride a short family bike.

Final Thoughts: Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids

Los Angeles is a popular destination when visiting California with kids. There are many things to do in Los Angeles with kids, but it’s important to plan since many activities are far away.

Which of those family activities will you add to your Los Angeles with kids trip?