30 Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Looking for realistic things to do in Los Angeles with kids? These ideas are both family friendly and fun to do on your next trip to Los Angeles.

I moved to Los Angeles when I was eight, and I’ve spent the last several years rooted to this place. So, even though I wasn’t born in LA, I was definitely raised in the different neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

Some fun facts about Los Angeles:

The weather is amazing, and something I take for granted. Especially as I bundle up when it’s “cold” and 60 degrees outside.
The traffic is terrible. As in, it would take my husband an hour to drive 11 miles home during rush hour. Meanwhile, I constantly rely on my map app and plan my routes based on the orange and red lines.
I don’t see celebrities every day, but they’re around. I’ve seen Milo Ventimiglia and Cobie Smulders at our farmers market and David Schwimmer at a bar. I walked by Halle Berry on Rodeo Drive and stood next to Tyra Banks at a newsstand by UCLA (both were with their moms!).

Realistic things to do in Los Angeles with kids

This article though, is about things to do in Los Angeles with kids. A reader had asked me for ideas on places she can visit with her young child, and I couldn’t wait to share some ideas. This is for the family ready to take a trip out here but wants the low-down on what’s worth their time.

You’ll often see travel tips and places to go, even those that are geared for kids. But when I’m saying kids, I mean young kids like toddlers and even babies. Because we all know what happens when kids feel stretched beyond their limits, especially on vacation.

So here it is: I compiled my favorite outings in my hometown. I hope you enjoy this slice of Los Angeles, even with kids in tow:

Museums

Not all museums and galleries are kid-friendly, as I’m sure you’ve realized. Some feature exhibits that might be confusing for kids, or you’re constantly yelling, “Don’t touch!”

Thankfully, plenty of museums are designed just for kids (or feature an exhibit for kids). Go early (as in, right when they open) so your kids have more space to explore.

These are some of my favorite museums I’ve taken my kids, from infancy to the present:

1. California Science Center

The Science Center is first on the list because we go here often. The biggest perk is that the museum is free (you just need to pay for parking). They also encourage hands-on learning, from touching starfish to building towers.

Toddler rooms are perfect for little ones to play away from the rowdy big kids. You’ll also see deep-sea divers feeding aquatic animals, and the option to see the famous NASA Endeavor. (Fun tip: Play “rock, paper, scissors” with the divers!).

Learn more about the California Science Center.

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2. Kidspace

My kids love Kidspace, a children’s museum in Pasadena that’s both indoors and out. Everything about the museum is hands-on, from painting with water to walking in the water (bring water-safe shoes!) to examining live worms. Come early, as it can get crowded even around noon.

Learn more about Kidspace.

3. The Getty Center

A free museum (other than the parking), the Getty Center is another favorite of mine. Your kids will have plenty of space outdoors to run around crazy without bumping into anyone.

Fair warning though: they’ll likely enjoy spending time outside the museum buildings than actually looking at the art. If they are inside, they’re likely in the kids room, an exhibit where they can tinker with things based on the real art in the other buildings.

You’ll find a ton of fountains, which is another favorite with my kids. The maze-like garden is an awesome walk, and you’ll ride a tram from the parking lot to the museum. Don’t be surprised if they want to ride it over and over.

Learn more about the Getty Center.

4. Discovery Cube

Our latest “discovery” is a children’s museum also focused on science, Discovery Cube. They actually have two locations, one in Orange County farther south of Los Angeles, and another in the San Fernando Valley.

It’s not free, but the place is empty (anyone with kids can appreciate this!). They usually feature special exhibits upstairs—we’ve been to ones all about Lego and another about the Wild Kratts.

Learn more about Discovery Cube.

5. La Brea Tar Pits

The La Brea Tar Pits is a smaller museum all about the animal fossils during the Ice Age discovered in tar pits throughout the area. You’ll actually see and smell tar pits all around, as well as the fossils they’ve since uncovered.

Also on view are working sites of anthropologists either removing more fossils from the tar, or cleaning them up in the fossil labs. Learn about cats, mammoths, climate change, and excavations!

Learn more about the La Brea Tar Pits.

6. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

Discover dinosaurs, nature gardens, gems and minerals, and Los Angeles culture in the Natural History Museum! The biggest draw is the long hallway feature life-size models of wild animals in their natural habitats.

Learn more about the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.

7. LACMA

Who knew modern art would captivate kids? A favorite exhibit is Metropolis II, a miniature model based on the frenetic pace of a city. Kids stay mesmerized by the fast-moving cars and trains through the city’s buildings.

You’ll also find quirky exhibits, from floating balls you can gently bounce to elevators with a heartbeat soundtrack.

Learn more about LACMA.

8. Skirball Cultural Center

The biggest draw in the Skirball Cultural Center is Noah’s Ark, a hands-on exhibit for kids. You’ll feel like you’re inside an ark, where your kids can play with stuffed animals, climb and slide, and even write and draw.

Learn more about the Skirball Cultural Center.

9. Getty Villa

The Getty Villa is the sister museum of the Getty Museum, situated along the Malibu coasts. The museum features Greek and Roman art and remnants from the Stone Age all through the fall of the Roman empire.

You can walk through the herb garden, watch the fountains, and visit their many gardens. This museum is also free except for parking.

Learn more about the Getty Villa.

10. Autry Museum

The Autry Museum is dedicated to the southwest culture of California (aka, cowboys!). Visit the ethno-botanical garden outdoors (including a waterfall), watch a tour of California, and look at pueblo pottery.

Also, the parking lot is pretty close to the entrance, so one thing I’ve done to save money is to pack lunch and leave it in the car. That way, I didn’t have to tote a heavy bag with me the whole time, but could also eat a homemade lunch instead of buying from the cafe.

Learn more about the Autry Museum.

Animals

Seeing animals up close and personal is a must for every child! Thankfully, Los Angeles offers several ways to observe a variety of animals. Take a look at my favorites:

11. Los Angeles Zoo

Our zoo is a sight to see, from giraffes to elephants to gorillas and lions. As always, try to go early so your kids don’t have to fight the crowds to see the animals. You might want to pre-purchase your tickets as well to avoid the lines to get in.

Learn more about the LA Zoo.

12. Aquarium of the Pacific

Located in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific features sea creatures from the Pacific coast. Get a glimpse of water animals, like penguins, jellies, otters, and sharks. There’s so much to see at the aquarium!

Learn more about the Aquarium of the Pacific.

13. Underwood Family Farms

At Underwood Farms in Moorpark, you can pick fresh strawberries, fruits and veggies (for a low price, too). You can take a fun tractor ride to the fields and fill your bags with goodies. Your kids will also suddenly love eating the green beans they picked, by the way!

Besides picking your own fruits, you can also feed the farm animals (bring quarters to buy animal food) and play in the toy trains, slides, and tunnels.

I suggest bringing your own food to eat at the picnic tables, as they don’t have many options for lunch. And they only have portable potties, so come prepared!

Learn more about Underwood Family Farms.

14. Wildlife Learning Center

I had first heard of the Wildlife Learning Center in Sylmar, when they visited my kids’ school. They house rescues and wild animals, like sloths (which were much faster than I assumed), owls, tortoises, and monkeys.

This is a smaller site, so they don’t have any places to eat, and won’t take the whole day to visit. But it’s a great quick trip that supports a good cause. A similar rescue center is one in Culver City called Eco Station, another favorite of ours.

Learn more about the Wildlife Learning Center.

Amusement parks and venues

I’ll admit: I still have not taken my kids to Disneyland (one day, I will!). That said, we’ve taken them to a few more of the nearby amusement parks around, like:

15. Adventure City

When my twins were turning two, we celebrated by taking the family to Adventure City in Anaheim. It’s less of an amusement park and more of a huge carnival and fair. Still, this was perfect for my little kids, who could enjoy the toddler-friendly rides.

Learn more about Adventure City.

16. Universal Studios

One of the first “big” amusement parks I took my kids to was Universal Studios. It has a variety of rides for both big and little kids, and isn’t too large that you can’t see everything in one day. Watch special effects shows, take a tram tour, and go on age-appropriate rides.

I also suggest getting a fast pass so you don’t have to wait in line.

Learn more about Universal Studios.

17. Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is home of Snoopy and the gang. This amusement park is small enough that you can actually visit nearly every area in a day (though likely not go on every ride).

I was surprised to see that Knott’s has a ton of roller coaster rides, especially geared toward big kids. But there’s still plenty to do for little kids, including toddler roller coasters, rides, shows, and entertainment.

Learn more about Knott’s Berry Farm.

Outdoors

Los Angeles is known for wonderful weather, including the outdoors. From hikes to gardens, below are some of our family favorites to check out:

18. Sturtevant Falls

This is one of my favorite hikes, because it boasts a wonderful waterfall at the end. You’ll also cross plenty of creeks, and even pass cabins where people actually stay. It’s truly an awe-inspiring hike with plenty to explore, but still doable for kids.

That said, note that the hike is a 3.3-mile hike, and has a steep uphill climb on your way back to the lot. You’ll also have to guide your kids to step on rocks and cross water. Baby carriers work great for little ones—otherwise, wait until they’re a good three- or four-years-old to make the trek.

Learn more about Sturtevant Falls.

19. Wilacre Park

I love bringing my kids outdoors, and Wilacre Park is an awesome hike for young children. We took our twins as early as under two-years-old. It’s a curvy drive up the mountain, with a clear parking lot to tell you where to start. The last time we went, we visited the reservoir and watched the ducks float by.

Perks include a museum and activity area as well as a nice bathroom (a rarity when out in nature!). For a perfect hike, this is one of my favorite things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

Learn more about Wilacre Park.

20. UCLA Botanical Garden

I love visiting college campuses, and UCLA is no exception. One of the tourist-y things we do is walk through their botanical garden. You’ll find huge trees and plants native to the area. I don’t recommend a stroller, so bring a baby carrier if your little one is too small to walk.

Since you’re already on campus, you’ll also want to check out the Sculpture Garden. Experience a wide expanse of grass and sculptures your kids can run around in. And if you’re in shopping mode, check out Ackerman Union. You’ll find a food court, a grocery store, a book store, and souvenir shop.

Learn more about the UCLA Botanical Garden.

21. Fern Dell at Griffith Park

Griffith Park is like our Central Park in that there’s so much stuff to do in this one “park,” like horseback riding and the Griffith Observatory. One of my favorites? Walking through Fern Dell.

The path includes tons of shade so you don’t get hot. You’ll also walk by water, especially after the rain. It’s a fantastic walk in nature that’s not too difficult for little ones.

And since you’re already at Griffith Park, check out the Griffith Observatory. Go early because otherwise you’re left with street parking, which means a huge hike up the mountain. This can be difficult for little kids (or parents pushing strollers).

Learn more about Fern Dell and Griffith Park.

22. South Coast Botanic Garden

In the South Bay is another botanical garden I recommend. It’s a huge garden that you’ll probably only get to see a bite-size piece of. But it’s kid-friendly with tons of paths and walkways to appeal to young children (including a children’s garden!).

Learn more about the South Coast Botanic Garden.

Check out these preschool outdoor activities for summer.

23. Los Angeles Arboretum

One of our recent outings was to the LA Arboretum in Arcadia, where you can take a stroll through various gardens and trees. Expect to see plenty of beautiful peacocks strutting around, as well as a lake filled with ducks galore.

Learn more about the Los Angeles Arboretum.

Beaches

Los Angeles has plenty of beaches, and everyone has their favorite. We may not have pristine, crystal-clear beaches or white sand, but we do love soaking up the sun and playing along the coast. Below are some of my favorite spots to check out:

24. Manhattan Beach

It’s been our tradition that on the last day of school, we take the kids to get ice cream and sit on the sandy shores of Manhattan Beach. You can also explore Downtown Manhattan Beach, which is just a quick walk from the shore.

Learn more about Manhattan Beach.

25. Marina Del Rey

Rent bicycles, eat ice cream, and visit Fisherman’s Village all within Marina Del Rey. My old work even rented a boat for a happy hour, should you be inclined to sail away.

Learn more about Marina Del Rey.

26. The Water Bus

During the summer, Marina del Rey also runs a Water Bus that ports at different spots through the marina. Tickets are $1 each, and you have to buy two tickets for a round trip.

I recommend starting at Fisherman’s Village because of the large parking lot and eateries. Then, take a midway break at Mother’s Beach so you can set up a spot on the sand or have your kids play in the playground.

The whole trip takes about an hour, which, for kids, is just about right. You can take your stroller on the boat, and you don’t need to wear life preservers. Then, once you’re back to Fisherman’s Village, you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurants nearby (I like the lasagna at Sapori Italian Restaurant).

Learn more about the Water Bus.

27. Playa Del Rey

Before buying our current house, we used to live a mere 15 minutes away from the beach. Playa Del Rey was one of my “secret” spots, where I could, more often than not, find a good, free parking spot and walk straight to the shores.

Quick tip: To find the secret spot, search for the Del Rey Lagoon Park. Grab a parking spot either at the park or along the street, and simply cross the fence toward the shore.

Learn more about Playa Del Rey.

Shopping and sight-seeing

I never thought I’d take my kids shopping “for fun,” but sometimes these places are so out of the world you simply have to. Take a look at a few of my favorite shopping and sight-seeing spots to take my kids:

28. The Grove

The Grove is a fun place to take kids if you want to shop during your trip. They’re next to the original farmers market (as in, the first market ever in the whole country). They also have a trolley that goes back and forth between the Grove and the market which kids love to ride on.

The first thing you’ll see is a huge fountain when you walk in, which is always a favorite with the kids. If they get fidgety, take them to the Barnes and Noble book store where they have a large children’s area.

Learn more about the Grove.

29. Third Street Promenade

At Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, you can check out fountains, sidewalk entertainment, and plenty of stores.

If your kids get antsy, head to the mall, Santa Monica Place, and straight to Samo’s Clubhouse. This is a children’s play area shaped like a ship in the middle of the food court.

Learn more about Third Street Santa Monica.

30. Santa Monica Pier

Near Third Street Promenade is the Santa Monica Pier. You’ll find carnival rides and restaurants along the pier, or visit an aquarium and catch a few outdoor shows, especially during the summer.

Learn more about the Santa Monica Pier.

Cool neighborhoods to check out

Sometimes you visit a place and select a spot but don’t know if it’s a nice place or not. Here are a few cool neighborhoods to stay or check out:

Beverly Hills
Burbank
Culver City
Glendale
Los Feliz
Malibu
Manhattan Beach
Marina del Rey
Pasadena
Playa del Rey
Santa Monica
Sherman Oaks
Silver Lake
Studio City
Venice
West LA
Westwood

Conclusion

I’m sure I left out a ton of places, many of which are iconic and “go-to” spots, but these are the ones I find young kids enjoy the most and can tolerate.

Traveling with kids is rough enough—you want to visit places easy for bringing young children to. These are my favorite things to do in Los Angeles with kids, and I hope they can become yours when you visit.

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