10 Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids!
Los Angeles is one of the most exciting cities in the United States, and it is also a great place for families traveling with kids. Many people think of Los Angeles only as the home of Hollywood and beaches, but the city has much more to offer. From museums and science centers to outdoor parks and fun attractions, in this guide, we’ll take you through 10 best things to do in Los Angeles with kids, explain each spot in detail, and give tips to make your family trip smooth and memorable.
1. Universal Studios Hollywood
The Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and working movie studio where families can enjoy rides, shows, and behind‑the‑scenes experiences all in one place. The Studio Tour takes visitors through real sets and soundstages, showing how films are made while adding fun surprises with special effects. Kids love exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where they can walk through Hogsmeade, try butterbeer, and enjoy magical rides. Character meet‑and‑greets let kids see their favorite movie heroes up close, while themed restaurants make dining part of the adventure.
2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Located in Burbank, Warner Bros. Studio Tour is one of the best ways to see how movies and television shows are made. Families can walk through soundstages, backlots, and sets used in famous productions, giving kids and adults a chance to feel part of Hollywood. One of the highlights is the DC Universe and Harry Potter exhibits, where fans can see costumes, props, and recreated sets. Guides share stories about filmmaking and explain how special effects bring movies to life. Visitors can also see the studio’s backlot streets, which have been used in countless films and TV series.
3. Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Located downtown, it is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and is known for its striking design by architect Frank Gehry. The building’s curved stainless steel exterior makes it stand out as a piece of art on its own, and it has become a symbol of modern Los Angeles. Inside, families and visitors can attend performances ranging from classical concerts to modern shows. The outdoor garden area is another highlight, while guided tours take guests to learn about the architecture and the history behind the hall.
4. Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is one of the most family‑friendly attractions in the city, located inside Griffith Park. It opened in 1966 and is home to more than a thousand animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and rare species that kids may not see anywhere else. Families enjoy walking through themed areas such as the Rain forest of the Americas and the Elephants of Asia, which give children a chance to see how animals live in different environments. The zoo also has educational programs, keeper talks, and many seasonal events that make each visit special.
5. Aquarium of the Pacific
Located in Long Beach, Aquarium of the Pacific focuses on the marine life of the Pacific Ocean, with more than 12,000 animals representing hundreds of species. Kids enjoy seeing colorful fish, sea otters, sharks, and jellyfish up close, while interactive touch pools let them feel stingrays and other gentle creatures. The aquarium is divided into different zones, such as the Tropical Pacific, Southern California & Baja, and Northern Pacific, each showing unique habitats and animals. Educational programs, daily presentations, and seasonal events make the visit even more fun and engaging for children.
6. Kidspace Museum
Located near the Rose Bowl, Kidspace Museum offers both indoor and outdoor areas where kids can explore science, art, and nature in simple ways. Families enjoy the Arroyo Adventure, where children can play with water and discover natural habitats, and the Imagination Workshop, which lets them build and create with hands‑on projects. There are also climbing structures, gardens, and outdoor play zones that make the museum feel more like an adventure than a classroom. The museum also focuses on giving kids safe spaces to explore, experiment, and connect with the world around them.
7. Join Guided Whale Watching Tour
Taking a guided whale watching tour is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities for families who want to connect with nature. These tours usually start from harbors like San Pedro or Marina del Rey, where boats take visitors out into the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the season, you may see gray whales during their migration, or even blue whales. Along the way, dolphins often swim near the boat, and seabirds fly overhead, adding to the experience. Guides on board share facts about the species, their habits, and the importance of protecting marine life, making the trip both fun and educational.
8. Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most famous spots for families and visitors looking for fun by the ocean. Built in 1909, it stretches out into the Pacific and has become a symbol of Southern California’s beach culture. The pier is home to Pacific Park, a small amusement park with rides like the solar‑powered Ferris wheel that gives wide views of the coastline. Kids enjoy the arcade games, carousel, and food stands that line the pier, while adults relax with the ocean breeze and watch street performers. Fishing is also popular here, with locals and tourists casting lines from the edge of the pier.
9. Griffith Observatory
Opened in 1935, Griffith Observatory is one of the city’s most popular landmarks, offering both science exhibits and some of the best views of the skyline. Inside, families can explore displays about space, planets, and astronomy, including real telescopes and interactive exhibits that make learning simple and fun. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is a highlight, with shows that explain the universe in a way that is easy for kids and adults to enjoy. Admission is free, and the observatory is also a popular spot for evening visits, when telescopes are set up for public viewing of the moon and stars.
10. California Science Center
Located in Exposition Park, California Science Center is one of the most popular places for families to explore science in a fun way. It is known for being the permanent home of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is displayed in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. Visitors can walk right up to the shuttle and learn about space missions in a way that feels real and exciting. There are exhibits on ecosystems, showing how plants, animals, and people interact in deserts, forests, and oceans. Families enjoy the IMAX theater and hands‑on displays, where kids can touch, play, and experiment while learning about science.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What are the top kid-friendly museums in Los Angeles?
The Natural History Museum is a favorite because kids love the dinosaur skeletons and wildlife exhibits. The California Science Center is another top choice, with hands‑on displays and the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The Kidspace Museum in Pasadena is designed especially for children, with outdoor play areas and creative workshops. Families also enjoy the La Brea Tar Pits Museum, where kids can see fossils and learn about Ice Age animals.
2. Are there indoor activities for kids in Los Angeles?
Yes, Los Angeles has plenty of indoor activities such as the California Science Center and Natural History Museum both offer large indoor spaces filled with interactive exhibits. The Kidspace Museum has creative workshops and play zones inside. Families can also visit the Grammy Museum, where children can explore music through fun displays. Indoor attractions are great for hot or rainy days, giving kids a chance to learn and play in a safe environment.
3. What are the best outdoor attractions for kids in Los Angeles?
Outdoor fun in Los Angeles includes places where kids can explore nature and enjoy fresh air. The Los Angeles Zoo is a popular choice, with animals from around the world and family programs. The Santa Monica Pier offers rides, games, and ocean views that children love. Families can also enjoy Griffith Park, which has playgrounds, hiking trails, and the Griffith Observatory. Beaches like Santa Monica and Venice are perfect for sand play and ocean fun.
4. Are there seasonal events for families in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles hosts many seasonal events that families can enjoy together. During winter, places like the Los Angeles Zoo and Santa Monica Pier often have holiday lights and special programs. Summer brings outdoor concerts, festivals, and family movie nights in parks. Spring and fall include cultural celebrations, art fairs, and food festivals across the city. Museums and attractions also run special events during school breaks.
5. What sports experiences can kids enjoy in Los Angeles?
Kids in Los Angeles can enjoy sports in many ways. Families can watch professional games, like basketball at Crypto.com Arena or baseball at Dodger Stadium. The city also has places for bowling, mini‑golf, and indoor climbing walls that children enjoy. Parks across Los Angeles offer soccer fields, basketball courts, and open spaces for free play. Some attractions mix sports with fun themes, making them more exciting for younger players.
6. Are there any unique experiences for kids to enjoy in Los Angeles?
Yes, Los Angeles has unique experiences that children will remember for a long time. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour lets families see movie sets and props from famous films. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach offers touch pools and close encounters with sea life. The Museum of Jurassic Technology provides unusual exhibits that mix fact and imagination. Families can also enjoy guided whale watching tours, where kids see dolphins and whales in the ocean.
