LAwithKids Activities GUIDE

Activities in the Los Angeles Area

We have created the a guide for families visiting Los Angeles.

Museums, Zoos, Aquariums

Planning a family trip to Los Angeles? The Los Angeles area is packed with kid-friendly things to do, from hands-on museums and animal encounters to beaches, parks, theme parks, and only-in-LA attractions. Whether you are visiting for a weekend, planning a school break vacation, or looking for something fun to do with kids who live nearby, this guide will help you choose the best Los Angeles activities for your family.

Los Angeles is a big city, so the best plan is to group activities by area. Spend one day exploring Hollywood and Griffith Park, another day at the beach, another at museums, and save a full day for theme parks or larger attractions.

Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is one of the most iconic family attractions in Los Angeles. Kids can explore space exhibits, see the famous pendulum, look through telescopes when available, and enjoy incredible views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. It is also a great stop if your family is visiting Griffith Park.

Best for: Space lovers, science fans, city views, first-time visitors
Family tip: Parking can be busy, especially near sunset. Arrive early or consider using public transportation or a rideshare.

California Science Center

The California Science Center is a favorite for families because it offers hands-on science exhibits, special exhibitions, and IMAX movies. It is located in Exposition Park, making it easy to pair with nearby museums and outdoor space.

Best for: Curious kids, STEM learning, rainy days, school-age children
Family tip: Check current exhibits before visiting, because major exhibitions and availability can change.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum is a great choice for kids who love dinosaurs, gems, animals, fossils, and nature. Families can explore large exhibit halls, seasonal butterfly or spider experiences, and educational displays that make science feel exciting and accessible.

Best for: Dinosaur fans, young explorers, school-age kids
Family tip: Combine it with the California Science Center for a full Exposition Park day.

La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits is one of the most unique places to visit in Los Angeles with kids. Families can see bubbling tar pits, Ice Age fossils, and active science connected to one of the world’s most famous fossil sites.

Best for: Fossil lovers, dinosaur-age curiosity, unique LA history
Family tip: Walk around the outdoor tar pits before or after visiting the museum.

Los Angeles Zoo

The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park and is home to mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and botanical gardens. It is a classic family outing and works well for toddlers, kids, and multi-generational groups.

Best for: Animal lovers, toddlers, stroller-friendly outings
Family tip: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and check the schedule for keeper talks or special events.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Located in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a great day trip for families interested in ocean life. Kids can see marine animals, explore Pacific Ocean habitats, and enjoy interactive learning experiences.

Best for: Ocean lovers, toddlers through teens, Long Beach day trips
Family tip: Pair it with a walk around Rainbow Harbor or Shoreline Village.

A Day at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Griffith Park

Griffith Park is one of the best outdoor destinations for families in Los Angeles. It offers hiking, playgrounds, picnic areas, the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Observatory, train rides, and plenty of room for kids to move around.

Best for: Hiking, picnics, city views, low-cost family fun
Family tip: Choose one section of the park per visit because Griffith Park is large and spread out.

Santa Monica Beach and Pier

Santa Monica is a classic Southern California family stop. Families can enjoy the beach, walk the pier, ride the Ferris wheel, play games, grab snacks, and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Best for: Beach days, first-time LA visitors, pier rides, photos
Family tip: Bring layers. Even sunny beach days can feel cool near the water.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is colorful, energetic, and full of people-watching. Families can walk the boardwalk, see skateboarders at the skate park, visit the canals, or enjoy the beach.

Best for: Older kids, teens, beach walks, street culture
Family tip: The boardwalk can be busy and loud, so families with younger children may prefer visiting earlier in the day.

Exposition Park

Exposition Park is a convenient family destination because several major attractions are close together. You can visit museums, walk through gardens, enjoy open space, and make a full day out of the area.

Best for: Museum days, educational trips, families without a car
Family tip: Check museum hours and parking options before you go.

Echo Park Lake

Echo Park Lake is a scenic outdoor stop near Downtown Los Angeles. Families can walk around the lake, enjoy skyline views, and rent pedal boats when available.

Best for: Relaxed outings, photos, short outdoor visits
Family tip: Great for a low-key morning or afternoon activity.

Theme Parks and Amusement Centers

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the top family attractions in Los Angeles. Families can enjoy movie-themed rides, shows, character experiences, the Studio Tour, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

Best for: Movie fans, older kids, teens, thrill rides
Family tip: Buy tickets in advance and arrive early, especially during holidays and school breaks.

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, outside the City of Los Angeles, but it is one of the most popular family day trips from LA. Families can visit Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park for rides, shows, characters, parades, and seasonal events.

Best for: Disney fans, multi-day family trips, all ages
Family tip: Plan ahead for reservations, park tickets, mobile ordering, and long walking days.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park offers roller coasters, family rides, live entertainment, Old West-themed areas, and Camp Snoopy for younger kids. It can be a fun alternative or addition to a Disneyland-area trip.

Best for: Families with mixed ages, thrill rides, Snoopy fans
Family tip: Check height requirements before promising younger kids specific rides.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is best known for thrill rides and roller coasters. It is a better fit for older kids and teens than toddlers, although some family rides are available.

Best for: Teens, thrill seekers, roller coaster fans
Family tip: Check ride closures, height requirements, and heat conditions before visiting.

Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier

Pacific Park is the amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier. Families can ride the Ferris wheel, play midway games, enjoy snacks, and combine the visit with a beach day.

Best for: Beach plus rides, younger kids, first-time LA visitors
Family tip: Sunset is beautiful but crowded, so plan extra time.

Free and Budget-Friendly Activities

Los Angeles can be expensive, but there are plenty of lower-cost family activities if you plan carefully.

Great free or low-cost ideas include:

• Walking around Griffith Observatory and enjoying the views
• Exploring Griffith Park
• Visiting the beach in Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, or Manhattan Beach
• Walking through Grand Park or around Downtown LA
• Exploring outdoor areas at La Brea Tar Pits
• Visiting local farmers markets
• Taking photos at the Hollywood Sign viewpoint areas
• Planning a picnic at a neighborhood park
• Checking free museum days and library programs

Always confirm hours, parking fees, and reservation requirements before you go.

Best Los Angeles Activities by Age

Best for Toddlers

• Los Angeles Zoo
• Griffith Park
• Aquarium of the Pacific
• Santa Monica Pier
• Kid-friendly beaches
• Travel Town Museum
• Local playgrounds and parks

Best for Elementary-Age Kids

• California Science Center
• Natural History Museum
• La Brea Tar Pits
• Griffith Observatory
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Knott’s Berry Farm
• Aquarium of the Pacific

Best for Tweens and Teens

• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Venice Beach
• Santa Monica Pier
• Griffith Observatory
• Hollywood attractions
• Sports games
• Studio tours
• Escape rooms and immersive experiences

Suggested Family Itineraries

One-Day LA with Kids Itinerary

Start the morning at Griffith Observatory or the Los Angeles Zoo. Have lunch in Los Feliz, Glendale, or Hollywood. In the afternoon, visit Hollywood, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or a museum. End the day with dinner and city views.

Beach Day Itinerary

Spend the morning at Santa Monica Beach, walk the pier, ride the Ferris wheel, and enjoy lunch nearby. In the afternoon, bike or walk toward Venice Beach, or keep the day relaxed with sand, snacks, and sunset.

Museum Day Itinerary

Visit the California Science Center and Natural History Museum in Exposition Park. Add lunch nearby and leave time for kids to run around outside between museum visits.

Theme Park Day Itinerary

Choose one major park for the day: Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, or Six Flags Magic Mountain. Arrive early, plan meals ahead, check ride height requirements, and build in breaks.

Tips for Visiting Los Angeles with Kids

Los Angeles is fun with kids, but planning makes a big difference.

• Check traffic before choosing your daily route.
• Group activities by neighborhood.
• Reserve tickets in advance when possible.
• Bring sunscreen, hats, water, and snacks.
• Expect parking fees at many attractions.
• Confirm hours before leaving, especially on holidays.
• Give yourself extra time between activities.
• Choose one major attraction per day instead of overpacking the schedule.
• Keep a backup indoor activity for hot or rainy days.

Final Thoughts

Los Angeles is one of the best family travel destinations in California because it offers so many different kinds of activities. Families can spend one day at the beach, another exploring museums, another hiking or visiting animals, and another enjoying world-famous theme parks.

Whether your kids love science, animals, movies, ocean life, rides, sports, food, or outdoor adventures, the Los Angeles area has something for every age and interest.