L.A. is made for Hollywood dreams and family-friendly entertainment, and exploring things to do in Los Angeles with kids is always a good idea. The city, known for its landmark museums, theme parks, movie studios, and gorgeous beaches, makes it a popular vacation spot for tourists from the USA or worldwide.
For that reason, there are so many kids’ activities in Los Angeles that it can be overwhelming to choose your favorites when you have small, overexcited humans in your charge.
But don’t worry. We have pulled together a list of the best things to do in L.A. with kids, for whatever mood and age group they are in. Guaranteed to make your days enjoyable for both kids and adults, these are the kind of kid-friendly activities in Los Angeles that we highly recommend checking out right now.
Best Things To Do With Kids In Los Angeles
Go To The Pink Princess Summer Tea
Where: The Langham Huntington
Address: 1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, California 91106, USA
With its ballet-themed pastries and a special performance by the 12 Princesses Ballet, The Pink Princess Summer Tea is at once the fanciest and daintiest thing to do in L.A. with kids.
It is no surprise that the menu is as kids-centric as the themed journey. With a pink chocolate fountain, princess crowns, dance, and photo opportunities, it is the best pastime for kids in Los Angeles.
At The Langham Huntington, have them wear the frilliest pink frocks and suits as they attend this one-of-a-kind tea party.
Go-Karting At Boomers
Where: Boomers
Address: Address: 17871 Castleton Street, City of Industry, CA 91748, United States
Yes, driving is fun, but go-karting is way cooler. The rush of wind and feeling the ground features whizzing past you is addictive — not just for adults but also for kids.
The Rookie Go Karts at Boomers Amusement Park is for young racers. Designed exclusively for thrill-seeking junior drivers, they are among the best sporty things to do with kids in Los Angeles.
The karts are extremely safe and perfect for kids who want to drive solo. Still, you can always add a little element of surprise to the little one’s itinerary with miniature golf, bumper cars, or an arcade before unwinding in The Chill Zone with your favorite meals.
Show Them Los Angeles From High Above
Where: Griffith Observatory
Address: Address: 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
Every street holds free things to do in L.A. with kids, but Griffith Observatory always comes on top. The free admission platform on the south side of Mount Hollywood is your gateway to the universe.
This great observatory in metropolitan Los Angeles’s center is our preferred way to show the kids breathtaking views of downtown in the southeast, Hollywood in the south, and the Pacific Ocean in the southwest.
Your little ones will love hopping between the many telescopes and exciting exhibits, but there is obviously much more to do in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. For example, live shows and scientific programs using state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and digital projections engage audiences as young as 10 to 11 years old.
Experience The Ultimate Dinosaur Encounters
Where: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Address: 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007, United States
To get a grip on the bewildering array of Los Angeles museums, you must first visit the best of them all, the Natural History Museum, as it is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids.
The life and earth sciences, embedded with major collections revolving around Zoology, Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, and Paleontology, are reassuringly wonderful exhibits and guarantee that the kids will find answers to all their questions over here.
Set off in different directions as you explore the museum’s special experiences, such as the Dinosaur Hall, Butterfly Pavilion Exhibits, and special events like Chocolate talks and tasting. Families with little kids will love the special Dinosaur Encounters, as the giant extinct reptiles come to life with fun theater performances, presentations, and a realistic T.rex!
A Day Filled With Action And Themed Lands
Where: Universal Studios Hollywood
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
What was once a functioning film studio is now an unmissable tourist attraction in California. Universal Studios Hollywood is the perfect place to spend an entire day, or many days, with your kids in Los Angeles.
A whole load of kid-friendly activities in Los Angeles awaits at this theme park, with so many thrilling rides and experiences that no one in your group will be willing to leave,
Take a tour of the world-famous studio, conjure up an Expecto Patronum at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or take the scenic ride in the heart of Jurassic World. And if that isn’t enough, rummage through the adventurous rides and attractions like Mario Kart, Minion Mayhem, or the 3D Transformers Ride.
Unearth Mysteries With Little Explorers
Where: La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Address: 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
This active paleontological research site is perfect for those kids who are curious about everything – whether it is saber-toothed cats or real excavation sites where paleontologists work.
There are lots of – things to do with kids in Los Angeles’s La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, especially the stories and collections to visit the Ice Age Life. The La Brea Tar Pits are active fossil sites with many discoveries from extinct mammoths, microfossils, and tiny plants and animal remains that give us an idea of ancient ecosystems.
And after you have made a detour to Lake Pit with its distinctive bobbles and odor coming from an underground oil field, make your way to Hancock Park where kids can play beside large-sized Ice Age Mammals while the adults stroll and picnic around the excavation sites, the Pleistocene Garden, and the mastodon models.
Shop While The Kids Have Fun With The Puppet Shows And Live Music
Where: The Grove
Address: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
Kids hate shopping, and they wholeheartedly admit it. But what if we combine that shopping experience with a fun Kids Club experience so the little ones have no reason to complain?
The Grove is a must-visit attraction in Los Angeles — a 575,000 sq. ft. outdoor marketplace that is as famous for its dining and entertainment culture as for shopping destinations. And it has got it all for the whole family.
Every Thursday, kids can enjoy a dose of entertainment with storytelling, live music, and puppet show activities with the adults before they grab a bite at the quick-serve spots or restaurants at The Grove.
Learn About The Underwater Life Of Pacific And Whale Migration
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific
Address: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States
Aquarium of the Pacific is the largest aquarium in Southern California, redefining the way we pay attention and respect to marine ecosystems and the inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean.
If you are still unaware of its charm, take your kids to this modern aquarium where they can have world-class exhibits discussing coral reefs, frogs, shark lagoon, and penguin habitats. When you are at Aquarium of the Pacific, there are a lot of things to do in L.A. with kids, such as taking a tour of the 11,000 animal exhibits, checking out the 4D film experience, and having fun in family festivals with educational programs, winter camps, and sleepovers.
Or, even more fun, are boat cruises in search of gray whales or dolphins, though that solely depends on the weather and the chance that the gentle giants will migrate along the coastline.
Hop On A Bus And See All Of L.A.
Where: Big Bus Tours Los Angeles
Address: 6763 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
Kids are obsessed with open-top bus rides. They are fun to hop on to and entertain them for hours, as there is so much to watch and enjoy. And the Big Bus Tours Los Angeles totally lives up to its hype when we say that it is one of the best things to do with kids in Los Angeles.
The bus tours cover all the major attractions in Los Angeles, and you can choose tickets of any duration, from a 2-hour bus tour of the city’s hotspots to a 2-day hop-on, hop-off ticket that takes you everywhere, from Hollywood Loop along with Beverly Hills to the beaches and Santa Monica Pier.
This double-decker bus is perfect for exploring all of L.A. during an exciting ride. The best part is that you can hop on or off at any stop in L.A. and resume your tour anytime you like.
Walk The Streets Of Hollywood
Where: The Real Hollywood Tour
Walking down memory lane of what transformed this small farming town in Southern California into the startup film industry, The Real Hollywood Tour is the best thing to do in Los Angeles with kids so that they can learn more about the iconic history of the city.
The walking distance is only 2 miles, which can be easily covered in under 2 hours. Throughout the tour, you’ll find many historical sites, such as the house where Charlie Chaplin’s kids used to go to school, the Walk of Fame, the Egyptian Theatre, and the Dolby Theatre.
After capturing some memorable photographs throughout your tour, settle down for an exciting lunch at TCL Chinese Theatres to call it a day. Or, you can continue to the Central Downtown LA tour to move from Hollywood to downtown with a special ride in the Los Angeles Metro. Both of the tours can be completed on the same day before your kids get tired and start yawning.
Explore The Wonders Of Science
Where: California Science Center
Address: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, United States
California Science Center fuels the creativity and curiosity of kids by giving them opportunities to learn with hands-on, innovative programs and simulation centers.
We can guarantee it will be one of the best things to do in L.A. with kids, as the little ones dive into futuristic worlds with Cities of the Future 3D films where flying electric vehicles and smart buildings come to life. Or as they climb on a Space Shuttle and experience their very first motion simulation.
The daring can try the High-Wire Bicycle and balance on a one-inch cable 43 feet up in the air — but don’t worry — all of these epic and thrilling adventures are designed to keep kids safe while instilling a sense of freedom in them.
Ride Carousels And The Ferris Wheel At The Bustling Pier
Where: Santa Monica Pier
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
When we think of Santa Monica Pier, so many things to do with kids in Los Angeles come to mind, such as cycling on the beach, paddle boarding, Ferris Wheel and carousels, and slurping down a creamy and thick milkshake with your little ones.
But that’s not all. The fun on the pier doesn’t end with typical amusement park rides; there is so much more to explore, such as carnival games, the glamorous merry-go-round, a Playland arcade, and street performers adding an electrifying energy to the whole place.
Furthermore, the hidden gem, Heal the Bay Aquarium, tucked under the historic building, caters to curious little sea lovers who want to play a part in protecting the local species. Don’t forget to buy a seashell necklace for the kids from the vendor carts as a permanent reminder of the good time they spent here.
Arrange A Meet Up With Their Favorite Celebrities’… Wax Figures
Where: Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Address: 6933 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
You might know Ryan Gosling from Blade Runner, but your children only know him as Ken… and are obsessed with him! He has just made his debut at Madame Tussauds in Los Angeles, making this one an even better thing to do in L.A. with kids.
Why not take your kids to the greatest wax museum in the world while you are still in Los Angeles? They will gush over and take dozens of photographs with Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Jimmy Kimmel, and Harry Styles, but only a few know that the 7D game is the real deal here.
Remember to check out Robot Riot, a multisensory 7D game with moving seats, wind, bubbles, and other special effects. Evil robot aliens oppose you, and you must defeat them to save the human race. Kids and adults alike can’t help but take a seat and watch the thrilling motion simulator engulf them in this game.
Learn About A Different Culture
Where: Little Tokyo
Address: 131 S Central Avenue, Los Angeles, 90012
Little Tokyo is a very special thing to do in L.A. with kids downtown, as it allows them to learn about history while offering fun activities.
There is a lot to do in this beautiful, walkable neighborhood. You can visit the Japanese American National Museum for a rich Japanese-American experience spanning over 130 years or find the peaceful James Irvine Japanese Garden, which is not only free of charge but extremely glorious with a 170-foot clear stream, stone lanterns, and cedar bridges.
There are loads of special events, exhibits, and experience-based activities in Little Tokyo, which you should keep an eye out for. But don’t forget to take your kids to the Little Tokyo Branch Library, where they will find a huge selection of Manga and their favorite story books.
Before you leave town, grab a bite of tempura, mochi, sushi, or matcha soft serve.
Promote Social Equity In Children With An Inclusive Playground
Where: Griffith Park “Shane’s Inspiration”
Address: 4800 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States.
Inclusion Matters has advocated for children with disabilities and made this beautiful effort to seamlessly include them in one of their favorite things in the world – playgrounds.
Take your kids to this affectionate community with state-of-the-art play areas to support every child’s physical, social, cognitive, and sensory needs. Your little ones will make new friends here and instill a sense of fondness and tenderness in their hearts for other children who often have to face social exclusion.
Apart from creative designs, the park pays special attention to body movement, risk assessment, and children’s sensory needs and issues.
