Los Angeles for Families and the Best Kid Friendly Things to Do

A hidden gem in San Pedro, this small but fascinating aquarium focuses on marine life from Southern California’s coast. Families can explore touch tanks with sea stars and sea urchins, watch jellyfish and octopuses, and learn about conservation efforts. The outdoor tide pool area lets kids interact with local marine life in a hands-on setting.

One of the most fascinating paleontological sites in the world, the La Brea Tar Pits allow families to witness real-life fossil excavation sites. The museum displays Ice Age fossils, including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves. Kids can watch paleontologists at work, learning about fossil extraction and preservation. The interactive exhibits let children feel replica fossils, watch 3D movies about prehistoric animals, and explore life-sized displays of extinct creatures. Outside, the bubbling tar pits provide a glimpse into the past, showing how animals became trapped in the sticky asphalt over thousands of years.

As the largest art museum in the western U.S., LACMA offers a family-friendly experience with interactive exhibits and creative spaces. The Boone Children's Gallery allows kids to experiment with painting and drawing. Outdoor installations, like the famous “Urban Light” sculpture, provide fun and engaging spaces for families to explore. The museum frequently hosts kid-friendly art workshops, storytelling sessions, and guided tours designed for young visitors. The museum’s spacious outdoor areas also make it a great place for picnics and leisurely walks.

Just outside the city, Angeles National Forest offers camping, fishing, and scenic picnic spots. Families can visit the Mount Wilson Observatory, where kids can look through telescopes and learn about astronomy. The forest has kid-friendly trails leading to waterfalls and shaded groves, making it a great place for an outdoor adventure.

A historic landmark offering a mix of amusement, entertainment, and stunning ocean views, Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit for families. Pacific Park features classic rides, including the famous solar-powered Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and carnival-style games. The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium provides hands-on experiences with local marine life, touch tanks, and educational programs. Families can enjoy street performers, live music, and a variety of restaurants serving everything from seafood to ice cream. The nearby sandy beach offers a perfect spot for kids to play, while the scenic boardwalk allows for leisurely strolls along the coastline.

One of the most beautiful spots in LA, this historic rose garden features thousands of blooming roses in every color. Located next to the California Science Center, it's a perfect spot for families to relax after visiting nearby museums. Kids can explore the fountains, run through open lawns, and take in the fragrant floral displays.

The historic LA Farmers' Market, established in 1934, is a great place to introduce kids to fresh produce, diverse cuisines, and sweet treats like homemade ice cream and doughnuts. Next door, The Grove offers a charming open-air shopping experience with a vintage trolley ride, dancing fountain shows, and occasional live entertainment. Kids will love the toy stores and candy shops, while parents can enjoy coffee and boutique shopping.

A hidden gem for families, Skirball Cultural Center features the popular Noah’s Ark exhibit, a massive interactive play space with life-sized, handcrafted animal sculptures made from recycled materials. Kids can climb, build, and engage in hands-on storytelling adventures. The museum also offers rotating exhibits, art workshops, and family-friendly performances.

This museum takes families on a journey through time with exhibits featuring dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, and the natural world. The Dinosaur Hall showcases fossils of T. rex and Triceratops, with life-size skeletons and interactive touch screens. The Discovery Center provides a hands-on learning environment where kids can touch fossils, explore insect displays, and dig for replica dinosaur bones. The museum’s Nature Gardens feature an outdoor exploration area where children can observe local wildlife, participate in nature-based activities, and learn about sustainable gardening.

A great hiking destination for active families, Runyon Canyon offers scenic trails with stunning views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. The relatively easy hiking paths make it suitable for older kids, and the open-air atmosphere provides a great way to enjoy nature. Families may even spot celebrities hiking along the trails!

A beautiful natural escape located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park offers easy hiking trails, scenic picnic areas, and breathtaking ocean views. Families can explore meadows, oak woodlands, and rocky cliffs, making it a great spot for kids to connect with nature.

Located in Exposition Park, the California Science Center offers a dynamic experience for families with hands-on exhibits covering space, biology, and physics. One of the main highlights is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, where visitors can see the retired NASA orbiter up close and learn about its missions. The museum features an interactive “Ecosystems” exhibit with live animals, simulated weather patterns, and a massive kelp forest tank. The IMAX theater screens educational films on wildlife, space exploration, and science discoveries. With rotating exhibits and engaging demonstrations, this museum ensures an educational and exciting visit for kids and parents alike.

A quirky and enchanting bookstore in downtown LA, The Last Bookstore offers a fun literary experience for families. It features tunnel-like book arches, hidden reading nooks, and a whimsical upstairs book labyrinth. Kids can browse through the children’s section, filled with colorful books and comfy seating areas, while parents explore the vast collection of novels, comics, and rare finds.

This 32-acre urban park near Chinatown is a great spot for picnics, bike rides, and outdoor play. It features open green spaces, walking trails, and interactive art installations. Families can enjoy weekend farmers' markets, outdoor movie screenings, and special cultural festivals. The park’s scenic views of the downtown skyline provide a perfect backdrop for family outings.

A peaceful escape from the city, this 150-acre botanical garden offers nature trails, themed gardens, and seasonal events. Families can explore the Japanese Garden with koi ponds, the Oak Forest with towering trees, and the colorful Rose Garden. The Enchanted Railroad, a small-scale train, takes kids on a scenic ride through the gardens. Special events like the spring cherry blossom festival and holiday light displays make it a magical destination year-round.

Located in Palos Verdes, this 87-acre garden offers interactive exhibits and themed areas perfect for kids. The Children’s Garden features a butterfly-themed play area, while the new Hide and Seek Trail encourages families to discover hidden sculptures and wildlife. Seasonal activities, like butterfly releases and nature scavenger hunts, make this a fun and educational experience.

Unlike the larger Hollywood theme parks, Paramount Studios offers a more intimate look at movie-making magic. Families can take guided tours of real working sets, soundstages, and historic filming locations. While some parts are geared toward older kids and teens, the experience of walking through famous movie backdrops is exciting for all ages.

A top family attraction combining thrilling rides with behind-the-scenes Hollywood magic, Universal Studios offers entertainment for all ages. The world-famous Studio Tour takes visitors through working film sets and includes special effects demonstrations. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter allows families to explore Hogwarts Castle, enjoy themed rides, and drink Butterbeer. Kid-friendly attractions include Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Jurassic World: The Ride, and the Secret Life of Pets adventure. Families can also enjoy live shows, character meet-and-greets, and a variety of dining and shopping options in Universal CityWalk.

Located in Long Beach, this massive aquarium features over 11,000 marine animals from the Pacific Ocean. Kids can get hands-on experiences by touching sharks and stingrays in designated pools. The aquarium’s sea otter exhibit showcases playful otters, while the giant tropical reef tank houses hundreds of colorful fish, sea turtles, and sharks. The interactive Ocean Science Center uses digital technology to teach visitors about ocean conservation, climate change, and marine ecosystems. Behind-the-scenes tours and animal feeding demonstrations provide extra learning opportunities for families.

Designed to encourage hands-on learning through play, Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena offers interactive exhibits focused on science, nature, and creativity. The Physics Forest lets kids experiment with large-scale science exhibits like giant pendulums and air cannons. The Imagination Workshop encourages children to build and invent using real tools and materials. Outdoor features include climbing structures, a tricycle racetrack, and a nature-themed splash area. The museum regularly hosts special events, storytelling sessions, and hands-on workshops, making it a fun and educational destination for young children.

A favorite local hangout, Echo Park Lake is ideal for a relaxing family outing. Families can rent pedal boats (including swan-shaped boats) and cruise across the lake while taking in views of downtown LA. The park has shaded picnic areas, walking paths lined with lotus flowers, and a playground for young children. Seasonal events, like the annual Lotus Festival, celebrate local culture with music, food, and dragon boat races.

Spanning over 4,300 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. and a perfect family-friendly destination. Kids will love visiting the Los Angeles Zoo, home to over 1,400 animals, including elephants, koalas, and gorillas. The Griffith Observatory offers interactive exhibits, space-related displays, and telescopes for stargazing. Families can take a ride on the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, a miniature train that runs through scenic landscapes. The Travel Town Museum allows kids to climb aboard historic locomotives and learn about the history of trains. Hiking trails lead to breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood Sign, making it a great place for adventure and exploration.

Perched on a hilltop, The Getty Center combines world-class art with breathtaking views and beautiful gardens, making it a family-friendly cultural destination. The museum houses European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, with interactive family programs designed to engage children with art. The Family Room features creative activities where kids can build sculptures, explore touchable art displays, and play educational games. The Central Garden is a stunning outdoor space filled with vibrant plants, waterfalls, and winding paths, perfect for a relaxing family stroll or picnic.

A great way to introduce kids to Hollywood magic, the Walk of Fame features over 2,700 stars dedicated to legendary actors, musicians, and entertainers. Families can enjoy hunting for their favorite celebrities' stars along the sidewalk. Nearby, the historic TCL Chinese Theatre showcases handprints and footprints of famous movie stars. Kids will love comparing their hands to those of their favorite actors, while parents can soak in the nostalgia of Hollywood’s golden era.

Owned by Disney, this historic movie palace in Hollywood offers an immersive movie experience for families. It frequently hosts premieres of Disney films, often featuring live performances, character appearances, and interactive exhibits before screenings. The grand theater design, complete with a pipe organ pre-show, makes it a unique and magical place to watch a movie.

A hands-on museum designed for young children, Zimmer features interactive exhibits focused on cultural exploration, creativity, and imaginative play. Kids can climb aboard a kid-sized airplane, role-play as firefighters, or create art in the crafting stations. The museum encourages curiosity and learning through play-based experiences.

While Venice Beach can be busy, it offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Kids can watch street performers, enjoy ice cream stands, and explore the colorful murals. The nearby Venice Canals provide a peaceful escape, with scenic walking paths and picturesque bridges reminiscent of Venice, Italy. Families can take a leisurely stroll or rent paddle boats to explore the waterways.