Los Angeles is a city that defines itself as the entertainment capital of the world. Located in Southern California, it is home to some of the most famous movie studios, record companies and television production firms. It has numerous cultural institutions that are vital for all residents of America to visit on any given day. With this intense level of activity, there is obviously no shortage of things for you and your family to do in LA with kids!
What Can You Do in Los Angeles With Kids?
If you’re on a trip to Los Angeles with kids, you may be wondering what you can do to keep them satisfied without sacrificing your day off. After all, parenting can be stressful. But, by going to the right attractions and getting them occupied with the right activities, you can keep your kids happy while having some relaxation on your own!
Here are our top recommendations not only for fun activities but also educational events when taking your kids to the city of angels:
Go to the Santa Monica Pier
You can’t go to LA without visiting the Santa Monica Pier. It’s one of the most popular beaches in Southern California and it has something for everyone, including rides, attractions and food. You must pay a price to get on their attractions, but just entering the pier itself is free. And there’s lots to do! You and your kids can do things like ride their Ferris Wheel, go on their Tilt-a-Whirl, and take a ride down the pier itself. The views at sunset are spectacular!
And why limit yourself to the pier? You and our kids can also step down to the beach and enjoy a nice walk along the sand, experiencing some of the best sunsets in LA. Make sure to bring your beach towels, because Santa Monica beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It’s also a great spot for swimming and playing in the waves.
Play in Universal Studios Hollywood
As you might expect from one of Hollywood’s leading film studios, Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the best destinations for families in Los Angeles. It features a hotel, theme park and entertainment district that you and your kids can enjoy together. There are several attractions for you to choose from as well as places where children can get themselves active.
This is one of the United States’ most popular theme parks with lots of rides! With that said, we recommend staying at least 2–3 hours so you can see all of the attractions. You don’t want to miss out on those huge roller coasters! If your family are filled with fans of Harry Potter, make sure to spare some time to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Stargaze at the Griffith Observatory Park
Located on Mount Hollywood, Griffith Park Observatory provides an incredible view of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. It’s one of the largest observatories in Southern California and it has been dedicated to astronomy since 1933. The observatory overlooks the city below and is perfect for kids who want to learn more about Los Angeles’ history while they are visiting! While you’re there, be sure to check out their exhibit hall where you can find many historical artifacts, monuments of renowned astronauts, sundials, and much more!
Go to Kidspace Children’s Museum
If you are looking for a family-friendly attraction in LA, Kidspace Children’s Museum is a wonderful place for your child to learn about the world through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
The museum features plenty of activities that children can participate in while they explore the exhibits, including discovery boxes, a skate park and an outdoor playground. And you can take advantage of their affordable tours that are designed for children and parents alike, some of which are free!
Much of the museum is situated outdoors, but there are still lots to do indoors. Your kids can spend time in the Imaginary Workshop, The Climbing Towers, or the Storyteller Studio, for starters. You can also check out their official website for dates where they may hold special events, such as the Pumpkin Festival in October!
Go to the Getty Center
For something a little more intellectual, head over to the J. Paul Getty Museum in LA. It is one of the biggest private museums in all of Southern California and it features art, sculpture, film and photographs from all around the world. There are also guided tours available for adults who want to learn more about the museum’s collection as well as children who are interested in learning about art through hands-on activities!
The museum is home to an impressive collection of artwork, but there are also other exhibits available for you and your kids to check out that might interest them including dinosaurs, fossils, ancient Egypt and Greek mythology.
Chill at the Venice Beach
Not really up to exercising the brain during vacation? That’s completely understandable. Maybe you just want to hang out with your little ones and let them play in the sand. But you may want to consider a visit to Venice Beach, one of LA’s more famous beaches! It is known for its surf culture and it is also a popular spot for visitors from all around the country.
Of course, there are lots of fun activities for kids at Venice Beach as well. There are plenty of shops where you can purchase items such as souvenirs and clothing to take home with you or gifts that you can give to family back home. And don’t forget about their boardwalk which offers many rides and games including slides, the Venice Skate Park, and more!
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles is a great destination for families. With the right attractions, there are tons of activities that you and your kids can enjoy together. And with the right places to stay, you don’t have to worry about trying to find accommodations while saving money on hotel rates!