Let’s discover things to do and places to see for kids in Los Angeles as it is a lively and exciting city.
If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles with children, there are several places you can visit to keep them entertained. From museums to amusement parks, the city offers a variety of activities that are perfect for children.
When it comes to food, L.A. is known for its diverse culinary scene. While fast food options are readily available and typically appeal to kids, there are plenty of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. This presents an excellent opportunity to introduce your children to new foods and culinary traditions.
Finding family-friendly accommodation in Los Angeles is also relatively easy. Booking websites like booking.com offer a range of options for families that provide all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Check out our lodging section for a complete list of recommended hotels.
You can also read our ultimate guide to public transport guide in Los Angeles to help you explore the city in optimal way.
Get ready to discover best 14 things to do in Los Angeles with Kids in this Ultimate Guide:
Table of Contents
BREA TAR PITS
In this museum, located on Miracle Mile, are the tar pits where all the animals and objects that were around them have petrified. The site is the most famous fossil site for containing ice age species . This activity for children in Los Angeles will allow them to take a tour of the excavation area where people work digging up items, as well as watching a movie where they will understand why those animals were trapped. The museum also has a laboratory where children can see what happens after the fossils are extracted from the tar.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
This large natural history museum has everything from dinosaur exhibits to displays of small objects. The place has a workshop where children of all ages can touch specimens.
DESCANSO GARDENS
A great way to escape the heat is to visit the Descanso Gardens . This botanical garden is located near Pasadena, so if you are in the area, it is a good place to take a break from the urbanization. The place is full of lily ponds, trees and roses ; a place where the smallest of the house can enjoy a natural environment . One of the activities that you can do with the little ones is to get on the Enchanted Railroad , a miniature train that they will not forget.
https://www.descansogardens.org/
KIDSPACE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
This children’s museum in Los Angeles is located in Pasadena. This large museum contains everything from interactive exhibits, workshops and a greenhouse , to a climbing structure. Children will learn about the ecosystem and nature in a different way, especially by interacting with the senses; for this reason it is recommended to bring them a change of clothes and, just in case, something to dry them.
http://www.kidspacemuseum.org/
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Universal Studios is located in Hollywood . If you are a movie buff, in this place you will find the most famous scenes of movies and television series . In addition, it is one of the most famous amusement parks in the city, with exquisite decorations and incredible shows . Visiting Universal Studios is a very complete activity to do with the family in Los Angeles that can take up a whole day.
https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
If you are passionate about the world of Disney , located in Anaheim, is the Disneyland California . In this amusement park, the little ones in the house will be able to take pictures with the most famous Disney characters and climb dream attractions .
You’ll find more information in my guide here and you can also buy tickets here.
SIX FLAGS MOUNTAIN CALIFORNIA
If you have older children you can visit Six Flags Mountain , an amusement park with more adrenaline and vertigo roller coasters. Enjoy a family day in Los Angeles and connect with your older children in this park, you will not forget to ride together on attractions that will take your breath away.
https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain
BATTLESHIP USS IOWA MUSEUM
This armored ship has been the only one that has been open to the public . This museum allows families to learn about maritime history in an interactive way; Just being able to see the ship from the pier is impressive and it is spectacular to be able to take photos of this huge warship.
https://pacificbattleship.com/
PACIFIC PARK
Pacific Park is located next to the famous Santa Monica pier . The place consists of a fair in which a Ferris wheel is located that has appeared in several television series and movies ; from the Ferris wheel, you can have fantastic views of the sea and the city. Pacific Park is a good place to go with the family in Los Angeles, since you can enjoy the sun and the beach , as well as walks along the Ocean Drive promenade .
Learn more about Pacific Park here.
THE BEACHES AND THE LONG BEACH AQUARIUM
One of the most famous activities to do with children in Los Angeles is to go to the city’s beaches. In Long Beach , you can cool off with the family and visit the Aquarium of the Pacific ; a place where children will learn to take care of marine flora and fauna.
https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/
ECHO PARK LAKE
This park is located in the center of Los Angeles , half an hour by public transportation from Downtown . In this park the whole family can relax from the atmosphere of the city and you can rent pedal boats to pedal around the lake.
https://www.laparks.org/aquatic/lake/echo-park-lake
AIDAN’S PLACE
About twenty minutes by public transport from Beverly Hills , located in the Westwood recreation center , is this huge park for the little ones. In it you will find slides and swings, as well as sandboxes to play with the earth. This inclusive park is a good place to go with children in Los Angeles.
https://www.laparks.org/playgrounds/westwoodUAPRC
SAN DUNE PARK
A public park formed by sand dunes of more than 30 meters , people come here to train by running, walking, crawling or sliding down the mountains of sand. They are steeper than they appear. You will find an area set up for children(with swings, slides, etc.). It is a very fun place to spend an afternoon doing something different in the Manhattan Beach area .
CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER
In this ultimate guide, we have highlighted some of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids.
So, whether you’re a local looking for a fun day out with the family or a tourist exploring the city, use this guide to plan your perfect family-friendly itinerary. With so many exciting activities and attractions, Los Angeles is sure to create lifelong memories for you and your children.
This museum is located next to the Natural History Museum . In it you will find a special NASA shuttle that traveled into space some 25 times between 1992 and 2011. You can also enjoy a movie at the IMAX as a family and learn with the museum’s scientific activities.
https://californiasciencecenter.org/
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