Best Things To Do In Los Angeles With Kids in 2024

Universal Studios Hollywood

If you want to see how the movies are made and experience adrenaline filled rides as well as attractions then the best thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to go to Universal Studios Hollywood. Located at Universal City just west of Griffith Park, Universal Studios Hollywood sports more than 15 movie themed rides and attractions as well as tours of the Universal Studios. This theme park is a wonderland for movie goers who want to experience thrilling rides that incorporate unique items like original set scenery as well as the movie making process. While you are visiting you can experience the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Fast and Furious-Supercharged, the Simpsons Ride as well as the unforgettable Jurassic Park-The Ride and you will be delighted with back of the scene tours of Universal Studios. As you wander the grounds your family will be thrilled meeting various Universal Studio characters from the Simpsons to the Minions to King Kong. When you are ready to shop or dine then go to Universal Citywalk where you will find an assortment of venues that range from Billabong to Wolfgang Puck Bistro to the Shoe Palace to Hard Rock Cafe.

Disneyland Resort

When you are seeking an enchanting day at a theme park that will bring smiles to your family's faces then the most fun thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to visit Disneyland Resort. Located south of Anaheim in the Anaheim Resort area, Disneyland Resort is a spectacular adventure of magical fun that consists of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park as well as Downtown Disney. Disneyland Park contains more than 45 attractions which are themed after many of Disney's famous movies or characters. Rides like Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, Space Mountain, Snow White's Scary Adventures as well as Indiana Jones Adventure and no one can visit without riding the iconic “It's a Small World” or Peter Pan's Flight. The Disney California Adventure Park sports more than 30 attractions that range from California Screamin' to Goofy's Sky School to Soarin' Around the World. Your children will be thrilled at both venues when meeting all of the Disney character from Mickey Mouse to Goofy to Buz Lightyear and there is an incredible amount of entertaining shows as well as fireworks nightly. Downtown Disney is haven for shopping, dining and more Disney entertainment in a family friendly atmosphere.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

If you have ever wanted a day that was packed with adrenaline from riding numerous roller coasters then the perfect thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to go to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Located in the Santa Clarita neighborhood of Valencia just north of Los Angeles, Six Flags Magic Mountain is situated on 262-acres which are packed with rollercoasters and other adrenaline filled attractions. Six Flags Magic Mountain touts the world record for most rollercoasters within a single amusement park. Six Flags Magic Mountain boasts 45 action packed rides that includes 19 rollercoasters that range from the wooden monster Apocalypse to the world's longest with Twisted Colossus. Families can enjoy the eleven specialty rides that include two water based thrill rides and children will thoroughly be delighted with fifteen rides including four rollercoasters. Six Flags Magic Mountain has several entertaining shows throughout the day such as the Daffy Duck Dance Off and children like the roaming Marvel Comic characters as well as the numerous Looney Tune mascots who are shaking everyone's hand.

Knott's Berry Farm

When you are searching for some adrenaline for the family as well as a great time while having fun then an ideal thing to do in Los Angeles is to plan a trip to Knott's Berry Farm. Located in Buena Park just west of Anaheim, Knott's Berry Farm is situated on 160-acres which were a former berry farm and is one of the leading theme parks in the United States with 38 fun filled rides as well as numerous attractions including a separate water park. Knott's Berry Farm has thirteen thrill rides that include seven rollercoasters as well as fourteen family style rides and children will be delighted with an assortment of twelve specially designed rides. Knott's Berry Farm incorporates numerous live shows around the park for entertainment and everyone in the family will be pleased with Ghost Town Alive where you actually visit a replicated mining town from the past that is complete with virtual reality games. Knott's Berry Farm also boasts Soak City which is a waterpark that features eleven attractions including seven thrilling slides and a relaxing lagoon style wave pool.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

If you want to see hundreds of celebrities under the same roof where you and family can take photographs then a superb thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to visit Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Located on the famous Walk-of-Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, Madame Tussauds Hollywood is situated in a three story building that contains over 125 life-like wax figures of movie stars, sports people and musicians. Madame Tussaud began her career in the 1770s as an art tutor while living in Paris. Her intricate work led her to Britain in 1800's where her sculptures were put on exhibit. The Madame Tussauds Hollywood carries on this exquisite work today where each sculpture can take up to 100 hours to create. At the Madame Tussauds Hollywood you will be thrilled to see wax figures of people like Lady Gaga, John Wayne, Spider-Man, Shrek, Bob Hope, Jackie Robinson and Selena Quintanilla. You can wander the building taking photographs with you and your family's favorites from sports stars to musicians to iconic actors of years ago.

Battleship USS Iowa Museum

If you are searching for a unique educational experience about the United States Navy then a great thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to go to the Battleship U.S.S. Iowa Museum. Located near San Pedro and Terminal Island, the Battleship U.S.S. Iowa Museum is situated within and on the decks of this incredible battleship that served the U.S. Navy for over 50 years. Also known as the Battleship of Presidents the U.S.S. Iowa participated in every major conflict from WWII until 1990 and received 14 ribbons for her service at sea. Today the Battleship U.S.S. Iowa Museum is a fascinating way for visitors to understand life at sea from a sailor, admiral and even a U.S. President's point of view. You can wonder the decks examining the mess hall, living quarters, sickbay and the navigational bridge as well as peer down the site of a large gun. Children will like participating in a scavenger hunt as well as the numerous interactive exhibits which take a hands-on approach to learning.

Los Angeles InDoor Skydiving for First Time Flyers

Book InDoor Skydiving

When you want to experience an incredible adrenaline rush and feel weightless at the same time then you should try the Los Angeles In Door Skydiving for First Time Flyers. This fun thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is perfect for the whole family and you will be thrilled with once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine hitting speeds of 130 to 175 miles per hour as you float weightless in a specialized chamber that takes wearing a parachute and jumping out of an airplane an afterthought. Your 75-minute adventure begins when you arrive at iFLY Hollywood at Universal City where you will be given detailed instructions from a qualified flight instructor for first time flyers about freefalling. After you are outfitted with your flight suit you will be given personalized training on safety, correct positioning of your body and other aspects of freefalling. Once inside the specialized chamber you have the opportunity for two 6-seconds freefall adventures with your instructor at your side. When you are finished with soaring through the thin air you will receive a First Time Flyer certificate for a lasting memory.

Griffith Observatory

One of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids during the evening is to view the incredible celestial bodies at the Griffith Observatory. Located within Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory sits on a south-facing slope on Mount Hollywood and allows the public to view the thousands of stars through a variety of telescopes. The Griffith Observatory has six specific areas within the observatory which focus on specific concepts using numerous exhibits for educational and learning purposes. The Griffith Observatory is home to two historic telescopes which are a Zeiss and coelostat (solar telescope) which are available for the public to use. Portable telescopes are available for use to view on several terraces as well as grassy areas that include incredible views of the Hollywood Sign and Mount Wilson. There are educational films shown in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium is a work of marvel with a Zeiss Universarium Mark IX star projector as well as a Digistar 3 Laser projection system that can take your mind to a far off galaxy.

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

When you are searching for a relaxing activity that includes walking through pristine gardens then a superb thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to visit the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Located adjacent to Santa Anita Park within the Arcadia area, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is situated on 127-acres of manicured grounds that contain ten distinct garden areas as well as four historic buildings. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden concentrates on plants from specific geographic regions which are the Mediterranean, South Africa, South America, Asiatic-North America and Australia. You can walk on gorgeous paths that lead you through the various gardens such as the Aquatic, Celebration, the Rainbow Serpent, Rose and the Tropical Green House. Trees within the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden include hundreds of palm, native oaks as well as bamboo. When you visit you will be delighted to see the four historic buildings which include the Santa Anita Depot and a splendid Queen Anne Cottage. Also within the botanic garden is Baldwin Lake which is home to some 200 peafowl birds.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

When you want to view the largest collection of Southern California marine life in one place then an ideal thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to take a trip to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro. Located at Cabrillo Coastal Park between Point Fermin and the Port of Los Angeles, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is situated in 44,000 square feet facility which features indoor and outdoor exhibits which focus on the marine life of Southern California. Exhibit areas include the Suzanne Lawrence-Miller Exhibit Hall which features sections like the mudflats, sandy beaches and kelp forests. The Aquatic Nursery is fun for children with numerous newborns for your child to view and the Exploration Center is packed with excellent educational interactive exhibits. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium also boasts numerous educational shows and guided tours such as a whale watching excursion. When you visit the aquarium you might want to take a few hours to explore Cabrillo Coastal Park which is perfect for fishing, boating, swimming and tide pooling.

Los Angeles Zoo

If you like watching animals in a superb setting that matches their original native habitat then the best thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to stop by the Los Angeles Zoo. Located in the northeast section of Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo is situated on 133-acres which contain seven outstanding exhibits areas that feature more than 1,100 animals from over 250 species from around the world. The landscaped exhibits include habitats such as the Elephants of Asia, Campo Gorilla Reserve, Red Ape Rain Forest and the Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains. Other great exhibits include the Rainforest of the Americas and children especially like the Discovery Center which has a plenty of interactive stations as well as a petting zoo. Children will be thrilled with the animal themed Neil Papiano Play Park and you can view numerous educational talks, giraffe feedings and there is a Hippo Encounter which is amazing. The Los Angeles Zoo is also a certified botanical garden where you will find fifteen botanical gardens that range from a Mexican Fan Palm Grove to Ferraro Rose Garden to Desert Garden with over 800 plant species.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

When you are searching for a premier museum experience with plenty of interesting exhibits then the perfect thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to go to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Located in Exposition Park adjacent to the California Science Center and the University of Southern California, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is the largest of its kind in the western United States. The museum is housed in a building that was constructed in 1913 with a Beaux Arts and Romanesque architectural design and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County contains over 35 million specimens and artifacts that are used within these exhibits that cover some 4.5 billion years. Inside you will find sixteen permanent exhibits that range from Dinosaur Hall to Zuni Fetishes to Ancient Latin American Art to the Age of Mammals and special exhibits that rotate such as Mummies. Many of these exhibits that are featured are dioramas which have been constructed with superb craftsmanship. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County also hosts a variety of educational programs, lectures and festivals throughout the year.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

If you are fascinated by natural phenomena's as well as viewing fantastic animal fossils from thousands of years in the past then the best thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to visit the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. Located in the Miracle Mile District adjacent to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Hancock Park, the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum are a fascinating place that features actual tar pits that have existed for thousands of years. When you visit you will in awe as the bubbly black tar shines in the sunlight. The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum showcases over one million Ice Age fossils that have been found in the tar pits from more than 650 species including extinct animals like saber-toothed cats, bison, an American lion, horses, ground sloths, dire wolves, turtles and even a mammoth. The Pleistocene Garden is also a fabulous walk through where you can view native Los Angeles Basin flora and fauna that date back to 40,000 years ago.

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

When you are interested in learning more about ocean conservation as well as viewing incredible marine life then a perfect thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to take a trip to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Located at the Santa Monica Pier adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium concentrates on educating their audience about the importance of marine and marine life conservation. The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium has over 100 species of marine life that are primarily from the adjacent bay area of the Pacific Ocean. There are numerous interactive exhibits which allow your children a hands-on experience with several interesting species. During your visit you will be pleased with viewing exhibits on seahorses, jellies, a rocky reef, a kelp forest and sharks as well as a touch tank filled with various marine life species. Children and adults will like the educational programs that include shark feedings as well as the kid's corner which highlights new born species including baby sharks.

El Capitan Theatre

If you are a movie and like to watch premier showings in an old fashioned movie palace then a superb thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to visit the El Captain Theatre. Located along the Walk-of-Fame on Hollywood Boulevard, the El Captain Theatre was constructed in 1926 and is one of three original movie palaces opened by Sid Grauman during the 1920s. The El Captain Theatre is listed as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and has a spectacular Spanish Colonial exterior highlighted by an East Indian interior that is gorgeous. Also known as “Hollywood's First Home of Spoken Drama” the El Captain Theatre features a refurbished Wurlitzer Theatre Organ which was salvaged from the Fox Theatre in San Francisco. Today the El Captain Theatre showcases Disney movies in a fantastic setting that brings the elegance of going to the movies to the forefront. With a state-of-the-art sound system and plush seating the El Captain Theatre is a dream come true for movie buffs. Often times there are preshow activities which include viewing actual props and costumes from the movie.

California Science Center

If you are interested in learning more about the exciting achievements in science and industry then a perfect thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to stop at the California Science Center. Located in Exposition Park adjacent to the University of Southern California and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the California Science Center is situate din 45,000 square foot facility that focuses on several aspects of science from the environment to air and space to cultivating food crops to robotics. The California Science Center has four permanent exhibits which include the Ecosystem, the Creative World, World of Life as well as Air and Space. Special exhibits have ranged from showcasing the space shuttle Endeavour to a concert video to protect the earth highlighting numerous well-known musical artists. There are more than 100 interactive exhibits to explore as well as live shows and demonstrations daily. Also within the California Science Center is a seven story IMAX Theater where you can watch incredible science based 3D movies.

Travel Town

Everybody likes trains and when you want to view an extensive collection of train related material then an ideal thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to take a trip to Travel Town. Located in the northwest corner of Griffith Park, Travel Town focuses on the different ways people traveled and transported goods primarily by highlighting railroads from the 1880s to the 1930s. Travel Town is packed with over 43 different full scale railroad artifacts such as train cars, rolling stock, cabooses and train engines. You will be thrilled with these magnificent pieces of craftsmanship that you can view while strolling through Travel Town. There are more than just trains at Travel Town with numerous trolleys, motorcars and cable cars to view as well as thousands of pieces of railroad memorabilia from train tracks to train crossing signs. Another exciting attraction is the Travel Town Railroad which you can ride around the museum grounds.

Descanso Gardens

If you like walking through beautifully manicured gardens that are truly unique in nature then the perfect thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to stop by the Descanso Garden. Located in the La Canada Flintridge area of Los Angeles County, the Descanso Gardens are situated on 150-acres which contain nine specific garden areas that range from an ancient Forest Garden to an Oak Forest to a California Native Garden to an edible plants Garden known as Nature's Table. Two of the more stellar gardens are the Rose Garden which contains over 1,600 roses and the Japanese Garden is a perfect place reflection. The Descanso Gardens are very popular around Easter when thousands of tulips are in bloom. Other attractions at the Descanso Garden is the 1930s constructed Boddy House Museum, the Sturt Haaga Gallery and the Enchanted Railroad which is 1/8th scale replica of a diesel train that runs through several of the garden areas.

Guinness World Records Museum

When you want to view some of the strangest accomplishments of people from around the world then an entertaining thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to visit the Guinness World Records Museum in Hollywood. Located along the Walk-of-Fame on Hollywood Boulevard, the Guinness World Records Museum in Hollywood is situated within the historic Hollywood Theater which was constructed in 1913 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Guinness World Records Museum in Hollywood highlights some of humankinds most incredible and appalling achievements that now stand as world records. The museum features these world records through a variety of exhibits that use film, animated displays and special effects to bring these people's world records to you attention. You will see world record holders such as the tallest man, the largest California roll, the lowest limbo and the largest finger painting. If you can dream of an adventure or a world record you are sure to find out about who is the champion at the Guinness World Records Museum in Hollywood.

Autry Museum of the American West

If you are interested in learning more about the American West from early Indians to migration to settlement then the best thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to go to the Autry Museum of the American West. Located in Griffith Park adjacent to the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West is a fascinating collection of exhibits that promotes the history of the American West. The Autry Museum of the American West two permanent galleries which are the Parks Gallery which concentrates on three themes such as Religion and Ritual; Land and Landscape as well as Migration and Movement. The Gamble Firearms Gallery was created to highlight the various weapons used over the years in exhibits areas such as Hunting and Trapping; the Conservation Movement and the Impact of Technology on Firearms. The Autry Museum of the American West contains over 50,000 artifacts that include items like paintings, tools, sculptures, firearms, textiles, costumes and toys which are highlighted throughout the exhibits in the museum.

Bob Baker Marionette Theatre

When you want to experience a show at the oldest children's theater company in Los Angeles then an ideal thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to take a trip to the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre. Located in the Westlake North area of downtown Los Angeles, the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre is housed in a historic 1953 modern vernacular building and the theatre was placed on the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument list in 2009. The Bob Baker Marionette Theatre has been in production for over 50 years featuring more than 200 performances yearly. The theatre is home to over 3,000 handcrafted marionette puppets which have been collected and used in productions for over 70 years by the founders Bob Baker and Alton Wood. These marionette performances are spectacular and certainly a crowd pleaser for people of all ages. Shows range from musicals to suspense mysteries to classical plays like Pinocchio. Most shows include a pre-reception where you can meet the marionettes and the puppeteers who magically make the show.

Annenberg Community Beach House

When you are looking for a public space that includes an incredible swimming pool then the perfect thing to do in Los Angeles is to visit the Annenberg Community Beach House. Located within the Santa Monica State Beach along the Pacific Coast Highway, the Annenberg Community Beach House is situated on 5-acres which were originally home to the 110-room Marion Davies Mansion which was constructed by William Randolph Hearst. The Annenberg Community Beach House is open to public and features numerous indoor/outdoor activities for families as well as all types of people. Within the Annenberg Community Beach House complex you will find the historic swimming pool from the original mansion which features intricate tiling and an incredible marble sundeck complete with umbrellas. The original guest house is now used for events, educational programs and there is a rotating art gallery. The Annenberg Community Beach House has a variety of attractions throughout the day including a splash pad, children's play area as well as beach tennis and beach volleyball courts. The facilities also include a changing room, cafe, public restrooms and beach rentals.

Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena

If you are searching for a great outdoor environment for your children to learn and play at then the best thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to visit the Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena. Located inside Brookside Park adjacent to the Rose Bowl, the Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena is situated on 2.2-acres which feature over ten indoor/outdoor interactive areas that contain numerous exhibits. The Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena is designed to stimulate children in a learning environment that is fun and adventurous. Some of the ten interactive include exhibits such as the Dig which concentrates on paleontology and the Arroyo Adventure is filled with water fun. Your children will like playing on the outdoor climbing features while learning about geology as well as the indoor climbing towers which emulate trees and plants looking for sunlight as well as water. The Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena also has several educational programs in the amphitheater and numerous festivals throughout the year.

Tongva Park

When you are seeking superb things to do in Los Angeles with kids that involves beautiful play areas which are surrounded by gorgeous gardens then you should visit Tongva Park. Located a couple of blocks from the Santa Monica Pier, Tongva Park is situated on 6-acres which incorporates a large arroyo into the beautifully landscaped grounds which are named after the Tongva Tribe. Tongva Park opened in 2014 with a mission to celebrate the traditions and culture of the Tongva people. Tongva Park has four distinct areas which include Garden Hill, Gathering Hill, Observation Hill and Discovery Hill. Each area features something special such as the playground and splash pad at Discovery Hill as well as a grassy amphitheater within Gathering Hill. You will find walking paths at Garden Hill and Observation Hill boasts dramatic views of the Santa Monica Pier as well as the Pacific Ocean. An added bonus when visiting is that Ken Genser Square is across the street and boasts an incredible water fountain and runnel.

Cayton Children's Museum

When you are seeking a unique interactive learning adventure for your children then the best thing to do in Los Angeles with kids is to visit the Cayton Museum. Located in the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles, the Cayton Museum is situated within 10,000 square feet facility that focuses on children under the age of eight years old as well as a youth development program for teens. The Cayton Museum is a fun and friendly atmosphere that helps build a child's recognition of injustice and their role within the community through discovery based exhibits which highlights immersive play as well as real-world activism. The museum has eleven interactive exhibits for children such as the Discovery Airport and Rhythms of the World which highlight identity and diversity; Main Street which teaches respect and dignity as well as the Mann Theatre which incorporates all four of these ideas. Other exhibits like the Community Park and Water Ways focus on taking care of the planet as well as the Wishing Wall which showcases the power of compassion.