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Los Angeles, CA · Guide

Rainy-day activities for kids in Los Angeles

When the forecast calls for rain, Los Angeles offers a substantial collection of indoor destinations that keep the day moving. This guide focuses on fully climate-controlled venues from the museum-rich corridors of Mid-Wilshire to the sprawling indoor shopping centers of Glendale and Commerce. These locations provide reliable shelter while offering engaging exhibits and expansive floor plans suitable for families navigating the city on wet days.

The activities listed here skew toward school-age children and preschoolers, with several venues offering specific interactive zones for younger cohorts. From massive fossils and aerospace marvels to multi-story indoor shopping complexes with integrated entertainment, these spots allow for hours of exploration without weather interference. Each venue has been selected for its robust indoor amenities, ensuring your itinerary remains dry and predictable.

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  1. 01

    Universal CityWalk Hollywood

    4.6 (70,720)100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLoudBest for school-age

    This vibrant entertainment and dining complex features a variety of shops and iconic eateries adjacent to the film studios. The atmosphere is energetic with music and bright lights, offering a way to experience the theme park vibe without needing a dedicated park ticket.

    When to go: no wait weekdays

    Parent tip · Visit before 8am to see specific areas before the crowds peak.
  2. 02

    Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

    4.8 (14,514)900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
    Kids' menuHigh chairsLivelyAll ages

    This museum features massive dinosaur skeletons, interactive gemstone displays, and taxidermy dioramas from around the world. The curated exhibits are educational for all ages, with several interactive stations designed specifically for hand-on learning.

    When to go: reserve in advance

    Parent tip · California residents get free admission after 3:00 PM.
  3. 03

    Petersen Automotive Museum

    4.8 (13,762)6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    An automotive museum showcasing rare prototypes, supercars, and famous movie vehicles like the DeLorean. The building features a futuristic facade and well-organized displays that cover the history of design, engineering, and technology.

    When to go: walk-in only

    Parent tip · Pay for the Vault access to see an additional 300 cars.
  4. 04

    California Science Center

    4.7 (20,384)700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA
    Kids' menuLivelyAll ages

    A massive facility with aerospace displays, a kelp forest aquarium, and the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Many exhibits are interactive and hands-on, making it a high-energy environment for learning about science and space.

    When to go: no wait weekdays

    Parent tip · The food court is affordable and has plenty of variety for families.
  5. 05

    Griffith Observatory

    4.7 (18,463)2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
    LivelyBest for school-age

    This historic hillside facility provides indoor exhibits focused on astronomy, the universe, and scientific proportions. While known for views, the interior contains educational galleries and a planetarium theater with ticketed shows.

    When to go: arrive before 6

    Parent tip · Park at the Greek Theatre and take the bus to avoid parking stress.
  6. 06

    The Broad

    4.7 (17,935)221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    A modern art museum in downtown Los Angeles with a thoughtfully curated collection and unique architecture. The space feels calm and features standout pieces like polished steel sculptures and massive paintings.

    When to go: reserve in advance

    Parent tip · Backpacks must be worn on the front of your chest while inside.
  7. 07

    The Grove

    4.6 (28,323)189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
    Kids' menuHigh chairsLoudAll ages

    An upscale retail center designed like a small city street with numerous brand name stores and a movie theater. The atmosphere is lively and busy, especially on weekends, with adjacent access to its historic food hall.

    When to go: arrive before 6

    Parent tip · Parking can get very tight on weekends; head for the 7th floor.
  8. 08

    Los Angeles County Museum of Art

    4.6 (20,902)5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A world-class art museum with spacious galleries containing paintings, contemporary installations, and ancient statues. The indoor exhibits are professionally maintained and provide a relaxing, quiet atmosphere for viewing international collections.

    When to go: walk-in only

    Parent tip · If the main lot says full, check the lower floors of the parking garage.
  9. 09

    La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

    4.6 (15,421)5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
    LivelyBest for preschool

    A specialized museum featuring Ice Age skeletons including mammoths, wolf skulls, and saber-tooth tigers. Visitors can watch scientists working on recovering new remains within the indoor lab area.

    When to go: no wait weekdays

    Parent tip · The loop through the exhibits only takes about an hour.
  10. 10

    Citadel Outlets

    4.5 (32,068)100 Citadel Dr, Commerce, CA 90040, USA
    Kids' menuLivelyBest for school-age

    A large outlet mall designed with a fortress theme, offering a clean and safe environment for browsing numerous brands. The facility includes a large food court with multiple quick-service options and customer services to assist with bags.

    When to go: walk-in only

    Parent tip · Customer services can help hold your shopping bags while you browse.
  11. 11

    The Americana at Brand

    4.6 (12,652)889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210, USA
    Kids' menuHigh chairsLivelyAll ages

    A retail destination with a serene atmosphere, featuring large bookstores and popular eateries. The grounds are meticulously maintained and offer a mix of shopping and entertainment in a safe, well-organized setting.

    When to go: walk-in only

    Parent tip · The ice cream shop is a highly recommended stop for families.
  12. 12

    Glendale Galleria

    4.5 (17,619)100 W Broadway Ste 100, Glendale, CA 91210, USA
    Kids' menuLivelyAll ages

    An expansive indoor shopping mall with a clean, spacious food court and a wide variety of brand-name stores. The environment is well-lit and climate-controlled, making it a reliable refuge for a rainy day out with security personnel on site.

    When to go: no wait weekdays

    Parent tip · Use elevators inside department stores if mall escalators are out of service.

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