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Los Angeles, CA · Guide

Things to do with kids in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling playground where educational powerhouses meet Hollywood magic. This guide covers a high-energy mix of attractions, from the cinematic hills of Universal City and Griffith Park to the interactive museum corridors of Exposition Park. Whether your family is looking to scale hiking trails for a landmark photo or dive into world-class science exhibits, the city offers a diverse range of environments that cater to varying pacing needs.

The recommendations in this guide skew toward school-age children and older, though many venues offer a broad appeal for all ages. Los Angeles is a city that rewards planning, particularly regarding transit and ticket reservations, so families can spend less time in queues and more time exploring. Between the sprawling botanical gardens of San Marino and the bustling energy of downtown food halls, these spots represent the best of the city’s active and indoor offerings.

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  1. 01

    Universal Studios Hollywood

    4.6 (173,763)100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
    Kids' menuLoudBest for school-age

    A major amusement center featuring movie-themed rides, a working studio tour, and seasonal holiday programming. Recent additions like Super Nintendo World and the immersive Harry Potter areas provide high-detail environments that make visitors feel like they are on a real film set.

    When to go: reserve tickets beforehand

    Parent tip · Visit Olivanders first thing in the morning to get into a smaller wand ceremony.
  2. 02

    Dodger Stadium

    4.7 (50,265)1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
    LoudAll ages

    An iconic historic stadium offering professional baseball games with classic views of palm trees and sunsets. While the facility is older, it provides a high-energy atmosphere with diverse food options including vegetarian and vegan choices.

    When to go: arrive early for parking

    Parent tip · Every seat in the house offers a good view of the action on the field.
  3. 03

    Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

    4.8 (14,514)900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyBest for school-age

    This museum features extensive dinosaur skeletons, gemstone collections, and interactive displays. The animal rooms with taxidermy from around the world remain a long-standing favorite for multi-generational families.

    When to go: buy tickets in advance

    Parent tip · California residents get free admission after 3:00 PM.
  4. 04

    California Science Center

    4.7 (20,385)700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA
    Kids' menuLivelyAll ages

    A massive science museum featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour and numerous hands-on interactive exhibits. The facility includes a kelp forest aquarium, a food court, and rotating special exhibitions like the Real Mummies display.

    When to go: no wait weekdays

    Parent tip · Plan to spend at least 5 hours to see all exhibits and participate in interactions.
  5. 05

    Griffith Observatory

    4.7 (18,465)2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
    LivelyAll ages

    Perched on a hillside, this landmark provides free admission to space exhibits and exceptional views of the city and Hollywood Sign. While the building and grounds are free, the planetarium shows require a fee.

    When to go: park at Greek Theatre and take the bus

    Parent tip · The 'Signs of Life' show is highly recommended if you only pick one planetarium program.
  6. 06

    The Broad

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

    A free contemporary art museum in downtown Los Angeles with a striking modern design. It houses a large collection of unique works, including pieces by Takashi Murakami and Jeff Koons, in a well-organized and meticulously maintained space.

    When to go: requires a reservation

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

    The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

    4.8 (8,282)1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A massive estate comprising themed botanical gardens—including Japanese, Chinese, and Rose gardens—alongside art galleries and a library. The grounds are expansive, offering a mix of outdoor exploration and indoor cultural viewing.

    When to go: reserve free first Thursday tickets online

    Parent tip · Wear comfy shoes and airy clothes; it takes about 5 hours to see the whole garden and museums.
  8. 08

    Hollywood Bowl

    4.7 (17,737)2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA
    LoudAll ages

    A legendary outdoor amphitheater and iconic piece of Los Angeles history. It is a popular venue for summer concerts where patrons can often bring their own food and wine to enjoy in a scenic setting.

    When to go: use local shuttle service

    Parent tip · Stacked parking in Lot A can make for a long exit; consider walking from distant lots if you want to leave quickly.
  9. 09

    Walt Disney Concert Hall

    4.7 (11,032)111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    An architectural marvel designed by Frank Gehry known for exceptional acoustics. The venue hosts the LA Philharmonic and offers unique programming like Music 101, which explains instruments and compositions to listeners.

    When to go: no wait for gift shop

    Parent tip · Seating is designed so that most angles have a great view with no one blocking you.
  10. 10

    Los Angeles County Museum of Art

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

    A large museum with world-class international collections spanning ancient statues to modern installations. The outdoor 'Urban Light' display is highly recognizable, and the museum often hosts live creative performances.

    When to go: allow a whole day to visit

    Parent tip · Parking at the Pritzker lot might look full, but more spots are usually available on lower floors.
  11. 11

    Grand Central Market

    4.5 (36,716)317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLoudAll ages

    A historic and energetic indoor food hall with a vast variety of vendors. The market serves everything from Italian and Thai dishes to tacos and lobster rolls, making it ideal for groups with different tastes.

    When to go: walk-in only

    Parent tip · The $5 tacos are a fantastic deal and sufficient for a full meal.
  12. 12

    The Greek Theatre

    4.7 (6,971)2700 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
    LoudAll ages

    A mid-sized outdoor amphitheater that hosts well-organized musical events. The venue provides a clear view and good sound quality even from the rear seats, though parking costs can be high.

    When to go: pre-pay parking ahead of time

    Parent tip · They do not accept cash inside the venue, so bring a card for any purchases.
  13. 13

    Hollywood Sign

    4.6 (14,059)Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA
    LivelyBest for school-age

    An iconic historical landmark accessible through various hiking trails in Griffith Park. Seeing it in person offers spectacular views over Los Angeles, whether viewed from a park or reached via a summit hike.

    When to go: be patient for street parking

    Parent tip · Misty mornings can affect visibility, so check the weather before heading out for photos.
  14. 14

    TCL Chinese Theatre

    4.4 (12,653)6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, USA
    LivelyAll ages

    A historic Hollywood landmark known for its Chinese-inspired architecture and the famous celebrity handprints and footprints in the forecourt. It currently operates as a movie theater featuring one of the largest IMAX screens available.

    When to go: walk-in for handprints

    Parent tip · If you are watching a movie, Screen 7 is the main auditorium with the best sound and screen size.
  15. 15

    Los Angeles Zoo

    4.3 (21,846)5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyBest for toddlers

    A walkable and easy-to-navigate zoo featuring unique species, chimpanzee habitats, and rhino enclosures. The facility is very clean and offers a variety of animal sightings, including newborn primates.

    When to go: buy tickets 24 hours in advance

    Parent tip · Lockers are not provided at the zoo, so plan to carry all your essentials.

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