20 Things To Do in Los Angeles for Families | LA Travel
There is so much to do in Los Angeles County that I had a hard time putting this list together. In fact, I could have easily made it 50. But I tried to focus on places I’ve experienced first-hand with my family and a few suggestions from dear friends. I hope your family has as much fun as we have experiencing these great things to do in Los Angeles County.
Looking for things to do in Los Angeles? We have 20 of them for you and your family that you will surely enjoy! {Surf’s up! If you live in California or are planning a visit, get our popular Best Surf Spots in Orange County ebook for only $5.99!
This comprehensive list is perfect for surfers and beach lovers alike.}
20 Things To Do in Los Angeles for Families | LA Travel
The Los Angeles County Arboretum And Botanic Garden is a great place for an urban hike. The well-manicured gardens are fun to explore, and there is plenty of local wildlife roaming the grounds.
Pack a lunch or visit the cafe, just make sure you visit the waterfall.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library
Your kids will love to see Air Force One and the limousine used by President Reagan. This summer, there is an excellent baseball exhibit on display as well.
A day at the museum will bring plenty of our nation’s history to life for you and your family.
California Science Center
My kids always enjoy a trip to the California Science Center, and best of all, it’s on the list of FREE things to do in Los Angeles. The ecosystems exhibit is excellent, and you can visit the space shuttle Endeavor for a small fee.
Take advantage of the Family Discovery Room, a great place for your little ones to explore free of the larger field trip groups. There are several dining options here as well.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Orange County isn’t the only home to amusement parks. And if your kids are fans of the Despicable Me minions, they’ll be thrilled to try a new attraction.
The tram tour of the sets is a classic experience; many new rides and attractions have been added over the last few years. There’s added value to your ticket as well since it is valid for the remainder of 2014.
The J. Paul Getty Museum
Another great one on the list of things to do in Los Angeles is this museum, which is home to a variety of styles of art. Along with paintings and sculptures, you’ll also find furniture and other relics.
The pink bed is always a favorite of the young ones. The museum offers some great dining options, from food court style to sit-down restaurants.
A family room can be found here, and it does a great job of making connections with your little ones by giving them hands-on activities to interact with.
On Tuesdays, they have Art Stops for families with children five and up through the end of August.
Dodgers Game
Dodger Stadium is one of the last great ballparks in America, and it has been recently brought up to date this season with charging stations and free Wi-Fi.
The new bullpen viewing areas are great for the little ones to get an up-close view of the players. Fridays are a special treat, too, with a post-game fireworks show.
My family loves going to Dodger Stadium for the game, the food, and the fun. Believe it or not, most kids would rather sit high above, where the seats are less expensive and provide amazing sunset views.
So take your family out to the old ballgame.
Raging Waters
If you’re in need of a place to beat the heat, nothing tops Raging Waters in San Dimas. This water park has plenty for your family to do. They have four areas built specifically for your little ones, in addition to slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers for the rest of the family.
They even provide interesting ticket options, which include a meal and a sports bottle. Don’t forget to bring the sunblock when you soak in the sun at Raging Waters.
Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo has done a great job with its renovations; the rainforest has been the latest. We just recently renewed our membership because we enjoy observing the animals and getting on a nice little hike at the same time.
My wife loves getting there early to see the elephants as they explore the grounds looking for carrots and celery on the path. My son enjoys the Lair, home to many of the reptiles and amphibians at the zoo.
And my daughter loves the Conservation Carousel with its vast array of beautifully painted animals to ride on.
Griffith Observatory
Take your family to see the stars when looking for things to do in Los Angeles. The planetarium hosts a variety of shows daily, and telescopes are available for stargazing free to the public all the way to 9:45 p.m.
Parking can be challenging, so a small hike may be involved. There are plenty of trails to hike around the observatory, for that matter.
Hiking in L.A. – Things to do in Los Angeles
There are plenty of great hikes to be had in Los Angeles County, and there really is nothing better than getting out and taking a nice hike with the family.
Work your way up from easy to moderate and take in some off-the-grid places that are inaccessible by car. It really is amazing what can be found all around L.A. County: waterfalls, wildlife, and amazing views.
Go Fish
Several parks in L.A. County offer fishing spots. Fishing licenses are not required for children under 16 years of age. Fishing is another great activity that allows family time to talk and exercise patience while waiting for a fish to bite.
My kids have learned a lot about patience and perseverance while fishing the last two summers. Ultimately, they enjoyed it every time we went out.
Olvera St.
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Olvera Street is a great place to explore the city’s Hispanic heritage. This is a great place to walk and explore the many shops and food stalls.
Visit the city’s first fire department and the El Pueblo historic monument. My family likes to take the Metro light rail to Union Station when we visit since it is located across the street.
You can always make this stop on your way to a Dodger game as well; we do this occasionally.
El Capitan Theatre
If your family enjoys Disney and Pixar films, this is the ultimate place to take in the latest movie. They often provide pre-show entertainment and have actual set pieces on display for you and your little ones to explore before and after the film.
My children were able to take in Brave when at the El Capitan with their grandparents; they had a wonderful time.
La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits are always a hit with the kids. Not only do you get to see Ice Age skeletons in the museum, but you also get to witness the actual digging sites where some of these bones were found.
They now offer excavator tours where you and your family can go behind the scenes of the dig.
Travel Town
Travel Town is a great, inexpensive family treat. They have full-size locomotives on sight to climb around and explore, small train sets for the toddler bunch to play with, and a miniature train set for the whole family to ride.
The only thing that costs is the train ride, which goes for less than three dollars a person. I just noticed that they have a second location on the other side of Griffith Park.
Train rides are the same price there, too, and it also looks to be fairly close to the Griffith Observatory.
Aquarium of the Pacific
My kids love visiting aquariums. They love exploring a world of sea life that is otherwise foreign to them. The Long Beach-based aquarium is home to 11,000 sea animals and over 5,000 species.
Your kids are sure to enjoy a day exploring all the exhibits. If you’re looking for a deal, check out the select discounted late nights.
Kidspace
This tip came from a friend of mine, his kids love this place so it’s top on their list of things to do in Los Angeles. There is plenty to explore at this children’s museum: a physics garden, a beehive, gardens, outdoor play, and more.
This seems to be the place in L.A. to go if you are in need of an excellent educational children’s museum.
Bowling
Beat the heat in an air-conditioned bowling alley if you are looking for things to do in Los Angeles. Most have great summertime deals for you and your kids.
My kids love bowling, and we rarely get around to doing it, but every time, they have fun and leave with a smile. Two games are more than enough for one visit, and lighter bowling balls are usually available upon request.
There are even ramps to help your littlest ones get that ball down the lane.
VBS
Vacation Bible School is an excellent way to have some summer fun with kids from the neighborhood. Many churches of various denominations hold week-long programs filled with music, crafts, and outdoor play.
My kids can’t wait to go each summer, in fact we end up bringing cousins and friends as well. So check out the local offerings and have a great time at a VBS.
Surf’s Up
Los Angeles County has plenty to offer from Malibu to Manhattan. A great beach for little ones is Mother Beach in Long Beach. It’s wave-less and well-supervised by lifeguards.
My kids have a great time playing there in the water and the sand. Santa Monica has plenty to do on the pier. Get out and soak in the sun.
There are so many places on this list of things to do in Los Angeles that it may take years to see them. While exploring Los Angeles County with your family, keep this list in mind.
Some of the places on the list are fairly close together. You may even be able to squeeze a few into one day. And remember, we have a big list of things to do in Orange County as well!
Enjoy the journey with your family. These years don’t last forever. Make the most of them.
More Travel Ideas
Best Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale: A Foodie’s Delight | There are plenty of fun places to visit on the East Coast as well.
Best Beach Resorts in the US Virgin Islands | The Virgin Islands should be at the top of your list of places to visit.
San Diego Zoo – Tips for your First Trip | The country’s top zoo is just a short drive away from LA.
25 Things to Do in Wailea Maui | Visiting the islands of the US is always a fun time.
Catalina Island Boating Tips: Moorings, Anchorages, & More | Catalina Island is a beautiful island worth visiting, especially if you’re a local.
