Los Angeles is a genuinely great city for families. Beyond the obvious theme parks, you get beaches, film history, free museums, short railways, and outdoor space that keeps kids of every age busy. The weather cooperates too, with clear skies and temperatures around 78°F even in spring (as of April 2026). A trip of 3-4 days covers the highlights; add 5-7 days if you want to include Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm.
Quick-Answer: Best Things to Do in LA With Kids
| Activity | Best For | Cost Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Warner Bros Studio Tour | Kids 8+ | Paid |
| Universal Studios Hollywood | All ages | Paid |
| Disneyland | All ages | Paid |
| Knott’s Berry Farm | All ages | Paid |
| Venice Beach | All ages | Free |
| Santa Monica Pier | All ages | Free entry, rides paid |
| Griffith Park and Observatory | All ages | Free |
| Angels Flight Railway | All ages | $1 each way |
| The Last Bookstore | Book lovers | Free |
| La Brea Tar Pits (outdoor) | All ages | Free outside |
| Getty Museum | All ages | Free (parking $15) |
| Lake Hollywood Park (Hollywood Sign) | All ages | Free |
Theme Parks Worth the Splurge
Disneyland is the headline act for most families. Rides, character meet-and-greets, shows, and the Disney parade make it a full day (or two).
Universal Studios Hollywood doubles as a working film studio and a theme park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the standout draw, but the studio tour and live shows fill a full day easily.
Knott’s Berry Farm is close to Disneyland and suits a wider age range than people expect. The park splits into distinct areas: Ghost Town for older kids and thrill-seekers, and Camp Snoopy for younger children with rides, live shows, and character meet-and-greets with Snoopy and friends. Visiting on a weekday in January keeps crowds manageable.
Film and Hollywood Experiences
Warner Bros Studio Tour is one of the strongest non-theme-park choices for kids aged 8 and older. They can try on the Harry Potter sorting hat, hold a real Oscar, and get a proper look at how TV shows and movies are made.
The Behind the Scenes Walking Tour of Hollywood gives kids a kid-friendly introduction to Hollywood history and celebrity culture without requiring a full day.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is touristy but free, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Kids who know their films and TV shows genuinely enjoy hunting for names they recognise. Combine it with a stop at TCL Chinese Theatre (also called Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) to see the hand and footprints of Hollywood stars pressed into the forecourt cement.
For teenagers, Melrose Avenue works well for mural photos and street-style browsing. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills suits older kids interested in fashion and window-shopping.
The Movie Stars Homes Tour lets families drive past the houses of celebrities including Katy Perry and Beyonce.
Beaches: Which One to Choose
Venice Beach is the best starting point for first-time visitors. Skateboarders, basketball games, gymnasts, buskers, and general people-watching give kids plenty to look at with no entry fee. The atmosphere is colourful and eclectic.
Santa Monica Pier has rides, arcade games, a small aquarium, and restaurants. It can get crowded, but the pier itself is free to walk. The iconic Route 66 sign is here too, worth a photo stop.
For a more local feel, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach are quieter alternatives, known for beach volleyball and a neighbourhood vibe. Biking from El Segundo to Manhattan Beach is a popular family activity. Watching the sunset over the Pacific from Manhattan Beach is a strong way to end a day.
Biking the beach promenade from Santa Monica to Venice Beach is a must-do active option. Bike rental at Santa Monica Beach costs around $7 per hour or $20 per day. The Metro bike share runs $1.75 per 30 minutes with a $5 day pass available.
Venice Beach Pier
Parks, Hikes, and Outdoor Spaces
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the United States, with over 400 acres. Activities include hiking, pony rides, and clear views of the Hollywood Sign. Griffith Observatory, inside the park, has public telescopes and is especially good at night for star parties.
Runyon Canyon is more accessible and popular with locals. It gives views over Downtown LA and the Hollywood Hills without needing a long drive.
Malibu Creek State Park is a lesser-known outdoor option with space for various activities. Parts of the TV show MASH were filmed there.
Lake Hollywood Park is the best free spot to see the Hollywood Sign up close. There is a small playground on site, making it practical if you have toddlers.
Educational Attractions Kids Actually Enjoy
La Brea Tar Pits sits in central LA and the outdoor tar pits are free to explore. The museum alongside them (ticketed) explains the fossil discoveries made at the site in terms kids can follow. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is directly next door, so a combined visit is straightforward.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles has dinosaur exhibits and a Nature Labs section with hands-on activities and live animals.
The California Science Center, located next to the Natural History Museum, houses the Space Shuttle Endeavour and interactive displays that hold children’s attention well.
Kidspace Children’s Museum and the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific are both solid choices for younger children.
The Getty Museum charges no entry fee (parking is $15). It covers artworks, architecture, and sculptured gardens.
The Getty Art Museum in LA
Madame Tussauds Hollywood is more entertaining for kids than adults typically expect.
Unique LA Experiences Worth Adding
Angels Flight Railway is the world’s shortest railway at 298 feet, marked by a bright orange archway. It costs $1 each way and runs every day of the year. Toddlers especially enjoy it.
OUE Skyspace features a glass slide from the 70th floor to the 60th floor of California’s tallest building. It gives panoramic views of LA and is a genuine thrill for brave kids.
The Last Bookstore is free to enter and worth a stop for book-loving families. The space has quirky book sculptures and good photo opportunities alongside the books themselves.
Carneys Restaurant on Sunset Boulevard serves burgers inside a converted train carriage. It is a practical and memorable lunch stop.
For a day trip, Catalina Island is about 90 minutes by boat from Los Angeles. The main town of Avalon is the base for exploring, and glass-bottom boat tours are available. Much of the island is undeveloped, owned by the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy.
The Battleship USS Iowa in San Pedro (part of LA) offers self-guided tours with yellow arrows marking the route. Kids get an activity sheet to find images of the ship’s dog, Vicky.
If you’re into live music while the kids are with a sitter, the Blue Note Los Angeles has regular shows, and venues like The Regent Theater host everything from metal to indie acts. Honestly, the LA live events calendar is packed year-round, with baseball games at Angel Stadium of Anaheim making for a solid family evening out too.
Practical Tips for Getting Around LA With Kids
LA is large and spread out. Hiring a car is the most practical option for families. Ride-share apps (Uber and Lyft) work well for individual trips if you prefer not to drive.
Parking costs to know:
- Santa Monica beach lots: $6-$15 per day
- Hollywood and Highland: $2 per 20 minutes or $6 per hour
- Melrose Avenue: $1 per hour
The Metro system uses a TAP card covering 26 transit agencies. It works for families willing to plan routes, but the car is faster between most attractions.
For saving money across multiple attractions, the Go Los Angeles Attraction Card and the Sightseeing Pass both offer discounts. The CityPass for Southern California bundles Disneyland, SeaWorld San Diego, and Legoland California.
Travel interest in LA peaks around November, December, and August, so if you’re hoping for thinner crowds and better prices, try shoulder months like April or early October. Search interest has been rising steadily over the past year, so booking accommodation early is smart regardless.
How long to spend in LA with kids:
- 3-4 days for beaches, Hollywood, and city attractions
- 5-7 days if you plan to include Disneyland or Universal Studios
Where to stay: Downtown LA puts you centrally for most attractions. Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Venice Beach are good alternatives that reduce driving time to the beach areas. If you’re planning a broader US trip, you might also want to check out our guide to things to do in New York State or free things to do in Jacksonville for more family-friendly inspiration.
Family-Friendly Food Stops
- In-N-Out Burger is a California institution and reliable with kids.
- Sweet Laurel Bakery is recommended for families with a sweet tooth.
- Carneys Restaurant on Sunset Blvd (the train carriage diner) is a fun lunch option that children remember.
Is LA Worth It With Kids?
Yes. The city has enough range to suit toddlers through teenagers, with free options (Griffith Park, Venice Beach, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Getty Museum, Lake Hollywood Park) balancing the cost of theme parks. Plan by neighbourhood to cut driving time, and keep a car available for flexibility. If you’ve been building a list of things to do in Austin or New Orleans for the same trip, LA slots in well as a West Coast bookend before or after.
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