10 exciting family-friendly activities in Los Angeles

Alongside LA’s bars, concerts, and art galleries are numerous kid-friendly attractions making Los Angeles a perfect family destination. Some kids might dream of meeting their favorite movie characters, while others will love discovering of sea life, or the thrill of catching their first wave.

In LA, all of this is right at your fingertips. From the enchanting world of Universal Studios to the excitement of a baseball game at Dodgers Stadium, here is our guide to the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

1. Day out at Universal Studios

Cast a spell in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and experience the high-speed chases of Fast & Furious! These are just some of the fun things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood. Here, both kids and adults can step into their favorite movies and TV shows for an interactive and exciting day out.

Recommended for:

Kids aged 5 and above. Some attractions may not be suitable for toddlers due to height requirements or the intensity of the rides.

Address and opening hours:

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA, 91608. Open 8:00 AM-10:00 PM Thursday-Monday, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM Tuesday-Wednesday.

2. Become an artist at Fluid Bears

Fluid Bears offers a hands-on portal into LA’s colorful art scene. Kids can roll up their sleeves and dive into the world of fluid art, learning about color, texture, and creativity by making their own fluid art teddy bears. This hands-on activity sparks creativity while giving kids a tangible memory of their time in LA.

Recommended for:

Kids aged 6 and above. The activity involves materials that might not be suitable for very young children.

Address and opening hours:

801 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 3:00 PM-9:00 PM, and Friday-Sunday, 12:00 PM-9:00 PM. Reservations recommended.

3. Inspire young minds at Griffith Observatory

Perched atop Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the cosmos beyond. It's a gateway to the stars, where families can gaze through telescopes, explore exhibits, and watch live shows in the planetarium. It's also a great activity to do in LA at night.

Recommended for:

All ages. The observatory offers something for everyone, from toddlers to teens.

Address and opening hours:

2800 E Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA, 90027. Open 12:00 PM-10:00 PM Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM Saturday-Sunday.

4. Meet marine animals at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Located in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a window to the ocean's wonders. With over 12,000 marine animals from the Pacific Ocean, kids can come face-to-face with colorful fish, playful sea otters, and mysterious sharks. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities make learning fun and engaging, offering kids a deeper appreciation of marine life and conservation.

Recommended for:

All ages. The aquarium is engaging for toddlers, children, and adults.

Address and opening hours:

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA, 90802. Open 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM Sunday.

5. Catch a baseball game at Dodger Stadium

There’s something extra special about experiencing the classic American pastime of baseball live at at Dodger Stadium. Watching a Dodgers game with the whole family means soaking in the electric atmosphere of LA’s sports fans, munching on stadium hot dogs, and cheering along with the crowd. The energy and excitement of live games are seriously contagious.

Recommended for:

All ages. A baseball game is a family-friendly event suitable for toddlers to teens.

Address and opening hours:

1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90012.

6. Explore the history of racing at the Petersen Automotive Museum

Curious young minds into race cars will have a blast exploring the exhibits at the Petersen Automotive Museum. This top Los Angeles museum features hundreds of classic vehicles from the 1880s to today, from vintage classics to futuristic concept cars. Book a tour inside the Vault for an exclusive look at the hidden collection.

Recommended for:

Though accessible to all ages, the museum’s content and displays are most suitable for kids aged 5 and up.

Address and opening hours:

6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90036. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM every day.

7. Travel back to the Ice Age at the La Brea Tar Pits

The La Brea Tar Pits are a portal to the past, where kids can learn about prehistoric animals and the world they inhabited. It's one of the more underrated attractions in LA, and one of the few places in the world where you can see active paleontological research in action. It’s an essential LA stop for families interested in science and the ancient world.

Recommended:

Kids aged 6 and above. The tar pits and museum may be less engaging for toddlers, but older children will find the fossils and live excavations fascinating.

Address and opening hours:

5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90036. Open 9:30 AM-5:00 PM every day.

8. Unearth discoveries at the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum’s hands-on exhibits and vast collections offer an engaging way to discover the natural world, from dinosaurs to diamonds. Its Dinosaur Hall is a highlight for young explorers. Here, children can become paleontologists, uncovering fossils and learning about the giants that once roamed the Earth.

Recommended ages:

Kids aged 3 and above. The museum offers interactive sensory stimulating experiences suitable for toddlers, though the museum’s content is especially captivating for older children.

Address and opening hours:

900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90007. Open 9:30 AM-5:00 PM every day.

9. Surf like the locals at one of LA’s best beaches

Surfing is synonymous with Los Angeles culture, and taking a family surf lesson is a memorable way to experience the city's beautiful beaches—especially in summer. Whether you're a beginner or you’re looking to improve your skills, learning to surf with the locals offers a fun and active way to enjoy the California sun and waves.

Recommended ages:

Surfing lessons are suitable for kids aged 6 and above. They are not suitable for toddlers or children who are unable to swim safely on their own.

10. 'Meet' celebrities and athletes at Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds Hollywood brings you up close and personal with wax figures of your favorite celebrities and sports legends—think Taylor Swift, Muhammad Ali, and Marilyn Monroe. It's a fun and quirky way to "meet" stars from the past and present, promising endless photo opportunities for the whole family.

Recommended ages:

For all ages, though, the museum is most enjoyable for older kids and teens.

Address and opening hours:

6933 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

FAQs

What are some of the top family-friendly attractions in Los Angeles?

Some of the best attractions for families in Los Angeles include major theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios. Other great options include Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood, and La Brea Tar Pits.

What are the best museums for kids in Los Angeles?

The La Brea Tar Pits, Griffith Observatory, and Peterson Automotive Museum are all excellent kid-friendly attractions. Other options include the California Science Center, Natural History Museum, and Kidspace Children's Museum.

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in Los Angeles?

Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Echo Park Lake feature a host of fun outdoor activities that kids will enjoy, including biking, surfing, sports, games, and rides. The swan pedal boats at Echo Lake are a fan favorite.

What are some unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences to have in Los Angeles with kids?

Los Angeles is full of hidden treasures if you know where to look. Some excellent examples include visiting the mind-bending Museum of Jurassic Technology, exploring the Last Bookstore, and shopping at the Time Travel Mart.

What are some fun day trips from Los Angeles that are suitable for families with kids?

Los Angeles is only a short distance from beautiful locations such as Malibu, Laguna Beach, and Santa Barbara. These locations offer a mix of beaches, cultural attractions, and natural parks. If you have a car, take a trip on the Pacific Coast Highway or visit the Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs.