Are you looking for things to do in Los Angeles with kids?
Los Angeles is truly one of the greatest cities on earth. It’s no secret that it is best known for its Hollywood scene and as the city that brings all the biggest movies to life.
I lived in Los Angeles for two years and one thing that never failed to amaze me is how diverse this city is. Not only is it a wonderful travel destination for adults looking to party as well as a perfect vacation for a nice, family getaway.
If you’re looking to plan a family vacation to Los Angeles or looking for a fun day out in LA with the kids, then this guide is perfect for you.
I wrote down some of the best things to do on a family day out in Los Angeles to make your trip planning as smooth as possible.
Things to Do on a Family Day Out in Los Angeles
1. Spend the Day in Griffith Park
Home to over 4,000 acres of land, Griffith Park is known for being one of the biggest parks in North America.
Surprisingly, it is even bigger than the famous Central Park in New York City!
Griffith Park has so many things to do for an awesome family day out in Los Angeles.
In this massive park, you will find the Los Angeles Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, Travel Town Train Museum, the Greek Theater and so much more.
Even if you’re looking to just spend your afternoon having a picnic or strolling through the park, you just can’t go wrong with Griffith Park as it is a great family activity.
2. Visit the Getty Museum
The Getty Museum brings in millions of visitors a year and with good reasons too. It is one of LA’s most famous landmarks.
There are two locations for this museum: the Getty Center and the Getty Villa.
Both locations have completely free admission. And let’s face it, everything is that much better when it’s free.
While visiting you will get to witness everything from incredible sculptures, art pieces, and some awesome gardens.
3. Spend the Day at Universal Studios
One of my favorite things to do in LA with kids is spending the day at Universal Studios. It is the perfect way to spend the day as a family in Los Angeles.
Universal Studios is one of LA’s most famous theme parks.
It has everything from fun rides, a whole replica of the world of Harry Potter, different mini towns and you can even take a tour of the sets where all the biggest movies and TV shows are made.
Pro Tip: I would suggest going on a slower day as the lines can get extremely long. If a peak day is the only time you can go, I would invest in a fast pass (select the ‘Express Ticket’ option when buying your tickets) to skip right to the front of the line.
4. Check Out the California Science Center
If you’re looking for things to do on a family day out in Los Angeles, look no further. The California Science Center is the place to go.
And guess what? This Los Angeles gem is opened 7 days a week with free admission as well.
At the California Science Center adults and children are welcomed to explore the world of science through hands-on exhibits and experiences.
It’s truly a great way to enjoy Los Angeles as a family.
5. Make Your Way to the Griffith Observatory
It’s no secret that LA is one of the most expensive cities in the US. With that being said, who knew that it offers so many free, awesome activities!
The Griffith Observatory is another great activity for a family day out and like the other two I mentioned above, it’s completely free.
The Griffith Observatory offers wonderful exhibits, views of the Hollywood Sign, views of the city of Los Angeles, and live shows.
If the opportunity arises, I suggest arriving a little later during the day. That way you will be able to watch the sun as it sets over the city.
6. Walk Hollywood Boulevard
Of course when visiting Los Angeles, walking Hollywood Boulevard is a must.
It is also a great activity to do during a family day in Los Angeles as the Boulevard is filled with Disney and Marvel characters waiting to take pictures to make your day in LA as memorable as can be.
On Hollywood Boulevard you will also find some great shopping and plenty of food. And you can even catch a movie at the famous TLC Chinese Theater.
7. Watch Your Favorite TV Shows Live
This one would have to be planned a bit in advance as tickets sell out pretty quickly. But, when visiting Los Angeles with your family, come watch one of your favorite TV shows live.
The shows you can attend include Jimmy Kimmel, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and many more.
The best part of it you ask? Most of the tickets to the shows are free, you just have to reserve them in advance.
Some of the main studios you can watch live TV shows at in and around Los Angeles are Warner Bros. Studio, CBS Television City, and Sony Pictures Studios.
8. Take a Tour of the Walt Disney Concert Hall
It’s impossible for one not to love Disney, which is why a tour of the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a great thing to do on a family day out in Los Angeles.
You can either pick a self-guided audio tour or a guided tour and both of them are free. So bring your family and learn the history of this famous concert hall.
It’s a once in a lifetime experience.
9. Visit Disney Land
Okay, so Disney Land is technically in Orange County but it’s only 26 miles (42 km) away from Los Angeles.
If you leave early enough to beat the insane LA traffic, you can get there in about 45 minutes and it is so, completely worth it.
I mean, let’s face it, who doesn’t love Disney Land? Plus, there is no better way to spend your day as a family than wandering around this world-famous theme park.
Tip: If you are looking for a fun day trip from LA with the family, check out Catalina Island or Santa Barbara!
But, there is more to do on a family day out in Los Angeles.
Do you know about the Go City Pass? It gives you access to a wide selection of tours and attractions in LA.
Depending on how much you want to do in LA this pass can really save you some money. And it provides good ideas for even more family activities in Los Angeles.
Enjoy All the Family Fun in Los Angeles!
LA is truly a remarkable city. And with so many different things to do in Los Angeles with kids, your family can easily have the trip of a lifetime.
And who knows, you might even run into your favorite celeb as LA is known for having celebrity sightings all over the city.
I hope you enjoyed my guide on all the different things to do on a family day out in Los Angeles. Bon Voyage!
Also Read:
- 2 Days in Los Angeles: The Must-Sees on a Short Visit
- The Best Day Trips From Los Angeles
- Planning a Perfect Catalina Island Visit From LA
- Unique Hotels in Southern California – Including Several in LA
- What to Do in Big Bear Lake – A Perfect 2 or 3 Day Trip from LA
- Things to Do in Santa Barbara, California
- The Benefits of Traveling With Family
- The Best Countries to Visit With Family
Want to See More of California?
Check out Spend Life Traveling’s other articles about where to go and what to do in California
Map of Things to Do on a Family Day Out in Los Angeles
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