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 over 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, but it’s also a perfect vacation for a nice, family getaway.
If you’re looking to plan a family vacation to Los Angeles or are 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 reason. It’s 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 open 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.
Good to know: The California Science Center is especially suitable for kids aged around 4 to 12, with plenty of hands-on exhibits that younger children can touch and explore, while older kids will enjoy the space shuttle Endeavour and more in-depth science displays.
Plan at least 2–3 hours if you want to see it properly.
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 possible, I suggest arriving a little later in the day. That way you’ll 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 TCL 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. It’s a favorite activity for many locals as well.
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.
Practical Tips for Visiting Los Angeles with Kids
Whether you’re visiting Los Angeles from out of town or planning a fun family staycation, a little planning can make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful, especially in a city as big and spread out as LA.
The Best Areas to Stay for Families
Los Angeles is enormous, and traffic can be a challenge, so your base really matters. These family-friendly neighborhoods balance proximity to major attractions, walkability, safety, and relaxed vibes:
1. Santa Monica
Modern beach city meets family beach town.
Santa Monica has a beautiful, wide beach, safe bike paths, a pedestrian-friendly downtown, and great cafés and restaurants for families.
It’s perfect if you want easy access to the ocean and lots of outdoor activities without spending all your time in a car. It’s also more walkable than most LA neighborhoods.
Recommended Hotel: Shore Hotel, which is a comfortable, eco-friendly option right near the beach and Santa Monica Pier, with an outdoor pool and easy access to restaurants and shops.
2. Pasadena
Ideal if you want quieter streets, charming neighborhoods, great parks, and easy access to kid-friendly museums (like the Kidspace Children’s Museum) and the Norton Simon Museum. Pasadena also has great restaurants and family-oriented events year-round.
Recommended Hotel: The Langham Huntington, which is a classic, elegant choice with beautiful grounds, multiple pools, and lots of space for kids to roam, while still being close to Pasadena’s attractions.
3. Hollywood / Universal City
This area is perfect for families planning to spend a day (or more) at Universal Studios, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or Griffith Park. Being centrally located means you’ll cut down on long drives to popular sights.
Recommended Hotel: Hilton Los Angeles-Universal City, because it’s connected to Universal CityWalk and close to the parks, with a family-friendly outdoor pool and convenient access to rides, restaurants, and evening entertainment.
4. Marina del Rey & Venice Beach
If you love beach days but want a slightly quieter vibe than Santa Monica, this area is great. You’re close to the water, the canals, and easy bike routes. Kids especially enjoy the Venice Beach Boardwalk and canals during daylight hours.
Transportation Tips
Car vs. Public Transport
LA is a driving city. Public transit exists, but most families find a rental car far more flexible and convenient, especially when hopping between attractions.
If you don’t want to drive, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and taxis work well, particularly around tourist-focused areas.
Parking
Many hotels and attractions charge for parking, so factor that into your budget. Free parking is rare in Santa Monica and Hollywood. Use apps like SpotHero or ParkMobile to find and reserve spaces ahead of time.
Timing Your Days to Avoid Traffic & Crowds
Los Angeles traffic is its own (in)famous attraction. To save time:
- Start early: Aim to be on the road before 9:30 AM if you have a long drive ahead.
- Plan around rush hours: 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM are the busiest times.
- Build flexibility: Allow buffer time between activities, especially if you’re transitioning from one side of town to the other.
Kid-Friendly Essentials in LA
Here are a few practical “family survival” notes:
- Pack water and snacks: Many LA outings involve walking or waiting. Hydration and snacks will keep the kids happy.
- Sun protection: Whether you’re at the beach, Griffith Park, or CityWalk, sunscreen and hats go a long way.
- Strollers are useful: Most major family attractions (observatory, museums, pier, theme parks) are stroller-friendly.
- Rest breaks: Plan for quiet breaks mid-day. A shaded park bench, a museum café, or a local library can be great reset points.
Final Family Travel Tip
Los Angeles feels different depending on how you explore it.
Moving slowly between fewer, well-chosen activities usually leads to happier kids (and adults) than trying to pack in everything in one day.
Choose a good base, plan a few highlights, and leave room for spontaneous beach time, discovery walks, or evening ice cream near the pier.
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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