Things to do with kids in Los Angeles

When it comes to entertainment, Los Angeles is hands down the most popular city in the U.S. so finding things to do with kids in Lo Angeles should be really easy.

With a fantastic selection of venues and shows to visit, tourists and residents alike can find something to enjoy nearly every day of the week. 

Here are some of our top picks for the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

Free things to do with kids in Los Angeles  

Budgets are always limited when you are traveling with a family. 

Grand Park

Grand Park is a beautiful free way to spend some time with your family in Los Angeles.  

It is a 12-acre park with fountains, greenways, splash pads, and whimsical playgrounds that can keep your kids busy half a day at least. 

Make sure to bring a change of clothes if you want to play in the splash pads.

Dockweiller Beach 

Dockweiller Beach is one of the only beaches you can still build. You can make a bonfire and have a marshmallow and weenie roast.  

There are sites where you can spend the night on the beach making memories that last a lifetime. 

Cheap things to do with kids in Los Angeles

Kidspace Children’s Museum 

Kidspace Children’s Museum is an adventure for your family especially kids 1-10 years old.  The museum stretches over 3.5 acres and has more than 40 hands-on exhibits.  

There are outdoor spaces that children can climb, including a giant hawk’s nest.  There is even a mud kitchen so bring a change of clothes for everyone.  

If you are looking for a fun way to explore with your body and get physical 

El Captain Theater

This theater is operated by Disney and is designed for families.  It is a great way to see a Disney movie. There are even live shows before the movie.  You can even see some cool props and costumes in the lobby of the current film. 

Time Travel Mart

Ever find yourself telling your kids about all the cool stuff from your childhood? 

Well, what if you could show them? At the Time Travel Mart, you can buy stuff from your childhood or any time period. Do you want to show them some cool 80s toys?  This is a place. 

Take a step back through the history of entertainment here. 

Olvera Street and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument

For more history fun, taking a trip to Olvera Street is a great way to learn about the Spanish and Mexican history of California.   

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is a 44-acre park that pays respects to the Latino culture that built Los Angeles and California. 

Many of the buildings are from the 1800s and have been kept in excellent shape.  There are several exhibits that are constantly changing. It is almost like an open-air museum.   

Over on Olvera Street, you will find street vendors and restaurants, much like a Mexican Marketplace.  

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Even families with younger kids will love Six Flags Magic Mountain. This theme park offers plenty of rides for the whole family. 

There are plenty of fun things to do with kids in Magic Mountain, including coasters, games, children’s rides, live entertainment, and even park restaurants. 

This is a full-day activity so make sure you plan on spending the entire day at Magic Mountain. You also should prepare for a lower activity day the following day to decompress from a day full of walking and excitement. 

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

You cannot miss this museum full of wax celebrity look-alikes.  

There are so many famous people, be sure to clear your phone’s photos before going in because you and your kids will want to take all the selfies. 

Ripley’s Believe it Or Not’s Odditorium 

If you have never been to an Odditorium from Ripley’s Believe it or Not, it is an unusual experience. 

If you are traveling with tweens and teens, this might be their favorite part of the trip seeing all the weird and wacky things in this museum. 

TCL Chinese Theater 

TCL Chinese Theater might be one of the most iconic theaters in all the world.  Taking a tour is a great way to spend an afternoon.  It is one of the top places for premieres in Hollywood, and it where you can find the iconic walks with the footprints and handprints of celebrities.  YOu can take a guided tour and even catch a movie. 

Universal Studios Hollywood

Another theme park features rides and attractions from some of the biggest movies to come from Hollywood, including Harry Potter!!  You can immerse your family in the world of Harry Potter at Hogsmeade, explore the sets of some of your favorite movies and tv shows.

What do we think of Los Angeles for kids overall?

You do not have to spend a fortune to have a family fun vacation in Los Angeles with your kids. There are plenty of free and cheap things to do to stretch your fun and your budget at the same time while still doing all the can’t miss adventures.  Remember to schedule slow vacation days after days jam-packed with excitement like visiting a theme park or busy day sightseeing.  

If you want even more travel tips, check out some of our travel posts.

Take a look at even more travel posts from around the web for inspiration, too!

Thanks for stopping by,

Helen

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