15+ Things to Do in Los Angeles with Teenagers During Your Trip

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
Los Angeles Santa Monica

Family vacations are wonderful, but finding attractions that everyone will love can be a challenge. Especially when you’ve got teens in the mix! How do you find something that keeps them entertained and sees them spending time with the whole family?

Fortunately, we’re here to help you out. If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles with teenagers, check out this list of our favorite teen-friendly activities, including...

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Knott's Berry Farm
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood
  • Long Beach Whale Watch
  • K1 Speed Indoor Go Karting
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
  • Aquarium of the Pacific
  • L.A. Zoo
  • and more...

Immerse yourself in the world of Universal Studios Hollywood 

Universal Studios

The whole family can agree that Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit destination in Los Angeles. They’ve got attractions to appeal to the whole family, such as thrilling rides like TRANSFORMERSTM: The Ride-3D, and many more.

There are plenty of other franchise-based attractions, too, like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You're bound to find something your teens love! Another central feature of the Universal experience is their famed Studio Tour, which escorts guests behind the scenes of one of the world’s most prolific movie studios.

Please note: Admission is only available on the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass and can only be used on a single day during the duration of the pass.

Meet celebrities at Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Madame Tussauds
The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.

If all your teen does is gush over celebrities, visiting Madame Tussauds Hollywood will be a real treat. Get a few awesome photos with your favorite stars and craft that perfect Instagram snap for your friends at home. You'll find famous figures organized throughout multiple exciting exhibits, including themes like movie characters, pop stars, and sports icons.

Who wouldn't love the chance to meet some of the most famous people in the last few years? After all, a wax replica of Beyoncé is probably the closest most of us will come to meeting the real deal!

The Kylie Jenner figure is a must-see for fans of the Kardashian clan. Sculpted to represent the reality star in her custom-made Balmain gown from the 2016 Met Gala, this figure is so realistic it actually fooled her fans.

Indulge your love of Hollywood

Hollywood star

It’s hard to avoid celebrity culture when you’re visiting L.A., so why not embrace it? There are plenty of amazing attractions that will keep your teen enthralled as you explore the world of Hollywood stardom, from a fascinating visit to the Hollywood Museum to a comprehensive movie star homes tour.

Or, you could opt for a fun Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes walking tour that highlights many of the Hollywood hotspots and historic sites, from the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre to the Hollywood sign.

Enjoy L.A.'s other amazing theme parks

Theme parks in L.A.

If Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t enough to quench your theme park thirst, then bring the kids to one of the many other amazing theme parks in the Los Angeles area. From the charming, old-school style of Pacific Park to the always exciting Knott’s Berry Farm (which also has a sister water park!), there are so many choices. Another local favorite is the fantastic Six Flags Magic Mountain, featuring a wide variety of thrill rides and other entertainment.

Getting in: Knott's Berry Farm is included on the Go City® All-Inclusive Pass.

Get out on the water

Whale watching

California's coast is teeming with stunning marine life, so don't waste the opportunity to get the teens outdoors and onto a boat trip to spot these beautiful creatures!

Join a Whale Watch tour to get up close to orca whales, humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and sperm whales. They can be seen year-round engaging in lunge feeding, breaching, fluking, and more. You might even spot bottlenose and Pacific white-sided dolphins and California sea lions, harbor seals if you're lucky!

Get wild on indoor karts

Indoor karting

Let the kids race each other for the title of best go-kart driver at an exhilarating indoor kart racing facility operated by K1 Speed Indoor Go Karting. Get a feel for some of the newest and best kart technology out there as you all enjoy riding laps with K-1 Speed’s new European electric karts.

State-of-the-art scoring technology will make you feel like you’re in a real kart race, too! And don't worry, parents, even if they don't have their driver's license yet, it's totally safe for them to operate these karts. Kind of like practice for the real thing!

Explore famous movie studios

Warner Bros studios potion making

If your teens loved the Universal Studios Hollywood experience and are looking for more movie action, you're in luck. Hollywood is chock full of famous studios with movie lots to tour, including the iconic Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and the family-favorite Sony Pictures Studio Tour.

Warner Bros. is an especially fun experience because you'll be essentially walking through a working studio, which is something cinematically inclined teens will love.

Encounter aquatic animals

Penguins

Animal-loving teens will find much to enjoy about Los Angeles. Aquatic creatures abound at the delightfully interactive Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (which is located in a fun neighborhood to explore). For those who want to focus exclusively on the vast array of sea life found in the Pacific Ocean, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a sure bet.

If your teen prefers the fuzzy over the scaly, then a visit to the L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park is a great option. Featuring over 1,000 different creatures from around the globe, in addition to more than 7,000 different plants in the Botanical Garden, this is an unbeatable attraction in Los Angeles.

Battleship Iowa museum

Battleship Iowa museum

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®

There you have it. Our list of some of the top things to do in Los Angeles with teenagers during your upcoming trip. Consider adding a few of these teen-friendly options to your vacation itinerary. Enjoy!

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Los Angeles must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. Whichever Los Angeles attraction pass you pick, it'll help you make the most of your trip!

☀️ Compare Los Angeles passes ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Los Angeles for Birthday

There are countless great ways to celebrate your birthday in Tinseltown. No really - we mean it! Offering the perfect mix of vibrant chaos and bohemian chill, there’s a little something for everybody here. From catching your favorite comedians live on the Sunset Strip to soaking up the views of the city at the Griffith Observatory, L.A. is the place to celebrate in style. Whether it’s your 18th or your 50th, there’s sure to be something to pique your interest and make this milestone something to remember. Still having trouble narrowing down your options? Don’t fear! Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering, a big birthday bash or a fun treat for yourself, we’ve got you covered with the very best that the city has to offer. Have a read through our list of some of the best birthday activities in Los Angeles! No matter how you decide to celebrate in the City of Angels, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Have a Laugh How about getting older with some friends and spending the night at the comedy club? As the entertainment capital of the world, of course Los Angeles is home to some of the best comedy spots in the world - from highly-acclaimed venues to hole-in-the-wall dives, the city pretty much has it all. If you’re looking for familiar faces trying out some of their newest side-splitting material, we suggest heading over to the Sunset Strip. Running right through the center of West Hollywood, this emblematic 1.5-mile stretch is home to some of the best clubs in America. Some of our favorite places include Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv. Or, if you want a more laid-back atmosphere, we recommend checking out the smaller clubs in Silver Lake and Koreatown. In these spots, you’re more likely to stumble across up-and-coming talent, quirky drag acts, sketch shows and more. Vibrant and fun, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a night out on the town in Los Angeles. Take a Trip If you’re looking for something a little different to celebrate your special day - don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Offering the perfect day trip with a hit of escapism, Catalina Island is one of Southern California’s most underrated hidden gems. Catch the Catalina Express from Long Beach to make your way over to this convenient location set about 30 miles just off the coast of California’s mainland. Billed as the ‘’Hidden Paradise in Southern California’’, this spot has much to offer all types of travellers. The city’s main tourist hub is Avalon, which boasts great shopping and unbeatable dining, as well as some of the island’s top attractions. Some of our favourites include Catalina Island Museum, Lover’s Cove and Catalina Casino. The island is also a great spot for nature lovers, with stunning palm-fringed beaches and exciting adventure activities to choose from. Try testing your bravery by ziplining over Descanso Beach, or hiking across the island’s mountainous coastline. A thoroughly brilliant excursion, this charming island is the epitome of fun and relaxation. Spend the Day in Nature If you feel like a physical and mental challenge to prove that you’re just as young as you were yesterday, head over to Griffith Park where you’ll find magnificent slopes and scenic, pristine trails for miles. Covering over 4,000 acres, this fantastic emblematic greenspace is known for being one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States. Of course, there’s a whole lot to see and do here, though one of the most popular activities has got to be walking the trails which provide panoramic views of the iconic Hollywood Sign. Keep your eyes peeled en route, since the attraction is home to a wide array of wildlife - visitors can expect to see everything from foxes and deer to bobcats and even the occasional mountain lion! Aside from the park’s popular hiking trails, this spot is also home to some great Los Angeles attractions. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Greek Theatre is a great place to enjoy concerts and performances set against the natural backdrop of Los Angeles. And if that doesn’t quite take your fancy, head over to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens at the northeast corner of the park to see some furry (or slimy friends). You can even see remnants of the Old Los Angeles Zoo which shut way back in 1966 on the east side of the park. Complete with abandoned animal enclosures and cages, this spot is now been turned into a unique picnic spot with tables and chairs. Have a Blast! Another one of our favorite places to celebrate in L.A. has got to be Six Flags Magic Mountain. Perfect for any adventurous types visiting the city, this iconic attraction does just what it says on the tin: offer world-class entertainment for all ages. As one of the most popular theme parks in the U S of A, the park draws in over 30 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Visitors are guaranteed a great day of fun, with over 19 rides and attractions to choose from - the most of any amusement park in the world! Go up high, dip down low and enjoy adrenaline-pumping twists and turns on some of the best award-winning rides in the world. Or, make a splash at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a fun-filled aquatic experience located right next to the amusement park! Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, this spot is sure to put a huge smile on your face. There are a lot of ways to celebrate a birthday in Los Angeles - but who would have expected anything less? Whether you’re looking to grab a drink at one of the city’s most iconic comedy clubs or take it easy exploring Griffith Park, you’re sure to have a blast! Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Interior view of SoFi Stadium's LED canopy.
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Guide to SoFi Stadium

The SoFi Stadium is something else. This megalithic shrine to football draws around 70,000 fans to its seats every week. On this brilliant 60-minute tour of the SoFi Stadium, you'll get an exclusive look behind the scenes of two of the NFL's biggest teams; the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers. See the locker rooms, where driven coaches give inspiring team talks. Travel through the player tunnel and get a glimpse of life as a sporting giant. Then, run onto the field and try your hand at scoring a field goal. All of that beneath the stadium's incredible LED canopy. Image courtesy of Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock How to get SoFi Stadium tour tickets? We've got you covered – SoFi Stadium tour tickets are available with the below money-saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to over 40 attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 7 attractions. Tips for visiting SoFi Stadium While walk-ins are possible, SoFi Stadium is a highly-visited attraction. Therefore, we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment on the day. SoFi Stadium is big. Real big. So definitely slip into some comfortable footwear before you visit, and be prepared to get some steps in. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos and videos of your time in the stadium, so make sure your phone's got plenty of space on it, or bring a camera with a fresh roll/memory card. Image courtesy of Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock When is the best time to take a tour of SoFi Stadium? Given the enclosed nature of the stadium, thanks to its canopy, and the fact that winters in LA tend to land on the milder side, you can visit SoFi Stadium any time of year! What is there to see and do on the SoFi Stadium Tour? Follow in the steps of fans, commentators, and players alike as you explore this awe-inspiring stadium. Go behind the scenes and see where the players prepare for battle, the commentators sit to narrate the game, and where the fans praise their almighty teams. You'll even step foot on the field - any football fan's dream! SoFi Stadium tour highlights Feel the adrenalin rush as you pass through the players' tunnel and onto the field. Run the '40', throw balls at targets and kick a field goal on the turf. See the locker rooms and explore the commentary box Explore the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection exhibit, which explores the lives and accomplishments of 16th-century African Americans. Image courtesy of Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock What attractions are near SoFi Stadium? Given the nature of huge stadiums, they're often rather isolated from other things to do. The same can be said for SoFi Stadium. Found between Inglewood and Lennox, and just beneath Morningside Park, it's mainly surrounded by residential streets, shops, bars, and hotels. However, if you like playing the odds, you'll find Hollywood park Casino just a short walk from the stadium. Where is there to eat nearby? Burger fans visiting Los Angeles ought to try In-N-Out Burger, arguably one of the best fast food restaurants on the planet. If you're looking for more of a sit-down American dining experience, check out Century Bar and Grill, which also has an array of craft beers and cocktails on offer. In the market for something a bit spicier? Casa Ruis Restaurante has you covered. Serving delicious Mexican dishes from 9AM, you're bound to find something tasty there. Need to massage that sweet tooth? Try Crumbl Cookies, which offers a myriad of sweet treats all throughout the day. Need to know For opening time and to find your slot, visit their website here. When arriving at the stadium for your tour, please use the entrance at the intersections of Prairie Avenue & Arbor Vitae. Directions and Address SoFi Stadium 1001 Stadium Dr Inglewood CA 90301 Closest Subway Stops C Line - Hawthorne/Lennox Save on Tickets with Go City Remember, Go City is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which can include SoFi Stadium tour tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. You'll make great savings on entry to top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Best Aquariums in Los Angeles
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Best Aquariums in Los Angeles

If you're looking for the best aquariums to visit in Los Angeles, check out our picks and make it an underwater adventure to remember! Including: Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? How many aquariums are in L.A.? Best Aquariums in Los Angeles Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? You may be surprised to find out that the biggest aquarium in the U.S. is found in Atlanta. It's called the Georgia Aquarium, and it features a mind-boggling 10 million gallons of water! What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? The Aquarium of the Pacific is L.A.'s largest aquarium - more on that down below! How many aquariums are in L.A.? Los Angeles features four aquariums around the city, and we cover each and every one here! We've also added a few non-aquarium choices, just to spice things up, because we're kind. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Aquarium of the Pacific If you fancy spending the day in L.A.'s largest aquarium, hanging out with more than 11,000 animals, then Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best aquariums in Los Angeles! The aquarium's centerpiece is its comprehensive portrayal of the Pacific Ocean, the Earth's largest body of water, stretching from the vibrant coral reefs of the tropics to the icy waters of the north. It's the only place to see so much coral and so many coral-residing creatures up close, so prepare for an explosion of colorful, exotic fish! There's also the Shark Lagoon, where you can pet - yes, pet - some of the many sharks that call it home, the Blue Cavern kelp forest tank, an aviary featuring hundreds of birds, and an entire penguin colony to marvel at. Brilliant stuff. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Heal The Bay Heal The Bay's aquarium is a hidden gem, often overlooked because it's nestled beneath the Santa Monica Pier, but underwater lovers shouldn't miss it! This family-friendly aquarium is part underwater showcase, part learning experience, featuring more than 100 different species of fish that call Santa Monica Bay home. Every Tuesday and Friday at 2.30PM, you can check out feeding events where you and your little ones will learn all about the fish and what they eat. And then on Sundays at 3.30PM, they have a shark feeding showcase, which is a little more on the gruesome side, but still fascinating nonetheless. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Situated a short stroll from the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a smaller facility that offers the most comprehensive insight into local marine life. The main exhibit hall alone boasts nearly 40 individual tanks featuring local marvels. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is more hands-on than some of the others on this list, with a touch pool that lets you get up close with the safer side of L.A.'s underwater life. The Exploration Center and Aquatic Nursery explore the aquarium's research into local life, as well as its breeding initiatives for certain dwindling species. After you're done exploring, you'll find Cabrillo Coastal Park right outside, featuring pristine beaches, the Point Fermin tidepools, and an excellent birdwatching location within the Salinas de San Pedro salt marsh. For a nature-filled day out, you know where to go. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Roundhouse Aquarium Only slightly bigger than many people's flats, the Roundhouse Aquarium is bite-sized fun that can be seen in no time at all. That doesn't mean it's not worth a visit, though! See sanddabs and juvenile rays as they gracefully glide in circular patterns within the sandy-bottom tank. Look, but don't touch - they don't do that here. Still, you'll get plenty of snaps of these wonderful creatures up close, so why not? For an extra dose of excitement, make sure to visit on Saturdays at 12.30PM, when you'll see leopard and horn sharks feeding. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: California Science Center So yes, technically, the California Science Center isn't an aquarium, but on the other hand, it does have a fully-functioning kelp tank, includes a walkthrough tunnel where you can see plenty of underwater wonders up close, and even has dive shows where the audience can ask the divers questions pre-dive. You'll also find a Deep Sea exhibit, where you can control mock-ups of underwater robots, all while learning about deep sea exploration and how it has progressed in the last 200 years. And while you can come for the underwater goodness, you can stay for all the other sciency stuff! See the Space Shuttle Endeavor up close, learn all about the progression of space travel, and even explore creepy crawlies in the Rot Room. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour Yes, this is another non-aquarium option, but it's the only way you'll get up close and personal with some of the ocean's most revered creatures! If the weather's good, take a whale and dolphin watching tour and see them up close. Board a 65-foot double-decker ship, which includes seating on both decks, sunbeds, and even a snack bar if you need to refuel. Then, sit back, and enjoy the experience. With any luck, you'll see humpback whales, orcas (also known as "killer whales"), and, if you really luck out, a blue whale. Seals and dolphins are also often sighted in L.A.'s waters, so keep an eye out and your camera on standby. The ship itself is luxurious and comfortable, certainly taking the sting out of any missed sightings. And, with your captain narrating the trip, you'll learn more about all of the above, as well as local conservation efforts and migration patterns. An all-round good time if the sun stays put! And that's everything you need to know about the best aquariums in Los Angeles, as well as all the other underwater highlights you'll find in the city! Of course, there's much more to Los Angeles than what you find beneath the surface, so go with Go City to make sure you see it all! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you'll see all the city's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley

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