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Family-Friendly Fun: Things to Do With Kids in LA
City of Angels? More like the city of “Aw, cool!”—at least if you’re traveling with kids. Los Angeles takes family fun to the next level, with world-class museums, brilliant beaches, star-studded studios, and hands-on attractions that’ll knock socks off all ages. Whether you’re raising a budding scientist, wannabe wizard, tiny thrill-seeker, or future filmmaker, LA’s got something on offer that’ll make your family trip extra memorable. We’ve rounded up our absolute favorites for a sunshine-filled escape, so get ready for dinosaur encounters, sandy hands, sweet treats, and loads of laughter.
The city’s packed to the brim with family-friendly magic—here are our top picks for things to do with kids in Los Angeles:
Aquarium of the Pacific
Natural History Museum
Universal Studios
California Science Center IMAX Movie
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Knott’s Berry Farm
Santa Monica Beach & Pier
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Griffith Observatory
Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, Gems, and Hands-On Wonders
If you’ve got a junior paleontologist in tow—or any child who thinks dinosaurs are the absolute coolest—the Natural History Museum will rock their world. Set within the caramel-hued walls of Exposition Park, this landmark’s Dinosaur Hall is filled with real fossils, ginormous skeletons, and interactive displays that let imaginations run wild. The centerpiece? A triceratops and T. rex showdown, locked in prehistoric battle.
Beyond bones, the Discovery Center is where younger kids can touch real animal pelts, dig for fossils, and peer through microscopes. Expect bug houses, glittering gems, and all sorts of creatures frozen in time. The Butterfly Pavilion (open in spring and summer) brings things to life, with hundreds of butterflies swooping and swirling amid bright blooms on a magical outdoor trail.
Don’t rush through the Nature Gardens outside. Native plants cluster around walking trails, squirrels dart about, and it’s the best place for a family picnic. With hands-on fun and awe around every corner, nobody will be asking, “Are we done yet?” for a while.
Universal Studios: Movie Magic and Thrill Rides Galore
Calling all minions, wizards, and Jurassic daredevils—Universal Studios Hollywood is a must for families looking for a blockbuster day out. Whether you’re wandering the cobblestone streets of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, hopping aboard the legendary Studio Tour, or braving the blazing fast Transformers ride, the park is a wonderland of sights and thrills.
Ready to cool off? Super Silly Fun Land, modeled after Gru’s seaside playground in Despicable Me, is full of splash pads, climbing towers, and midway games. For older kids (and adults), world-class roller coasters like the Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic World—The Ride will keep everyone grinning. Don’t skip The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! for younger ones—it’s a family favorite.
Every detail at Universal Studios feels cinematic—themed snacks abound (butterbeer, anyone?) and costumed characters pop up everywhere, ready for photos and autographs. The atmosphere is energizing, joyful, and packed with surprises—so get your cameras ready for a day of movie magic they’ll talk about for years.
California Science Center: Mind-Blowing Experiments & the Space Shuttle
Picture this: your child, wide-eyed, gazing up at the Space Shuttle Endeavour. That’s just the start of the adventure at LA’s California Science Center. With its interactive Discovery Rooms, earthquake simulators, and brain-bending exhibits exploring everything from ecosystems to aviation, kids are encouraged to touch, test, build, and improvise.
Check out the IMAX Theater for film screenings that put you “inside” everything from ocean voyages to Antarctic expeditions. The current exhibitions rotate, but always include wow-worthy demonstrations—think fire tornadoes, pulleys you can build, or live science shows handled by energetic educators.
There’s a real sense of wonder in every zone, and every age group finds something new to try. Not only does the California Science Center feed young curiosity, it makes science fun and approachable. The layout is open and airy, and with friendly staff on hand, kids won’t be moving from “why?” to “wow!” in no time.
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum: Prehistoric LA Unearthed
Where else can you wander an ancient tar pit in the middle of a city? At the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, you’ll see bubbling prehistoric goo where, thousands of years ago, mammoths, giant sloths, and saber-toothed cats found untimely ends. Now, the site offers a unique science-meets-history adventure perfect for curious kids.
Start outside—kids are usually fascinated (and a little grossed out) by the tar bubbling in murky pools. Head inside to get up close with real fossils, giant reconstructed skeletons, and dig pit exhibits revealing how archeologists still find new discoveries here every day. Watch actual scientists at work in the museum’s glass-walled Fossil Lab—it’s like a real-life episode of “Dino Hunters.”
Younger children enjoy the Mammoth Walk and paleontology-themed play areas. If you’re feeling brave, check out the 3D theater for a thrilling, dino-packed show. Between the outdoor park and the museum, you’ll learn as much about LA’s wild past as you will about science’s future.
Heal the Bay Aquarium: Sea Creatures and Coastal Education
Looking for an ocean adventure right on the beach? Heal the Bay Aquarium, nestled under the Santa Monica Pier, delivers hands-on fun and marine science education that’s all about protection and discovery. This experience stands out for its cozy setting, friendly volunteers, and touch tanks filled with sea stars, anemones, and small sharks.
Younger kids love storytime events and scavenger hunts, while older ones can quiz staff about manta rays, local fish, and even marine conservation. Don’t miss the outdoor tide pools, which mimic the real-world rock pools you’ll find at nearby beaches. This spot brings families right up to the edge of the Pacific—and lets you roll up your sleeves to experience it for yourself.
Whether you’re on the pier for rides, arcade games, or fresh funnel cake, Heal the Bay Aquarium is a delightful pause—a cool, engaging escape packed with “look what I found!” moments. Pair your visit with a stroll upstairs along Santa Monica Pier for classic LA views and photo ops.
Santa Monica Beach & Pier: Classic LA Sun, Sand, and Smiles
Ready for fresh sea air and a picture-perfect stretch of sand? Santa Monica Beach promises room for volleyball, seashell hunts, and tidal adventures—with the iconic Santa Monica Pier right at your toes. You’ll find a carnival’s worth of family fun here: Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel glides high above the surf for the best ocean views, while its games and gentle rides keep everyone entertained.
Don’t miss the carousel, dating from 1922, or the inventive play spaces dotted along the pier. Fisherfolk (of all ages!) can cast a line with rented rods, while ice cream cones and churros keep energy levels up for a few more runs through the surf.
Kids love dashing between the splash zone at the edge of the pier, scavenger hunts along the sand, and watching talented street performers. For families, there are few spots in LA more joyous. Grab a bench, munch on saltwater taffy, and take in the sunset over the Pacific—no admission ticket required.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood: Snap Selfies With Superstars
Got a superhero fan or pop-culture enthusiast in your group? Madame Tussauds has you covered with its three floors packed with life-like wax figures—it’s not just about seeing celebrities, it’s about posing with them. Step into movie sets with your favorite icons, from Marvel stars to musicians to classic film legends.
The sets are interactive, with superhero stunt props, sports games, or Hollywood glamor moments kids can act out. (Watch out—teens will want to snap TikToks with Taylor Swift, while younger kids might lose it over Spider-Man.) The atmosphere is playful and immersive, filled with bright lights, themed music, and quick photo ops that make every corner an adventure.
Madame Tussauds is right on Hollywood Boulevard, so combine your visit with a stroll along the Walk of Fame or a peek at the TCL Chinese Theatre’s famous handprints for a triple dose of star-struck fun. Younger children enjoy guessing which characters are “real,” while older ones can brush up on movie trivia for the next round of family game night.
Griffith Observatory: Space, Science, and Skyscapes
Head up into the hills for some out-of-this-world learning at Griffith Observatory—a brilliant blend of astronomy, hands-on science, and panoramic views over the whole city. Start with interactive exhibits: kids can launch a model rocket, weigh themselves on different planets, and check out historic telescopes up close. The free public star parties (held monthly) let families peer deep into the summer sky with expert guidance.
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium (for a small fee) is always a crowd-pleaser, featuring jaw-dropping cosmic shows projected in ultra-high definition. You’ll hear about the solar system’s birth, see the constellations spin above your head, and walk away with a new appreciation for the universe. Even outside, the setting is spectacular: expect wide lawns for running, hiking trails that criss-cross the mountain, and a view that’s classic Los Angeles—city skyline, Pacific shimmer, and, on clear days, snow-capped mountains in the distance.
The observatory makes the sciences hands-on, approachable, and packed with “did you know?” moments. Arrive before sunset for epic family photos as the lights flicker on across LA.
Roundup: Your Family’s Best Days in LA Await
There’s no shortage of adventures waiting for your family in Los Angeles, from playful tide pools to dino-bone digs, celebrity selfies to sunset amusement parks. LA’s spirit of boundless discovery, sunshine, and a bit of Hollywood sparkle guarantees the entire family heads home with stories worth sharing. Wherever your curiosity leads, this city is ready to entertain, educate, and inspire families at every turn. Grab your shades and get ready for those “best day ever!” moments you’ll remember long after vacation’s over.
Enjoyed this? Check out our favorite ways to spend an L.A. morning, and peruse our pick of the best downtown markets.
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If you've only got one day in L.A., then a tour is an excellent way to see a full overview of the city without getting bogged down in the details. Starline Tours offers a hop-on hop-off option that gives you the flexibility to explore where you'd like, or just sit back and enjoy the narration. The entire route takes about two hours to ride straight through, so that might be your smartest bet if you want to fit the most into your one day. Some of the top attractions and sites you'll see on your ride include Rodeo Drive, 3rd Street Promenade, Fox Studios, and many more. The tour departs from and returns to the Santa Monica Pier, so you're right in the neighborhood for your next attractions, too. Getting In: Hop-on Hop-off Los Angeles Tour tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card
Image Credit: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
This amusement park is conveniently located right on the Santa Monica Pier, so it’s the perfect end to your day in Santa Monica. Opened in 1916, this historic park is filled with classic rides and modern thrills. Take a spin on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, whip around the iconic West Coaster--the only West Coast ocean front steel roller coaster--bounce around on Inkie's Wave Jumper, surf simulation ride, drop 9 stories on the Pacific Plunge, and more. They even have a bunch of arcade games for you to enjoy, from the classic “Wac-a-Mole” to the “Riptide Ring Toss.” It’s great fun for kids and adults alike. These arcade games do require additional costs. In order to maximize your one day in Los Angeles, just check in to this attraction before 5:30 and then you can stay as long as you’d like until closing! Getting In: Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.
