Los Angeles Labor Day Weekend 2019 - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024

Make sure your summer goes out with a bang this year – spend Labor Day Weekend in Los Angeles and you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time. If you’re looking for Los Angeles Labor Day Weekend 2019 ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Los Angeles in September, including:

  • Six Flags Magic Mountain
  • Friday Night Jazz at LACMA
  • 626 Night Market
  • L.A. County Fair
  • The Taste
  • Cinecon Classic Film Festival
  • Pacific Park
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Knott's Berry Farm
  • L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens
  • Whale Watching Cruise

1. Six Flags Magic Mountain

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There's always something new at Six Flags Magic Mountain. For 2019, they're expanding their recent impressive achievement in the world of theme-park rides: the world's first racing launch coaster. With two side-by-side tracks capable of different speed launches, you'll actually be racing your companions on the other track as you spin, ascend, and plummet. Riders will especially enjoy an a real time "pit stop" designed to mimic the feel of a genuine car race. The expansions include the development of the coaster's location in the park--an urban-feeling area that evokes LA downtown vibes. In addition to its newest attraction, Six Flags is packed with all sorts of other rides and attractions that promise an entire day of family fun.

2. Friday Night Jazz @ LACMA

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Every Friday from April to November the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosts a free jazz concert outdoors. It's one of the museum's most beloved ongoing programs. The style and performers vary each week, so you're bound to find something new each time you go. Bring a blanket, the whole family, and just relax at this free community event. Be sure to arrive early to secure the best spots!

3. 626 Night Market

This summer marks the 8th year of this annual food festival. Evocative of classic Asian night markets, this festive local event is billed as a "quintessential Californian experience." Come here to taste authentic, mouth-watering Asian fare of the type you don't see in the hot new sushi joint. This year's theme of the 626 Night Market is "Bring on the Memories," which seems pretty appropriate for the combination of excitement and nostalgia that this event evokes for many of us. The 626 Night Market is located at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. The event dates closest to Labor Day are August 30-September 1, 2019. The event is free to attend and food is available for purchase.

4. L.A. County Fair

Making its debut on Labor Day Weekend, the popular L.A. County Fair has a little bit of something for everyone. Like most county fairs, it was originally designed as an agricultural festival; things like livestock beauty contests and fresh local produce attest to that heritage. But you’ll also find fun modern events like dance performances, wine tastings, cultural exhibits, children’s activities, and more. This year the fair begins on August 30, 2019 and runs through September 22, 2019.

5. The Taste

Yet another food-centric event, The Taste is a great Hollywood attraction for just about everyone. It's sponsored by the L.A. Times, and is a great experience for locals and visitors alike. Sip, savor, and celebrate with food and beer samples, cooking demonstrations, mixologist demonstrations, wine tastings, and even special competitions. Remember to come with an empty stomach! The 2019 dates are yet to be announced, but it usually takes place around Labor Day.

6. Cinecon Classic Film Festival

Held in one of Hollywood’s most historic theaters, Cinecon Classic Film Festival is a Hollywood darling. It's located at the Grauman's Egyptian Theatre (somewhere worth touring on your own time, like the TCL Chinese Theatres) and features a lovingly curated selection of classic cinema. If you just can’t get enough of old black and white films, this is the event for you. The first night opens with a grand gala featuring the silent comedy Bare Knees (1928) and the whole thing only gets better from there. The 2019 event dates are August 29 - September 2, 2019. Tickets are available now, and act quickly -- this event does sell out!

7. Pacific Park

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Head to Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier for an afternoon the whole family will enjoy. This classic adventure park is especially charming by virtue of its waterfront location. It's a modest but exciting park, with about a dozen rides plus several games and other attractions. Plus, who can pass up a chance to ride on the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel? And even though this park opened in 1996, it evokes the old-school feel of the classic boardwalk parks of the east coast. So enjoy the last weekend of the summer with the kids--don't forget the cotton candy!

8. Universal Studios Hollywood

If you're in search of some extreme theme park fun with an emphasis on your favorite movies and TV shows, then Universal Studios Hollywood should be your next destination. Combine the exhilaration of amazing theme park coasters and other rides with the fun of an interactive studio tour - it sure makes for one unbeatable day! Don't forget to leave an hour or so to explore Universal CityWalk, which boasts dozens of shops, restaurants, and attractions. It's a nice place for dinner after a long afternoon on the rides, or a convenient place to pick up a souvenir. We've also written a specific guide for how to make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, if you're looking to maximize your time there.

9. Knott's Berry Farm

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Another great option for a theme park excursion is the classic Knott's Berry Farm. As one of the oldest theme parks in the country, tradition really matters at this attraction. Of course, that doesn't mean they're not up on the latest tech in rides! They've got tons of great modern rides spread throughout five themed areas of the park. You'll also find great souvenirs, along with their famed berry products, of course. For more inside info on this attraction, check out our complete guide to Knott's Berry Farm.

10. The L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens

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One of the best ways to spend the closing days of summer is by exploring the expansive natural world in L.A.--no, really! Griffith Park is one of the biggest parks in the area, and it features a wealth of attractions. There's a free Observatory, bike and running trails for days, and, of course, the L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens. This engaging zoo is home to over one thousand critters from around the world, including many of your favorites and many rare and endangered species. Likewise, the botanical gardens are equally diverse and quite expansive--a stroll through here makes for a leisurely bit of sightseeing and a great opportunity for some stunning photos.

11. Whale Watching Cruise

Take a break from the heat with a venture far out into the ocean to explore the great waters of the Pacific and its magnificent creatures. A Newport Landing Whale Watch is a 2.5-hour excursion out to one of the largest marine sanctuaries in California, where you'll see dolphins, orcas, humpback whales, and even the massive blue whale--the largest creature in the world. As you're waiting to reach the marine sanctuary, just sit back and enjoy the cruise on a 65-foot double-deck ship that comes with a lovely sundeck.

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these Los Angeles attractions is included on the Go Los Angeles pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style.

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Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Los Angeles at Night
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Things to do in Los Angeles at Night

Ahoy there, traveler! Are you a creature of the night? Do you sleep all day and party all night? If so, check out our picks of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night, and make the most of your evening! Including: Ghost Hunting Tour of Chinatown Yoga on Huntington Beach A nighttime tour of LA by Star Track Two Bit Circus and more! Ghost Hunting Tour of Chinatown It's a nighttime blog, so let's kick things off with some spooky evening fun! Chinatown is one of the most popular districts of Los Angeles, and it's also seen its fair share of gruesome goings-on. So, why not follow in Jack Nichelson's footsteps and see what's really going on in Chinatown on this ghost-hunting tour? With a professional paranormal investigator in tow, you'll walk the streets, learn about the tools and tricks every paranormal investigator should use, and stop off every time their equipment starts popping off. Starting at the Chinatown Metro Station, you'll pass the cemeteries that were uncovered during the station's building. Next, you'll explore a nearby warehouse said to be haunted by its former employees. Next up is the neighborhood's oldest cottage, which has received claims of haunting for decades. If you can stomach the spookiness, this ghost-hunting tour is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour But wait, there's more! You thought one spooky tour of Los Angeles was enough? Think again. Hollywood is known for many things; the glitz and glamor, the A-list celebrities, the home of cinema, and more. But did you know it's also been the scene of many a grisly murder?! Shocking, we know. If you fancy seeing the sights and learning all about them, this haunted Hollywood walking tour should be top of your list of things to do in LA at night! Your fright-filled walk will take you down the Boulevard of Broken Dreams as you visit haunted landmarks aplenty. Hotels, theaters, and other landmarks where gruesome hijinks have taken place. And don't worry; you won't be alone. Your spook-certified guide will be right there with you, dropping knowledge bombs about each location like some kind of information exploder. Highlights include the Pantages Theatre, where Howard Hughes supposedly wanders the halls; the Knickerbocker Hotel, where Houdini put in his final performance; the Hollywood Sign, which has seen its fair share of violence; the Hollywood & Highland Complex, where both the Hollywood Ripper and Manson murders occurred; and finally the Roosevelt Hotel, where famous ghosts such as Marylin Monroe's are said to lie in wait. Spooky stuff, indeed! Yoga on Huntington Beach Now we're going to swiftly shift gears from outer spooks to inner peace. If you're longing to align your chakras, do a downward dog, and breathe in that sweet sea air on your Los Angeles vacation, why not do a beach-based yoga class? And don't worry; if you have a busy day, you can even do one during sunset. Interested? Head to LA's famous Huntington Beach for blissful views of Orange County's sunset while your certified teacher takes you through the steps, stretches, and poses. These classes are for all types, so if you're a seasoned stretcher or a yoga newb, you'll be welcomed with open arms. And, with a whole host of chakra-aligning activities to choose from, including yoga, pilates, and qigong, you're sure to find something to help you unwind - or prepare you for a night of fun. Huntington Beach's sun-kissed sands provide a picturesque setting for your class, creating a calming and mindful environment as the waves lap gently at the shore. So, why not take a load off and check it out? A nighttime tour of LA by Star Track Of course, not every tour of Los Angeles needs to be filled with spooks and shocks. You don't even need to use your legs. So, why not hop aboard one of Star Track's luxurious vehicles, and get an A-list tour of the City of Angels? Your tour vessel is fitted out with comfortable seats and massive TV screens that'll give you sweet morsels of information as you drive. Then, your driver/guide will take you on a rollercoaster of sightseeing wonder. You'll pass places from famous movie scenes and learn some behind-the-scenes gossip. You'll pass several celebrities' homes and, thanks to the TVs on board, you'll even see walkthroughs from inside said homes. Imagine yourself living there, and slap yourself and put such foolish ambitions to rest. Luck out, and you may even see some famous faces in their driveways as they stumble home from the latest celeb house party. So whose houses will you see? Well, you may have heard of them. Tom Cruise, anyone? How about Ellen DeGeneres? That's right, star chasers, and those are but two of the many homes you'll see on your travels from Hollywood Boulevard to Mulholland Drive. Two Bit Circus If the tour life just isn't for you, why not explore the digital delights that Los Angeles has on offer? At Two Bit Circus, you'll enter the virtual world to do battle with beasts, or just settle in for some classic arcade fun. Two Bit's piece de resistance is unarguably its Virtual Reality Playground, where state-of-the-art equipment will transport you to other realms, where possibilities are endless. Jump incredible distances, fight unimaginable horrors, and do it all with $30 credit on us. Or, if you'd rather stay in actual reality, hit the arcade to play some old-school cool like Pacman, or team up with a buddy on NBA Jam. Remember NBA Jam? Ah, simpler times. You can even dare to challenge one of their escape rooms. Oh, and there's a bar. Happy days. If you're looking for some digital evening fun, then Two Bit Circus is a must-visit, and one of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! And those are our picks of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! If you're looking for some daytime fun too, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Hollywood
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10+ Best Places in LA for Movie Fans

If you’re visiting LA with a movie fan (or if you are one!) there's so much to see and do. From behind-the-scenes tours and museums to the Walk of Fame and real film locations, you won’t be short of things to do in Los Angeles. Movie buffs head to Hollywood to soak up the history and glamour of the industry. You might even spot a starlet or two along the way. Check out our list of things to do for movie fans including... Madame Tussauds Universal Studios Hollywood Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood Museum Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour Sony Pictures Studio Tour Dolby Theatre Tour Griffith Observatory Union Station And more! 💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% on Los Angeles attractions Madame Tussauds Hollywood Fancy brushing shoulders with your favorite actors? Head to Madame Tussauds Hollywood. You’ll get to ‘meet’ stars of the silver screen like Marilyn Monroe, Robin Williams, Zac Efron, and more. Check out the Making Movies area to see what goes on backstage, and see directors Steven Spielberg and Quentin Tarantino hard at work. Classic movie lovers should head to the Spirit of Hollywood room to get up close and personal with the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Audrey Hepburn. It’s your chance to take a selfie with the movie stars of past and present!  Getting in: Entry to Madame Tussauds Hollywood is included on all Los Angeles passes. Hollywood Walk of Fame A trip to LA would be incomplete without a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. See the stars of Hollywood legends such as Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Douglas, Patrick Swayze, and hundreds more. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a public sidewalk and is completely free to walk along. Or, use your pass and take the Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes tour (more on that below) for a guided tour of the trail. Keep an eye out for your favorite actors and directors and be sure to get that all-important snap.  Getting in: Entry to The Hollywood Walk of Fame is free to see. Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour Take the Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour to see famous LA sights such as TCL Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, the Walk of Fame, and the Hollywood Sign. Your guide will reveal Hollywood’s secrets and scandals as you explore. Feel like an Oscar winner on the Dolby Theatre’s Awards Walk, and don't forget to place your hands and feet on the prints at the TCL Chinese Theatre.  Getting in: Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour is separately ticketed. Warner Bros Studio Tour The Warner Bros Studio Tour is your chance to tour a real, working studio to see where the magic happens. Your knowledgeable guide will take you around 110-acre backlot which is home to well-loved shows like The Ellen Degeneres Show and The Big Bang Theory. Batman fans will be in for a treat, as the studios served as a filming location for the films. Plus, there is a special DC exhibition featuring Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, plus the props used in the films. You’ll even get to see the Batmobile up close!  Getting in: Entry to the Warner Bros Studio Tour is included on all Los Angeles passes. Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Hollywood is a mecca for movie fans, with rides inspired by everything from Harry Potter to Transformers and Despicable Me. Plus, you don’t need to be a fan of roller coasters to enjoy Universal Studios. A visit to this theme park would be incomplete without taking the world-famous Studio Tour. Take a tram through the historic four-acre studio and see the sets of your favorite movies and TV shows. The interactive tour will even take you through a King Kong 4D ride, through a Jaws set complete with a very realistic shark. Norman Bates of Psycho might even pay a visit... you'll never guess what’s coming next.  Getting in: Entry to Universal Studios Hollywood is only available on the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass. Hollywood Museum The Hollywood Museum is a must-see for movie fans. It's home to the largest collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, an exhibition on 20th-century superheroes, and artifacts documenting the portrayal of LGBTQ+ lives on the big screen. The Hollywood Museum features more than 10,000 items over four floors, including costumes, props, scripts, and much more.  Getting in: Entry to The Hollywood Museum is only available on the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass Sony Pictures Studio Tour On the Sony Pictures Studio Tour, you will explore a working studio and learn all about its history and secrets. See where the likes of The Wizard of Oz and Spider-Man were filmed and get up close to real Academy Awards. Be sure to keep an eye out for stars working at the studio and don’t forget to take a picture under the famous 94ft rainbow.  Getting in: Entry to Sony Pictures Studio Tour is separately ticketed. Dolby Theatre® Tour Every film fan knows that the Dolby Theatre® hosts the most important night of the film industry calendar: the Academy Awards. Take a 30-minute guided tour of the stage and backstage. The Dolby Theatre is 180,000 sqft and has a massive 3,400-seat capacity. You’ll see an Oscar up close and discover where celebrities celebrate their wins. Plus, see photos of Oscar winners such as Grace Kelly and Marlon Brando.  Getting in: Entry to The Dolby Theatre® Tour is included on all Los Angeles passes. Griffith Observatory LA is not only home to film sets - countless movies are filmed on location in the city. The Griffith Observatory is one of Los Angeles’ most famous landmarks and features in films like La La Land, The Terminator, Charlie’s Angels, and many more. Griffith Observatory is a must-see attraction for movie fans wanting to visit where the scene of the action.  Getting in: Entry to Griffith Observatory is free. Union Station Another real-life location that is always popping up on screen is Union Station. The well-known station features in tons of movies such as Blade Runner, The Dark Knight Rises, and Catch Me If You Can. See Union Station for yourself and try to guess which other movies were filmed there. You’ll be surprised at just how many there are!  Getting in: Entry to Union Station is free.  Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City® Discover our full line-up of Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign Tour, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and more. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. 😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.
Go City Expert
family enjoying a walk on the beach
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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.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®     We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.    See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

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