Babies in the City: Where to Go in Los Angeles

Published: May 29, 2026
baby on the beach

Traveling with a baby in tow can make any city feel like a maze—unless you know exactly where to look for comfort and fun. Los Angeles, with its sunshine, laid-back vibes and endless options for families, makes it a dream for parents and their tiniest explorers. We’ve watched brand-new moms and dads swap worried whispers for wide smiles as they discover LA’s abundance of stroller-friendly adventures. Curious about introducing your little one to stingrays, sunshine picnics, splash zones or hands-on exhibits? We’ve found the best cultural gems, soothing parks, snacks and gentle-thrill attractions to enjoy—naps and snack time included. Ready to strap your baby in and discover LA’s softer side? 

Our favorite things to do with babies in LA include: 

Natural History Museum 

Aquarium of the Pacific 

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden 

Heal the Bay Aquarium 

California Science Center IMAX Movie 

Stroll the Santa Monica Pier and Beach 

Griffith Park and the LA Zoo 

The Original Farmers Market 

South Coast Botanic Garden 

Universal Studios (with tips for tiny visitors!) 

Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs and Discovery Zones

If there’s one museum you should bookmark for your trip with a baby, this is it. The Natural History Museum in Exposition Park is spacious, stroller-friendly, and packed with wonders for all ages—including babies who are just starting to notice the world. You can cruise the airy Dinosaur Hall (watch out for the big T. rex, always a photo op), stroll through the glimmering Gem & Mineral Hall, and enjoy wide-open room to maneuver when those first steps happen. 

For the tiniest visitors, the museum’s Discovery Center is a game-changer. The hands-on area includes soft blocks, touchable fossils, and gentle crawl spaces. Even if your baby spends the entire visit snoozing, you’ll love the gorgeous Rose Garden just outside, perfect for impromptu stroller naps. Nursing rooms are available, and there are plenty of changing tables throughout. It feels easy here, with something magical to see around every corner. You’ll leave with at least a dozen adorable photos, guaranteed. 

Aquarium of the Pacific: Soothing Splashy Scenes 

Babies love aquariums. Blame it on the cool, dim spaces and slow, mesmerizing movement of fish and jellies—which can turn even the fussiest nap-fighter into a wide-eyed onlooker. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach checks every box for new families: plenty of room for strollers, clean bathrooms, quiet nooks for feedings, and wave after wave of baby-friendly sights. 

The touch pools invite gentle hands (or curious toes!), and the colorful Pacific Collections wing is brimming with easy-to-see tanks—ideal for little ones at eye level. If you have a crawler or early walker, check out the Explorer’s Cove play area. And when you need a break, the on-site café offers high chairs and healthy kid-friendly bites. You’ll feel relaxed, and it’s always cool, even in the LA summer. 

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden: Flower Trails and Giant Peacocks 

Swap downtown bustle for the peace of 127 acres of green space, shaded paths, and gentle gardens at the LA Arboretum. With its wide walking trails, stroller access everywhere, and endless visual treats (giant lily ponds, arched bridges, and those famous roaming peacocks!), this is a wonderfully chill outing for new parents and their babies. 

Find a quiet bench among blooming camellias, spread out a blanket for a bottle break, or introduce your little one to the sights and sounds of nature. The Arboretum’s gardens are well-maintained year-round, and on sunny days, the dappled shade keeps everything cool. There’s a handy café for snacks and restrooms with changing tables, making this an easy full-morning or afternoon escape. 

Heal the Bay Aquarium: Ocean Wonders for Tots 

Right under the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium offers a small-but-mighty lineup of sea life, touch tanks and interactive displays perfect for young minds. Babies and toddlers can get close to sharks, rays, starfish, and dozens of bright local fish at floor-level tanks—think big wow factor with minimal crowds or overstimulation. 

You can easily wheel your stroller through the compact space, and the friendly staff love to chat about fishy facts or let curious hands gently explore shells and other sensory delights. Nursing-friendly benches, a mellow atmosphere, and pristine restrooms make this an easy win for caregivers. If nap time calls, transition upstairs and enjoy a gentle stroll along Santa Monica’s beachfront paths. 

California Science Center IMAX Movie: Chill Out in the Big Screen Calm 

Worried your museum tour might leave your baby snoozing or fussy? Plan for a break at the California Science Center’s astonishing IMAX theater—a perfect low-key stop, even with a tiny one in your carrier. The theater is spacious and dark, with booming visuals and soothing sounds that can be mesmerizing (and often nap-inducing) for babies. 

Here’s the secret: choose a short, nature-focused documentary. At under 45 minutes, they’re the right length for most attention spans and not too loud for sensitive ears. The lobby has plenty of space to park strollers, and you’ll find changing tables in convenient locations. Combining this calm break with a quick stroll through the museum’s Life! Gallery (check out the colorful sea stars and tropical fish) makes for an easy, flexible day with your baby in LA. 

Stroll the Santa Monica Pier and Beach: Classic LA with Baby in Tow

Some moments just shine with simple family magic. A morning or sunset stroll along the Santa Monica Pier—with its old-fashioned funfair lights, ocean breezes, and general hum of excitement—feels made for baby’s first trip photos. The boardwalk is flat and stroller-friendly, with smooth ramps onto the sand (look for designated beach paths west of the pier), and there are picnic tables, cafés, and a shady playground right nearby. 

Babies enjoy watching street performers, feeling the salty air, or, if you’re feeling brave, dipping tiny toes into the surf. Parent tip: the Pier’s Restroom Plaza is unusually clean for a beachside spot, with family-friendly amenities. Stop by Heal the Bay Aquarium beneath the pier for a splash of learning, then grab a smoothie or coffee and melt into the moment. 

Griffith Park and the LA Zoo: Urban Wilderness for Even the Youngest Adventurers 

Griffith Park is LA’s green lung—a sprawling space filled with everything from old-fashioned trains to picnic groves and gardens. For families with babies, its wide, mostly flat trails and shaded lawns offer lots of freedom to wander at your own pace. 

The LA Zoo, found inside Griffith Park, is surprisingly navigable with a stroller. You’ll find well-marked stroller paths and several shaded, quiet areas ideal for feedings or picnics. Animal exhibits are set at just the right height for curious little eyes. The petting zoo area has soft brushes and low-key animal encounters, making it a joyful addition for both parents and tots. Need a spark of nostalgia? Check out the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad for a gentle vintage train ride. 

The Original Farmers Market: Food, People Watching and Colorful Sights 

LA’s oldest market, opened in 1934, blends classic Americana charm with all the food options you could dream up. Fortunately, it’s also a wonderland for families with a baby on board. The market is mostly flat, with wide aisles and lots of covered areas for shade—stroller heaven! 

Grab an excellent coffee from Bob’s Donuts while your baby people-watches, or sample the market’s standout fare: Pampas Grill’s Brazilian cheese bread, Magee’s homemade peanut butter or Trejo’s Tacos’ soft, flavorful rice bowls (mild enough for sharing snacks). Kids’ seating options, clean bathrooms, and a playful uncrowded energy make the Farmers Market a favorite reset button on any busy LA itinerary. 

South Coast Botanic Garden: Colors and Calm on the Peninsula 

For a more off-the-beaten-path retreat, the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes invites families to wander through 87 acres of themed gardens and play spaces. Paved loop trails weave past ponds, rainbow-colored flower beds and gentle shaded areas ideal for nursing or changing breaks. 

The garden’s Children’s Garden is tailored for tiny visitors and features oversized mushrooms, bright interactive sculptures and a butterfly habitat (in season). Your little one can crawl through grassy picnic circles or just take in the peace and color. Benches and wide open spaces make this an easy half-day trip, especially lovely in spring or autumn. 

Universal Studios: Movie Magic—Yes, Even with a Baby 

At first glance, Universal Studios may seem more big-kid than baby, but with a few tricks it’s actually a fantastic family day. Strollers are welcome everywhere, and the park even offers a “child switch” service so both parents can enjoy big rides—one rides while the other waits with baby, then you swap without waiting again. Most venues feature stroller parking, nursing lounges (check the Family Services Center), and comfy shaded spots for snack times. 

Babies enjoy the atmosphere: watching costumed characters, catching short shows (like the Animal Actors stage), and soaking up the buzz of the bustling Main Street area. Air-conditioned shows and play zones mean happy babies—even during heat or rain. There’s lots to do just outside the entrance, too, including splash pads and colorful water features perfect for cooling off. 

 

Planning a trip to Los Angeles with a baby doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun or comfort. From the underwater adventures at the Aquarium of the Pacific to garden strolls under the canopies of the South Coast Botanic Garden, we’re big believers in LA’s power to make new parents feel confident and relaxed. Whether you’re seeking dinosaurs, sunshine, gentle walking tours or baby-friendly eats, LA’s attractions thrive on making all ages welcome—including your smallest traveler. Pick and choose a handful from our favorites above, and you’ll come away with easy memories—and maybe a souvenir or two slipped into the diaper bag for later. 

 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Knott’s Soak City Water Park or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes   

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LA in May: Spring Adventures & Sunshine Await

Welcome to LA, where May means endless blue skies, Tangelo sunsets, and enough action-packed adventures for even the most ambitious of travelers. Whether you're fresh from your Oscar selfie on Hollywood Boulevard or plotting beach days along the coast, the city treats you to a unique blend of outdoor festivals, museum wanderings, exhilarating tours, and local food haunts. We’re here to help you catch the best of spring, whether you're after blockbuster attractions, live events, or a leisurely day sampling tacos beneath the palms. Ready to discover how to squeeze every last drop of fun out of May in Los Angeles? Keep reading for our handpicked recommendations.  Our top LA things to do in May include:  Universal Studios Hollywood  Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales  Griffith Observatory Tour  Getty Center Guided Tour  Knott’s Soak City water park  Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking  The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes  California Science Center IMAX Movie  Autry Museum of the American West  Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (special spring event)  Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales: A Springtime Ocean Adventure  May is peak season for catching Pacific wildlife in action off the Southern California coast. Join the Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour with Newport Whales for a half-day journey that promises ocean breezes, unforgettable sightings, and some of the best sea views near Los Angeles. The boat sets off from Newport Beach, about an hour south of downtown LA, and within minutes you’ll feel a world away from city traffic.  Spring means gray whales on their northbound migration, and you’re likely to spot leaping dolphins, sea lions basking on buoys, and (if luck is with you) perhaps even orcas or blue whales. The crew’s passion for marine life is contagious—expect expert guides to point out each fin, clarify species, and share captivating facts that turn sightseeing into a mini biology lesson.  There’s room inside and out—catch sun on the open deck or stay cozy at the panoramic windows. The vibe is laid back, with travelers snapping photos, kids leaning over the railings, and everyone cheering when a whale flukes or a pod of dolphins races alongside the boat. Add in cool, salty breezes and the glint of sunlight on Pacific waves, and you have the recipe for a spring day you won’t forget. After your tour, try the local seafood at Bear Flag Fish Co. or stroll Newport Pier to round out the perfect day by the sea.  Griffith Observatory Tour: The Best View in Town (Day and Night)  Everybody knows Griffith Park is home to LA’s most legendary hike, but you don’t need hiking boots to enjoy Griffith Observatory’s wow-worthy views. May’s gentle evenings and crystal-clear air make this spot a must for daytime vistas or an evening stargazing session. Perched high above the city, the Observatory delivers sweeping panoramas from downtown’s skyscrapers to the far Pacific—plus, you can snap the most envy-inducing shot of the Hollywood Sign.  During the day, museum exhibits walk you through everything from planets to space exploration (don’t skip the Foucault pendulum—it’s mesmerizing). Stay through sunset and the romance ramps up: the Observatory’s telescopes open to the public for night-sky exploration, with astronomers offering pointers and stories. The park around the Observatory blossoms in May, with wildflowers popping up along trails and the sun lasting well into the evening.  If you’re feeling energetic, hike up from Fern Dell or the Greek Theatre for a real taste of LA outdoors before your visit. Or, after admiring the stars, head to Los Feliz village for dinner—Little Dom’s offers comfort classics (try the meatball pizza) with a buzzy, retro vibe.  Getty Center Guided Tour: Art, Gardens, and Killer Views  If you only visit one museum in LA this May, let it be the Getty Center. More than just a collection of world-renowned art, the Getty is a full-on spectacle: white travertine walls gleaming in the sun, lush terraces, and gardens spilling over with color. Guided tours offer the inside scoop on everything from Renaissance masterpieces to playful modern photography.  The architecture impresses at every turn—angles and sunlight interact differently throughout the day, so bring your camera. The Central Garden, designed by Robert Irwin, transforms into a spring dreamscape in May: roses, poppies, and waterfalls weaving through paths that invite you to linger a little longer. There's a picnic-perfect lawn and panoramic views that stretch all the way to the ocean on clear days.  Indoors, the galleries feature everything from Van Gogh’s “Irises” to European decorative arts—and guides make the collection approachable, with stories and details that stick with you long after you leave. There’s a buzz of excitement from families and art lovers alike, but the atmosphere never rushes; take your time, soak up the scene, and cap your visit with coffee on the terrace café, ideally timed for sunset.  Knott’s Soak City Water Park: Beat the Spring Heat  May in LA means daytime temperatures are climbing, and there’s no better way to cool off than with a dose of splashy fun at Knott’s Soak City Water Park in Buena Park. Adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm, this vibrant park welcomes families, thrill-seekers, and sun-worshippers with a dozen-plus water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and splash zones for every age.  Whether you’re braving the steep drop of Old Man Falls or relaxing on a bobbing tube in the Sunset River, the tropical décor—palm trees, surfboards, and cheerful beach tunes—sets a vacation tone. Kids gravitate toward Gremmie Lagoon, while adrenaline junkies race each other down six-story slides. There’s plenty of shaded seating for those who want to relax with a cold drink or snacks in between rides.  The crowd in May is lively but not overwhelming; you’ll find shorter lines before the summer peak. Parents rave about the attentive lifeguards and clean changing areas, and folks of all ages agree: very few pleasures compare with drifting under blue skies on a warm LA afternoon. Just don’t leave without sampling Mrs. Knott’s fried chicken across the way—a crispy, peppery close to your sun-soaked day.  The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes: Snap LA’s Signature Shot  Hiking to the Hollywood Sign? Total LA pilgrimage. But a guided walking tour adds stories, shortcuts, and selfie expertise you won’t want to miss. May is one of the best months for the trek—think cooler mornings, flower-dappled hillsides, and that perfect California light.  Guides share insider dirt on legendary Hollywoodland scandal, architecture, and trail lore as the group winds upward through backroads and rugged trails in Griffith Park. The payoff: uninterrupted close-ups of the sign, dazzling city panoramas, and a feeling of accomplishment that you'll carry for the rest of your trip. There’s plenty of time to catch your breath, snap pics, and learn which stars once called the hillside home.  After the hike, stick around for a post-walk refuel in nearby Franklin Village (try Beachwood Cafe’s herby avocado toast). The walk isn’t just about the view—it’s an all-senses plunge into the city’s history, brought to life with humor, fresh air, and camaraderie.  California Science Center IMAX Movie: Science and Big-Screen Immersion  When you need a break from the sun (or have a science lover in tow), the California Science Center shines. But don’t skip the IMAX theater—a state-of-the-art experience where science turns cinematic. In May, you’ll typically catch nature documentaries or stunning 3D journeys through space and undersea realms, projected on a huge screen with sound you can feel in your bones.  The Science Center itself is an interactive wonderland—space shuttles, earthquake simulators, touch tanks, and rotating exhibits that engage everyone from toddlers to teens to curious grownups. Seeing a science-themed movie here somehow makes the world feel bigger, more wondrous, and definitely more connected.  The setting—lush Exposition Park, surrounded by gardens and neighboring museums—makes it easy to turn a quick visit into an afternoon adventure. Round it off with food trucks outside, or duck into Mercado La Paloma nearby for Yucateco cochinita pibil tacos and cold Mexican sodas in a bustling, down-to-earth food hall.  Autry Museum of the American West: Step Into California’s Story  For a truly LA twist on American history, look to the Autry Museum of the American West, right inside Griffith Park. Forget dusty dioramas—the Autry celebrates the culture, art, and legends of the West with eye-popping exhibitions, cowboy memorabilia, and interactive spaces where you can try your hand at gold panning or frontier games.  Special exhibitions deep-dive into Indigenous cultures, the Hollywood Western, and even 20th-century LA’s connection with Route 66. Younger visitors love the hands-on discovery area, while film fans can geek out over vintage posters and costumes that once graced the silver screen. In May, themed workshops and outdoor events often give the park a festival atmosphere—think music on the lawn or food inspired by the multicultural West.  The museum’s campus is green and tranquil, perfect for a picnic beneath the oaks once your culture fix is complete. On Sundays, don’t miss the nearby Griffith Park Pony Rides for a little extra nostalgia.  Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival: Open-Air Music Under the Stars  May marks the start of summer concert season at the Hollywood Bowl, and the Bowl’s Jazz Festival is a highlight for music lovers. There’s nothing quite like hearing world-class jazz, soul, and R&B in a historic amphitheater nestled into the Hollywood Hills.  Festival days pack the hillside with picnicking Angelenos, music fans, and everyone in between. Expect tantalizing scents wafting from food stalls, rainbow-lit trees, and a truly special energy as dusk falls and the bowl lights up. The crowd is welcoming; blankets, low chairs, and picnic baskets abound. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or casual listener, there’s a magic in sharing live music under open skies.  Check the schedule for artist lineups—previous years have starred Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington, and dozens of LA favorites. Can’t snag a festival ticket? The Bowl’s summer season opens in May, so there's a strong chance you’ll catch live acts from across the spectrum all month long. Pro tip: bring a bottle of California wine and arrive early for the full local experience.  May is Magic in LA  Whatever your adventure style—theme park thrills, wildlife encounters, star-studded views, or epic eats—May in Los Angeles offers something unforgettable. The jacaranda blossoms are in bloom, open-air festivals fill the calendar, and outdoor patios hum with local flavors. Add in world-class museums, family-friendly fun, and just enough offbeat events to keep everyone smiling, and you have the recipe for a perfect LA vacation.  So pack your sunglasses, tap into that spring energy, and let LA in May surprise you at every turn!    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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