Sunshine, palm trees, and a whole lot of excitement—Los Angeles delivers the kind of family vacation that doesn’t just fill your camera roll but fuels stories for years. Whether you’re traveling with tiny tots, teens who crave adventure, or grandparents with a love for Hollywood nostalgia, LA has a knack for bringing generations together. Want to touch a moon rock, spot dolphins at sea, whiz down rollercoasters, and chow down on the best tacos you’ve ever tasted—all in one trip? In LA, it’s not wishful thinking. We’ve pulled together our absolute favorite family experiences, from mind-blowing museums and behind-the-scenes tours to sandy beaches and wild animal encounters. Read on for our handpicked family adventures that promise fun, learning, and fantastic stories for everyone.
Our top things to do as a family in Los Angeles include:
Aquarium of the Pacific
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Natural History Museum
Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales
Universal Studios
Griffith Observatory Tour
Knott’s Berry Farm
California Science Center IMAX Movie
Santa Monica Beach and Pier
Aquarium of the Pacific: Dive Into an Underwater Wonderland
Aquarium of the Pacific: Dive Into an Underwater Wonderland
Families looking to make a splash in LA often start with the Aquarium of the Pacific. This lively Long Beach attraction draws ocean lovers young and old with shimmering tanks, hands-on exhibits, and playful animal encounters. The ambience here crackles with exploration: think kids pressing their noses to the glass as sea otters somersault, or squeals of delight as moon jellies pulsate in glowing blue.
What truly sets the Aquarium apart is how interactive everything feels. At the Shark Lagoon, brave souls can dare each other to touch real bamboo sharks. The Lorikeet Forest practically turns kids into zookeepers as they hand-feed technicolor birds. The behind-the-scenes feel continues with encounters like the touch pools, where tiny fingers slide over starfish and bat rays. Exhibits showcase ocean environments from the chilly Northern Pacific (think playful sea lions) to the hypnotic coral reefs of the tropical Pacific.
Keep your eyes peeled for special live feedings and naturalist talks, where you’ll get the scoop on animal personalities and conservation efforts. Bonus: The Aquarium sits right along the Long Beach waterfront, so a visit feels like a true day out. You’ll spot harbor seals sunning themselves outside, grab a bite overlooking the water, and—if kids have energy left—explore the Rainbow Harbor boardwalk with its colorful boats and plenty of space to run. Whether you’re budding marine biologists or just looking for a cool escape, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a place where discovery never leaves you all wet—it just leaves everyone smiling.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: Walk in the Footsteps of Movie Magic
You can’t visit LA without feeling that spark of Hollywood excitement, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour is where families get to peek behind the velvet curtain. The air practically sizzles with anticipation as you walk past iconic sound stages and sets where stories are born.
This isn’t just any studio—it’s the real deal, where superhero blockbusters, classic sitcoms, and Harry Potter’s magical world come to life. Guides keep things engaging for all ages, mixing film trivia with hands-on moments: ever wanted to sit on the actual Central Perk couch from Friends or hold a real–live Oscar? You can. Budding filmmakers will love seeing sets, props, and costumes up close. One moment you’re learning how special effects make Quidditch a reality, the next you’re gazing at Batmobiles from every era.
The interactive soundstage experience lets your family try their hand at movie magic—from Harry Potter wand waving (yes, it’s every bit as fun as it sounds) to creating your own superhero scenes in the DC Universe. There’s a contagious sense of wow for parents, kids, and even the hardest-to-impress teens.
Studio tours rotate sets and showcase new features, so every visit offers a slightly different adventure. Top tip: Save time for the Central Perk Café on-site. The décor channels ’90s sitcom nostalgia, and you can sip a latte under the watchful gaze of a classic orange couch. It’s a great place to fuel up—and relive the highlights of your Hollywood day.
Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, Gems, and Dazzling Discovery
There are plenty of museums in Los Angeles, but if your family is hoping for that wide-eyed, “wow” moment, look no further than the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park. Step through the doors, and curiosity takes over—giant dinosaur skeletons tower above you, sparkling gemstones glimmer under lights, and immersive exhibits turn science into hands-on fun.
The dinosaur halls steal the show. Head straight for the T. rex trio—one of only a handful of places where you’ll see baby, teenage, and adult skeletons together. With creative lighting and interactive panels, you’ll learn fascinating prehistoric facts without ever cracking a textbook. There’s always a sense of wonder as kids compare their own footprints to giant fossilized dinosaur tracks right beneath their feet.
Don’t miss the stunning Gem and Mineral Hall (imagine a cathedral of crystals!) or the insect zoo, where you can meet real-life tarantulas and honeybees. The Nature Gardens just outside are perfect for a family break—you can ramble along winding paths or try a scavenger hunt among native California plants and pollinators.
With its balance of discovery and play, the Natural History Museum brings generations together. Even parents rediscover their inner child here. Leave plenty of time (and phone memory) for family selfies with those awe-inspiring fossils. It’s science, but with a dazzling, heart-pounding twist.
Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales: Ocean Adventures
You haven’t truly experienced Southern California until you’ve set sail along its sparkling coastlines—and a Newport Whales tour is the family-friendly way to do it. Kids and parents alike feel the wind in their hair as the catamaran cruises into open water, eyes peeled for the next grand splash or playful leap.
Each trip is part adventure, part science lesson. Naturalist guides help spot everything from gray whales gliding gracefully past to pods of dolphins that seem to race the boat itself. You might even glimpse seals, porpoises, or an occasional sunfish. The atmosphere isn’t just about sightseeing—your hosts are experts at mixing education and fun, answering every “what’s that?” and “why do whales spout?” with fascinating stories and animal facts.
Bring layers, binoculars, and a camera—every tour brings different surprises. If you’ve got a budding marine biologist in the family, they’ll love learning about migration patterns and conservation efforts from the crew. But even the youngest travelers delight at the simple thrill of spotting a dolphin or getting gently misted by a whale’s spout.
After the boat ride, you can stroll along Newport Beach’s classic boardwalk, grab a scoop of hand-dipped ice cream, or burn off energy in the sand. It’s the kind of adventure that turns a family trip into a memory-making event—full of laughter, fresh air, and stories to tell for years.
Universal Studios: Movie-Themed Thrills for Every Generation
If everyone in your group has a different LA must-see, Universal Studios is your all-in-one crowd-pleaser. This theme park brings Hollywood dreams to life, blending high-energy rides, live shows, and the legendary Studio Tour that puts you right in the heart of blockbuster action.
Wander through themed “lands” as your family dodges dinosaurs in Jurassic World, shrinks down to minion-size in Super Silly Fun Land, or enters the spellbinding world of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, complete with butterbeer and wand-waving lessons in Hogsmeade. Rides mix heart-pounding 3D effects with immersive set design, ensuring just the right level of “wow” for every age.
The Studio Tour is the can't-miss highlight—see real film sets, watch special effects demonstrations, and get a taste of old-school Hollywood glamour with a dash of modern movie magic. Younger kids have plenty of meet-and-greets with costumed characters, while tweens and up will love the adrenaline-fueled rides and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Eats inside the park range from themed treats (don’t miss the Simpsons’ pink donuts) to international fare in CityWalk, just outside the park’s gates. The atmosphere is one of pure celebration: music in the air, performers on the street, and excitement around every corner. Whether you’ve come for the blockbusters or just a day of laughs, Universal Studios delivers non-stop family fun.
Griffith Observatory Tour: Reach for the Stars
Griffith Observatory Tour: Reach for the Stars
You don’t have to be an aspiring astronaut to fall in love with LA’s Griffith Observatory. Sitting high above the city with sweeping views all the way to the Pacific, this spot combines science with spectacular sights, making it a brilliant stop for families.
Step inside, and astronomy comes alive: giant telescopes, hands-on exhibits, and engaging planetary shows fill every corner. The observatory’s interactive displays invite visitors to try everything from weighing themselves on different planets to exploring the surface of Mars. There’s magic in seeing the city’s skyline spread below and imagining your spot in the solar system at the same moment.
On clear afternoons, staff let you peek through powerful telescopes; evenings often bring public stargazing parties where everyone can spot Saturn’s rings or craters on the moon. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium puts on spellbinding space shows that wow all ages (pro tip: check schedules and arrive early for the best spots).
Beyond the stargazing, Griffith Park itself beckons with hiking trails, picnic spots, and panoramic photo ops. It’s a place to unwind while watching the city glow at sunset, picnic on the lawns, or simply bask in the wonder of the universe with your favorite fellow explorers. Bonus—admission to the observatory building is free, making it one of LA’s best-value classic experiences.
Knott’s Berry Farm: Classic California Fun
For families craving classic amusement park fun, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park has held generations spellbound. Drawing on Old West nostalgia, zippy rollercoasters, and world-famous fried chicken, Knott’s delivers big thrills with a smaller-town spirit.
The park divides into themed areas, so everyone in the family finds their jam. Little kids love exploring Camp Snoopy, with pint-sized rides and gentle thrills starring everyone’s favorite Peanuts pals. Older kids and teens can tackle high-octane coasters like Silver Bullet and GhostRider, or challenge each other in the video arcades.
Shows pop up daily and often surprise—the Wild West stuntmen might lasso volunteers from the crowd, while musical acts take over the Calico Park stage. When lunch rolls around, don’t skip Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, famous for golden-brown fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, and boysenberry pie. The dining room’s country décor and friendly vibe add to the homey feeling.
Between rides, the park’s shady paths and live music offer plenty of breathing room. Shopping for boysenberry treats to take home is just as much a part of the tradition. And for summer visitors, Knott’s Soak City water park next door offers a cool-down zone with slides and wave pools. From giggles in the splash pads to adrenaline on the coasters, Knott’s is a day out that leaves everyone in your party grinning (and maybe a little sticky from all that berry goodness).
California Science Center IMAX Movie: Edutainment at Its Finest
You could pack your LA agenda with hands-on learning, and the California Science Center would lead the way. This justly famous museum lets families dig into everything from space exploration to ecosystems, with a style that makes learning feel nothing like homework.
But it’s the IMAX Theater that adds a blockbuster twist—screenings place you in the heart of deep-sea expeditions, shuttle launches, or even prehistoric dino encounters, with surround sound and a screen taller than a T-Rex. The sense of immersion grabs kids’ attention from the first frame and doesn’t let go.
Pair a film with wandering the Center’s galleries: touch a moon rock, see space shuttles up close (do NOT miss the Space Shuttle Endeavour), launch an airship, or get grossed out in the life sciences area, which tackles digestion and body systems with a wink. There’s even an aquatic zone where you can get up close with kelp forest critters.
The Center is bright, spacious, and—best of all—entry to the main exhibits is free (IMAX movies are ticketed). Pack a picnic for the neighboring rose garden, or grab snacks at the on-site cafe. It's a day out where everyone learns something new, but the buzz of excitement means you’ll forget you’re at a museum at all.
Santa Monica Beach and Pier: Sun, Sand, and Classic California Vibes
No LA family adventure is complete without at least one day at the beach—and Santa Monica is your ultimate playground. Sun-drenched sand stretches as far as the eye can see, inviting sandcastle architects, volleyball pros, and surf enthusiasts alike.
Start at Santa Monica Pier, where vintage arcades, street performers, and classic carnival games get everyone into holiday mode. The Pacific Park amusement rides offer that perfect blend of throwback and thrill—try the solar-powered Ferris wheel for ocean views or race the kids on the spinning West Coaster. Grab hand-dipped corn dogs from the boardwalk stands or stop by the bustling Pier Burger (their signature burgers with crinkly fries go down a treat, especially when eaten with your feet in the sand).
Just below the pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium offers hands-on fun with tide pool critters and interactive marine science displays—perfect for a quick break from the sun without leaving the beach vibes behind. Afterward, stroll the beachfront path, hop on rented bikes, or play at the Annenberg Community Beach House playground.
Santa Monica’s relaxed atmosphere keeps everyone smiling. Kids can run wild while grownups soak up the California sun, and there’s no better ending to a day than watching the sunset with toes in the Pacific.
LA doesn’t just offer family-friendly attractions—it serves up whole new ways to play, wonder, and connect. Whether you’re weaving between dinosaurs, riding a coaster with the Pacific at your back, delighting in an aquarium touch tank, or sharing street tacos under neon lights, you’ll make memories that outlast any souvenir. Whatever your family’s pace—creative, outdoorsy, thrill-seeking, or a little bit of everything—Los Angeles guarantees an adventure that everyone will rave about all the way home.
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Universal Studios Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes.
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