Epic Teen Activities in Los Angeles You Can’t Miss

Published: May 28, 2026

Los Angeles has a reputation for red carpets, palm trees, and movie magic, but when you’re traveling with teens, you need more than just famous streets and celebrity spotting. Fortunately, LA is a city that knows how to keep every energy level—and every attention span—engaged. Whether you’re here for the surf, the snacks, the theme parks, or just unbeatable people-watching, there’s seriously something for everyone, especially teens. In this guide, we’ve pulled together the absolute best things to do with teens in Los Angeles. Think hands-on science, wild rides, famous filming locations, and the kind of experiences that get Insta-approval. If your family’s ready to chase after big thrills, tasty treats, and West Coast sunsets, you’re in the right place.

Our top things to do with teens in LA include:

Universal Studios

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Knott's Berry Farm

California Science Center & IMAX

Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Ride

The Grammy Museum

Griffith Observatory

Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour

Battleship IOWA Museum

Heal the Bay Aquarium

Universal Studios: Blockbuster Fun, Real Life Sets and Epic Rides

Hollywood is synonymous with blockbuster films, so start your LA adventure at Universal Studios, where movies leap off the screen and into your day. Teens (and let’s be honest, everyone else) can’t help but get swept up in the magic here. From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—where you can fly through Hogwarts and sample butterbeer—to Jurassic World’s splashy thrills and the Minions’ totally chaotic mayhem, the park loads up every hour with wow moments.

There’s also the famous Studio Tour, gliding past sets that teens will recognize from their favorite binge-worthy shows. Don’t forget to check out the latest Hollywood Dreamworks or Fast & Furious attractions when you visit. The energy is big, the photo ops are never-ending (yes, there’s a Springfield from The Simpsons), and you’ll find more than enough snacks, shopping, and surprises to keep every kind of teen happy. Our tip? Grab a lanyard for your phone—between the rides, character meet-and-greets, and action-packed souvenirs, hands-free is the way to go.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Step Into Your Favorite Stories

If your teens are into behind-the-scenes moments, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must. Here, you don’t just see where the TV and movie magic happens—you step right into it. Walk through real sets from classics like Friends and modern hits like Gilmore Girls or the DC Universe. Batmobiles, soundstages, props from Harry Potter, and super-immersive DC exhibits fill the tour.

What makes this special for teens? It’s interactive. Pose on the real Central Perk couch, get sorted into a Hogwarts House, and see costumes from Wonder Woman and The Flash up-close. Knowledgeable guides share the gossip and fun facts, and there are tons of hands-on experiences, from sound mixing to green-screen photos. The energy here is creative and fun; expect plenty of “Wait, this was filmed here?!” moments. Plus, the on-site Starbucks is a favorite for a well-earned treat when you’re done.

Knott’s Berry Farm: Classic Thrills and Wild West Vibes

Looking to max out the adrenaline? Knott’s Berry Farm delivers rollercoasters, water rides, and an infectious Wild West atmosphere. Teens looking to prove their thrill-seeking credentials will love GhostRider (one of the tallest and fastest wooden coasters in the West) or Xcelerator, which rockets from zero to 82 mph in under three seconds. If coasters aren’t their speed, there are plenty of other options, from the spinning La Revolución to more laid-back boardwalk games.

The park’s Ghost Town brings an old-word LA flavor with staged outlaw standoffs and craft demos, and live shows offer a breather in between the rides. Hungry? Teens never say no to Knott’s famous fried chicken and their legendary boysenberry funnel cake. There’s also plenty of Instagram gold with quirky Peanuts-themed rides and street performers. Knott’s offers classic amusement park vibes with just the right edge for teens.

California Science Center & IMAX Movie: Interactive Exploration

Sometimes you want to swap cotton candy for curiosity, and that’s where the California Science Center shines. The hands-on exhibits are all designed to keep restless minds engaged, whether your teens are budding astronauts or science skeptics. Climb inside a real space shuttle—Endeavour sits here in all its glory—or learn about deep-sea explorers, wildlife, and human biology.

The highlight for most teens is the IMAX Theater. Blockbuster documentaries and stunning nature films play in giant-screen format, making even reluctant learners stop scrolling and look up in awe. The vibe is friendly, busy, and full of “a-ha!” moments. With free general admission (and a modest fee for IMAX films), it’s budget-friendly too. After you explore, there’s a beautiful rose garden outside for an easy lunch or a photo stop.

Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Ride: Beaches, People-Watching, and Retro Fun

Nothing says LA like its beaches. But instead of just lounging, grab a pair of wheels and cruise between Santa Monica and Venice Beach with a bike rental or guided ride. The boardwalk vibes are unbeatable: street performers, skateboarders, and mural artists create a living backdrop that’s pure California cool. Stop at Muscle Beach for a flex (or a selfie), grab a cone at Perry’s Café, or shoot hoops at the legendary Venice Beach courts.

The pier at Santa Monica offers classic amusements, including an Instagram-worthy ferris wheel and old-school arcade, while Venice is famous for its wacky shops and colorful murals. This experience is high-energy, electric, and fun, with the Pacific as your soundtrack. Don’t miss Abbot Kinney Boulevard for edgy boutiques and Poke-Poke for a killer snack stop. For full summer vibes with minimal hassle, this bike ride is an LA must.

The Grammy Museum: Music History with Major Hits

If your crew can’t agree on what to listen to in the car, head straight for the Grammy Museum. It’s a teen music lover’s dream: four floors of interactive exhibits dedicated to American music history, from hip-hop and pop to country and classic rock. Step inside a recording booth and remix your own tracks, see how stage costumes glitter in display, and catch exhibits on everything from Billie Eilish to Tupac.

There are soundproof listening pods, wall-to-wall memorabilia, and even songwriting workshops if you’re visiting at the right time. Teens love the chance to explore rarely seen artifacts and see how music legends started out. The museum's Downtown LA location keeps you close to awesome lunch spots and some of the city’s best murals—plan for photos along the way.

Griffith Observatory: LA Views and Stargazing

You know you’re in LA when you’re watching the sun slip behind the Hollywood sign with your teens. Head up to Griffith Observatory for some classic SoCal scenery, unbeatable city views, and science fun that won’t bore anyone. The building itself has starred in plenty of movies, and the planetarium shows are fun, fast-paced, and just the right blend of eye-opening and awe-inspiring.

Nighttime is especially great for teens who are slightly nocturnal: peer through public telescopes and meet local astronomy geeks happy to answer every burning question about black holes. If you’re feeling energetic, trek the gentle trails around the observatory first, then settle in to watch the city lights and snap a few skyline selfies. Grab a bite at the on-site café, which has great salads, big cookies, and a relaxed terrace.

Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour: California Wildlife Adventure

If your teens love animals—or you just want to do something wildly different—a Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour is a splashy favorite. Leaving from Newport Beach, tours glide down the Pacific coast with a good chance of spotting dolphins leaping beside the boat, sea lions soaking up the sun, and, depending on the season, gray or blue whales making their migration.

The guides keep things lively with fun facts, and deck seating gives everyone a spectacular front-row seat. The ocean air, sea spray, and surprise visits from marine life make this an adventure teens remember long after the trip. Pro tip: bring extra layers (the wind can be cool) and film the dolphin pods—they’re pure social media gold. After your cruise, there are great lunch spots at the marina for fish and chips or Baja-style tacos.

Battleship IOWA Museum: Life at Sea, LA-Style

Docked in San Pedro, the Battleship IOWA Museum gives your action-loving teens a tangible piece of American history—with a side of serious cool factor. Clamber around the decks where sailors once steered this massive ship through global events, check out the Captain’s Quarters, and brave the gun turrets for some dramatic family photos.

What really hooks teens is the tech: hologram guides, interactive missions, and exhibits that let you test your skills at everything from radar to coding Morse code. The vibe is hands-on, adventurous, and surprisingly immersive, with plenty of nooks to explore and trivia to collect. Plus, with the LA Waterfront nearby, you’re steps away from trendy seafood restaurants and fun shops—perfect for rounding out a day at the port.

Heal the Bay Aquarium: Responsibility Meets Discovery

Under the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium offers a slice of marine magic in a compact space. Dedicated entirely to Southern California sea life, this aquarium feels intimate and interactive—perfect for teens who care about the planet and want to understand their impact. Tidepool touch tanks let everyone get hands-on with starfish, urchins, and small sharks, while massive tanks showcase the ocean’s weirder, wilder creatures.

The educators make everything personal, with demos about plastic pollution and all the odd facts teenagers love (did you know octopuses can fit through holes the size of their eyeballs?). Heal the Bay also offers beach cleanup days if your crew is up for doing good. Afterward, you can savor hot dogs and churros on the pier or hang out on the beach—it’s teen-friendly, wallet-friendly, and fun.

Wrapping Up Your LA Teen Adventure

From film studios and theme parks to wild ocean adventures and hands-on science, Los Angeles serves up experiences that guarantee zero yawns and plenty of memories, whether your teens are thrill-seekers, music obsessives, or low-key beach lovers. In a city this packed with energy and color, every day holds the promise of something new—and with these picks on your itinerary, your LA trip with teens is sure to be legendary.

Looking for more Los Angeles inspo? Discover the best free things to do near Madame Tussauds and our deep dive into Knott’s Berry Farm.

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LA With Friends: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide

Ready to take on Los Angeles, but not sure where to start? From the sun-soaked beaches of Santa Monica to the glitzy backlots of Hollywood, this city is home to day-brightening activities that pack in adventure, laughter, and tons of Instagrammable moments—especially when you bring your friends along for the ride. Whether you want to cheer together at a baseball game, bike the boardwalk, snap selfies with A-list wax figures, or eat tacos at sunset, LA is your playground. Let’s break down the experiences and attractions that make every group get-together unforgettable in the City of Angels. Our favorite things to do in LA with friends include: Universal Studios Hollywood Highlights of Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour Natural History Museum Knott's Berry Farm Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour GRAMMY Museum The Hollywood Museum Heal the Bay Aquarium Highlights of Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour: Ride the Coast in Style A group that pedals together, stays together—especially in LA’s coolest coastal neighborhoods! The Highlights of Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking takes your squad from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, through lively Venice Boardwalk, and into hidden beachy corners with colorful murals, quirky street performers, and panoramic Pacific vistas. Why do we always recommend this tour? First, it’s active—enough for a guilt-free ice cream after, but totally doable for all fitness levels. You’ll weave past Muscle Beach (flex those biceps with your friends for a photo op), marvel at skateparks, and roll into “Instagram alleyways” lined with ever-changing graffiti art. Along the way, the guide doles out tidbits about LA’s creative history, famous residents, and beach bum legends. With the ocean breeze in your hair and friends beside you, it’s impossible not to feel that sunshiny, carefree California energy. Stop for snacks at the pier, grab a group selfie with the sunset in the background, and finish up with sandy toes and full hearts. If you want to extend the fun, keep your bikes a bit longer with Unlimited Biking’s rentals and explore Abbot Kinney’s boutiques or Third Street Promenade’s shops. It’s a group day that absolutely sings summer, any time of year. Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour: Star-Spotting With Friends Let’s be honest—star-spotting and Hollywood dream-chasing is so much better with friends. The Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour offers a breezy double-decker ride past the city’s most extravagant zip codes: Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, and Hollywood. The guide’s stories are half-glamour, half-gossip, and always entertaining—you might finally find out who really lives behind those immaculate hedges. The best part? You all get to act like tourists together, snapping photos where Hollywood legends hang out and competing to see who can spot the swankiest mansion or coolest classic car. There’s plenty of time for dramatic group selfies under the palm trees and in front of Insta-famous spots like the Hollywood sign and Rodeo Drive. Insider tip: The open-top bus feels like your own private sightseeing party, with a soundtrack of clever stories and movie trivia. It’s a laid-back way to cruise LA’s legendary streets with none of the usual parking drama. After, your group can wander Sunset Strip or hit a cafe—maybe Alfred for their signature iced vanilla lattes. Whether you’re a die-hard film buff or just here for the ride, this is Hollywood fun at its finest. Natural History Museum: Time Travel With Your Crew Sometimes you just need a break from sun and surf to step into another universe, and LA’s Natural History Museum is the perfect place. This isn’t your average dusty museum—it’s vibrant, interactive, and packed with hands-on experiences that will have your group exploring together. Wander through halls of towering dinosaurs (the T. rex trio is easily one of the best group photo ops in town), get up close with ancient gems and glowing minerals, and uncover mind-boggling fossils together. The museum’s standout is its seamless way of mixing the “wow” of natural science with cool stories and creative, immersive exhibits. The sprawling Nature Gardens outside make for a great post-museum hang or even an impromptu picnic after you’ve checked out the butterflies. And did we mention the special exhibitions? Whether it’s dioramas of prehistoric LA or live animal encounters, there's always something to keep the group curious and engaged. If your friends are craving an afternoon where you all laugh, learn, and compare awkward photos in front of a woolly mammoth, a visit here delivers. Bonus: Exposition Park’s beautiful grounds are next door, so stroll on over and enjoy one of LA’s favorite green spaces as you recap your favorite discoveries. Knott’s Berry Farm: Thrills, Nostalgia, and Legendary Fried Chicken Just a short road trip southeast lies one of California’s most iconic theme parks, and your whole group will thank you for adding Knott’s Berry Farm to your itinerary. Known for a clever mix of wild rides, old-school Americana, and Peanuts-themed nostalgia, there's something here for every friendship dynamic. Grab a map and let the adventure begin. Are you a brave bunch? Test your nerves on Silver Bullet, GhostRider, or HangTime. Prefer to keep things a little more mellow? The Calico Railroad and Timber Mountain Log Ride promise plenty of laughs without any white-knuckle moments. Wander Ghost Town to discover quirky shows and try your hand at gold panning, or ham it up in a Wild West group photo. Here’s the not-so-secret must-do: Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. This legendary spot has been around since the 1930s, dishing out juicy fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, and homey berry pie. It’s comfort food perfection, best devoured family-style with your favorite people. End the day grabbing berry jams at the Marketplace and agreeing: the theme park joy never gets old. GRAMMY Museum: Feel the Music With Your Besties For crews with playlists as varied as LA traffic, consider a stop at the GRAMMY Museum in Downtown LA. This spot hits all the right notes for music fans, with immersive exhibits, interactive mixing stations and glittering displays of Grammy outfits and instruments. Everyone in your group can geek out over different genres—rock, pop, hip-hop, and even classical are all here, and there’s always something new thanks to rotating exhibitions. What sets this museum apart for friends? You can actually make (and giggle through) your own music videos, test your music trivia knowledge in digital games, and belt out your favorite tunes at singalong booths. The fourth floor, with its wall of classic red carpet looks and legendary artists’ memorabilia, is a selfie wonderland. After you’ve rocked out, the museum’s central downtown location puts you steps from LA Live (check for live events or games), and near restaurants like Broken Spanish, famous for tamales and seriously good cocktails. Altogether, it’s a cultural highlight that’s as celebratory as your favorite playlist on road trip day. The Hollywood Museum: Glitz, Glam, and Behind-the-Scenes Gold Located in the historic Max Factor Building, The Hollywood Museum is one of those under-the-radar stops that surprises every friend group. Inside you’ll find four floors packed with real movie props, elaborate costumes (including the infamous Marilyn Monroe dresses), and dazzling makeup rooms from Hollywood’s golden age. Every friend crew can find something to love, whether it’s the eerie dungeon level with classic creepy movie sets, or the wall of Lucille Ball memorabilia for old-school TV fans. Costumes from superhero flicks? Check. Oscar-winning scripts? Absolutely. Rare photography and tiny behind-the-scenes details? All here. There’s an infectious, nostalgic energy that will get even movie skeptics reminiscing about their favorite on-screen moments, and the building’s art deco architecture is an experience all its own. Top it off by walking Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame just outside—the Museum makes the perfect launching pad for downtown Hollywood discoveries, from sipping milkshakes at Mel’s Drive-In to hunting for that perfect celebrity star. Heal the Bay Aquarium: Discover Underwater Wonders Together Down at the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium delivers just the right mix of marine discovery and beachside fun. This charming spot lets friends of all ages get hands-on with tidepool animals, meet rescued sea creatures, and learn how to help protect LA’s magical coastline. Why does it hit the mark for groups? First, it’s compact—no getting lost, plenty of time to see everything, and always nearby the pier’s arcades, food stalls and amusement rides for extra post-aquarium fun. With friendly staff and plenty of interactive exhibits, you’ll find yourself swapping sea star trivia, snapping fisheye selfies, or debating which local shark looks friendliest. Besides, finishing up your visit with a classic funnel cake or a ride on the historic carousel is peak Santa Monica. Want to extend the aquatic fun? The nearby Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach (also available with your pass) is a larger option, perfect for an all-day group outing. Ready to Make Group Memories in LA? Making the most of LA with friends isn’t about ticking off a list, but about finding the experiences that get you laughing, sharing wide-eyed awe, and heading home plotting your next LA adventure together. Whether you’re thrill-seeking, sea-gazing, music-loving or simply here for the tacos and sunsets, you can craft a trip that matches your group’s vibe perfectly. LA’s best memories are always meant to be shared—so round up your favorite people and let the city surprise you. Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do in Los Angeles in the Morning or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes. 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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24 Hours in LA: Your Ultimate City Adventure

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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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