Los Angeles is a city that never sleeps, a city of stars, iconic landmarks, and endless entertainment options. When you think of LA, you probably picture the glamorous Hollywood Walk of Fame or the sandy beaches stretching for miles. But what happens when you are traveling with kids? Los Angeles is a surprisingly family-friendly destination, offering a wide range of attractions and activities that cater to children of all ages. I’ve spent countless days exploring the city with my little ones, discovering hidden gems, exciting adventures, and making unforgettable memories along the way.
I will take you through some of the best family-friendly attractions, activities, and experiences in Los Angeles that are perfect for both children and parents. I’ll share my personal experiences, what to expect, my tips for visiting, and how to make the most of your family vacation in this bustling city. From museums and theme parks to outdoor activities and educational experiences, there’s something for every family here.
1. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The first attraction that I recommend for families with children is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. This museum is a perfect blend of education and fun, offering kids a chance to explore the wonders of the natural world in an interactive environment. My children, who are always curious about dinosaurs and outer space, had an unforgettable experience here.
My Experience:
We visited the museum on a sunny day, and as soon as we entered, we were greeted by the massive dinosaur skeletons that stand tall in the main hall. My kids couldn’t contain their excitement, rushing to see the T-Rex and other prehistoric giants. The museum is divided into different exhibits, such as dinosaurs, mammals, gems, and the age of the dinosaurs. What makes this museum particularly engaging for kids is the hands-on exhibits, including interactive displays and digital simulations that make learning fun.
One of the highlights was the Dinosaur Hall, where my children were able to walk around the exhibits, touch fossils, and learn about the different prehistoric creatures. The museum also has a special Discovery Center for younger children, where they can engage in various activities like digging for fossils and learning about different animals in a playful, educational way.
Location:
- Address: 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
- Nearby Transportation: The museum is easily accessible via the Expo Line Metro. The Exposition Park/USC Station is just a short walk from the museum.
What to Expect:
- The museum is incredibly child-friendly with lots of interactive exhibits, a children’s play area, and an engaging atmosphere for kids of all ages.
- There are also special events and programs throughout the year, so it’s worth checking their calendar before visiting to see if anything exciting is happening.
Tips for Visiting:
- The museum has a large parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. If you’re using public transport, the Expo Line is your best bet for a hassle-free trip.
- The museum is very spacious, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring, as you’ll be walking around for hours.
Advantages:
- Pros: The museum is educational, interactive, and fun for kids. The exhibits are well-curated, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
- Cons: It can get crowded, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to visit early in the morning.
Recommended Platform: Tickets can be booked in advance through the Natural History Museum’s official website for convenience.
2. Universal Studios Hollywood: A Theme Park Adventure
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most famous family-friendly attractions in Los Angeles. This iconic theme park offers an exciting mix of thrilling rides, movie magic, and character meet-and-greets that are sure to thrill kids and adults alike. We visited Universal Studios during the summer, and it was a day full of excitement, laughter, and a little bit of magic.
My Experience:
From the moment we entered, my kids were starstruck. Universal Studios is more than just a theme park; it’s an immersive experience where you step into the world of Hollywood movies. The Studio Tour was a must-do, offering a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most famous film sets. My kids especially loved the King Kong 360 3-D experience, which felt like we were right in the middle of a thrilling action movie.
Aside from the rides and attractions, Universal Studios also features several areas dedicated to beloved movies and characters. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was a magical experience, where we got to visit Hogsmeade and ride the thrilling Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. My children were especially enchanted by the Ollivanders wand shop where they could pick out their very own wands. For younger kids, Minion Mayhem and The Simpsons Ride offered a great balance of fun and excitement.
Location:
- Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
- Nearby Transportation: You can reach the park by car, and there are plenty of parking options at Universal Studios. Alternatively, you can take the Metro Red Line to the Universal City Station, and there’s a free shuttle that takes you directly to the park.
What to Expect:
- The park has a great mix of high-energy attractions for older kids and gentler rides for younger children.
- Be prepared for long lines, especially for popular attractions, but there are also fast-pass options available if you want to skip some of the wait times.
Tips for Visiting:
- Plan ahead: The park can be overwhelming, so make sure to get a map and plan out which rides you want to hit first.
- Stay hydrated: It can get very hot during the summer months, so be sure to carry water and take breaks when needed.
- Consider buying tickets online: You can avoid long ticket lines by purchasing your tickets in advance on the Universal Studios website.
Advantages:
- Pros: Universal Studios offers a wide range of experiences, from thrilling rides to meet-and-greets with beloved characters. It’s a fun and immersive experience for the entire family.
- Cons: The lines for popular attractions can be long, and the park can get crowded during peak seasons.
Recommended Platform: Tickets and passes can be purchased in advance on the Universal Studios Hollywood website, and there are often discounts for multi-day passes.
3. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is another fantastic family-friendly attraction that combines wildlife and nature in one place. Located in Griffith Park, the zoo is home to over 1,100 animals from around the world, and it’s an ideal destination for animal lovers of all ages.
My Experience:
We spent an entire afternoon exploring the zoo, and it was a truly memorable experience. My kids had an absolute blast seeing exotic animals up close, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and orangutans. The zoo is divided into different sections, each focusing on a particular region of the world, such as the Rainforest of the Americas, the Africa Savanna, and the California Condor Rescue Zone.
One of the highlights of our visit was the L.A. Zoo’s Elephants of Asia exhibit, which gave us the chance to learn more about elephants and their natural habitat. There are also various interactive exhibits for kids, such as the Petting Zoo where they could get hands-on with farm animals like goats and sheep.
Location:
- Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Nearby Transportation: The zoo is located in Griffith Park, and parking is available at the zoo entrance. You can also take the Metro Bus lines 96 and 204 to reach the zoo.
What to Expect:
- The zoo offers a diverse range of exhibits and educational programs designed for children. There are also several play areas where kids can run around and burn off some energy.
- The Botanical Gardens provide a peaceful escape from the excitement of the zoo, with lush greenery and colorful flowers that are perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Tips for Visiting:
- The zoo can get busy, especially during weekends and holidays, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Be sure to take breaks in the shaded areas, as the zoo is quite large, and you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.
Advantages:
- Pros: The zoo is a great way to introduce kids to wildlife and conservation efforts. It’s educational, fun, and perfect for a family outing.
- Cons: The zoo can get hot during the summer months, so be prepared with sunscreen, hats, and water.
Recommended Platform: Tickets can be purchased on the L.A. Zoo’s website. The zoo also offers annual memberships, which are perfect for families who plan to visit multiple times.
4. Recommended Family Activities in Los Angeles
In addition to the attractions mentioned above, here are four more activities I recommend for families visiting Los Angeles:
- The California Science Center: This hands-on science museum offers a range of interactive exhibits that are both educational and fun for kids. The museum is home to the Endeavour Space Shuttle, and the kids will love exploring the space-themed exhibits.
- The Getty Center: The Getty is an art museum that offers more than just stunning artwork. It has beautiful gardens, and kids will love the Family Room where they can engage in creative activities while learning about art.
- Santa Monica Pier and Beach: The Santa Monica Pier offers family-friendly attractions like a Ferris wheel, aquarium, and arcade. The nearby beach provides a great opportunity for kids to play in the sand and splash in the waves.
- Griffith Observatory: For a more educational and interactive experience, take your kids to the Griffith Observatory. It offers stunning views of the city and the stars, along with exhibits on space and astronomy.
Los Angeles truly is a family-friendly destination with endless possibilities for fun and learning. Whether you’re exploring world-class museums, enjoying thrilling theme parks, or relaxing at the beach, there is no shortage of activities that will delight both parents and children. From the Natural History Museum to Universal Studios and the Los Angeles Zoo, every activity offers something special. My own family’s experiences in LA were unforgettable, and I highly recommend these attractions for anyone planning a family trip to this vibrant city.
