Top Things To Do in Los Angeles for Families

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Los Angeles is known for its glitz and glamour. Yet, when you are visiting LA with your family, you will find opportunities to connect with nature, experience culture, and enjoy physical activities together. There are plenty of Los Angeles attractions for families.

Whether you’re exploring scenic landscapes, thrilling amusement parks, or cultural landmarks, there’s something for every family member. Here’s our guide to some of the best family-friendly things to do in Los Angeles that emphasize being outdoors and active. The outdoor activities are even more fun on a spring break holiday.

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13 Los Angeles Attractions for Families

These 13 attractions in LA for a family holiday include popular spots like Disneyland, Hollywood Sign, and Santa Monica Pier. But there are many other things to do in LA for families including parks, museums and off-beat ideas like the original farmer’s market.

Have the Happiest Day at Los Angeles’ Disneyland

A family trip to Los Angeles would only be complete with a visit to its iconic theme parks. Disneyland in Anaheim, often dubbed “The Happiest Place on Earth,” is a magical destination for children and adults alike. It is definitely one of the top Los Angeles attractions for families. With its themed lands, exciting rides, and beloved characters, Disneyland offers a blend of adventure and fantasy.

The first time we went, we only did Disney’s California Adventure. Rope dropping that morning, we were finished by 5 pm, even having ridden Gardens of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout twice. So, when we went the second time, we learned it’s best to buy a park hopper ticket. This is one of the top Disneyland hacks to plan your trip. If you have a 2-day Disneyland Itinerary in mind, you can easily cover both Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park.

Or Take a Trip Down Memory Lane at Knott’s Berry Farm

For thrill-seekers who enjoy a bit of nostalgia, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park offers a unique mix of roller coasters, family rides, and live entertainment. The park started as a small berry farm in the 1920s and grew into an attraction when the owners started serving fried chicken dinners to visitors. This led to the development of the Ghost Town, a re-creation of an Old West town, complete with historic buildings, and real-life cowboys and outlaws reenacting gunfights in the streets.

My favorite part is the focus on the boysenberry. This is central to Knott’s identity; you’ll find it incorporated into many of the park’s food items. The unique flavor adds a special touch to the culinary experience, from boysenberry-filled churros to boysenberry punch and BBQ sauce.

The park hosts a Boysenberry Festival every year, during which visitors can try an array of boysenberry-themed dishes, including cheesecake, ribs, and more.

Mulholland Scenic Corridor

The Mulholland Scenic Corridor is amongst the LA attractions for families who appreciate breathtaking views and scenic drives. This iconic roadway offers panoramic views of Los Angeles, from the San Fernando Valley to the Pacific Ocean. Several overlooks allow you to park your vehicle and take in the sprawling cityscape below.

Another way of gazing at the stunning Los Angeles skyline is to take a guided horseback riding tour. You get to pass through the incredible hills of the Griffith Park.

Griffith Park and Observatory

Griffith Park is one of Los Angeles’ most beloved green spaces and offers many family-friendly activities. It’s an expansive park with plenty of hiking trails. There is a short but strenuous mile that can be hiked to Mount Hollywood. You will be rewarded with stunning views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign. The famous sign is one of California’s top landmarks.

The park is unique in its own right! If you have the time, Griffith Observatory is a must-visit. It offers educational exhibits about space and astronomy and also provides spectacular views of Los Angeles, especially at sunset. Even better, the Observatory is free to the public.

If you are visiting Los Angeles with your kids, the Travel Town Museum within Griffith Park is great for the younger ones. This outdoor museum is dedicated to trains and features vintage locomotives and rail cars. Kids can climb aboard some trains and ride on the miniature train that loops around the museum. It’s a fun and educational experience that will delight train enthusiasts of all ages.

Hollywood Sign is a huge tourist attraction and there are different tour options to explore that and surrounding spots. Check out these tours –

Natural History Museum

For families who enjoy learning about the natural world, the Natural History Museum is one of the family friendly things to do in Los Angeles. It is a treasure trove of exhibits, from dinosaur skeletons to gems and minerals. One of my kids’ favourite things about the museum was its outdoor gardens, which offer a peaceful setting where you can learn about native plants and insects.

Aquarium of the Pacific

A short drive south to Long Beach will take you to the Aquarium of the Pacific, where families can explore the ocean’s wonders. With interactive exhibits, touch pools, and a variety of marine life, this aquarium provides an educational and engaging experience for the entire family.

Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is a quintessential Southern California experience. The pier is home to Pacific Park, an amusement park with rides and games to entertain the whole family.

After enjoying these rides in LA with kids, you can rent bikes or surreys. It is great to ride along the beach path, taking in the ocean breeze and the sights of Santa Monica. Just ensure you get a picture next to the sign that tells you the pier is the end of Route 66. Another option is a guided e-bike tour around the neighborhoods of Santa Monica and Venice in Los Angeles.

Kidspace Children’s Museum

The Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena is a fantastic destination if you have younger children. Designed for kids 10 and under, this museum offers a range of interactive exhibits that encourage creativity, exploration, and physical activity. From outdoor climbing structures to water play areas, Kidspace provides endless opportunities for children to learn and play in a fun, hands-on environment. Certainly one of the things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

Go behind the scenes at a movie studio

For families with older kids who are fascinated by the film industry, the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour is an exciting way to explore Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes. The standard two-hour tour offers a glimpse into the workings of a major studio, while the VIP tour provides an even more in-depth experience.

An alternative to this is the world-class entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood. Book a regular general admission ticket that will allow you will receive full access to the park to enjoy a day on all of the rides, shows, and attractions. This gives you access to the Studio Tour, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame can be counted amidst family friendly things to do in Los Angeles. And a great way to combine culture and exercise. As you walk along Hollywood Boulevard‘s star-studded sidewalks, you can point out the stars of your favorite celebrities to your kids. I particularly enjoyed seeing Melissa Gilbert’s star. Don’t be surprised, though, if your kids tell you about some they know that you don’t!

It’s also close to the TCL Chinese Theatre, where you can see the handprints and footprints of some of Hollywood’s greatest icons.

The Original Farmers’ Market

Visiting The Original Farmers’ Market is like stepping back in time. Established in 1934, this historic market offers a variety of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique gifts. It’s a great place to sample local flavors and enjoy a meal together as a family.

Huntington Botanical Gardens

For those who love gardens and outdoor spaces, the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino is one of LA attractions for families. The 120-acre gardens feature a variety of themed gardens, including the Japanese Garden. We especially love the Japanese Heritage Shōya House, which allows visitors to step back and experience what life was like in Japan over 300 years ago. Much larger than the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park that we visited on our San Francisco trip.

The Helen and Peter Bing Children’s Garden offers interactive experiences for children, such as making music with pebbles and dancing under a rainbow. This area is fun for the kids to interact with nature, but I’ll be honest: adults enjoy it, too.

Echo Park Lake

Echo Park Lake makes me think of being in a movie. Who doesn’t dream of renting a swan boat and paddling around the lake? The iconic lotus flowers that bloom in the lake during the summer add to the park’s charm.

If you’re not entirely done after paddling around the lake, there are walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.

Conclusion

With its abundance of parks, gardens, and cultural landmarks, Greater Los Angeles offers countless attractions for families to explore. Hungry after all that exploring? Here are twelve drool-worthy restaurants throughout the area.

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This iis a guest post by Tiffany Taylor. Tiffany has always been passionate about storytelling. She embraced her love for adventure full-time, creating Kale and Campfires. Through her blog, she shares insightful travel guides, practical camping advice, and mouth-watering recipes perfect for enjoying on the trails.

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