Welcome to Los Angeles, California! With so many Fun Things to do in Los Angeles California with kids, it’s no wonder families flock here year-round. Los Angeles (LA) is a beautiful and busy place and a perfect holiday destination. If you are with family then keep in mind, there are a lot of things to do in Los Angeles with kids.
Kids mostly enjoy doing fun in parks, joylands, and crowded places. Disneyland will definitely captivate the mind of your kids in LA, so this place is highly recommended.
Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids
Disneyland (Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids)
Disneyland isn’t just a theme park; it’s a magical universe where imagination takes center stage, making it one of the top things to do in Los Angeles, California, with kids. It is the dream of almost every child to visit Disneyland because children are mainly obsessed with Disney characters and want to see the real places and things. I have seen kids super excited about this place and even more enthusiastic at Disneyland.
It is located about 45 minutes away from downtown and there are two Disney parks. One is the original old one and another is Disney California Adventure. These are close to each other so you can visit on the same day.
If you are running out of time then just select one according to your priorities.
Old Disneyland contains the main castle where the new one is modern and displays Pixar themes, so your children may decide the place according to their interest.
There are a variety of hotels near Disneyland and one with the best experience is Howard Johnson Hotel, which is located at an 8 minutes walk from Disneyland.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Families exploring things to do in Los Angeles, California with kids will find themselves immersed in a world where beloved movies come to life . It is a great fun place for people of all ages so you won’t get bored when your kids are enjoying themselves.
As a fan of Hollywood creations you will definitely enjoy the studios, sets and theaters for your favorite programs. In addition, rides and thrilling activities capture the attention of visitors and people usually spend the best time here.
An amazing thing about this place is the Wizard World of Harry Potter that is almost mesmerizing for the Harry Potter fans.
Close to this place is another worth visiting spot known as Warner Brothers. This place is for kids above 5 years of age so, if you have small kids you may skip this place or visit it for your fun. Here you can see the sorting hat, friends couch and program venues.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a vibrant tapestry of culture, art, and recreation that offers a unique experience for families seeking things to do in Los Angeles, California with kids. It is a beautiful and crowded place to have fun with the family. Its bohemian edge makes it versatile and people of all ages enjoy this place.
The canal Venice is a good place to walk and skating places are also available. Even if you are not interested in skating you can watch other skaters and enjoy.
If you want some boutique shopping then Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a good place for you while kids will enjoy most at Salt and Straw.
Note: As this place is crowded, do not leave your children alone and periodically monitor them.
Also read about Famous beaches in the world.
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica is very close to Venice beach so you can visit these places in a single day. Santa Monica pier is something children will love to visit because there are various activities of their interest.
Kids can enjoy Ferris wheel, exciting games, roller coaster rides and playing along the beach.
Santa Monica beach is a very charming place and there is a separate small playground for children alongside the beach where children can play and enjoy.
Trips are usually exhausting with kids however, the places like these make kids happy and they enjoy it so parents can also be relaxed.
Shopping places are also available at Santa Monica and people usually prefer Street Promenade because of its verstality.
Griffith Park and Observatory
According to my knowledge, the planetarium inside Griffith park is the favorite place of the kids. However, adults are mainly amused by the beautiful scenes outside.
Central park inside this place is considered as the largest park in LA and even in North America so it is a must visit place for many people. Hiking and walking tracks are present here that might interest younger kids and teenagers.
Apart from this, various other attractions of the Griffith Park and Observatory are; botanical garden, museum, Shane’s Inspiration Playground, and LA Zoo.
Le Brea Tar Pits and Museum
The main attraction of this museum is the bubbling ice age fossils which can be seen with an original tar pit. This park is still making new developments and excavations.
It also contains the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles which is specially good for the children that are interested in science related activities.
There are other museums inside Le Brea Tar Pits which are; The Petersen Auto Museum, County Museum of Art, Car Museum, and Craft Contemporary Museum. The children will be particularly interested in the Car Museum because they have a lot of interesting activities for smaller kids such as those of 3 years of age.
Kidspace Children’s Museum
There are a lot of museums in the US and California but this one is specially designed for children particularly under the age of 11. The fun activities for children include playing with water, building small things, musical games, and climbing.
California Science Center
If you want to develop the interest of science in kids then must take them to the California Science Centre. This science center in LA is a magic place for the kids, especially those interested in space science because they have the Space Shuttle Endeavour here.
Engaging science exhibitions and galleries are also very interesting things to visit and children could have interactive activities like exploring science objects, ecosystems and fires.
Visit the Last Bookstore
It is situated in an old building so it looks antique and I love to visit here. It is a two story bookshop that has both used and new books and you can opt for the book of your choice.
Kids enjoy the sculptures here and love to run around but you need to take care of the children so they do not get lost in the crowd.
Marina del Rey
It is an expensive place in LA but offers a lot of fun activities for kids and adults so it is a good family spot for entertainment.
Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey is good for healthy outdoor activities. Moreover, the bike trail is also here for adventurous bike riding.
The good thing is that you can enjoy boating, cruise ride, and kayaking in the calm water and serene environment. You can enjoy the pleasant ride in the water bus and eat tasty food from the Fisherman’s Village.
Conclusion
Los Angeles offers a plethora of exciting activities that cater to families with children, ensuring that every moment spent in the City of Angels is filled with joy and adventure. From exploring the interactive exhibits at the California Science Center to experiencing the magic of Disneyland, there’s something for every age group to enjoy. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Griffith Park, where kids can enjoy playgrounds and even a historic carousel.
FAQs
Where to take a 3 year old in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is brimming with fantastic places to take a 3-year-old, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for both kids and parents. One of the top spots is the Los Angeles Zoo, where little ones can marvel at a variety of animals and enjoy interactive exhibits.
What activities for kids in LA?
Los Angeles offers a plethora of activities for kids that cater to various interests and age groups. One popular destination is the California Science Center, where children can engage with interactive exhibits, including a space shuttle and a hands-on science lab. The nearby Natural History Museum is another great option, featuring dinosaur skeletons and fascinating displays about the natural world that are sure to captivate young minds.
How to be a playful mom?
Being a playful mom involves embracing your inner child and finding joy in everyday activities with your kids. Start by integrating fun into your routine—whether it’s turning chores into games, singing songs during bath time, or creating silly challenges during playdates. The key is to be present and engage with your children in a way that encourages creativity and laughter. Don’t be afraid to get a little silly; your willingness to let loose can inspire your kids to do the same.