Los Angeles is a city packed with excitement, culture, and kid-friendly attractions that make it an ideal destination for families. I’ve explored LA from top to bottom with my family, experiencing everything from thrilling theme parks to peaceful nature reserves. There’s something here for kids of every age, and I’m thrilled to share our favorite places and recommend some must-visit spots for families planning a memorable trip. I’ll dive into three activities I personally explored with my family and share four additional family-friendly destinations that guarantee fun and adventure.
Table of Contents
- My Family’s Favorite Kid-Friendly Spots in LA
- Griffith Observatory and Park
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Highly Recommended Kid-Friendly Destinations
- Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- California Science Center
- Kidspace Children’s Museum
1. My Family’s Favorite Kid-Friendly Spots in LA
Griffith Observatory and Park
Location:
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
How to Get There:
Griffith Observatory is situated within Griffith Park, about a 20-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles. If you’re coming from LAX, it’s approximately a 35-minute drive depending on traffic. Public transport options include the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus line, which takes you straight to the observatory.
Admission and Hours:
Admission to the observatory and grounds is free, which is a fantastic perk for families. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, with varying hours, so I’d recommend checking their website before heading out. Keep in mind parking near the observatory is limited and can be a bit pricey; parking costs range from $4 to $10 per hour.
Personal Experience and Highlights:
Griffith Observatory is hands-down one of the best educational and recreational spots for kids in LA. We’ve visited multiple times, and each visit feels unique. One of my kids’ favorite spots is the Tesla Coil, which creates miniature lightning storms – they were absolutely captivated! The Foucault Pendulum is another highlight, demonstrating the Earth’s rotation in a way that’s easy for kids to understand.
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is a must-see; the shows are engaging, and the visuals make you feel like you’re traveling through space. It’s an extra $7 for adults and $3 for kids ages 5-12, but it’s worth every penny. My children were fascinated by the Solar System displays, and the live shows had everyone riveted.
Pros:
- Free admission to the observatory and most exhibits
- Interactive displays that captivate kids and adults alike
- Stunning views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign
Cons:
- Parking can be challenging and pricey, especially on weekends
- The observatory can get crowded, particularly in the afternoons and on weekends
Pro Tip:
Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays to avoid crowds. Bring binoculars for stargazing if you plan to stay until evening.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Location:
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
How to Get There:
Located about 20 minutes from downtown LA, Universal Studios Hollywood is easily accessible by car. Parking is available, but it’s expensive; general parking costs $30, and preferred parking goes up to $50. For public transit users, the Metro Red Line stops at Universal City Station, and from there, it’s a quick shuttle ride to the entrance.
Admission and Hours:
General admission ranges from $109 to $134, depending on the season and day. They also offer Express Pass options for an additional fee, which allows you to skip lines. The park opens at 9 AM and typically closes around 9 PM, but hours can vary.
Personal Experience and Highlights:
Universal Studios is a sensory wonderland that appeals to kids of all ages (and parents, too!). Our top highlight was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. My kids were mesmerized by the lifelike replica of Hogwarts, and the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride was thrilling. We also spent hours at Springfield, home of The Simpsons. The Krusty Burger was a hit, and we couldn’t leave without a Lard Lad Donut.
For younger children, the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride is a joy, and the Super Silly Fun Land play area provides space to climb, play, and splash around.
Pros:
- Rides and attractions cater to a variety of age groups
- Excellent themed areas like Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Springfield
- Numerous dining options with kid-friendly menus
Cons:
- Expensive tickets and parking fees
- Lines can be long, especially on weekends and holidays
Pro Tip:
Arrive early and start with popular attractions like Harry Potter to avoid long wait times. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time at the entrance.
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Location:
5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
How to Get There:
The zoo is nestled in Griffith Park, close to the Griffith Observatory. It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown LA. Ample parking is available for $6, and public transportation options include the Metro bus, with the zoo just a short walk from the nearest stop.
Admission and Hours:
Admission fees are $22 for adults and $17 for children aged 2-12. The zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, and you can buy tickets online or at the entrance.
Personal Experience and Highlights:
The LA Zoo has a wonderful mix of animals, plants, and kid-friendly activities. The first stop for my kids is always the “Rainforest of the Americas” exhibit, which has an engaging array of animals native to tropical forests. They were especially intrigued by the playful otters and vibrant macaws.
One of our favorite interactive experiences was the “Animals & You” program, where kids can get up close with animals under a keeper’s guidance. My youngest loved the chance to pet a hedgehog! For a more hands-on experience, the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo section has a petting zoo, which is great for younger kids.
Pros:
- Variety of animals and well-designed exhibits
- Plenty of hands-on activities for kids
- Beautiful botanical gardens included in admission
Cons:
- Some areas can get crowded on weekends
- Food options inside the zoo are limited and can be pricey
Pro Tip:
Plan to bring your own snacks and water to save on concessions. Arriving early will help you get good views of the animals before it gets too busy.
2. Highly Recommended Kid-Friendly Destinations
Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park
Santa Monica Pier is an iconic LA landmark that’s packed with family-friendly activities. Pacific Park, a small amusement park on the pier, features rides like the West Coaster roller coaster and a giant Ferris wheel that provides stunning views of the coastline. Admission to the pier is free, though individual ride tickets or all-day wristbands for Pacific Park can be purchased at a reasonable rate.
Pro Tip:
Arrive in the late afternoon to enjoy the rides and grab a seat to watch the sunset over the ocean.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The Natural History Museum is a fantastic choice for children who love dinosaurs, gemstones, and wildlife exhibits. The Dinosaur Hall, which houses real fossils and life-sized skeletons, was a highlight for my kids. The museum’s Discovery Center offers interactive experiences like fossil excavation for younger children.
Pro Tip:
Look out for free admission days throughout the year or discounts on the museum’s website.
California Science Center
This is one of LA’s most engaging and interactive museums, with numerous hands-on exhibits, a dedicated ecosystem gallery, and the Space Shuttle Endeavour on display. Admission is free, although special exhibits and the IMAX Theater come with additional fees. The center’s interactive exhibits make science fun and approachable, making it a hit with children.
Pro Tip:
Reserve tickets for the Space Shuttle exhibit online in advance, as it can get crowded.
Kidspace Children’s Museum
Located in Pasadena, Kidspace Children’s Museum is a dream for young children. It’s filled with interactive exhibits, from a real-life ant colony to a water play area. The outdoor Arroyo Adventure section offers climbing, exploring, and creative play in a natural setting. Kidspace is designed specifically for younger children, making it one of the best hands-on learning experiences in LA.
Pro Tip:
Pack a change of clothes for the kids; the water play area is too tempting for them to resist!
Los Angeles has an endless variety of family-friendly attractions. From the educational experiences at Griffith Observatory to the thrills of Universal Studios, each destination offers a unique way to engage and entertain children. No matter your interests, Los Angeles is a city that promises an unforgettable adventure for families.
