Family Activities in Los Angeles, CA — 2026 Guide
Los Angeles brings together beaches, mountains, world-class museums, and theme parks in one sun-drenched metropolis. From the Griffith Observatory to the Santa Monica Pier, LA offers endless family adventure.
Get personalized ideas — text Emmie at (877) 703-6643Indoor Activities
California Science Center
Home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour with interactive galleries exploring ecosystems, the body, and fire. Free admission.
700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Visit websiteNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County
One of the largest dinosaur exhibitions in the world, including T-Rex and Triceratops specimens through developmental stages.
900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Visit websiteLa Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Hundreds of Ice Age fossil displays with a genuine tar pit and ongoing excavations where you watch paleontologists work.
5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Los Angeles Zoo
Over 1,700 animals in Griffith Park from giraffes to colorful birds, with a children's discovery center.
5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Visit websiteKidspace Children's Museum
Inspiring kids to enjoy learning through outdoor play, creative expression, and interactive exhibits in Pasadena.
480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
Outdoor Activities
Griffith Park & Observatory
4,210 acres of trails, playgrounds, the LA Zoo, Travel Town Museum, and the free Griffith Observatory with planetarium shows.
Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park
A classic amusement park with a Ferris wheel, rides, games, and nonstop coastal views.
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Travel Town Museum
A free outdoor museum in Griffith Park where kids can explore and ride real trains.
5200 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Manhattan & Hermosa Beach
Local, family-friendly South Bay beaches with a relaxed vibe, bike paths, and gentle surf.
The Getty Center
World-class art museum with free admission, stunning architecture, gardens, and a kids' room with art activities.
1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Free Things to Do
California Science Center
Free museum with the Space Shuttle Endeavour and interactive science galleries.
Griffith Observatory
Free astronomy exhibits with stunning views of LA and the Hollywood Sign.
The Getty Center
Free world-class art museum with gardens and kids' activities.
Travel Town Museum
Free outdoor train museum in Griffith Park.
Rainy Day Plan
California Science Center
Free indoor science museum with the Space Shuttle.
Natural History Museum
Dinosaurs, gems, and nature exhibits indoors.
La Brea Tar Pits
Indoor fossil exhibits and the Fossil Lab.
Kidspace Children's Museum
Interactive indoor play and learning in Pasadena.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
- •Poppy blooms at Antelope Valley
- •Whale watching from Long Beach
- •Outdoor concerts begin
Summer
- •Beach season peaks
- •Hollywood Bowl family nights
- •Free outdoor movies in parks
Fall
- •Perfect beach weather (less crowded)
- •Knott's Scary Farm
- •Harvest festivals
Winter
- •Holiday lights at The Grove and Descanso Gardens
- •Ice skating at Pershing Square
- •Ski day trips to Big Bear
Nearby Day Trips
Disneyland Resort
35 miles south
The Happiest Place on Earth with two theme parks, Downtown Disney, and three resort hotels in Anaheim.
Santa Barbara
90 miles north
A charming coastal city with a zoo, sea center, Stearns Wharf, and beautiful beaches.
Big Bear Lake
100 miles east
Mountain lake with skiing in winter, swimming in summer, and the Alpine Slide year-round.
Local Parent Tips
LA traffic is legendary. Avoid driving during rush hours (7-10am, 4-7pm). Plan attractions by neighborhood.
The Metro is expanding. Use it for downtown, Hollywood, and Santa Monica trips.
May Gray and June Gloom bring coastal fog. Beach days are best from July onward.
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