Families looking for somewhere new to take their kids should check out spots that offer a variety of activities that they can get involved in. Los Angeles has plenty of options for parents and kids, including museums and observatories, that allow visitors to explore different aspects of science and bring out the inner creator in them, as well as centers that offer different games, that allow them to get active and creative. Amusement parks are also in the area, in case you’re looking for a place that offers rides for everyone in the family to get an adrenaline rush. When you’re planning your next weekend or family getaway, consider these 12 best things to do in Los Angeles with kids.
1. Griffith Observatory
Parents with kids who dream of exploring space should take them to the Griffith Observatory, to give them further inspiration. Visitors can check out the Wilder Hall of the Eye to see what scientists have been using to study the sky, or they can take a look through the observatory’s Zeiss, Coelostat or Solar telescopes.
Other options include learning about the role that the sun and moon play in the state of Earth’s seasons and the passing of years, exploring the W.M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda, or getting a view of Los Angeles at night, from the roof and terraces.
Griffith Observatory
Address: Griffith Park, 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Website: Griffith Observatory
2. Star Eco Station
For kids who love animals, especially those not native to Los Angeles, should head to Star Eco Station, to see what they have to offer. The wildlife here ranges from occupants of the sea to the sky and land, including all types of fish, birds, bobcats, foxes, hedgehogs and other creatures, and visitors will learn how to keep them from becoming endangered.
Field trips are available for schools looking for a new place to take their students, and party options are available in case your kid has a birthday coming up and wants to celebrate with a tour of the different animals.
Star Eco Station
Address: 10101 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Website: Star Eco Station
3. Sky High Sports
Editor’s note: this establishment is permanently closed.
If you’re looking for interesting kids’ activities in Los Angeles, then pay a visit to Sky High Sports. Sometimes, you can only do so many tricks on your trampoline at home, so you should stop by Sky High Sports to see what they have to offer, and let your kids try those flips they’ve always wanted to do. Visitors can try out the ninja courses, so they can jump over foam and off the walls, and parents can try out the air-orbics classes, to get in shape and have some fun at the same time.
Other activities include dodgeball, jumping over a spinning log in the Wipeout ring, and using trampolines to score slam dunks that you couldn’t do otherwise. This place is also perfect for birthday parties, and even corporate events, to make work meetings more fun.
Sky High Sports
Address: 6033 De Soto Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Website: Sky High Sports
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4. Aquarium of the Pacific
If you and/or your children love the creatures of the sea, you should put visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific on your to-do list, for your next free weekend. Visitors will be able to observe different types of fish, crocodiles, seals, penguins, seahorses, sea lions and other animals while learning about animals in danger of becoming extinct.
Lectures are provided for anyone who isn’t too familiar with marine life, and tours are available for both parents and kids, who want to learn what they can do to keep different species around. Day camps and birthday parties are also optional, to make the experience a little more fun.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Address: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Website: Aquarium of the Pacific
5. Rolling Robots
Parents who are into technology or have kids who are aspiring scientists should stop by Rolling Robots to see how their children can improve on their ideas for inventions. Workshops are provided, so kids can learn how robotics work and create their own machines, which can then be used in different kinds of competitions.
Introductory workshops are also available, for kids who want to learn about robotics and want a more hands-on experience. This spot is also perfect for parties in case your child has a birthday coming up and you’re looking for a place that provides an educational, as well as entertaining, experience.
Rolling Robots
Address: 10955 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Website: Rolling Robots
6. Mulligan Family Fun Center
Parents looking for a place that offers exciting children’s activities in Los Angeles should stop by Mulligan Family Fun Center, to see what they have to offer on their open Saturdays. Regular and rookie go-karts are available for those who are new to this form of racing and those who want to speed past the rest, or you can see how far you can climb up the center’s rock wall.
Other games include laser tag and mini-golf, or you can try out their batting cages and paddle boats if you want to get a little more active. You can also have birthday parties and other events here, in case you are coming with a bigger group.
Mulligan Family Fun Center
Address: 1351 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
Website: Mulligan Family Fun Center
7. Santa Monica Pier
If you and your family feel like spending a day at the beach, stopping by Santa Monica Pier is a great option. In addition to relaxing in the sand and taking your surfboards out to ride some waves, you can see how much the rides on the pier can get your blood pumping.
If you’re looking for things to do in LA with toddlers, then you can check out the carousel or the Ferris wheel. And your older ones will enjoy the roller coaster. The pier also offers great views of the ocean, if you’re looking for a good photo op of the sunset, as well as areas to go fishing.
Santa Monica Pier
Address: Markita, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Website: Santa Monica Pier
8. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Checking out Hollywood Walk of Fame when visiting Los Angeles is on every tourist’s itinerary. And strolling past this star-lined street can be an enjoyable experience for the entire family too, since the iconic cartoon character, Mickey Mouse also has a star here. A special moon-shaped insert is seen on the walk for astronauts who landed on the moon. Kids will also enjoy seeing all the colorfully dressed characters in superhero costumes strolling along Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Address: Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
Website: Hollywood Walk of Fame
Opening hours: open 24 hours
Price: free
9. Madame Tussauds Hollywood (from USD 36.99)
Another iconic Los Angeles attraction is Madame Tussauds Hollywood. You can get to see lifesize wax statues of your favorite movie stars, music icons, reality stars, and more. From Johnny Depp through Beyonce to Steven Speilberg, you and your kids can enjoy seeing more than 100 celebrity wax figures here. Your kids will enjoy clicking pictures with their favorite celebrities and a Marvel 4D Film & Experience will also interest them.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood Tickets
10. Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Founded in 1963, Bob Baker Marionette Theater is the oldest children’s theater production in the city. The iconic venue regularly hosts children’s puppet shows that are sure to delight the little ones. Stimulating the imagination of kids, skilled puppeteers maneuver marionettes dressed in colorful costumes and put on themed shows telling compelling tales. You can also hire the puppet company for a birthday party or an event for kids.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Address: 4949 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042, United States
Website: Bob Baker Marionette Theater
11. Movie Stars' Homes Tour (from USD 59.0)
Is your child a movie buff? Then, an open-top van tour of Hollywood’s rich and famous is a must for you. With Movie Stars’ Homes Tour, you can drive past the famous residential neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Laurel Canyon Drive, and more. See massive mansions and villas owned by music stars, Hollywood actors, directors and producers, and more. Also included in this tour are photo stops at various beautiful vantage points that give you panoramic views of Los Angeles and Hollywood sign.
Los Angeles: The Original Celebrity Homes Tour
Duration: 2.0 hour
Who says Los Angeles won't be fun with kids around?
Spending the weekend with your kids involves coming up with ideas that provide an experience that is sometimes both entertaining and educational. This city is not short on options; whether you’re looking for attractions for older kids or toddler activities in Los Angeles. Some observatories and facilities offer the chance for your child to explore their inner scientist, while others help them learn more about animals and how to save them from extinction. Other options allow you and your family to be a little more active, including playing laser tag, jumping on trampolines, and going on theme park rides. Whatever the case, Los Angeles will help make the family day, extra fun.
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