Introduction
Are you thinking of a Los Angeles Family Attractions? The city is full of exciting things to do with kids! Everyone can find something they enjoy, from parks to museums. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Los Angeles family attractions. Whether you want to visit a theme park, explore nature, or discover hidden gems, LA has plenty of family-friendly places to visit.
Planning Your Perfect Family Day in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is filled with family-friendly attractions that are perfect for kids of all ages. From theme parks to museums and outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do. Here’s a quick overview of some top spots to help you plan your day:
Attraction | Type of Experience | Price for Adults | Price for Kids |
---|---|---|---|
Griffith Park & Observatory | Outdoor/Nature/Science | Free | Free |
Santa Monica Pier | Amusement Park/Ferris Wheel | Free (Pier) | Ferris Wheel: $6 |
Natural History Museum | Museum/Educational | $15 | $7 |
La Brea Tar Pits | Prehistoric/Science | $15 | $7 |
Kidspace Museum | Interactive Museum | $14.95 | $14.95 |
Los Angeles Zoo | Zoo/Wildlife | $22 | $17 |
Universal Studios | Theme Park/Movies | $109+ | $109+ |
Disneyland | Theme Park/Disney Magic | $114+ | $104+ |
LEGOLAND | Theme Park/LEGO | $89+ | $89+ |
Runyon Canyon Park | Outdoor Adventure | Free | Free |
Exposition Park Rose Garden | Outdoor/Nature | Free | Free |
Travel Town Museum | Train Museum | Free to enter; Train rides: $3 | Free to enter; Train rides: $3 |
Fun Los Angeles Family Attractions
1. Griffith Park & Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park is among the largest municipal parks in the United States. It has so much to offer families! There are hiking trails, playgrounds, and even a zoo. One of the best parts of the park is the Griffith Observatory. Here, kids can look through telescopes, explore space exhibits, and learn about the stars.
- Price: Free to enter the park and the observatory
- What Kids Will Love: Hands-on exhibits and amazing views of the city
- Tip: Bring snacks for a picnic or visit the Los Angeles Zoo, which is located inside the park.
2. Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a must-see spot for families. Kids will love the amusement park rides, especially the big Ferris wheel. There are also carnival games, an arcade, and plenty of places to eat. Plus, the beach is right there!
- Price: Free to enter the pier; Ferris Wheel tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for kids under 7.
- What Kids Will Love: The Ferris wheel, cotton candy, and arcade games.
- Tip: Spend some time on the sandy beach right next to the pier.
3. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
Dinosaurs, gemstones, and nature—oh my! The Natural History Museum is perfect for curious kids. The Dinosaur Hall is a favorite, with life-sized T. rex skeletons and other prehistoric creatures. The museum also has cool exhibits on bugs, birds, and the history of LA.
- Price: Adults: $15; Kids (3-12): $7
- What Kids Will Love: The Dinosaur Exhibits and the Discovery Center.
- Tip: Visit the museum’s nature gardens, where kids can explore plants and even see butterflies.
4. La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits are one of the most interesting attractions in LA. Here, you can see real tar bubbling from the ground. Kids can learn about Ice Age animals that were trapped in the tar thousands of years ago. There are also cool fossils and interactive exhibits.
- Price: Adults: $15; Kids (3-12): $7
- What Kids Will Love: Watching scientists clean and study fossils.
- Tip: After exploring the tar pits, visit the nearby Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for a fun art experience.
Hidden Gems in Los Angeles for Families
5. Kidspace Children’s Museum
The Kidspace Children’s Museum is all about hands-on fun. It has science labs, water play areas, and even an outdoor garden where kids can dig and explore. This museum is designed especially for younger children, making it one of the best Los Angeles family attractions for toddlers and young kids.
- Price: $14.95 for adults and children
- What Kids Will Love: Climbing, splashing, and learning through play.
- Tip: Plan your visit there earlier to avoid overcrowding.
6. Los Angeles Zoo
Located inside Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo is home to animals from all over the world. From elephants to reptiles, kids can see wildlife up close. The zoo is well-shaded, so it’s a good place to visit on a warm day.
- Price: Adults: $22; Kids (2-12): $17
- What Kids Will Love: The zoo’s interactive exhibits and the chance to feed animals.
- Tip: Don’t miss the Rainforest of the Americas exhibit. It’s popular among both children and adults.
7. Travel Town Museum
The Travel Town Museum, also located in Griffith Park, is perfect for little ones who love trains. It’s free to enter and features real trains that kids can climb on. There are also model trains on display. For a small fee, you can take a ride on the mini train around the park.
- Price: Free to enter; train rides cost around $3 per person.
- What Kids Will Love: Exploring the old trains and riding the mini train.
- Tip: This is a great spot for a low-cost afternoon of fun.
Best Theme Parks for Families in Los Angeles
8. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is the perfect theme park for movie lovers. From Harry Potter to Jurassic Park, the rides and shows bring movies to life. There’s also the famous Studio Tour, where families can see real movie sets and learn about how films are made.
- Price: Tickets start at $109 for adults and kids.
- What Kids Will Love: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and meeting characters from their favorite movies.
- Tip: Buy your tickets online and arrive early to make the most of your day.
9. Disneyland (Just Outside LA)
Just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles is Disneyland, often called “The Happiest Place on Earth.” With rides, shows, and characters like Mickey and Minnie, it’s a magical place for kids of all ages.
- Price: Tickets start at $114 for adults and $104 for kids.
- What Kids Will Love: Meet Disney characters and go on classic rides like “It’s a Small World.”
- Tip: Download the Disneyland app to plan your day and check ride wait times.
10. LEGOLAND (A Short Drive)
Another great option, located outside LA, is LEGOLAND, California. This park is all about LEGO bricks! There are LEGO-themed rides, a water park, and life-sized LEGO models. It’s ideal for families with young children.
- Price: Tickets start at $89 for adults and kids.
- What Kids Will Love: Building with LEGO bricks and seeing their favorite LEGO characters come to life.
- Tip: If you visit in the summer, remember your swimsuit for the water park!
Exploring Nature in Los Angeles
11. Runyon Canyon Park
Are you looking for a fun outdoor adventure? Runyon Canyon Park offers hiking trails with beautiful views of the city. It’s an excellent way to get some fresh air and exercise. The hikes are family-friendly and not too difficult, making it a good option for families with older kids.
- Price: Free
- What Kids Will Love: Hiking the trails and looking out for wildlife like birds and squirrels.
- Tip: Bring water and snacks, especially on warmer days.
12. Exposition Park Rose Garden
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot in the city, visit the Exposition Park Rose Garden. It’s a great place to take a stroll and admire the beautiful flowers. The garden is located near several museums, so you can easily make it a part of a fun family day.
- Price: Free
- What Kids Will Love: Running through the garden and smelling the roses.
- Tip: The garden is close to the California Science Center, where kids can explore interactive exhibits for free.
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Final Thoughts on Los Angeles Family Attractions
With so many amazing Los Angeles family attractions, your trip to LA is sure to be fun-filled and exciting. From the thrills of Universal Studios to the peaceful nature of Griffith Park, there’s something here for every family.
Be sure to plan, check opening hours, and book tickets online for busy attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland. This will help you make the most of your family adventure in LA.