Kids can be tough critics when it comes to city outings, but here in L.A. we’re lucky to have an abundance of all-ages activities at our fingertips. From toddlers to pre-teens, we’ve gathered some of our favorite things to do in LA for the entire family! Read on for inspiration for everything from weekend plans to birthday parties.
1. Wander at one of the many Candy Cane Lanes around L.A.
One of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids during the holiday season is visiting the city’s famous candy cane lanes. These festive streets, lined with vibrant lights and holiday decorations, offer a magical experience for the whole family. Take a stroll or drive through spots like Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo or Pasadena’s Christmas Tree Lane, where children can enjoy the holiday spirit in full swing!
2. Discover the magic of Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder
If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles, don’t miss Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder. Explore 11 fully interactive rooms that transform classic childhood games with stunning light displays and creativity. With a 360-degree immersive LED theater, you’ll travel underwater, journey through time, and venture into outer space!
đź“Ť Location:Â 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 90401
👤 Age requirement: Kids under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
3. Explore La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Exploring dinosaurs and fossils is one of the quintessential activities for kids. Many children experience a delightful paleontological phase, which they can immerse themselves in at the La Brea Tar Pits. And what’s even better? This spot is also dog friendly! amd you can access for free with your L.A. Library Card.
In 1875, amateur paleontologists discovered animal remains in the tar pits of Rancho La Brea, now Hancock Park. Today, professionals continue to excavate, unearthing millions of fossils. Visit the museum to see these fossils and tour the active tar pits.
đź“Ť5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
4. Step into Astra Lumina: A Celestial Journey
One of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids is visiting Astra Lumina, an enchanted night walk through a beautiful botanical garden. As you explore, you’ll be immersed in the magic of projections, lighting, and music, while astral energy transforms the garden into a celestial pathway. This multisensory journey captivates visitors of all ages, creating a magical experience that’s perfect for the whole family.
đź“Ť Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
5. Visit the best theme parks in and around LA
Looking for fun things to do with kids? Los Angeles (and our surrounding areas) is home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks. From the enchanting Disneyland, where beloved Disney characters come to life, to Universal Studios, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of TV and film with behind-the-scene studio tours and attraction rides, there’s something in LA for everyone in the family to enjoy.
đź“Ť Various locations
6. Let fairies guide you through an enchanted forest at A Faery Hunt Enchantment
Named the “Best Children’s Theater in Los Angeles” by Nickelodeon, A Faery Hunt Enchantment is an outdoor show that weaves original stories, dancing, and songs into a unforgettable experience. A Faery Hunt Enchantment also invites kids to dress up as fairies, princesses, or whatever else their hearts desire for this enchanted journey through nature!
đź“Ť Various locations
🎫 Book your tickets to A Faery Hunt Enchantment here!
7. Dive into L.A.’s best aquariums
Here on the California coast, we’re fortunate to have a diverse selection of aquariums inspired by our local ecosystems. Visiting an aquarium is an ideal activity to introduce toddlers to the beauty of marine ecosystems.
From Long Beach’s renowned Aquarium of the Pacific to San Pedro’s Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and educational facility, there are numerous opportunities for enjoying time with kids in Los Angeles, whether you’re planning a SoCal road trip or looking for a weekend activity.
đź“Ť Various locations
8. Grab a scoop of ice cream at this 100-year old pharmacy and soda fountain shop
The Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain has been serving South Pasadena since 1915, making it one of the oldest places to grab a milkshake around L.A. This historic gem is perfect for family activities, as it can satisfy almost any sweet tooth with its offerings of one-scoop cones, hand-dipped milkshakes, hand-dipped malts, floats, and ice cream soda concoctions.
đź“Ť 1526 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030
9. Catch a mesmerizing Candlelight concert
It’s never too early to learn about the incredible composers and musicians that have shaped the musical landscape that we know today. And a Candlelight concert is both a unique and educational experience, where your kids can experience iconic music from the past and rediscover modern-day hits in a breathtaking setting. Taking place at premier venues across L.A., they cover a range of genres for every taste.
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older
10. Watch a movie on the lawn, listen to live music, and eat from tasty food trucks at Street Food Cinema
Coming to beautiful venues like The Autry Museum and LA State Historic Park, Street Food Cinema (SFC) is back with another season of classic flicks and fun for the whole family.
This family entertainment series is picnic-style, inviting guests to arrive early, sit on the grass, and enjoy a movie screening in the outdoors. When the stars come out, the movies begin! From seasonal film selections to pre-movie activities, there’s a screening for everyone.
🎫 Book your tickets to Street Food Cinema here!
11. Have fun at one of these mini golf courses
In a castle, among waterfalls, or surrounded by dinosaurs, you’ll find some of the most fun mini golf courses near Los Angeles. These courses offer perfect activities for kids, adults, and basically the entire family when looking for a great time. Discover all the places where you can make an amazing hole-in-one!
đź“Ť Various locations
12. Play, discover, create, and explore at the Kidspace Children’s Museum
Kidspace is the museum of every child’s dreams and one of the best things to do with kids in Los Angeles. They can get messy at the Muddy Boot Farm, where kids are given a wheelbarrow and a trowel and told to get digging. They can also dance in fountains, walk across a rope bridge, ride on the Trike Track, and get hands-on with science in the Physics Forest.
With just as much fun to be had outdoors as indoors, the Kidspace Children’s Museum is the definition of making learning fun. It’s ideal for kids ages 10 and under with dedicated areas and games for toddlers.
đź“Ť 480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
🎫 Get your tickets to Kidspace here!
13. See wildlife up close at the Los Angeles Zoo
The L.A. Zoo’s greatest assets are its scenic location, nestled in the verdant hills of Griffith Park, making it a perfect spot for family fun activities. Despite its popularity, the zoo’s extensive 133 acres and ample parking area ensure it never feels overcrowded, offering a pleasant experience for toddlers and adults alike.
Kids will delight in observing the elephants and reptiles, as well as enjoying a ride on the beautifully adorned Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel.
đź“Ť 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
14. Enjoy a pirate dinner show with sword fights
Just like kids go through their dinosaur phase, many also become huge fans of pirates. Let your child’s love for pirates run wild at Pirates Dinner Adventure, where they can enjoy exciting special effects, swordplay, and duels!
đź“Ť Location:Â 7600 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
🎫 Ticket info: General admission, $78.39
15. Make even the pickiest eater’s mouth water at the Smorgasburg LA Food Fair
If you’ve never been to Smorgasburg, or never taken the kids, they’ll love the diverse options of food, sweet treats, and more. Plus, there are brand new additions to the lineup of vendors, like Champion Eats and All About Cinnamon. The food festival takes place every Sunday so you can round out your weekend on a high (and very full) note. Make sure to check out this spot before your toddler gets picky with food!Â
đź“Ť 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
🎫 View all the Smorgasburg details here
16. Warm up with a tasty hot chocolate
One of the coziest things to do in Los Angeles with kids is enjoying a rich, creamy hot chocolate at one of the city’s many cafĂ©s. Whether you’re visiting a classic spot like Ambrosia Coffee or discovering a hidden gem, LA’s cafĂ©s offer a variety of delicious options that the whole family will love. Sip on this comforting treat while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city, making it a perfect way to relax and enjoy the season with your little ones.
đź“Ť Various locations
17. Go roller skating around Los Angeles
Of all the activities to enjoy with kids in Los Angeles, roller skating is a must-add to your list. The city offers a variety of places where children (and adults, too) can learn or improve their skills, from scenic beachside boardwalks to dedicated roller skating rinks.
18. Catch a film at a drive-in theater
One of the most magical ways to watch movies in the international capital of cinema is to do it the old-school way. Just grab your car, load it up with some snacks, lawn chairs, and blankets to keep warm, and head over to one of the drive-in movie theaters around Los Angeles.
Many of them have a vintage style from the ’50s and ’60s, offer inexpensive prices, and are family and pet-friendly, so you can catch the latest releases.
19. Explore L.A.’s most famous attractions
Looking for a fun-filled day with your kids in Los Angeles? Why not go be tourists in your own city and explore some of the most iconic attractions that we think everyone, from visitors to locals, should visit at least once.
Start your adventure with breathtaking views of the city at Griffith Observatory, or explore the serene beauty of The Huntington‘s gardens and library.
Written by William Barrios, Cat Huynh, Jamie Ferrell and SofĂa Delpueche.