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.
This immersive VR experience lets you dive to the wreck site and travel back in time to explore the ship’s iconic deck, Grand Staircase, and opulent halls. Created with Musealia experts, it brings the Titanic’s story to life through personal accounts and stunning detail.
🎫 Get your tickets
📍 Location: Beverly Centre, 8th floor. 8500 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
👤 Age requirement: +8
Get ready to laugh at a marionette show at Bob Baker’s theater
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is back in Los Angeles for its 37th year! This family-run spot brings a little farm charm to the city, offering a playful, slightly spooky setting for kids and adults alike. Visitors can explore a straw bale maze, bounce on spider-themed inflatables, slide down rainbow and super slides, decorate pumpkins, visit a petting zoo, and enjoy a variety of other seasonal activities.
🎫 Get your tickets
📍 Location: 10100 Jefferson Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232
Discover the magical world of movie-making at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Step into Hollywood magic on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in L.A. Explore iconic sets, props, and sound stages from legendary films and shows. Dive into themed worlds like Harry Potter and DC, and enjoy interactive fun at Stage 48.
🎫 Get your tickets
📍 Location: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars
Astra Lumina at the South Coast Botanic Garden offers an evening walk that the whole family can enjoy. As night falls, the garden lights up with a gentle, star-like glow, creating paths to explore and moments to marvel at together. The experience blends nature, light, and imagination, making it a unique way to spend an evening outdoors in Los Angeles.
🎫 Get your tickets
📍 Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA, 90274
Gather your teammates and complete 5 challenge rooms at Glow or Go
Glow or Go is the high-octane experience where your reflexes, smarts, and teamwork will be put to the test in a race to restore color to the world. The experience unfolds across five rooms:
- 🩷Pink Panic: Fast-paced, real-life arcade game inspired by the classic Whack-a-Mole, but with a high-tech twist.
- ❤️Red Reflex: Navigate through lasers like a secret agent pulling off a heist.
- 💛Yellow Yell: Aim, shoot, & win!
- 🧡Orange Outrun: Collect keys in an IRL game of “Floor is Lava.”
- 🌈Solara: A paint blast you just have to experience for yourself!
📍Where: LA Beverly Center (Floor 6)
🎟️Tickets: Get tickets here
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.
📍Location: 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
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., such as Immanuel Presbyterian Church, they cover a range of genres for every taste.
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older
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. 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.
📍 Various locations
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.
📍 Various locations
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.
📍 Location: 1526 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030
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!
📍 Various locations
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.
📍Location: 480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
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.
📍Location: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
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!
📍 Location: 7600 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
🎫 Ticket info: General admission, $78.39
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!
📍Location: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
🎫 Event info here
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 cafés. Whether you’re visiting a classic spot like Ambrosia Coffee or discovering a hidden gem, LA’s cafés 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.
📍 Various locations
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.
📍 Various locations
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.
📍 Various locations
Enjoy a lovely picnic at the Getty Villa
Looking for a unique, family-friendly, and budget-friendly plan? This is perfect, especially if you have restless kids who just can’t stay indoors! Pack some peanut butter sandwiches, a few drinks, and your favorite picnic basket, and get ready for a day of outdoor fun. Head to the Getty Villa or explore one of the many scenic picnic spots scattered around the city!
📍Location: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Written by William Barrios, Cat Huynh, Jamie Ferrell and Sofía Delpueche.