The City of Angels truly has it all—from top rated music destinations, an outstanding dining scene, stellar outdoorsy adventures (beyond hiking), to surreal places that truly seem out of this world right here in L.A. And with the myriad responsibilities of adulthood, there are times when we just yearn to break free, relish life without full-on responsibilities, and enjoy things that make us feel like a kid again!
These 8 nostalgic activities will reignite your inner child, providing a dose of much-needed fun. As an adult, moments like these are often a necessity! Keep scrolling to explore our top experiences to unleash your inner child in and around Los Angeles that are fun even if you don’t go with kids!
1. Enter the mystical planet at Bubble World and discover a different reality
The massive Bubble World has taken over in Montebello—but only for a limited time! Swim in a giant ball pit, go on a hot air balloon flight simulator (that made us feel as if we were in the Disney movie Up), and check out one of the coolest parts, in our opinion: the VR experience that will have you seeing what it’s like to be a bubble, which was trippy but so cool! Right now, this experience is exclusive to London and just outside of L.A., so don’t miss it while it’s here.
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📍1345 N. Montebello Boulevard, Montebello, CA, 90640-2585
2. Go on a mesmerizing night walk under the falling stars!
Reignite your inner child with the awe-inspiring Astra Lumina experience! Back by popular demand, it has returned to L.A.’s South Coast Botanic Garden for another season of cosmic wonder. Wander through the lush garden and discover cutting-edge light displays, accompanied by astral soundscapes and a stirring story. Don’t miss out on this inspiring night walk!
📍 Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates
3. Swing from the Lorax’s Truffula trees, get lost in the Mirror Maze, and so much more!
Did you love Dr. Seuss books growing up? Then you’re in luck! Step into a whimsical world at the Dr. Seuss Experience right now in Santa Monica. The storybook adventure takes you on an interactive journey through nine iconic Dr. Seuss stories for a limited time. So go ahead, swing from The Lorax’s Truffula trees, explore a vibrant Sneetches Mirror Maze, trek through massive clovers from Horton Hears a Who!, and so much more! We promise, we won’t judge! One guest reviewer shared, “Such a fun and nostalgic experience!…even for adults!”
📍Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica, CA 90401
4. Plan a weekend escape to one of these ‘storybook’ enchanting towns
Looking for a picture-perfect getaway outside of L.A.? We’ve found five quaint villages that are straight out of a storybook! These enchanting getaways are close to L.A. and make for an incredible escape, from a gorgeous Danish village nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley to the picturesque coastal destination of Avalon on Catalina Island. These epic destinations make us feel like the fairytale weekend getaway is within reach, all within one to three hours from L.A!
🏘️ Plan your trip!
📍Multiple locations
5. Get lost in the whimsical paintings of Van Gogh
Museums are amazing, of course, but stepping into a 360-degree spectacle of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic paintings had us feeling a rush of excitement typically reserved for kids! Witness his most famous paintings with every detail brought to life thanks to state-of-the-art technology, recreating iconic pieces like Sunflowers, Starry Night, Almond Blossom, and Tree Roots.
🖼️ Grab your tickets to see the brilliance now!
📍1345 N. Montebello Boulevard, Montebello, CA, 90640-2585
6. Take a time machine and go back to prehistoric times!
Your childhood fascination with dinosaurs is timeless, and if that passion still thrives, step into a prehistoric wonderland at the Dinos Alive Exhibit: An Immersive Experience in Montebello! Featuring over 80 life-sized moving replicas, including T-rex, Stegosaurus, and Ankylosaurus, this exhibit is a dream come true for those who cherished dinosaurs as a kid. Prepare for an out-of-this-world journey into the realm of these magnificent creatures, as the exhibit acts like a time machine, transporting you back millions of years!
📍1345 N. Montebello Boulevard, Montebello, CA, 90640-2585
7. Check out this micro amusement park that puts your childhood version to shame!
This futuristic arcade in DTLA is like an amusement park on steroids. If you’re searching for fun and want to unleash your inner child, look no further! Two Bit Circus is truly incredible, offering a fantastic selection of old-school video games, a 100-seat trivia theater, and VR escape rooms!
📍634 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
8. Step onto the Queen Mary’s ghost ship for the Haunted Tavern experience!
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more sinister, we’ve got you covered! Whether you loved scary movies as a kid (and had to sneak-watch after the ‘rents went to bed) or want to live out your haunted ship fantasies, make sure to check out the ‘Haunted Tavern’ experience. Climb aboard the real-life haunted vessel, The Queen Mary in Long Beach, for a night of spine-chilling scares… but with cocktails!
🚢 It’s only in town for the weekend of Feb 22nd through the 24th, so grab your tickets now.
📍The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA