When considering what to do for a Los Angeles family vacation, there are seemingly endless possibilities for things to do that the whole family will enjoy. From some of the best theme parks and attractions in the world to outdoor adventures and museums that inspire and enrich, you’ll find some of the best activities for families in Los Angeles waiting to be discovered.
To help you craft your ultimate itinerary, we curated a master guide that includes the best destinations, other activities, and insider tips for a spectacular family trip.
Universal Studios Hollywood – A World of Movie Magic
Arguably the best activity for families in Los Angeles is Universal Studios Hollywood. This iconic destination offers families the chance to immerse themselves in the magic of movies with exhilarating rides, spectacular live shows, and immersive attractions.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter delights wizards and muggles (aka non-magical people) alike, and the Super Nintendo World immerses gaming fans directly in their favorite virtual universe.
In addition to rides, the behind-the-scenes Studio Tour provides an inside look at how Hollywood comes to life. From King Kong to Fast & Furious, every stop along the tour is dizzying fun for operatic cinephiles of all ages.
Family Tips:
Come on a weekday to beat the crowds.
Be the first to unlock and explore places like Hogwarts and Mario Kart Adventure.
Try family-oriented dining around CityWalk, such as Vivo Italian Kitchen, or Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.
Discover Griffith Park – The Outdoor Playground of Los Angeles
Griffith Park is a sprawling treasure trove of possibilities, with activities for children of all ages, so it’s a perennial in any rundown of the best family-friendly activities in Los Angeles. Kick off your adventure with a hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign — perfect for some family photo opportunities.
Younger children will enjoy the Travel Town Museum, where they can hop aboard vintage trains, or a turn among the painted ponies on a classic ride on the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round.
The Griffith Observatory is a must for star gazers too, with free admission to exhibits and telescopes, plus the best views of LA’s sparkling cityscape. Families frequently end their day here, with dusk providing a magical finish to a day filled with adventure.
Family Tips:
Hikes in the morning are cooler and less crowded.
Younger children may need a stroller for this sprawling park.
Pick up snacks or bring lunch to eat at one of the park’s lovely picnic areas.
Get Up Close with Animals at the Los Angeles Zoo
Located inside Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is home to more than 2,100 animals, many of which are endangered. Families can view playful meerkats, majestic lions and capuchin monkeys swinging among the trees.
The open-air layout and family-friendly areas, such as the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel, make this a great destination for families who love animals.
Family Tips:
Be there during feeding times to see the animals at their most active.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the zoo is expansive and has many hills.
Grab lunch at Safari Cafe, which serves little ones with no-frills, delicious options.
Go On A Santa Monica Pier And Beach Adventure
For some coastal fun, you should definitely head to Santa Monica Pier. The lively vibe encourages families to try out the time-honored carnival games, chow down on cotton candy or hop onto a solar-powered Ferris wheel for sweeping views of the Pacific. The nearby Santa Monica Beach is just as tempting, with kids wading in the waves and parents reclining in the sun.
There’s also an educational touch along the pier at the Heal the Bay Aquarium, where kids can learn about the incredible variety of marine life that can be found just off the LA coast.
Family Tips:
Biking: Rent bikes or pedal carts for your family to cruise along the nearby Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
Grab lunch at Pier Burger or fresh seafood at The Albright.
Have a parking plan ready — spaces fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Explore at the California Science Center
Combining excitement and education, a visit to the California Science Center is one of the best things to do with a family in Los Angeles. Best known for housing the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the museum also has exhibits on ecosystems, aviation and the intricate workings of the human body. In nearly every exhibit, kids can engage with experiments.
Family Tips:
Entry is free, however, take an IMAX film for a memorable cinema experience.
Go at less crowded times, such as mid-week mornings.
Go to nearby Exposition Park for a picnic or a stroll through its rose garden.
Kidspace Children’s Museum — A Paradise for Kids
Pasadena’s Kidspace Children’s Museum has long been regarded as one of the more entertaining places to take a family with young children. Exhibits are hands-on, from art workshops and STEM experiments to outdoor trike tracks and water play zones. Promoting hands-on exploration, this museum is great for fostering kids aged 10 and under’s curiosity and imagination.
Family Tips:
Pack change of clothes for children to put on after water-play programs.
See the museum’s schedule for seasonal events or exhibits.
Tackle them all, as this place is hard to escape; plan on a half day or full morning/afternoon here.
Immerse Your Family in Nature at Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon is an opportunity for families to get closer to nature in the center of Los Angeles. With multiple options of trails, this scenic area is perfect for families regardless of your fitness level. The shorter paths are perfect for a casual walk, while more athletic families can head up to scenic overlooks of the LA skyline.
Family Tips: Best activities for families in Los Angeles
Get to your destination early in the day, to avoid heat and crowds.
Bring binoculars for animal watching — kids love looking for lizards on the trails.
Pair your hike with a post-hike trip to a Hollywood coffee shop like The Trails Cafe.
Discover More Family Favorites
Beyond these highlights, Los Angeles is packed with other family-friendly attractions worth experiencing.
The Grove and Farmers Market for outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Join scientists actively excavating ancient fossils at La Brea Tar Pits.
The Getty Center for its art, architecture and family workshops.
Santa Monica Aquarium for up-close access to marine life.
Pacific Park for its oceanfront rides and games.
Tips For A Successful Family Vacation
Do Your Homework: Look up attractions, and buy tickets ahead of time to avoid the lines.
Dress Comfortably: LA has a casual vibe, so comfortable shoes and sun hats fit right in for active days on the move.
Stay Hydrated: Water is key to all adventures, especially outdoor ones.
Transport: The Metro really helps to navigate the city, especially for places like Universal Studios and Exposition Park.
Mix Activities: Counter busy days with downtime at one of L.A.’s many tranquil parks or beaches.
Final Thoughts
LA is packed with memorable experiences for families. From magical moments with an iconic mouse at Universal Studios Hollywood to stargazing at the Griffith Observatory, you’ll discover some of the best activities for families in Los Angeles that appeal to all levels of interests. From outdoor adventures to educational excursions to theme park thrills, Los Angeles delivers, no matter what your family loves.
Start planning your LA getaway today and one that will come with joy, discovery, and unforgettable memories!
