Planning a visit to Los Angeles? Get ready to have an amazing time! LA is the second largest city in the United States and there are so many things to do in Los Angeles with kids, it’s impossible to run out of fun family activities. From museums, to hiking, to the beach, get ready for an action packed vacation in the City of Angels.
Aquarium of the Pacific: Ready for some aquatic fun? If your kids love sea animals, stop by the Aquarium of the Pacific to see some incredible aquatic life, including penguins and whales! This public aquarium is situated on 5 acres in Long Beach. During your visit, make sure to stop by the sea otter habitat!
Ride Bikes Along the Beach: The weather in Los Angeles is beautiful year round, which makes it perfect for an outdoor excursion such as a bike ride. If you are searching for a particularly scenic ride, there is a beautiful trail along Manhattan Beach Pier. This scenic ride is about 10 miles away from Venice Beach, and is an estimated hour and a half bike ride. If your family needs a break along the way, stop along the path for lunch or to take a splash in the ocean!
The Griffith Observatory: If you are looking for a beautiful view of the city, make the Griffith Observatory a must see stop on your visit to Los Angeles. From the observatory you will have an incredible view of the city including downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the Pacific Ocean. The observatory contains a wide array of space and science exhibits, including a planetarium. As an added bonus, admission is free into the observatory.
Go All Hollywood: With LA being the home of many movie stars, there is also a lot to explore in Hollywood. Spend an afternoon walking along Hollywood Boulevard visiting the Walk of Fame. The stars commemorate the best of the entertainment industry, and you can walk along and find the stars for some of your favorite actors and musicians. While walking along Hollywood Boulevard, you can also visit the TCL Chinese Theater or go shopping on Hollywood & Highland and hope for a celebrity sighting!
La Brea Tar Pits: When you’ve had your fill of Hollywood, head out to the La Brea Tar Pits to explore a completely different side of Los Angeles. The tar pits are tens of thousands of years old, and contain well preserved bones of trapped animals. The tar pits contain the bones of prehistoric species such as mammoths, sloths, and saber toothed cats. This is a fun and educational stop, as your kids can learn about Ice Age fossils and species.
Visit a Museum or Two: Continue your educational moment with a stop to one or two of the museums in the Los Angeles area. Pick between the Travel town Museum, Kid Space Museum, or the California Science Center. At the California Science Center families can explore science through interactive exhibits, films, and live demonstrations. General admission is also free at the California Science Center.
Tire the Kids Out with a Hike at Runyon Canyon Park: Make time during your visit to LA for a hike at the popular Runyon Canyon Park. The park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains, and there is a range of hikes depending on your skill level and the duration you would like to go on. For those looking for a family friendly easier path, try out the 2 mile loop.
Santa Monica Pier: The Santa Monica Pier is probably one of the most iconic spots in Los Angeles, having been feature in countless movies and TV shows. The pier contains Pacific Park, a family amusement park. The ferris wheel at the end of the pier is a scenic attraction. The beach surrounding the pier is also a great spot to stop and enjoy some time in the sand.
Share the Camaraderie of a Local Ball Club: Going to a game is a great way to get into the spirit of the city. For the sports lovers, there are so many opportunities to attend a sporting event in LA between the Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, UCLA, and USC. Look online before your trip and see what sporting events will be happening during your visit. With so many options, you are sure to find an event that can fit into your travel schedule.