Best Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles, CA
Like the best things to do and see with kids in Los Angeles constantly underscore, the city is like a massive playground when it comes to places to take your children for the day. Whether they’re into crafts, science, engineering, or even roller skating, there’s a place that can keep your children entertained. Looking for a little fun and excitement? Check out this list that covers spots like Griffith Observatory and Los Angeles Zoo for suggestions on just a few fun activities for the entire family. Simply read on to find out more about the best things to do with kids the next time you’re in Los Angeles.
Shane’s Inspiration is the largest playground in the entire country and guaranteed to keep your kids entertained. The destination’s mission is to create an inclusive playground for all kids and it uses Griffith Park to do so, featuring slides, jungle gyms, and even a “ship of dreams” that encourages kids to use their imagination. Keeping with the theme of inclusivity, all the activities here are fully accessible for children with special needs or disabilities.
Kidspace is a popular kids museum featuring interactive exhibits designed to foster learning and creativity. When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscope, which will lead you into the various exhibits, like a physics forest with bottle rockets, an imagination workshop, and a nature exchange where kids can trade and learn about rocks, shells, plants, and other materials. In the central courtyard, you’ll find a greenhouse, and if you head outside to the Arroyo Adventure center, your kids can learn about the great outdoors from musical instruments, mud and clay art, and a hawk’s nest.
Discover how to make a change and help endangered animals at the Star Eco Station. Though the venue is primarily a wildlife center, it also serves as an educational facility and invites families to bring children interested in wildlife so they can learn about environmental concerns. Stop by on either Saturday or Sunday for a tour and your kid will absolutely jump at the opportunity to pet a lizard or see a snake up close.
Children who are interested in science or technology will love building toys at Rolling Robots. For kids aged seven and up, the venue aims to train young minds to think critically about engineering – even hosting a camp program that runs for the entirety of the summer and is separated into different age groups and interests. After just a day here, kids will already have a better idea of how to build and customize their own creations, but, if you want to go the extra mile and sign them up for an afterschool program, you can as well.
The L.A. zoo is a classic option for a day out with kids. Though it’s a pretty popular place, the lush 133-acre destination gives you plenty of time to explore the premises and take in all the animals without feeling overcrowded. Kids will love the fact that they can see elephants in person and also feed giraffes for an extra $5. If you have some time to kill, make sure to appreciate the natural beauty spread throughout the grounds as well – though people usually just come here for the animals, the fact that it’s also a botanical garden is often overlooked.
Leanna Lin’s is a quirky shop that sells home decor and also doubles as a jewelry and craft studio to give children an outlet for their creativity. Kids can make their own necklaces, earrings, and bracelets using professional beading trays and choose cute charms to adorn their jewelry. While they’re crafting, you can also browse the shop, which features work from local artists, trinkets, and future gift ideas.
After a recent renovation, Griffith Observatory looks even better than it did when it opened in 1935. It’s also still free to climb up to the top and use a Zeiss or solar telescope to stargaze, which is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Or, you could camp out on the lawn with one of the portable telescopes and bring a blanket with you. If you hit the Samuel Oschin Planetarium beforehand or park at the bottom of one of the trails and take the scenic route up, you can even make a day of it.
Travel Town Museum can keep you occupied for hours, especially if you bring a picnic and have lunch on one of the facility’s many designated areas. Kids will love walking in and climbing on authentic vintage train models, wagons, and other antique vehicles. There’s even a model train that makes two laps around the grounds that you can buy a ticket for once you get inside. Entrance is free, though.
Even teenagers flock to the family nights at Moonlight Rollerway. On regular days, this retro skating rink provides non-stop fun for older children and parents too. You can rent skates on the premises and then take your best shot at gliding along the hardwood floors to the sound of disco blaring. Or, if you’re feeling rusty, the rink offers classes for all ages and skill levels to enhance your experience.
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For more on the best things to do with kids in L.A., also see:
TimeOut – The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids