15 Cool Things to Do in Los Angeles With Kids 2026

Los Angeles is one of those places where you could visit a dozen times and still find something new to experience. From iconic attractions and movie magic to beaches, museums, spooky spots, and some seriously good food, there is no shortage of things to do with kids in LA.

As a SoCal native, I've spent years exploring Los Angeles with my own kids, from the baby and toddler years all the way through the teen years. The places on this list are experiences we've personally visited as a family and are ones I genuinely recommend for families traveling to LA.

There is so much more to experience in Los Angeles than what you'll find here, but these are some of my favorite cool things to do with kids and teens, and some of the places I think are actually worth adding to your itinerary.

And because LA is always changing, this is a guide I'll be updating regularly as we discover more family-friendly attractions, restaurants, hotels, and experiences. So bookmark this page and check back before your next Los Angeles family adventure!

Whether you're visiting LA for the first time or you're a local looking for something new to do with the kids, I hope this guide gives you a few ideas beyond the usual tourist checklist.

Let's explore LA!

Hot Mama Tip: Los Angeles is HUGE. Do not try to bounce from Santa Monica to Griffith Park to Long Beach in the same afternoon unless you enjoy spending your vacation sitting in traffic. Group attractions by area and give yourself plenty of time between stops.

1. Look at the Stars at Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is one of those LA attractions that manages to impress both kids and adults.

Perched above the city in Griffith Park, the observatory combines science, space, and some seriously spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Admission to the building and grounds is FREE, while planetarium shows require a separate ticket. Visitors can explore astronomy exhibits, watch demonstrations and, when conditions are right, look through public telescopes.

For kids, it is a chance to actually interact with science instead of just reading about it. For teens, the views and iconic LA setting make it a pretty great photo stop.

And if your kids have some energy to burn, Griffith Park has plenty of hiking trails nearby, plus a train ride, carousel, an abandoned zoo and more.

Best for: Kids, tweens and teens
Cost: Free admission; planetarium shows are extra
Don't miss: The Hollywood Sign views and sunset

2. Explore the Getty Center

The Getty Center is proof that an art museum does not have to be boring for kids.

The architecture alone makes the Getty worth visiting, with gardens, impressive city views, and plenty of open space to explore. Inside, families can discover artwork spanning centuries, while younger visitors can participate in family-focused activities and explore the museum at their own pace.

For teens, the Getty can be especially fun because there are plenty of gorgeous backdrops for photos without the Hollywood Sign for the 47th time.

Before you go, check out my complete guide to The Getty Center with Kids for tips on making your visit more family-friendly.

Best for: School-age kids, tweens and teens
Cost: Free admission; parking is charged
Hot Mama Tip: Give yourself several hours rather than trying to squeeze this into a quick stop.

3. Step Back Into the Ice Age at the La Brea Tar Pits

Forget boring history class. At the La Brea Tar Pits, kids can see where prehistoric animals actually became trapped in sticky asphalt thousands of years ago.

The La Brea Tar Pits are home to an incredible collection of Ice Age fossils, including mammoths and saber-toothed cats. Scientists are still making discoveries here, making this one of the rare places where kids can see real paleontology in action.

The bubbling tar pits are weird, fascinating, and just a little gross, which, naturally, makes them perfect for kids.

I go much deeper into what families can expect in **[Stepping Back in Time at the La Brea Tar Pits with Kids]**.

Best for: Kids, dinosaur lovers, tweens and curious teens
Don't miss: The actual tar pits and fossil discoveries

4. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Yes, it is touristy.

Yes, you should still do it.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of those classic LA experiences that kids and teens will probably recognize from movies, TV, and social media. Let them search for their favorite celebrity's star and see how many famous names they recognize along the way.

The area can be busy and a little chaotic, so I wouldn't plan on spending an entire day here. Think of it as a quick stop while exploring Hollywood.

Pair it with other Hollywood attractions rather than making a special cross-town drive just to see the stars.

Best for: Tweens, teens and pop-culture fans
Hot Mama Tip: Have the kids pick a few celebrity stars they want to find before you go. It turns the walk into a scavenger hunt instead of a sidewalk stroll.

5. Spend the Day at Universal Studios Hollywood

If you are looking for the attraction most likely to make everyone in the family happy, Universal Studios Hollywood is a pretty safe bet.

With movie-themed attractions, rides, shows and the famous Studio Tour, Universal combines theme-park thrills with the Hollywood experience. Current family highlights include SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and the Studio Tour.

This is especially good for families traveling with kids of different ages because there is such a wide range of experiences.

And for teens? Harry Potter, Nintendo, roller coasters and movie sets. That's a pretty solid argument for leaving the hotel before noon.

Best for: Kids, tweens and teens
Plan on: A full day
Hot Mama Tip: Check the attraction lineup before your trip and prioritize the rides and experiences your family absolutely doesn't want to miss.

6. Explore Long Beach With Kids

Long Beach is worth adding to your LA itinerary, especially if your family likes a little something different. You can visit the historic Queen Mary, explore the waterfront, grab some food, and even enjoy a family-friendly brewery.

Yes, a brewery with kids. That's kind of our thing around here.

Long Beach has a surprisingly fun craft beer scene, with breweries that welcome families and offer food, games, outdoor spaces, live music, and events. If you're looking for a place where parents can enjoy a local beer while the kids aren't stuck sitting quietly at a table, check out my guide to 10 Best Breweries in Long Beach for Families.

And while you're in Long Beach, don't miss the Queen Mary. This historic ocean liner is one of the city's most unique attractions—and one of my favorite picks for families who like their vacations with a little history and a little spooky thrown in.

If your family is into ghosts and haunted places, you can also check out my roundup of Haunted Hotels in Los Angeles for Spooky Families for even more creepy places to add to your itinerary.

Learn more in my guide Queen Mary With Kids: What Families Need to Know.

Best for: Families who want something beyond traditional LA attractions
Perfect for: Queen Mary, waterfront exploring, food, breweries and a more relaxed day

7. Shop, Eat and Play at The Grove

The Grove is much more than a place to go shopping.

This outdoor shopping and entertainment destination is a fun place to take a break from sightseeing, grab something to eat and let everyone wander around for a bit.

You can combine a visit with the Original Farmers Market and other nearby attractions, including the La Brea Tar Pits. In fact, Visit California has even recommended combining the Tar Pits with an afternoon at The Grove.

This is a particularly good stop when traveling with teens because, let's be honest, eventually someone is going to want to shop.

Best for: Tweens and teens
Hot Mama Tip: Let teens build a little shopping time into the itinerary. Everyone survives LA better when nobody feels dragged from attraction to attraction.

8. Spend a Beach Day in Santa Monica

There is something wonderfully California about ending a day of sightseeing with your toes in the sand.

Santa Monica gives families the classic LA beach experience, complete with the iconic Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park. The pier has rides, games, food and plenty of ocean views, while the beach gives kids room to run around and burn off some energy.

For teens, the combination of beach, pier, food and people-watching makes this an easy win.

Best for: All ages
Don't miss: Santa Monica Pier and sunset
Hot Mama Tip: Don't underestimate how long you can spend here. A “quick beach stop” has a funny way of becoming half a day.

9. Chill Out in Hermosa Beach

If Santa Monica feels a little too touristy for your family, head south to Hermosa Beach.

Hermosa has that classic Southern California beach-town vibe with sand, ocean views, a pier and a lively area for walking, eating and exploring.

It is a great option when you want a beach day that feels more relaxed and less like checking another major tourist attraction off your list.

Best for: Families who want a laid-back beach day
Perfect for: Walking, biking, beach time, and sunset

10. Explore Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is another excellent option for families looking for some ocean time without spending the entire day in Santa Monica.

The waterfront area gives families plenty of opportunities to walk, eat, explore the marina, and enjoy the beach.

If you are looking for a family-friendly place to stay in this area, check out my full review of Why You Will Love Sonesta Redondo Beach and Marina. Its waterfront location, rooftop pool, and proximity to the beach make it an especially appealing home base for a family LA vacation.

Best for: Families who want a coastal home base
Hot Mama Tip: Redondo is also a great option for families flying into LAX who want to get out of the airport area and onto the coast quickly.

11. Turn Your LA Trip Into a Glamping Adventure

Who says you have to stay in a traditional hotel?

If your family would rather sleep under the stars than in a standard hotel room, consider adding a glamping experience to your LA trip.

There are several glamping options in the greater Los Angeles area, from cabins and safari-style tents to family-friendly camping resorts with pools and activities.

I rounded up 4 Awesome Glamping Sites in Los Angeles You Will Love if you want to trade the hotel room for something a little more adventurous.

This can also be a fun way to extend your trip beyond the city and give everyone a break from the concrete, crowds, and traffic.

Best for: Outdoorsy families and adventurous kids
Hot Mama Tip: Glamping is a great option for families who want the camping experience without committing to sleeping directly on the ground.

12. Make Hollywood History Come Alive

Los Angeles is basically one giant movie set, so lean into it.

Beyond Universal Studios and the Walk of Fame, kids and teens can have fun simply exploring the places they've seen on screen. Hollywood is especially fun for teens who are interested in movies, celebrities, music or pop culture.

Make it interactive by letting your kids choose a movie or TV show they love and finding filming locations around LA. A hop-on hop-off bus tour is great for seeing famous LA sites and celebrity homes.

Suddenly, you're not dragging them sightseeing. You're on a mission.

Where to Stay for Your Los Angeles Family Vacation

Where you stay in Los Angeles can make a huge difference in how much time your family spends in the car.

If you are flying into LAX, staying near the airport can be a convenient option, especially if you have an early flight or are only spending a short time in the city. I've rounded up 9 Best Family Hotels Near LAX For An Amazing LA Vacation to help you find a family-friendly place to stay.

For families who want to be closer to the beach, Redondo Beach can be a great alternative to staying right around LAX.

And if your family likes unusual accommodations, don't forget to look beyond traditional hotels. My guide to 4 Awesome Glamping Sites in Los Angeles You Will Love has some fun options for families who want a different kind of LA getaway.

How to Plan a Family Trip to Los Angeles

Here's my biggest piece of advice: don't try to see all of Los Angeles in one day.

LA is sprawling, and traffic can turn a 15-mile drive into a surprisingly long adventure. Current travel guides also point out that the city's size and traffic are some of the biggest challenges for families visiting LA.

Instead, group attractions by area.

Hollywood + Griffith Park

Combine:

* Griffith Observatory
* Hollywood Walk of Fame
* Universal Studios Hollywood

Miracle Mile + West Hollywood

Combine:

* La Brea Tar Pits
* The Grove
* Original Farmers Market
* Other nearby museums and attractions

Westside

Combine:

* The Getty Center
* Santa Monica
* Santa Monica Pier
* Beach time

South Bay

Combine:

* Redondo Beach
* Hermosa Beach
* Manhattan Beach

Long Beach

Combine:

* Queen Mary
* Long Beach waterfront attractions

This approach means less time trapped in the car and more time actually enjoying Los Angeles.

That’s A Wrap!

Los Angeles is one of those destinations where you can build a completely different trip depending on your family's interests. Have a little movie lover? Go Hollywood. Have a science kid? Head to Griffith Observatory or the La Brea Tar Pits. Have a teen who thinks everything is boring? Try Universal Studios, the beach, The Grove or the Queen Mary.

And if your family likes things a little different, well, you've definitely come to the right place. Haunted hotels, breweries, glamping, historic ships and movie magic are just a few of the ways you can put your own twist on a family trip to LA.

These are just some of my favorite places to explore with kids, and I'll continue updating this guide as we discover more.

Planning more California adventures? Head over to my Best of California Travel page for more family travel guides, destinations, hotels, things to do and inspiration from around the Golden State.

Because family travel doesn't have to be boring.

Keep family travel hot!