20 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Planning a family trip can be a whole lot of work, but Los Angeles makes it not so bad; in fact, it's really fun. Los Angeles just happens to have a load of places that are just perfect for kids, and let's be honest, for the parents too, even the ones who are running on fumes. You've got your theme parks and beaches alongside some museums that actually let the kiddos touch things, so plenty of things to do. If your young ones are wild about animals or love zooming on rides or just want to put some energy into running around, well, Los Angeles has got you covered. In this guide, you'll find 20 of the top things to do with your kids in LA without the stress, confusion, or "I'm so bored" whines.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is found in Burbank, California, and they do a pretty good job of making it feel like home to film buffs. The studio tour lets you walk on real film sets and check out the sound stages where big-name movies and TV shows have been made. The studio is home to some seriously cool props from the Harry Potter and DC movies to get the little ones excited. Families are also going to love the Central Perk set from Friends, a must-visit for any Friends fan. Along the way, the guided tours will explain just how the magic of filmmaking works, and before you know it, the three hours will fly by. Just be aware that you won't be able to bring any strollers through some of the areas.

Take a stroll down the iconic Hollywood Boulevard and check out the Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Walking Tour, which stops at all the right places, including the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre. The guides do a great job of breaking down the film history in a way that's super easy to follow, even for kids. As you walk, you'll get to see some of the most famous filming locations, which the kids will love. The whole tour usually takes around two hours and covers a distance of just about a mile. Just be sure to wear some comfy shoes. Tours run daily, and there are regular time slots to keep things ticking along at a reasonable pace.

You'll find The Last Bookstore tucked away in downtown Los Angeles. It's a seriously large bookstore and one of the biggest in the state of California. One of the coolest things about the store is the famous tunnel made out of books that kids can walk right through; it's a real treat for little bookworms. The shop itself is spread across two floors and is packed with both new and used books, as well as some really interesting art installations that are made from old books. If your kids love getting lost in mazes, then they'll have a blast exploring the small maze-like sections of the store. And the best part? Entry is free, so you can just pop in and see what you think.

The bike path that runs from Santa Monica to Venice Beach is just about three miles long, it's paved, and runs right along the oceanfront. If you want to ride with your family, then you can rent some bikes in Santa Monica and even get a child seat or tandem bike if needed. The route itself is pretty easy going; it's mostly flat and easy to ride for even the youngest riders. As you pedal by, you'll get to see some really nice parks and playgrounds on the way. Just remember to grab a helmet for the kids; they're not a good idea to leave at home. The whole ride usually takes under an hour.

If you're looking for somewhere a bit different to eat with the kids, then why not try Carney's Restaurant? It's actually built right inside a real-life old train car. You'll find it on Sunset Boulevard, and kids love the idea of eating inside a train; it's a great way to make mealtime a bit more fun. The menu is pretty standard, but you'll find all the usual fare: hot dogs, burgers, and fries. You just order at the counter, and keep in mind that seating is limited inside the train, so be sure to get there early if you want a spot. The restaurant is open daily, and it's a great little spot to grab a bite to eat.

Rodeo Drive is situated in Beverly Hills and is a seriously famous shopping street. The street itself is just two miles long, so you can walk the whole thing with your family in no time. The kids will love seeing all the fancy displays and decorations in the windows of all the high-end stores. The streets are well looked after, and there are even some palm trees to keep things looking nice and pretty. And the best bit, it’s free to walk along Rodeo Drive, and you can just pop in and out of the shops as you go. It is one of the best places to visit in LA!

If you're looking for a spot to let the kids run around, then why not pop down to Melrose Avenue? The real highlight here is the street art; there are some seriously colourful street murals that the kids will love. They're painted on the sides of buildings, and you can grab a great photo opportunity with the bright backgrounds. The whole area is really quite long, and you can just walk along and take it all in. And the best bit? It's free to visit. Just be aware that the murals do change from time to time as new art is added, so you may want to pop back another day to see the new additions.

Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach are the two beaches sitting pretty right there on the Pacific Coast. Both of these places have that perfect mix of soft sand and loads of open space to run around with the kids. Manhattan Beach has a pier out over the water, and guess what? There's an aquarium right at the end. Meanwhile, Hermosa Beach is home to a lovely paved path that's just begging to be strolled or biked along. And don't worry about your little ones; there are lifeguards on duty keeping an eye out all through the day. Not to mention, you'll find public restrooms a stone's throw away.

Venice Beach is tucked away on the west side of Los Angeles. Now the boardwalk might only be about two miles long, but there's always something to see, with street performers and artists showing off their stuff. Kids love watching, and who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of them trying out some moves of their own. And if your little ones get a bit too energetic, you can always pop them off at the nearby skate park. While they're doing that, you can take a stroll over to the playground for some younger kids. And don't even get us started on the shops and food stalls; the boardwalk is lined with them, and the beach is open daily for you to enjoy.

So, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is where you'll want to go on Hollywood Boulevard. It is full of over 2,700 stars all stuck into the sidewalk. Each one of those stars is there to honor a famous face from film, TV, or music. The kids can have a whale of a time looking out for their favorite names. The whole thing stretches on for about 15 blocks, though you could easily spend a whole day down here wandering around. Don't worry if you don't have a ticket either; you can just turn up, the place is open all day.

Griffith Park is one of the biggest urban parks in the United States. This giant sprawls over 4,300 acres of land. Families love strolling along the marked hiking trails within the park, with many routes having gentle slopes that are perfect for little ones. There are also picnic areas and playgrounds for kids to burn off some energy. And if that's not enough, the LA Zoo is tucked away inside the park. And the best part? Entry to the park is completely free.

Griffith Observatory is perched on the south slope of Mount Hollywood. And it's a real treat for anyone interested in the night sky. The building itself is home to loads of exhibits about space and the planets. Kids can get hands-on time with telescopes to get a closer look at the stars. There's even a planetarium with regular shows to catch. Now we know what you're thinking: Is this place free to get into? Yep, the building itself is free to enter. But planetarium shows do require tickets. You can find parking pretty close by, and the views of LA and the Hollywood Sign are just the icing on the cake.

The Getty Center is an art museum located in LA that's well worth a visit. Getting to the museum is a bit of a fun ride in itself; you take a tram from the parking area. The museum itself is a treasure trove of European paintings and sculptures, and the large garden area is just perfect for a family stroll. The Central Garden has all sorts of paths and a little stream running through it; it's a really lovely spot to relax and unwind. Well, the museum itself is free to visit.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is a wax museum located right on Hollywood Boulevard, and it's a must-see for anyone who loves celebrities. The museum is packed with wax figures of famous faces from the world of movies, music, and sports. The kids love getting up close and personal with the waxwork and taking snaps to send to their mates. The exhibits are really well done, and the multiple themed rooms will keep you and the kids entertained for ages. And realistically, you should plan on spending about an hour or two on a visit.

Runyon Canyon Park is situated just near Hollywood, and it's a fantastic spot for a family hike. The park has heaps of trails with nice, clear paths, except in a few places where the trails do get a bit steeper. You can always choose a shorter, easier route if that's more your thing. And as a bonus, some trails allow dogs. What more could you want? The park gives you some wonderful views of the city, too. Just remember that entry to the park is free, but parking can be a bit hit or miss near the entrances.

Malibu Creek State Park sits in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains with an impressive 8,000-plus acres to explore. Families love hiking on the marked-up trails here. Some of the trails are a stone's throw from creeks and wide open fields, making it easy to spot wildlife and even catch some small fish in the rock pools. If you're looking for a picnic, there are plenty of spots to be found within the park.

The Santa Monica Pier is located at the end of Colorado Avenue. It's got a tiny amusement park called Pacific Park, where the kids can go for a spin on the Ferris wheel and other rides. And of course, there are the classic arcade games to try and beat your high score. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the food stands, too. Throw in some outstanding ocean views, and you've got yourself a pretty sweet day out.

Angels Flight Railway is a tiny funicular railway tucked away in Downtown LA, which takes you on a super quick journey between Hill Street and Grand Avenue. The whole thing only lasts about a minute or so. The kids will love being able to ride in the small rail cars. As for operating hours, the railway is open every day. And the fare, well, it's pretty cheap.

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is home to over 11,000 marine animals. The Shark Lagoon is always a hit with the kids because they get the chance to get hands-on with some tiny sharks (under close supervision, of course!). Then there's the indoor and outdoor exhibits, which make for a pretty sweet day out. Entry requires a ticket, and you should figure on spending around two or three hours in there to make the most of it. It's open every day, so you've got plenty of choice when it comes to planning your visit.

Knott's Berry Farm is in Buena Park, California, and it's a major theme park with an impressive 40 or so rides to choose from. You've got your roller coasters and your kiddie rides. One of the best bits for young'uns is Camp Snoopy; that's where they get to hang out with Snoopy and the whole Peanuts crew. They also put on live shows and have seasonal events to keep things interesting. And let's not forget the grub, you can grab a meal at Mrs. Knott's restaurant and try some good old-fashioned fried chicken.

In a nutshell, these LA kids' attractions help families plan simple and well-organized trips.

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