While Los Angeles may be renowned for its vibrant nightlife, upscale shopping, and celebrity sightings, it’s also a fantastic family vacation destination. From exciting attractions to stunning beaches, there are countless activities for kids in LA, all enhanced by the city’s year-round beautiful weather. Here’s a rundown of some of the best things to do in Los Angeles with your children.
Top Beaches for Kids
Los Angeles is blessed with picturesque beaches, making it essential to carve out time during your visit to soak up the sun. Just remember, the shell collection isn’t great here, but the sandy shores and sunny skies are unbeatable.
Venice Beach
A hub of creativity, Venice Beach is perfect for people-watching and staying active. Rent bikes, rollerblades, or simply stroll the boardwalk to enjoy the lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the iconic Muscle Beach and the charming Venice canals.
Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade
This pedestrian-friendly promenade is an excellent break from the beach. Explore Santa Monica Place, packed with shops, eateries, and street entertainment.
Newport Beach
If relaxation is your goal, Newport Beach offers ten miles of golden sands for swimming, surfing, and fishing.
Huntington Beach
Another family-friendly spot, Huntington Beach features over three miles of shoreline, perfect for various beach activities.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
This quieter beach is a family favorite due to its less crowded atmosphere and fire pits for evening bonfires.
Dockweiler State Beach
Great for water sports, Dockweiler provides opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, and even family camping.
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
Avoid cranky kids with beachside dining at Paradise Cove. Rent a beach bed and enjoy a kid-friendly menu while soaking up the sun.
Perry’s Beach Services
For those wanting a little luxury, Perry’s offers beachside butler service to cater to your family’s needs, including food and rentals.
Surfing Lessons with Go Surf LA
Why not embrace the surf culture? Book a family surfing lesson where boards and wetsuits are provided, ensuring a fun, shared experience.
Grunion Run
Witnessing the grunion run can be a thrilling experience for kids as these fish come ashore to spawn in the spring and summer nights.
Heal the Bay Beach Cleanup
After enjoying the beaches, give back by volunteering for a beach cleanup with Heal the Bay, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving LA’s coastal waters.
Family Attractions in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to numerous attractions that families will enjoy.
Olvera Street
Visit Olvera Street, the oldest street in LA, where you can purchase authentic Mexican crafts and taste delicious food.
LA Times Festival of Books
For families who love reading, don’t miss this annual event featuring panels, readings, and fun activities for kids.
LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers engaging programs for families, including art-making sessions and story times.
The Autry Museum of the American West
Located in Griffith Park, this museum provides a comprehensive look at Native American culture and history, along with family events.
El Capitan Theatre
Catch a movie at this historic Disney-owned theater, which hosts special family-friendly screenings and behind-the-scenes tours.
Theatricum Botanicum
An open-air theater in Topanga, this venue offers family-friendly performances and festivals in a beautiful natural setting.
Pageant of the Masters
Every summer, this unique festival at Laguna Beach showcases stunning recreations of famous artworks.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
A fun treasure hunt for families, this monthly flea market is stroller-friendly and offers a wide array of unique finds.
New Year’s Rose Parade
Celebrate the New Year with the kids at the Rose Parade, or volunteer to help decorate the floats beforehand.
Equestfest
Equestrian enthusiasts will enjoy Equestfest, where you can watch equestrian performers and interact with the horses.
Trapeze School New York
Let your kids soar at the Trapeze School, which offers aerial arts and fun circus experiences.
Catch a Pro Sports Game
With teams in nearly every major sport, catching a live game can be an exciting experience for the entire family.
Dodger Stadium
Kids under 14 can run the bases after Sunday games at Dodger Stadium, a fun way to create lasting memories.
The Getty Center
Enjoy the breathtaking views and impressive art collection at The Getty Center, which is free for visitors.
House of Blues Gospel Brunch
Indulge in a delicious buffet while enjoying live gospel music in Anaheim.
Beverly Hills Trolley
Take a scenic trolley ride from the Civic Center to Rodeo Drive for a taste of luxury.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Explore the magic of Hollywood with a family studio tour of Warner Bros., featuring sets and interactive exhibits.
Museum of Tolerance
This educational multimedia museum focuses on important themes like racism and prejudice, offering valuable insights for children.
Kid-Friendly Attractions in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers a plethora of attractions specifically geared towards kids, making it a fantastic destination for families.
Disneyland
No trip to LA is complete without a visit to Disneyland, the iconic theme park that brings childhood dreams to life.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Before Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm was the original amusement park in the area, offering thrilling rides and seasonal events.
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Learn about local marine life at this small yet engaging aquarium located beneath the Santa Monica Pier.
Kidspace Children’s Museum
This interactive museum in Pasadena is perfect for hands-on learning, featuring both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Moorpark Teaching Zoo
A smaller zoo that focuses on rescue animals, Moorpark offers educational programs that inspire future zookeepers.
Los Angeles is a fantastic family vacation destination filled with a variety of activities and attractions that will delight both kids and adults alike. From stunning beaches to fascinating museums, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
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