Family · Hub guide
Family Vacation in Los Angeles: Kid-Friendly Things to Do
Los Angeles works well for families once you plan days by area. This guide lists the best kid-friendly museums, animals, beaches and parks, with free options and practical tips for traveling with children.
Family travel at a glance
- Free museums California Science Center general admission, the Getty Center, The Broad
- Animals Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
- Dinosaurs Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits
- Easy beach day Santa Monica, with the pier and Pacific Park
- Theme parks Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Holiday lights LA Zoo Lights and the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
In this guide
A family trip to Los Angeles can include dinosaurs, a space shuttle, sea lions and a beach day all in one week. The trick is to group sights by area so kids spend more time having fun and less time in the car.
For theme parks in detail, see theme parks near Los Angeles. For more posts, browse our family category.
Museums kids love
California Science Center
In Exposition Park, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. General admission is free; some exhibits charge. See californiasciencecenter.org.
Natural History Museum
Dinosaur Hall, the Nature Gardens and seasonal exhibits. LA County residents get free entry weekdays from 3 to 5pm. See nhm.org.
La Brea Tar Pits
Fossils from the tar pits and an active dig in Hancock Park. See tarpits.org.
Griffith Observatory
Free grounds and exhibits, telescopes and the planetarium. Closed Mondays.
The Science Center and Natural History Museum are next door to each other in Exposition Park, on the E Line. That makes an easy full day with a picnic in the Rose Garden.
Animals and aquariums
The Los Angeles Zoo is in Griffith Park. During the holidays, LA Zoo Lights runs on select nights from November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach has sea lions, sharks and touch pools, and is reachable by the A Line. The small aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier is good for younger children.
Beaches and the pier
Santa Monica is the easiest beach for families, with the pier, Pacific Park rides, wide sand and lifeguards. Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey has calm water for toddlers. Check water quality first and skip the ocean for 72 hours after rain. Our Los Angeles beaches guide has more.
Parks and playgrounds
Griffith Park has the Travel Town train museum, playgrounds and lots of picnic space. Echo Park Lake has paddle boats. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area has views and playgrounds. Many neighborhoods have splash pads in summer.
Theme parks
Universal Studios Hollywood is closest and has Super Nintendo World. Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm are in Orange County, and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia suits older kids and teens who want big coasters. See our theme parks guide for details.
Free things to do with kids
Free ideas
- Griffith Observatory grounds. Views of the Hollywood Sign and free exhibits.
- California Science Center. Free general admission, with Endeavour on display.
- The Getty Center. Free with a timed reservation; parking is paid.
- Beaches and parks. The sand, tide pools and playgrounds cost nothing.
- Huntington free day. The Huntington is free on the first Thursday of each month, with advance tickets.
Holiday family events
| Event | Dates | Where |
|---|---|---|
| LA Zoo Lights | Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027 (select nights) | Los Angeles Zoo |
| Knott’s Merry Farm | Nov 20, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027 | Knott’s Berry Farm |
| Enchanted Forest of Light | Nov 22, 2026 to Jan 9, 2027 (closed Nov 26 and Dec 25) | Descanso Gardens |
| Hollywood Christmas Parade | Nov 29, 2026, 5pm | Hollywood |
| Rose Parade | Jan 1, 2027, 8am | Pasadena |
See the Los Angeles events calendar for more.
Where families stay
Santa Monica is a popular base for families who want the beach and a walkable downtown. Anaheim works for a Disneyland-focused trip. Hotels near Universal City are handy for the studio park and the B Line. See where to stay in Los Angeles for more.
Tips for traveling with kids
Family tips
- Group days by area. Pair Exposition Park museums, or the beach with the Santa Monica Pier.
- Avoid rush hour. Plan drives for the middle of the day.
- Bring car seats. California law requires them for young children, including in rideshares and taxis.
- Pack layers and sunscreen. Coastal mornings are cool and the sun is strong.
- Book timed entries early. Popular museums and holiday events sell out.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Los Angeles with kids?
Museums like the California Science Center and Natural History Museum, the LA Zoo, the Aquarium of the Pacific, beaches, Griffith Park and the theme parks.
Is the California Science Center free?
General admission is free. Some special exhibits and films charge a fee.
Where can kids see dinosaurs in Los Angeles?
At the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park and the La Brea Tar Pits on Museum Row.
What is the best beach in Los Angeles for kids?
Santa Monica for the pier and facilities, and Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey for calm water.
Which theme park is best for young kids near Los Angeles?
Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm’s Camp Snoopy suit young children. Universal works for kids who like movies and Nintendo.
More guides
- Visitors guide
- Attractions and things to do
- Events calendar
- Where to stay
- Restaurants and food
- Nightlife
- Neighborhoods
- Getting around
- Weather by month
- Outdoor activities
- Beaches
- Theme parks
- Living in Los Angeles
- All Family posts
Photo credits
Featured image: Poole party / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0