Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles

Free admission to one of LA's most iconic landmarks. Interactive space exhibits, free public telescope viewing every evening (7–9:30pm, weather permitting), and the best panoramic views of the city and Hollywood Sign. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows are $10 for adults, $8 for kids. Open late — great for families who want a non-traditional evening outing.

Completely free general admission to permanent exhibits including the Space Shuttle Endeavour, ecosystems hall, and creative world gallery. IMAX and special exhibitions cost extra ($5–$20). Located in Exposition Park near the Natural History Museum and Rose Garden — easy to make a full free day of it. No reservation required for general admission.

Dinosaur hall, gem vault, nature gardens, and rotating exhibitions spanning 4.5 billion years of history. Kids love the hands-on Discovery Center. LA County residents get free admission weekdays 3–5pm. Right next to the California Science Center — pair them for a full day.

Indoor/outdoor children's museum designed for ages 1–10, with climbing structures, a physics forest, water play areas, and seasonal programming. The outdoor arroyo adventure area is the highlight — real creek wading, bug hunting, and nature exploration. Timed tickets required; book online in advance. No cash accepted.

21,000-square-foot interactive museum above Santa Monica Place mall, designed for kids up to 8. Features a ball pit, building zone, art studio, and RE:MAKER space. Easy to combine with a Santa Monica Pier visit — two blocks away. Advance online reservation strongly recommended.

Walking onto the pier is free — you only pay for rides. Pacific Park features 12 rides including the solar-powered Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel ($10) and West Coaster ($10). Unlimited ride wristbands start at $40 online ($20 for ages 7 and under). The Sunset Deal wristband after 5pm is $24.95. Street performers, arcade games, and ocean views round out the experience.

133-acre zoo in Griffith Park with 1,400+ animals from 270 species. The Rainforest of the Americas and LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles) exhibits are standouts. Pair with a Griffith Park hike or Train Ride for a full day. Animals start heading in at 4pm, so arrive early. Online reservation required.

Classic 1926 Spillman carousel with 68 hand-carved horses, right in the heart of Griffith Park. $3 per ride. The adjacent pony rides ($5) are a Griffith Park tradition since 1948. Combine with the nearby Train Rides and a picnic at the park tables for a low-cost afternoon.

Free, dog-friendly urban hike with panoramic city views. The main loop is 3.5 miles with 789 feet of elevation gain — manageable for families with school-age kids. Multiple entry points and trail options from easy to moderate. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and parking hassles. Note: West Trail currently closed due to 2025 Sunset Fire damage.

Free nature preserve with a 3.5-mile round-trip trail to a 40-foot waterfall. The nature center has live animal exhibits and free educational programs. The trail is mostly flat and doable for kids 5+ (some rocky sections near the falls). Free parking. Dogs welcome on the main trail. Check current fire closure status before visiting.

Seven acres of free rose garden with 15,000+ rose bushes of 190 varieties — the perfect free pitstop between the California Science Center and Natural History Museum. Kids can run the paths while parents photograph. Peak bloom is April–May. Closed January 1 through March 15 for maintenance.

Working farm with pick-your-own produce, animal encounters, wagon rides, and seasonal festivals. The Fall Harvest Festival (late Sep–Oct) is the main draw with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and tractor rides — weekday admission $16, weekends $30–$38. The Farm Market is open year-round. Worth the drive from central LA (about 50 minutes) for a genuine farm day.

Disney's own 1926 movie palace showing first-run Disney, Pixar, and Marvel films with live pre-shows, 4D effects, and character meet-and-greets. VIP admission includes reserved balcony seats and free popcorn. A genuinely special moviegoing experience for kids — worlds apart from a multiplex. Check the schedule for themed events tied to new releases.

Free admission makes this one of the best family outings in LA. Kids love the tram ride up, the garden maze, and the family room with art-making activities. The outdoor Central Garden is designed for exploration. Bring a picnic — eating on the terrace with city views is half the experience. Parking $20, free after 3pm.