I don't even know where to start, LA is such a fun area filled with so many great family friendly things to do! I guess I'll start with the beaches because that is always our family's favorite thing to do.
Santa Monica Beach
The Santa Monica pier is iconic. Sure the rides are a little pricey, but the whole atmosphere has a fun vibe. Explore under the pier then to the left of the pier is a great playground. It's also where Route 69 ends, which is kind of a cool landmark.
Other great beaches in the area:
Point Fermin Park Beach- has a really cool lighthouse. Be sure to check out the Sunken City nearby which is the remains of a devastating landslide
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park- has some fun tide pools to explore
Seaside Lagoon- check out this urban park complete with a man made salt water lagoon surrounded by sand, your little ones will love it!
Pirate's Cove- This hidden beach in Malibu is also the site of the final scene in the 1968 Planet of the Apes movie. Be sure to explore Point Dume State Beach while you're there.
Lunada Bay- see the remains of the Dominator shipwreck
Venice Beach- great for people watching and strolling the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, or rent a bike and cruise the bike path from Muscle Beach to Santa Monica
Hike to the Hollywood Sign
Hot Chelly Ray inspired me with their line, "we'll be dancing on the edge of the Hollywood sign" and I immediately added it to my bucketlist. I'm so glad we finally got to do the Hollywood sign hike, it was a beautiful sunset hike to such an iconic landmark with the lights of LA glittering in the background. It wasn't all perfect, in true LA style it took us an hour to drive 8 miles and I was stressed about getting up there before sunset, but it was totally worth it! The hike up has such beautiful views over the city and even though the Hollywood sign is fenced off so you can't get too close, it is still cool to see it from that perspective. When we did the hike we parked on a residential street to get to the trail head, after doing some research it sounds like they have since closed that entrance. For the most detailed instructions for parking and hiking to the sign, I would recommend checking out this site or this. We did the hike with four kids, our youngest was 5 and although they got a little tired at times, it wasn't too strenuous for them. Sunset really is the best time to go! And while you're in the area, I would highly recommend checking out the Griffith Observatory. Entrance is free and you can use their public telescopes to explore outerspace. There is a fee to watch shows in the planetarium but there is plenty to see as you just walk around.
Visit Hollywood
I have to admit that Hollywood isn't as glamorous as I had imagined, but it's fun to at least go and experience it once. Check out the stars on the walk of fame (my kids like finding Big Bird and other stars that they recognize) and just stroll down Hollywood Boulevard checking out famous spots like the Dolby Theater (reserve tickets to get a behind the scenes tour where the Oscars take place) and TCL Chinese Theater (formerly Grauman's Chinese Theater- you can catch a movie here or look for the hand/foot/ wand prints of the stars of Harry Potter). You can get tickets to Madame Tussauds, Ripley's Believe it or Not, or Star Tours. We didn't do any of those, so I don't have any particular recommendations. We did however go on a Girl's Trip to LA and got tickets to see the Tonight Show when Jay Leno was still hosting. It was so much fun and if you're 18 or older I would highly recommend getting tickets to see the taping of any show. The tickets are all FREE and I would recommend checking out 1iota for all the information you need.
Other kid friendly recommendations in the area:
Universal Studios- always a hit! See how movies are made and enjoy a variety of attractions from rides to live shows. Be sure to do the Studio Tour where you take a tram to visit TV and movie sets (my husband got to do this with a work event and toured the set of Desperate Housewives when it was still on air, I was totally jealous). Or just stroll down City Walk checking out the shops, street performers and grab a bite to eat. Check Costco for discount tickets.
West Hollywood Library- offers a cozy children's area and reading space, a children's theater and story times, along with stunning views of the city through their large windows,
Carney's- for a fun atmosphere, grab a burger and eat in a train car!
Theatre West- check out the storybook theater for kids ages 3 to 9 where they can join in the interactive original productions based on classic fairy tales.
El Capitan Theater- For all your Disney fans, they will love watching a movie or live stage show in this historic theater. Stop by the Disney’s Soda Fountain & Studio Store for shakes or lunch and find new and hard-to-find Disney DVD's in the Studio Store.
The Hollywood Museum- see props, costumes, photos and other memorabilia from TV shows and movies, like High School Musical and Indiana Jones.
Pink's Hot dogs- expect a long line, but fun to eat at this landmark LA hot dog stand that's been around for the past 80 years!
Knott's Berry Farm
Technically part of the OC, I'm still adding this to my LA guide because it is close enough and definitely worth a trip. As my kids get older they actually prefer this over Disneyland (gasp!), great rides for all ages and generally not as crowded or expensive as the other amusement parks in the area. Six Flags Magic Mountain is also a favorite!
Catalina Island
Take the one hour ride on the Catalina Express Ferry and spend a fun day at Catalina Island. Check here for my Catalina travel guide to find some great ideas for things to do there. Ferries depart from ports at Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point with up to 30 daily departures.
Long Beach
Baja Mexico cruise- Several cruise ships depart from the cruise terminal at the Long Beach port. For an inexpensive family vacation and a fun way to travel, I would recommend experiencing the Carnival Cruise to Catalina and Ensenada.
The Queen Mary- take a tour of the historic Queen Mary ship and if you're brave enough, take a nightly ghost tour at one of the most haunted places in America! You can even spend the night in one if the state rooms, definitely one of the coolest hotels in LA!
Aquarium of the Pacific- This place will always have a special place in my heart because it is where my first baby took her first steps! But for the general public, your kids will love all the ocean creatures!
Naples Canals- A hidden gem just south of Long Island. Rent a kayak or take a paddle board tour and cruise along the canal circling the little island of Naples. Maybe even spot a dolphin or see the cove where the Aquarium of the pacific collects "Moon-jellies", or take a Gondola Boat Ride. During Christmas time the beautiful waterfront homes are all lit up for the holidays.
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La Brea Tar Pits- Your kids will love exploring the world's only active Urban Ice Age Excavation site. It is a collection of tar pits right in the heart of LA that has trapped animals from the Ice Age time period, you can see first hand how paleontologists excavate and search for fossils.
Natural History Museum- Be sure to check out the Nature Labs with plenty of hands on activities for the kids and even live animals!
California Science Center- Right next to the Natural History Museum. It is filled with a large variety of exhibits, you could easily spend a whole day here. Your kids will especially love getting up close and exploring the Space Shuttle Endeavor.
Battleship Iowa Museum- Climb on board and discover what life at sea would be like with a self guided tour and great interactive exhibits.
OUE Skyspace- Watch the sunset over the glittering lights of Los Angeles from California's tallest open air observation deck.
Marvin Braud Bike Trail- Rent a bike and cruise along the paved bike path on the shores of Santa Monica Bay
Photo-ops- Just for fun here is a list of really cool spots to take photos around the city
You might like these travel guides as well (click on an image):
I hope you found something new to do on your next family vacation to LA! Let me know if you have any favorites to add to the list!
