Los Angeles Attractions for Families

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Los Angeles is one of the best cities in California, and it has so much to offer. You can’t possibly get bored there. In fact, just the opposite. You might have a hard time deciding which attractions to prioritize since you likely won’t have time to do everything. That’s why I created this list of the top Los Angeles attractions for families.

I’ve incorporated a little bit of everything on this list. From free attractions like hiking and beaches, to some of the many amusement parks and museums, this list of Los Angeles attractions for families should have plenty to please even your less-than-enthusiastic teenagers.

Where Should You Stay?

Los Angeles has plenty of options when it comes to places to stay. You should check out my list of top Los Angeles family hotels. But determining exactly where you stay will probably depend on what your itinerary looks like. If you’re wanting mostly beach days, perhaps choose a hotel in Santa Monica. If you want more of the amusement parks, there are plenty of options near Universal Studios, some that even provide free transportation to the park.

Best Los Angeles Attractions for Families

While it’s completely doable for you to visit many of these attractions on your own, there are also many guided tours that you can book which will include transportation and admission to several of these top Los Angeles attractions for families.

1. Griffith Park & Observatory

• Why Visit: One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., offering hiking, playgrounds, a zoo, and the iconic Griffith Observatory, where kids can explore astronomy and enjoy stunning views of the city.
• Highlights: Griffith Observatory’s planetarium shows, daily programs, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round.

2. Universal Studios Hollywood – One of the top Los Angeles attractions for families

• Why Visit: A combination of a movie studio and theme park, Universal Studios offers exciting rides, shows, and tours. Kids love exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and meeting characters from movies.
• Highlights: Studio Tour, Harry Potter World, Minion Mayhem, and Jurassic World – The Ride. Use the link above to get a second day free when you purchase a one-day park admission.

3. Santa Monica Pier – One of the must-do Los Angeles attractions for families

• Why Visit: You can’t go to Los Angeles without checking out the beautiful beaches there. And no beach is more “LA” than Santa Monica. A classic family destination, featuring an amusement park (Pacific Park), aquarium, and beautiful beach. This iconic pier has tons to entertain kids and teenagers, plus you can spend hours soaking up the sun at the beach.
• Highlights: Pacific Wheel (solar-powered Ferris wheel), the arcade, and the Heal the Bay Aquarium.

4. Studio Tours – Go Behind the Scenes of Hollywood Magic

• Why Visit: Nothing says Hollywood like getting to visit the studios where all the magic happens. Studio tours give families a behind-the-scenes look at how movies and TV shows are made, letting you explore real backlots, sets, and soundstages. It’s a fun mix of entertainment and education and a uniquely Los Angeles experience you can’t do anywhere else.
• Highlights: Walk or ride through famous filming locations, see iconic props and sets, and learn how special effects, costumes, and production bring stories to life. Many tours are interactive and engaging for kids, teens, and adults alike.

Studio Tour Options:

• Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour – A tram-style tour through a working backlot, plus the bonus of combining it with theme park rides and attractions. If you choose this one, you’ll be checking two things off this list.
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood – A guided walking tour featuring real sets, props, and backlots from beloved TV shows and movies. Getting to do walk through famous sets from Friends and Big Bang Theory is a huge perk. They do seasonal events as well, which is how my daughter and I got to walk through the famous Stars Hollow set from Gilmore Girls.
• Paramount Pictures Studio Tour – A classic Hollywood studio experience on one of the oldest working film lots.
• Other Studio Tours (Sony, Disney, etc.) – Smaller or more specialized tours for fans of specific studios and franchises.

5. California Science Center

• Why Visit: Free admission and interactive exhibits make this a great spot for learning while having fun. The highlight is the Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit.
• Highlights: Space Shuttle Endeavour, hands-on science experiments, and IMAX movies.

6. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

• Why Visit: Kids will be fascinated by the Dinosaur Hall, full of skeletons, fossils, and interactive exhibits that teach about natural history.
• Highlights: Dinosaur Hall, Nature Gardens, and the Discovery Center for younger children.

7. La Brea Tar Pits & Museum – One of the most unique Los Angeles attractions for families

• Why Visit: A unique attraction where families can see real-life tar pits and fossils of Ice Age creatures. Watch excavations in progress and explore prehistoric exhibits.
• Highlights: Excavation site, fossil lab, and 3D films about Ice Age life.

8. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

• Why Visit: A large botanical garden with beautiful landscapes, wildlife (like peacocks), and children’s programs.
• Highlights: Waterfalls, kids’ garden workshops, and wildlife sightings.

9. Kidspace Children’s Museum

• Why Visit: Perfect for younger kids, this museum offers interactive exhibits, outdoor learning spaces, and creative play areas.
• Highlights: Physics Forest, Arroyo Adventure, and the Imagination Workshop.

10. The Getty Center

• Why Visit: Although known for its art, the Getty Center is very family-friendly, with beautiful gardens, interactive exhibits, and stunning views of LA.
• Highlights: Family-friendly art workshops, Central Garden, and the tram ride to the museum.

11. El Capitan Theatre

• Why Visit: This historic movie theater owned by Disney showcases family-friendly movies with a little extra magic, like live stage performances before the films.
• Highlights: Special effects during movies, character meet-and-greets, and themed movie events.

12. Celebrity Homes Tour

• Why Visit: C’mon. Who doesn’t want to drive by houses of some of the most rich and famous people in the world? Even if you don’t spot a celebrity, you’ll be staring at the driveway or front door that these people go in and out of every day. That’s pretty cool, and something even my kids would be excited about.
• Highlights: There are many tours to choose from, some that also visit famous crime scenes, filming locations and other notable Los Angeles locations as well.

Bonus Los Angeles Attraction for Families (Seasonal)

If you’re in the Los Angeles area during the fall, a visit to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is a must! It tops my list of the best pumpkin patches throughout the entire United States.

These attractions offer a great mix of fun, learning, and adventure, making them perfect for a family vacation in Los Angeles.

Thinking of hitting up other popular California attractions while you’re on the west coast? I have information on the best hotels near Disneyland, things to do with kids in San Francisco and the best hotel pools in San Diego.

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