Los Angeles is an exciting city for families, where beachside activities, thrilling amusement parks, and unique cultural attractions make it an ideal place to explore with kids. From iconic movie studios to stunning architecture and scenic coastlines, L.A. offers endless family-friendly adventures.
Here’s a guide to some must-see spots for an unforgettable family trip to Los Angeles.
Venice Beach: A Vibrant Coastal Wonderland
A sunny day at Venice Beach is a perfect escape. Walk along the lively boardwalk, where colorful street art and artsy vendor stands create an eclectic vibe. Kids will love the beach playgrounds scattered along the coast, offering everything from climbing frames to slides where they can play while parents enjoy the view. Venice Beach is also famous for its skate parks and muscle beach, adding a unique local flair to this must-visit spot.
Santa Monica Pier: A Carnival by the Sea
Head to Santa Monica Pier for family-friendly fun, with classic carnival rides, including the Ferris wheel and roller coasters, and arcade games that make it a lively place for kids of all ages. With its ocean views and thrilling rides, the pier is an iconic Los Angeles spot and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Universal Studios Hollywood: A Cinematic Playground
As huge Harry Potter fans, we couldn’t resist exploring Universal Studios. Though many attractions cater to older kids, younger ones will still love the colorful themes, interactive live shows, and character meet-and-greets. With older or more active kids, Universal Studios is a treat, but for younger kids, Disneyland might be a better fit. Nonetheless, Universal Studios offers a glimpse into the magic of movie-making that all ages can enjoy.
Tip: with small children, you can better opt for Disneyland, our little one was just small enough to enjoy everything around him, but from 2years old they are probably too small to go in a lot of the attractions.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a mesmerizing architectural masterpiece. Its flowing, stainless-steel structure seems to dance in the sunlight, making it a fascinating stop for families who appreciate art and design. Inside, the hall is home to the LA Philharmonic and offers family-friendly concerts and events throughout the year.
Kids tip: there is a fun playground nearby the concert hall: search for Gloria Molina Grand Park Playground
Angels Flight Railway
During our self-guided walking tour, we stumbled upon Angels Flight Railway, a historic funicular that takes you up Bunker Hill. A quick, scenic ride that’s both unique and fun for kids, it’s a lovely way to add a bit of history to your L.A. tour while giving little feet a break.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): Artful Exploration
For a quieter yet equally inspiring experience, MOCA offers a mix of colorful, thought-provoking exhibits that kids and adults can both enjoy. Some installations even encourage interaction, providing a great way for children to learn about contemporary art in a hands-on way. MOCA is an unexpected, kid-friendly gem perfect for a morning or afternoon visit.
Griffith Observatory: Reach for the Stars
The Griffith Observatory is one of the best places in Los Angeles for families to stargaze and learn about the cosmos. Kids will love exploring the exhibits, watching live shows in the planetarium, and using the telescopes to look at distant stars and planets. Located on the slopes of Mount Hollywood, the observatory also provides incredible views of the city and the Hollywood sign.
Fun Fact: it has starred in numerous movies, you might recognise it from La La Land.
Tip: It can be a hustle to find parking, come before sunset to avoid a traffic jam.
You can see the Hollywood sign from here but we found it way tinier than we expected it to be.
Take a look inside, you can visit a part for free and the building is so beautiful. Don’t miss the Foucault Pendulum, it is a large ball (magnet) which demonstrates the turning of the earth, it is really cool!
Day Trip to Malibu Beach: Barbie’s Coastal Paradise
If you have an extra day, take a short drive up the coast to Malibu, a beautiful beach town known for its pristine sand, clear water, and relaxed vibe. Fans of the Barbie movie will love seeing Malibu up close, where they can play by the sea and explore nearby spots like the Malibu Pier. It’s a scenic getaway that adds even more sunshine to your L.A. trip!
Los Angeles: A Family Adventure Like No Other
Los Angeles offers endless activities that cater to families, whether your kids are beach lovers, thrill-seekers, or mini-architects in the making. From the lively Venice Beach boardwalk to the starry sky at Griffith Observatory, your family will find a perfect blend of fun, learning, and relaxation in L.A.
More time?
Do you have more time? Combine a week-end Los Angeles with a trip to Utah. Find out here our guide to the best hiking trails through this beautiful region!
