LA is known for being the entertainment capital of the world. Although Los Angeles isn’t frequently touted as a kid-friendly destination, there’s actually a wealth of activities that the little ones can enjoy. Culture and the arts reign supreme here, but there’s also a great variety of theme parks throughout the area. Kid-friendly Los Angeles? Easy. Looking for family friendly places to stay, too? We got you covered.
Start with the Basics: LA Children’s Museums
There’s an abundance of museums targeted toward children in Los Angeles, so it may be hard to choose which ones to go to. Two stand out among the wide range of options: La Brea Tar Pits and Discovery Cube Los Angeles.
La Brea Tar Pits
Families exploring kid-friendly Los Angeles can still visit the La Brea Tar Pits while the indoor museum is closed. Follow the paths around active excavation sites, see the mammoth and mastodon models at the Lake Pit, and stroll through the Pleistocene Garden. It’s the world’s only actively excavated Ice Age fossil site in an urban setting, with more than one million bones recovered since 1906. For a closer look, book a paid Insider Tour.
Discovery Cube Los Angeles
The Cube is a wonderful place for children to spend the day learning about the natural world through interactive exhibits and presentations. Exhibits include the Planetary Research Station, a 3D movie theater and a helicopter simulator that takes kids from the heart of Los Angeles through California’s most recognizable landmarks. When you’ve learned all you can, head to Cube Cafe, the onsite cafe for a healthy selection of food that will fill up both parents and the little ones.
Drop By Los Angeles Theme Parks
California is known to have several excellent theme parks, and Los Angeles is no exception. Whether you want to go all out at Disneyland or enjoy some traditional theme park fun at Knott’s Berry Farm, there’s a theme park adventure perfect for your family near the City of Angels. Even the family friendly places to stay in Los Angeles are nearby these parks.
Make Magical Memories at Disneyland
The Disneyland resort and park located just outside LA in Anaheim, California offers up the magic of Disney and all the fun of a state-of-the-art theme park. It’s really the pinnacle of kid-friendly vacations in Los Angeles. Here, your kids can meet and greet their favorite Disney characters (including Elsa and Anna) and go on exciting rides like Haunted Mansion, King Arthur Carrousel and Mark Twain Riverboat.
Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City
For a really fun time without the Disneyland price tag, get some tickets to Knott’s Berry Farm. Knott’s Berry Farm started out as an actual farm in the 1920s. The farm’s claim to fame was the boysenberry, a sweet berry variety popularized by the Knotts. As the farm and adjacent diner grew, the attractions that later became an amusement park grew around it. But despite its humble beginnings, this theme park doesn’t skimp out on rides. Little kids will enjoy easy-going thrills on Pig-Pen’s Mud Buggies while teenagers (and let’s face it, parents) will enjoy thrill rides like HangTime, California’s first dive coaster.
Teach Them About Culture
Travelling with kids should be primarily about having fun, but that doesn’t mean parents can’t get away with exposing them to a little culture. That’s easy when travelling to a diverse hub like LA. The only hard part: choosing the best options!
Explore the Universe at the Griffith Observatory
Griffith J. Griffith (yep, that was his name) believed that gazing at the stars could change your entire perspective on life. Since its opening in 1935, Griffith Observatory has continued to work on this mission to make astronomy accessible to the general public. The kids will love the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, which uses a Zeiss star projector alongside a digital projection system. Inside the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky, there are also a variety of exhibits including a fascinating video installation of a live view of the sun.
Getty Museum and Villa
The Getty might be on your cultural bucket list, but there’s no reason your kids can’t go, too. The Getty staff actually goes out of their way to cater to the little people among you. The first kid friendly stop: a “family room” that’s filled with a soft, room-sized daybed and books for learning. Outside, kids will enjoy strolling through the Getty Center’s gardens. The Getty Villa, a separate campus in Pacific Palisades, houses the Getty’s Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities.
Kid Friendly Restaurants to Try in Los Angeles
Enjoying local cuisine is an integral part of any vacation, even when travelling with the smallest members of your family. Luckily, LA offers plenty of options specifically designed for your kids’ enjoyment. There are tons of options, but here are two that balance grown-up and childhood fun perfectly.
Medieval Times
Medieval Times is a dark ages themed dinner show perfect for kids and parents. Sure, it’s kitschy and involves eating with your hands, but the kids are sure to love it. Cheer for your favorite knight, then enjoy the meal, which consists of roast chicken, corn on the cob and tomato soup.
The Proud Bird
Minutes from LAX, The Proud Bird at 11022 Aviation Boulevard is a top pick for kid-friendly Los Angeles dining. Its multi-concept food hall has several kitchens and a kids menu, giving families plenty to choose from. The Flight Deck Arcade offers classic and modern games for all ages, and diners can watch planes taxi past and see WWII aircraft displays. First opened in 1967, The Proud Bird reopened in 2017 after a 16-month renovation.
Family Friendly Places to Stay in Los Angeles
Kid-friendly Los Angeles? Is it possible to find the perfect place to stay that’s family friendly and meets all of your expectations? Luckily, LA is a huge city with options for everyone. You’d be surprised at just how many family friendly places to stay there actually are.
In these resorts, families and large parties with little ones can stretch out comfortably. Timeshare resorts make the best accommodations that make vacationing that much better. Full kitchens, washers and dryers, as well as multiple bedrooms give everyone privacy and space for that much needed time away from the kids (even if it’s just a second).
WorldMark Anaheim
Close to the family friendly hub of California – Disneyland – WorldMark Anaheim brings the family together while skipping the hefty price tag of a DVC resort. It’s also nearby the Knott’s Berry Farm. Getting to everything on your kid-friendly Los Angeles trip will be a breeze here. And, enjoy the swimming pools, outdoor spas and other great amenities.
Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas
Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas is in Newport Coast in Orange County, 9 miles from John Wayne Airport and 46 miles from LAX. Its two-bedroom villas give families room to spread out, with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, separate dining, living and sleeping areas, and a patio or balcony. The resort has three outdoor pools and a whirlpool, plus Children’s Recreation and a Game Room. For on-site dining, you’ll find La Vista Pool Bar & Grill and The Marketplace.
See More of Kid-Friendly Los Angeles With Room to Roam
Families have plenty of ways to explore kid-friendly Los Angeles, from free telescope viewing at Griffith Observatory on clear nights to free art at the Getty and summer splashing at Knott’s Soak City. After a busy day, a timeshare rental gives everyone room to spread out. Browse rental ads and owner postings across California to find a spacious home base for your family trip.
