Family

The Best Family Activities in Los Angeles

Theme parks, hands-on museums, easy beaches, and free outdoor days the whole crew will actually enjoy.

Los Angeles is built for kids, even if it doesn't always advertise it that way. Behind the celebrity sheen is a city of free beaches, sprawling parks, world-class science centers, and theme parks that have been refining the family day out for nearly a century. The challenge isn't finding something to do with children here, it's choosing among the options without spending the whole trip in the car.

This guide leans on the places that reliably work for a range of ages and energy levels, mixing big-ticket attractions with low-cost outdoor days that give everyone room to breathe. We've flagged where to expect crowds, where to bring sunscreen, and where the real value is, so you can build a trip that keeps both the toddlers and the teenagers (and you) happy.

Families with young kidsMulti-generational tripsRainy or hot-day backup plansBudget-conscious parentsTeens and tweens

Good to know

✦Cluster your days by geography. Exposition Park (two museums), Griffith Park, and the Westside beaches each fill a day without much driving.
✦Many top attractions are free to enter (Science Center, Griffith Observatory, The Broad, La Brea Tar Pits grounds), so a great LA family trip doesn't have to be expensive.
✦For theme parks, buy timed or dated tickets online in advance and arrive at opening to beat both the lines and the afternoon heat.
✦Pack layers and sunscreen year-round; mornings near the coast are often overcast ("June Gloom") and can be 15-20 degrees cooler than inland.
✦Always confirm current prices and hours on the official site before you go, as ticketing and seasonal schedules change often.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best free family activities in LA?

The California Science Center, Natural History Museum grounds, Griffith Observatory, The Broad, and the outdoor La Brea Tar Pits park are all free or have free general admission. Add public beaches like Zuma and parks like Griffith and Echo Park Lake for a low-cost trip. Some special exhibits and parking still carry fees, so check ahead.

What's a good age for Universal Studios Hollywood?

It tends to work best for school-age children and up who can handle bigger rides and a full day of walking, though there are gentler attractions for younger kids too. If you're traveling with toddlers, a beach-and-aquarium day or Griffith Park may be a smoother fit.

How many days do families need in LA?

Three to four days lets you mix one theme-park or big-attraction day with beach time, a museum cluster, and a park afternoon without rushing. LA traffic eats time, so building in buffer and grouping activities by area makes a big difference.