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Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids
Los Angeles is a giant playground for kids: a space shuttle you can stand under, dinosaurs pulled from tar pits, beaches with piers and rides, and a park bigger than some cities with an observatory on top. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our West LA Donut Tour is an easy, tasty way to start a family day on the Westside, a short drive from the beaches.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: Griffith Observatory, the California Science Center, Travel Town, the Getty Center, the beach
- Rainy day picks: California Science Center, Natural History Museum, La Brea Tar Pits
- Sweet treat: Our Los Angeles donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Los Angeles, by neighborhood
Griffith Park and Hollywood
Griffith Observatory
FreeFree telescopes, space exhibits and the best view of the Hollywood sign.
Parent tip: Go on a weekday afternoon and stay for sunset. Weekend parking fills up fast.
Travel Town Museum
FreeReal steam engines and train cars kids can climb aboard, plus a miniature train ride.
Los Angeles Zoo
A big hillside zoo in Griffith Park with a carousel and plenty of shade.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
FreeSpot the stars on the sidewalk. Best in the morning, before the crowds.
Parent tip: Griffith Park is huge. Pick one area per visit, like the Observatory, the zoo or Travel Town, so little legs don't run out of steam.
Exposition Park and Mid-City
California Science Center
FreeFree general admission and the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Some exhibits and the IMAX cost extra.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Rainy day pickA dinosaur hall, a butterfly pavilion in season and a nature garden.
La Brea Tar Pits
Rainy day pickBubbling tar pits and Ice Age fossils right in the middle of the city. The park around the pits is free.
Parent tip: Exposition Park has three museums in one spot, so it's an easy full day with a picnic in the Rose Garden.
The Westside and the beaches
Getty Center
FreeA tram ride up the hill, gardens to explore and a family room with hands-on art. Admission is free, and parking has a fee.
Santa Monica Pier
A Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel and an aquarium under the pier.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
FreeSkaters, street performers and a beachside playground. Best in the daytime.
Day trips kids love
Kidspace Children's Museum
Rainy day pickIndoor and outdoor play built for younger kids, in Pasadena.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our West LA Donut Tour walks the Westside with stops for creative donuts and local favorites, plus stories about the neighborhood along the way. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.
Taste Los Angeles's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Los Angeles guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Los Angeles covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Westside
- Morning: West LA donut tour.
- The Getty Center and its gardens.
- Late afternoon at the beach.
- Sunset on the Santa Monica Pier.
Day 2: Exposition Park
- California Science Center and Space Shuttle Endeavour.
- Picnic in the Rose Garden.
- Natural History Museum.
- Dinner in Mid-City.
Day 3: Griffith Park
- Los Angeles Zoo when it opens.
- Lunch.
- Trains at Travel Town.
- Griffith Observatory for sunset.
Los Angeles with kids by season
Holidays
- LA Zoo Lights: a walk-through light show at the Los Angeles Zoo on winter nights.
- The Grove: a big Christmas tree, holiday music and fake snow in the evenings.
- Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens: a glowing nighttime trail in La Cañada Flintridge.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Los Angeles.
The rest of the year
- Spring: mild weather for Griffith Park hikes and wildflowers.
- Summer: beach days and evening concerts in the parks. Plan for traffic.
- Fall: warm and clear, great for the Observatory and the beach.
- Winter: mild days, the clearest views from the Observatory and holiday lights.
Los Angeles with kids FAQ
Is the Los Angeles donut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, the route is an easy walk, and guides set the pace for families. Kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in Los Angeles with kids?
Griffith Observatory, the California Science Center, Travel Town, the Getty Center (parking has a fee) and the beaches.
Where can kids see dinosaurs in Los Angeles?
The Natural History Museum's dinosaur hall and the Ice Age fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
The California Science Center, the Natural History Museum or the La Brea Tar Pits.