In a city that never slows down, planning a kid-friendly day can feel like stepping onto a movie set without a script. You search “things to do in Los Angeles with kids” and end up scrolling through a mess of crowded options and copy-paste attractions.
That’s why we created this guide. We’ve cut through the noise and gathered family-friendly spots that are easy to manage and full of joy. These outings invite connection. You pack the snacks (or check out these kid-friendly picnic food and theme ideas). We’ll handle the plan.
Best Things to Do in LA with Kids
Los Angeles has no shortage of things to do with kids, but some plans hit harder than others. Tourists usually end up stuck in lines, chasing snacks and wondering why this “family day” feels like a marathon. Locals play it smarter.
The ideas below are predictable picks with the kinds of spots real Angelenos swear by. Less chaos, better energy, and actual fun. Your next LA day just got a glow-up.
1. Luxury Picnic – Palisades Park 🧺
First-Timer Move: Wait in line at a noisy brunch spot.
Local Move: Book a luxury pop-up picnic with Picnic Makers at Palisades Park.
Skip the cramped patio and claim your spot under the palms with curated bites and a beachside breeze. If you love a good scenic setup, this park also makes the list in our roundup of the best picnic spots in Los Angeles.
Let the kids run along the bluff trails or spot paragliders overhead while you relax into a velvet pillow situation that screams, “This is the life.”
For extra magic, schedule around golden hour and bring scooters—Ocean Avenue’s path is stroller- and kid-approved.
Picnic Makers takes this already stunning spot and elevates it. We set the scene with:
- Top-rated picnic blankets and shaded low tables
- Cushioned seating for lounging between playtime
- Grazing boards that turn snacks into something special
- Fresh floral touches for that photo-perfect charm
For families planning their own setup at home, our favorite kids’ picnic tables keep things simple and fun.
It’s one of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids when you want style, space, and stress-free ease. A true favorite among kid-friendly activities, Los Angeles families can count on it.
✨ Book your luxury picnic in LA with Picnic Makers and turn a park day into a standout memory.
2. Scenic Play – Lake Hollywood Park 🏞️
First-Timer Move: Snap photos on Hollywood Blvd.
Local Move: Let kids roam under the Hollywood Sign with room to play and no chaos.
Lake Hollywood Park sits just below the iconic sign with grassy hills, shaded benches, and open space perfect for tag, snacks, or stroller breaks.
It’s dog-friendly, has a small playground, and offers one of the clearest views of the Hollywood Sign without the crowds. Street parking is easy on weekdays. Bring a picnic blanket, scooters, and plenty of water.
A quiet win for families looking for things to do in Los Angeles with kids that don’t involve lines or noise.
3. Garden Walk – The Getty Center 🌿
First-Timer Move: Wander crowded museums with bored toddlers.
Local Move: Ride the tram, walk the sculpture garden, and picnic on the grass.
The Getty Center makes art accessible without overwhelming kids. It also ranks among our picks for the best museums in Los Angeles that work for all ages.
Ride the hilltop tram, then head straight for the Central Garden. Step along stone paths, walk past running water and find space to relax on the lawn.
The garden changes seasonally and always gives kids something to chase, touch, or look at. Pack a lunch or grab bites from the café. It’s one of the rare fun places for kids that keeps both energy and calm in balance.
4. Animal Encounters – Reptacular Ranch 🐐
First-Timer Move: Squeeze through crowds at the LA Zoo.
Local Move: Meet farm animals up close at this private ranch experience.
In the San Fernando Valley, Reptacular Ranch lets kids interact with llamas, goats, tortoises, and parrots in a quiet, private setting. Visits are by appointment, which means no waiting and no crowding.
Parents like the pace. Kids like the freedom to move. Bring a camera and snacks. This is one of those fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles who never show up on tourist maps but always land with families.
5. Forest Trails – TreePeople Coldwater Canyon 🌲
First-Timer Move: Struggle to park at Griffith Observatory.
Local Move: Shady walks, butterfly gardens, and forest energy.
TreePeople gives families easy access to nature without the hassle. The trails are wide, clean, and good for strollers. Native plants, birds, and butterflies show up often.
The center runs kid-focused programming throughout the year, but even on a quiet day, the trees, benches, and distant city views do enough. It’s calm, walkable, and a reliable option for fresh air with kids.
6. Creative Climb – Tongva Park 🧗♀️
First-Timer Move: Paddle boats and pigeons at Echo Park.
Local Move: Artistic climbing structures, ocean breezes, and modern design.
Right behind Santa Monica’s city hall sits a playground with personality. Tongva Park doesn’t shout. It shines. Kids bounce between tunnels, rope walls, and slides that look like modern art.
There are misting towers for cool-downs and quiet benches with Pacific views. Parents can finally sit still without checking their watch. This is one of those kid-friendly activities that Los Angeles families remember for its calm vibe and clever layout.
7. Water Play – Kidspace Children’s Museum 💧
First-Timer Move: General science museum fatigue.
Local Move: Mud kitchens, water tables, and open-air STEM.
No screens. No boredom. No, “Don’t touch that.” Kidspace flips the museum experience and gives kids what they want. Water zones. Trike paths. Dirt to dig.
Science that makes sense when you’re five and full of questions. Parents can sit under the trees while kids figure things out their way. Among kids’ activities, Los Angeles locals trust, this one always hits reset.
8. Calm Beach – Mother’s Beach Marina del Rey 🌊
First-Timer Move: Navigate crowds at Venice or Santa Monica.
Local Move: Shallow waters, shaded lawns, and no waves.
Mother’s Beach is peaceful on purpose. The water stays still, the crowd stays small, and there’s enough grass to sprawl out without stepping on someone’s towel.
You can see the whole beach without standing up. Lifeguards are usually present, and the playground is steps away. For things to do in LA with kids that don’t drain your energy, this one checks every box.
9. Inclusive Playground – Shane’s Inspiration 🎠
First-Timer Move: Basic hotel playground.
Local Move: LA’s most inclusive, creative, and scenic play space.
This isn’t just another swing set. Shane’s Inspiration, tucked into Griffith Park, was designed for every child to play freely. The equipment is accessible, the design is bright and adventurous, and the surrounding trees keep it cool and shaded.
There’s space to run, climb, and connect. For families looking for fun places for kids with heart and thoughtful design, this one’s an easy yes.
10. Storybook Browsing – The Last Bookstore 📚
First-Timer Move: Basic library time.
Local Move: Book tunnels, art walls, and literary magic.
The Last Bookstore is a story in itself. Part bookstore, part art installation, this downtown gem turns browsing into an adventure. Kids love the maze of books, the flying pages, and the cozy reading nooks.
Parents love the photos they’ll quietly take. It’s one of those fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles that feels spontaneous and oddly soothing.
11. Art Courtyard – Hauser & Wirth 🎨
First-Timer Move: Crowded street art selfie tours.
Local Move: Modern exhibits and a sunny courtyard café.
Hauser & Wirth is an art space that doesn’t rush or crowd. You’ll find bright galleries, sculpture gardens, and places to sit with a snack while the kids wander safely nearby.
Exhibits rotate often, and the layout feels open and natural. It’s a smart pick for parents looking for things to do in Los Angeles with kids that skip the chaos but still spark conversation.
12. Skyline Picnic – Vista Hermosa Park 🧺
First-Timer Move: Food court breaks with crying kids.
Local Move: Downtown views, open fields, and stroller paths.
Vista Hermosa Park is small, quiet, and scenic, with city skyline views and trails that are perfect for little feet. There’s a playground, lots of picnic space, and paved paths that work for scooters or strollers.
It’s the kind of spot that gives parents a breather and kids a reason to keep moving. Great for quick resets and easy afternoons. A reliable favorite for family things to do in Los Angeles that don’t require a plan.
13. Ice Cream Stop – Sweet Rose Creamery 🍦
First-Timer Move: Overhyped chain dessert.
Local Move: Organic scoops, retro charm, and Brentwood Market vibes.
This spot is as low-key as it is high-quality. Sweet Rose Creamery serves small-batch flavors made with local ingredients, and the staff genuinely enjoys being there. Kids go for the sprinkles.
Parents go for the salted caramel and the lack of chaos. Grab a scoop, sit under the trees, and let the day reset itself. A go-to when you want kid-friendly activities Los Angeles families can all agree on.
14. Culture Time – Japanese American National Museum 🏛️
First-Timer Move: Time on Hollywood Blvd.
Local Move: Interactive, inspiring, and rarely crowded.
The Japanese American National Museum maintains a thoughtful vibe without being too heavy. The exhibits are personal, visual, and easy to follow for school-aged kids. Temporary displays rotate often, and the permanent collection gives important context through stories, objects, and media.
It’s quiet, well-organized, and easy to do in under an hour. For cultural things to do in LA with kids that actually land, this one earns its place.
15. Pool & Play – Annenberg Beach House 🏖️
First-Timer Move: Wild boardwalks and missing changing rooms.
Local Move: Reserved pool spots, soft sand, and on-site café.
The Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica feels like a private club but stays open to the public. There’s a clean pool, plenty of shade, and beach access without the boardwalk drama.
The splash pad wins over toddlers. The café wins over parents. Lockers and restrooms keep things easy. This is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids when you want the beach without the mess.
16. Nature Train – Descanso Gardens 🚂
First-Timer Move: Do-not-touch garden tours.
Local Move: Seasonal trails, trains, and low-key wonder.
Descanso Gardens gets it right for families. The grounds are stroller-friendly, the seasonal blooms are vibrant, and the Enchanted Railroad adds just enough novelty.
Shaded paths wind through oaks and camellias, and kids are welcome to explore at their own pace. Bring snacks, find a bench, and let nature do the rest. A calm standout for things to do in Los Angeles with kids who like space to wander.
17. City Views – Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area 🌇
First-Timer Move: Park somewhere random.
Local Move: Wide lawns, skyline backdrops, and hidden picnic spots.
Kenneth Hahn gives you elbow room and skyline drama. It has duck ponds, tall trees, and open grass for cartwheels or snacks. Kids can climb the play structures or race down rolling hills.
The views stretch across the city without the usual chaos. It’s one of the most open, quiet, fun places for kids when you want easy wins and fresh air.
18. Interactive Fun – Cayton Children’s Museum 🧩
First-Timer Move: Overstimulating science museum floors.
Local Move: Role play exhibits, social learning, rooftop playground.
Cayton Museum lets kids move and lead the fun. They can dress up, run a pretend market, or steer a ship across a soft blue floor. The exhibits are thoughtful but loose. The rooftop space adds fresh air and room to run.
Parents stay relaxed while kids take charge. This is one of the few kids’ activities Los Angeles families revisit without hesitation.
19. Global Scoops – Wanderlust Creamery 🍨
First-Timer Move: Sugary tourist traps.
Local Move: Thai tea, ube, or churro flavors in a calm corner.
Wanderlust Creamery goes big on flavor without making a scene. The shop stays quiet, and the menu keeps changing. One week, it’s Japanese milk tea; the next, it’s marzipan or sticky rice.
Kids are curious, adults are impressed, and no one leaves sticky and overstimulated. It ranks high among fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles who don’t need a sugar high to succeed.
20. Sunset Stroll – Manhattan Beach Greenbelt Trail 🚶♀️
First-Timer Move: End the day with screen time.
Local Move: Family scooter rides under golden skies.
The Greenbelt Trail runs behind the homes and shops of Manhattan Beach. It’s shaded, soft underfoot, and easy to navigate with kids on scooters or bikes.
Start near Valley Drive and head south while the sky shifts color. It’s a peaceful close to the day that doesn’t rely on screens or schedules. A calm favorite among things to do in LA with kids that ends on a high note.
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Plan Less, Play Better ✨
Los Angeles has plenty of family spots, but knowing where to go makes the day smoother. Skip the noise and try what locals know best, including parks with space, museums that spark interest, and sweet stops that stay relaxed. These picks bring a sense of calm and make room for real connection.
✨ Book a luxury picnic with Picnic Makers and turn a regular day into something worth remembering.
FAQ
What are the best times of year to visit outdoor attractions in Los Angeles with kids?
Visiting outdoor attractions in Los Angeles is ideal in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and comfortable for walking and playing outside. The summer can be very hot, particularly from July through September, making early morning or late afternoon visits preferable during these months.
Are there kid-friendly restaurants near these attractions?
Many of these attractions, especially those located in tourist-friendly areas like Universal CityWalk or near the Santa Monica Pier, have a variety of kid-friendly restaurants. These places often feature menus for children and are accustomed to accommodating families.
What should families pack for a day out at these Los Angeles attractions?
For a day out at these Los Angeles attractions, it’s wise to pack sunscreen, the best beach hats, water bottles, and snacks. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must. If your itinerary includes interactive water features or sandy areas like beaches, consider a change of clothes for kids.
Are there discounted or free admission days for these Los Angeles attractions?
Many Los Angeles attractions offer discounted or free admission days. For example, museums like the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County have free days once a month. Check the specific attraction’s website for details before planning your visit.
How do special needs children accommodate visits to these attractions?
Many Los Angeles attractions are equipped to accommodate special needs children. Facilities like Universal Studios Hollywood, the California Science Center, and Griffith Observatory offer accessible entrances, restrooms, and activities, ensuring all children can enjoy their visit.
What are the best transportation options for families visiting Los Angeles attractions?
For families visiting Los Angeles, the Metro system offers convenient routes to many major attractions, including bus and subway options. Additionally, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and can be especially useful for traveling to locations not directly served by public transit.
Are there any outdoor picnic spots near these Los Angeles attractions?
Many attractions in Los Angeles are close to beautiful outdoor picnic areas. For instance, Griffith Park, near the Los Angeles Zoo and Griffith Observatory, offers numerous picnic spots with scenic views and ample space for kids to play. Another great option is the area around the California Science Center, which features Exposition Park’s Rose Garden.
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