What are the best things to do with kids in Los Angeles, CA?

Some of the top-rated family activities in Los Angeles, CA include San Marino High Swimming Pool, Arcadia Aquatic Center, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Runyon Canyon Park, Dinosaur Farm. We have 187 curated activities with ratings, age recommendations, and parent tips.

What are free things to do with kids in Los Angeles, CA?

There are 93 free things to do with kids in Los Angeles, CA, including Runyon Canyon Park, Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory, Travel Town Railroad, Griffith Park Playground, and more.

What are indoor activities for kids in Los Angeles, CA?

Los Angeles, CA offers a variety of indoor activities for kids including museums, indoor play areas, and entertainment centers. Browse our full guide for details.

Family Activities Guide

Things To Do With Kids in Los Angeles, CA

Discover 187 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Los Angeles.

182 upcoming events →

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Alhambra(3)Arcadia(12)Calabasas(11)City of Industry(15)Culver City(12)El Segundo(11)Glendora(10)Manhattan Beach(12)Pacific Palisades(9)Pasadena(13)Redondo Beach(10)San Marino(9)Santa Ana(10)Sherman Oaks(8)Studio City(9)Venice(10)Woodland Hills(8)

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🎨 Museum

Photo: Marco Cendejas

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

★4.8(14,041)$$

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a treasure trove for curious minds, featuring one of the world's most impressive dinosaur halls with towering T-Rex skeletons and hundreds of fossils. Beyond prehistoric giants, kids can explore sparkling gems, live animals in the Discovery Center, and hands-on exhibits that bring natural history to life. With its engaging displays and interactive opportunities, this museum turns learning into an adventure that captivates children of all ages.

🕑 3-4 hours

🎨 Museum

Photo: S.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

★4.8(7,983)$$9 mi · Pasadena

The Huntington is a sprawling 120-acre wonderland that combines beautiful gardens, world-class art, and interactive spaces perfect for curious kids. The dedicated Helen and Peter Bing Children's Garden features hands-on nature play, a fog grotto, and a prism tunnel, while the expansive grounds offer endless opportunities for exploration, picnicking, and discovering everything from koi ponds to desert plants.

🕑 3-4 hours

Runyon Canyon Park park in Los Angeles, CA

🧗 Adventure

Photo: Joy Ful

Runyon Canyon Park

★4.8(5,579)Free

Runyon Canyon Park offers families an accessible Hollywood Hills adventure with rewarding panoramic views of Los Angeles, from downtown to the Pacific Ocean. The well-maintained trails range from easy stroller-friendly paths to moderate hikes that challenge older kids, and the off-leash dog areas mean your four-legged family members can join the fun too.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours depending on which trail you choose and your family's pace

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden garden in Arcadia, CA

⭐ Activity

Photo: S. S.

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

★4.8(5,417)$$13 mi · Arcadia

The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a magical 127-acre wonderland where kids can wander through diverse gardens from around the world, feed ducks at the pond, and chase free-roaming peacocks. With wide, stroller-friendly paths, plenty of grassy areas for picnics, and endless opportunities for nature discovery, it's an ideal outdoor escape that combines education with adventure for the whole family.

🕑 2-4 hours

🌳 Park

Photo: Amy Hanoa

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

★4.8(4,990)Free8 mi · Culver City

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook offers an exciting outdoor challenge for active families, featuring a famous 282-step stairway that kids love to conquer while counting along the way. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Los Angeles,from downtown to the Pacific Ocean,plus shaded picnic areas perfect for a celebratory snack after your climb.

🕑 1-2 hours (20-30 minutes for the climb up, time at the top for photos and snacks, plus the walk down)

🎨 Museum

Photo: Walt

Norton Simon Museum

★4.8(3,381)$8 mi · Pasadena

The Norton Simon Museum offers a surprisingly welcoming art experience for families, with a stunning sculpture garden that provides breathing room between galleries. While it houses world-class European masterpieces and Southeast Asian treasures, the museum's family programs and manageable size make it accessible for introducing children to fine art without the overwhelm of larger institutions.

🕑 1.5-2 hours

SRF Lake Shrine (Reservation Required) health in Pacific Palisades, CA

⭐ Activity

Photo: SRF Lake Shrine (Reservation Required)

SRF Lake Shrine (Reservation Required)

★4.8(1,258)$18 mi · Pacific Palisades

SRF Lake Shrine offers a rare opportunity to introduce children to mindfulness in a stunning natural setting. This serene 10-acre garden features a spring-fed lake with swans, a cascading waterfall, and peaceful walking paths that help even energetic kids slow down and appreciate nature's beauty. It's an ideal spot for families seeking a calm, educational outing that teaches children about meditation, world religions, and respecting tranquil spaces.

🕑 1-1.5 hours

Culver City Stairs hiking area in Culver City, CA

🧗 Adventure

Photo: Shawn Gong

Culver City Stairs

★4.8(798)Free8 mi · Culver City

The Culver City Stairs offer an exciting outdoor fitness challenge that turns exercise into an adventure for active families. Kids will feel a sense of accomplishment climbing the 282 steps, and the rewering panoramic views of Los Angeles at the top make the effort worthwhile. It's a perfect quick workout destination that combines physical activity with quality family time in the fresh air.

🕑 30-60 minutes (depending on how many times your family climbs and rest breaks)

🌾 Farm

Photo: Raleigh Souther

Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market

★4.8(375)Free29 mi · Santa Ana

The Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market transforms Saturday mornings into a delightful sensory adventure for families, with colorful produce stands, live music, and friendly vendors happy to offer samples. Kids love exploring the vibrant market stalls, discovering fresh fruits and vegetables, and enjoying the lively community atmosphere while parents shop for farm-fresh goods and artisan products.

🕑 1-2 hours

🌾 Farm

Photo: Sam Santiago

Dinosaur Farm

★4.8(194)$7 mi · City of Industry

Dinosaur Farm in South Pasadena is a delightful specialty toy and book store that brings prehistoric adventures to life for young dino enthusiasts. This highly rated family destination combines quality educational toys, dinosaur-themed books, and interactive displays that spark imagination and learning in a welcoming, kid-friendly environment.

🕑 30 minutes to 1 hour

🎨 Museum

Photo: Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum

Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum

★4.8(170)$16 mi · City of Industry

Step back in time at this beautifully preserved 19th-century homestead where families can explore authentic Victorian-era rooms and learn about early California ranch life. The guided tours bring history to life through hands-on activities and engaging stories about the Workman and Temple families who lived here, making it an educational adventure that feels more like time travel than a typical museum visit.

🕑 1.5 to 2 hours

🍽️ Restaurant

Jack Mazur

★4.8(155)$$10 mi · Studio City

There appears to be a mismatch in the venue information provided - Jack Mazur is listed as a carpentry and construction business specializing in decks, railings, and fences in the Los Angeles area, not a family-friendly restaurant. This business provides home improvement services rather than dining or entertainment options for families with children.

🕑 Not applicable