The 20 best things to do in Los Angeles with kids

What is it? Plenty of pumpkin patches in and around L.A. that guarantee a gourd time.

Why go? Whether you just want to pick up your squash and go, visit with a llama or take a mini train ride, there’s a patch to suit your fancy. Or take a day trip to a full-on farm, where you can pick your own pumpkin right from the vine, play family-friendly games, take tractor rides and even try to find your way through a homegrown corn maze. Then take home your bounty and turn it into a jack-o’-lantern or pumpkin pie.

Don’t miss: Three kid-friendly pumpkin-filled walks, where all the decorating has already been done for you. Stroll past hundreds of illuminated jack-o’-lanterns and Halloween decor at Descanso Gardens’ Carved, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns at South Coast Botanic Garden or Night of the Jack at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas.

What is it? A downright can’t-miss historic institution for all ages that spans over 35 million artifacts and specimens from the dino age until now. It’s educational storytelling at its finest.

Why go? Kids love it, parents love it—even teenagers admit it’s “pretty chill.” Expect life-size dino skeletons, 300-plus fossils, world-famous wildlife dioramas, a gem and mineral hall, and botanical gardens where kids can get their wiggles out. My toddler spent a whole hour at the Discovery Center on the second floor digging fossils, coloring “dinosaur skin” and gleefully saying “yuck” to the live insect displays. More incentive? L.A. County residents get in free weekdays from 3 to 5pm, and kids two and under are always free.

Don’t miss: The creepy-crawly Spider Pavilion, which requires an extra ticket on top of general admission but is totally worth it. The Dinosaur Encounters show brings realistic T. rex and triceratops puppets to the museum floor—this was my son’s favorite!

What is it? A legit Ice Age time capsule, right off Wilshire Boulevard. The tar pits have preserved mammoths, saber-toothed cats and other prehistoric creatures for thousands of years—and paleontologists are still digging up fossils today. Inside the museum, you’ll find interactive exhibits that bring primeval L.A. to life.

Why go? It’s not every day you get to see real fossils being unearthed in the middle of a city. Kids and adults alike will love watching scientists at work, checking out massive prehistoric skeletons and stepping into a piece of L.A.’s deep history.

Don’t miss: The Ice Age Encounters multimedia show, where a life-size, moving and roaring saber-toothed cat brings the fossils to life (it’s kind of creepy, but in the best way). Also, the Titans of the Ice Age 3-D film ties everything together, putting all those skeletons and tar pits into perspective for curious little minds. Both are $8 extra on top of general admission.

What is it? A massive, world-class aquarium in Long Beach that immerses you in the wonders of marine life, with over 100 exhibits, 19 major habitats and a staggering 12,000 animals from across the Pacific Ocean.

Why go? The sheer scale alone makes it worth the trip—glowing jellyfish, playful sea otters and a massive shark lagoon teeming with blacktip reef sharks, sand tigers and more. With daily shows, hands-on encounters and a prime spot by the harbor, it’s an easy day out with a scenic waterfront dinner to cap it off.

Don’t miss: Roll up your sleeves and dip your hands into the shark and ray touch pool—because when else do you get to pet a shark? Then, grab a cup of nectar and let the lorikeets land right on your arm (or head) as they sip their sugary treat.

What is it? Colorful holiday displays that light up in mid-November and stay illuminated through the end of the year.

Why go? It’s the best way to get in the holiday spirit here on the West Coast—even if it’s still warm in December. In between dozens of family-friendly Christmas events and festive movie screenings, take the time to check out a handful of ticketed events at L.A.’s botanical gardens, as well as some twinkling neighborhoods, which you can visit for free. Bundle up and take a stroll with some hot cocoa in hand. Prices for the ticketed events can be pretty steep, so consider a mid-week visit for a few dollars off.

Don’t miss: Two of our favorite free displays: Christmas Tree Lane, a century-old tradition that decks out a stretch of evergreens in Altadena—which are still standing tall post-Eaton Fire—in lights, as well as the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, where 70 dazzlingly decorated boats glide through the marina. This year’s pirate-themed parade will take place December 13.

What is it? Smack dab in the middle of Griffith Park, the iconic L.A. Zoo is home to over 1,700 animals, from towering giraffes to colorful birds and everything in between.

Why go? Giraffes, gorillas, tigers and a reptile house—you might even spot elephants if you’re lucky (they don’t always make an appearance). It’s hard to believe that this wildlife oasis is just 15 minutes from Hollywood and right off the 5 and 134 freeways, both of which you won’t even hear while you’re “ooing” and “ahhing” at the occasional roaming peacock.

Don’t miss: Speaking of Christmas lights, the zoo hosts one of the city’s most fun displays every year. L.A. Zoo Lights, a colorful, charming trail that celebrates the zoo’s natural inhabitants with animal lanterns, will return from November 13 to January 11. 

What is it? A 3.5-acre museum in Pasadena where kids (geared toward those 10 and under) can climb, splash, tinker and explore all things physics. With 40-plus hands-on exhibits, daily activities and monthly events, it’s all about learning through play (the best way to do it).

Why go? This is hands-down one of my favorite interactive play spaces for kids in L.A. (and we’ve been to a lot of places). Kids can launch water bottle rockets at the mini “campground,” climb all kinds of things, splash around in water play zones, zip around a tricycle track, make music and race toy cars on indoor tracks. It’s the ultimate playground. Bonus: The on-site café serves healthy, kid-friendly eats (think dino-shaped sandwiches) that actually taste good for parents, too.

Don’t miss: Roll up your sleeves at the Muddy Boot Farm, where little farmers can “harvest” plastic veggies, weigh their crops and run a pretend farm stand. There’s even a chicken coop with oversized eggs for extra fun.

What is it? Game On! is a new interactive exhibit at the California Science Center all about the science of sports, movement and play.

Why go? You’ll swing, leap, kick and climb through hands-on challenges with virtual coaching from L.A. athletes, all the while learning how science powers athletic performance and keeps bodies moving at their best. Exhibit admission is free (though there’s a small fee for the rock climbing experience).

Don’t miss: Hit a simulated 60-mph pitch, train like a soccer pro, swim virtually with a para athlete and sharpen your focus with breath and vision exercises.

What is it? A historic landmark that holds pride of place perched atop Los Angeles (and in the backdrop of many a film), where science, space and stunning views meet. Tourists, it also offers one of the best views of the Hollywood Sign.

Why go? Curious minds will love exploring the wonders of space and running around the park (great for a family hike or a picnic). You’ll get to see the city from a whole new perspective, and the observatory’s exhibits are super kid-friendly and hands-on. Entry is free, and while the half-hour planetarium shows require a ticket ($10 for adults, $6 for kids and free for ages four and under), they’re definitely worth checking out too.

Don’t miss: Peeking through the 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope! It’s free to use every night when the observatory is open (Tue–Sun) and the sky is clear.

What is it? A classic L.A. landmark with a mini amusement park, a towering Ferris wheel and nonstop coastal views. Packed with rides, games and kid-friendly attractions, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Why go? It’s got everything kids love—carnival rides, arcade games, a small aquarium and sweet treats galore—without being a total headache for parents. Plus, the beach is right there for a quick dip, and Third Street Promenade is just a short stroll away for shopping and dining.

Don’t miss: The historic, hand-carved carousel (housed in the Looff Hippodrome) that’s been spinning for over a century. It’s pure nostalgia and a guaranteed hit for kids (and kids at heart).