Activities for Kids in Los Angeles: Top Picks and Fun Ideas
Los Angeles, a bustling city known for its fame, glamour, and entertainment, also offers a plethora of exciting and engaging activities for kids. With its diverse attractions and numerous options, families have the opportunity to explore both indoor and outdoor venues, catering to the interests of children of all ages.
From famous museums and iconic landmarks to thrilling amusement parks and beautiful gardens, the city is filled with memorable experiences for the entire family. These fun things not only provide entertainment but also foster learning, physical exercise, and social interaction. As you plan your trip to the City of Angels, let’s dive into some of the top activities for kids that you must add to your itinerary.
Indoor Activities
Los Angeles offers several exciting indoor activities for kids catering to their interests and energy levels. One great option is the Kids Indoor Play Area which features venues like Ball N Bounce, Candy Land Indoor Playground, APEX: Active Play Experience for Kids, Wild Child Gym, and We Rock the Spectrum – Santa Monica. These play areas offer a variety of engaging activities, including bounce houses, climbing structures, and toddler-friendly zones which makes it one of the favorite things kids love to do.
Another popular indoor destination is SAMO’s Clubhouse located at Santa Monica Place. Designed by the same team responsible for the Skirball Center’s Noah’s Ark, this free play area offers young children an opportunity to explore imaginative play and interact with a colorful indoor environment.
For budding artists and creators, Los Angeles is a perfect place for several specialty museums and art venues where kids can learn about contemporary art, design, and even automobiles. Popular options include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), MOCA, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Whether a rainy day or a hot summer afternoon, these indoor activities are the best places for fun and educational experiences for kids in Los Angeles. Mix and match these options to create a memorable day indoors for your children.
Outdoor Activities
Los Angeles offers a wide range of fun and engaging outdoor activities for kids. One popular destination is the Descanso Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden where children can explore and learn about various plants and flowers while enjoying the ponds filled with roses, lilies, and trees.
Griffith Park is another great place for families seeking outdoor adventure in LA. It offers various attractions, such as train rides, hiking trails, playgrounds, and the famous Griffith Observatory. Children can spend hours exploring this vast park and enjoying its natural beauty.
For those interested in wildlife, the Wildlife Learning Center is a Los Angeles zoo that allows kids to get up close and personal with various animals such as reptiles, birds, and mammals in a safe environment.
Water activities are also available for families looking to cool off and have some fun. Some popular options include:
- Boat tours
- Water parks
- Aquariums
Kids can also enjoy outdoor playgrounds and activity centers throughout Los Angeles, such as Candy Land Indoor Playground, that provide ample opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.
Educational Attractions
Los Angeles offers a wide range of educational attractions for kids and families to explore. From museums to interactive exhibits, there are plenty of fun and informative experiences.
One must-visit destination is the Japanese American National Museum, located in downtown Los Angeles. This museum will take you back to the Japanese American era to experience its culture. With engaging exhibits and programs, kids can learn about the unique contributions of this community to American society.
Another excellent option for families is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. The museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts, including dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and an impressive hall of mammals. Interactive exhibits and hands-on displays make this an engaging experience for children of all ages.
The La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about prehistoric Los Angeles. Visitors can witness active excavations, explore the fossil lab, and learn about the ancient mammals that once roamed the area.
These educational attractions in Los Angeles provide enjoyable learning opportunities for children, making them perfect destinations for families looking to make lasting memories while enriching their knowledge.
Amusement Parks
Los Angeles offers several family-friendly amusement parks that are perfect for kids of all ages. Universal Studios Hollywood is a popular destination, featuring thrilling rides and immersive experiences based on popular movies and television shows. The park also offers entertainment options for younger children, such as live shows and play areas.
Knott’s Berry Farm is another great option, which combines exhilarating rides with a unique historical setting. From the beloved Peanuts-themed area, Camp Snoopy, to the thrilling roller coasters, there’s something for everyone at this classic amusement park.
For preschoolers and younger children, Adventure City is a perfect destination. This smaller park is designed specifically for littler ones, with age-appropriate rides and attractions that will keep them entertained and engaged.
In addition to the parks mentioned above, the famous Disney California Adventure Park offers a diverse range of attractions for families. With themed areas like Cars Land and Pixar Pier, and an array of rides suitable for various age groups, this park is a must-visit destination for any family trip to Los Angeles.
Another excellent indoor option for kids is Kidspace Children’s Museum. This interactive and educational museum provides hands-on exhibits, arts and crafts, and unique play areas that are designed to spark a child’s curiosity and imagination.
Nature Exploration
Los Angeles offers plenty of opportunities for kids to explore the great outdoors and learn about the natural world. One such destination is the Descanso Gardens, a 150-acre botanical garden featuring various plant collections, including a Japanese garden and rose garden.
Another popular spot for kids to explore nature is the Mother’s Beach. Kids can splash and play in the protected waterfront area or even try kayaking on the Los Angeles River. The beach also serves as a perfect location for a family picnic.
For a more hands-on experience, consider enrolling your child into one of the many nature classes available for kids in Los Angeles. They can learn about animals, engage in eco-friendly activities, or even spend a day as a zookeeper.
Don’t miss visiting the iconic Griffith Observatory, where kids can enjoy stargazing and learn about space and astronomy through engaging exhibits. The observatory also offers amazing views of the Hollywood Sign and the city of Los Angeles.
Finally, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is a fantastic place for children to delve into the world of dinosaurs, minerals, and wildlife. The museum’s captivating exhibits provide an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family.
Sports and Recreation
In Los Angeles, there are numerous sports and recreational activities available for kids throughout the year. The LA Kids program by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks offers over 200 free classes each week, including various sports and physical activities.
The L.A. Kids Sports Programs provide year-round specialized sports camps and clinics at participating LA Kids Recreation Centers. With qualified instructors who have played at professional, collegiate, and high school levels, the program offers quality instruction in several sports, such as:
- Baseball
- Softball
- Soccer
- Basketball
For kids interested in swimming, the Swim LA program is available at various swimming pool facilities throughout the city. It provides affordable swim lessons and water safety education for children of all ages and skill levels.
Beyond sports-specific programs, there are also various recreational opportunities for children in Los Angeles, such as modern playgrounds and splash pads offered by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. Splash pads are particularly enjoyable for younger children with their safe, no standing water play areas.
Arts and Culture
Los Angeles offers a variety of arts and culture experiences for children to engage in and expand their creativity. At Leanna Lin’s Wonderland, kids can participate in workshops, classes, and special events that encourage artistic expression and hands-on learning.
Several drop-in arts and crafts studios throughout the city provide opportunities for kids to explore ceramics, canvas art, mosaics, and painting. These studios allow families to partake in creative pursuits together, fostering communication and collaboration.
Los Angeles is home to many kid-friendly museums that feature interactive exhibits, live animals, and experiential learning. The Natural History Museum, for example, provides exhibits on dinosaurs, gems, minerals, and more, inspiring a sense of wonder and curiosity in young minds.
In addition to museums, the city hosts various arts and entertainment events tailored specifically for children. These events may include live performances, art shows, or workshops, aimed at nurturing creative expression and appreciation for the arts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Los Angeles boasts a myriad of activities for kids that cater to a wide range of interests, from indoor play areas and educational attractions to amusement parks and nature exploration. The city’s rich cultural landscape offers ample opportunities for children to engage in sports, arts, and other recreational pursuits, allowing families to create cherished memories together. With such a diverse array of options, Los Angeles truly has something for every child, ensuring that families visiting the City of Angels will have a fun-filled, enriching, and unforgettable experience.