Looking for things to do in LA with a kid? These 13 activities are PERFECT for family vacations to the city of angels!

It's summer.  And summer means family vacations.  We get a LOT of emails asking about our favorite things to do in LA with a kid.  So, I wanted to share 13 of our favorite LA attractions.  These are perfect for out of towners OR locals.

/ shirts and ears c/o Mouse Vibes /

Things to Do in LA with a Kid

Beach: It's LA….you have to visit the beach, right? Our favorites? Manhattan Beach or Point Dume in Malibu.

The Discovery Cube: The Discovery Cube is a great hands on science museum for kids, they even have a toddler section (two locations, LA and Orange County).

LA Zoo: The LA Zoo is one of our favorite day outings.  They have TONS of free parking, activities for toddlers during the week, and tons of shady benches for eating lunch.  Warning: there are some steep hills within the zoo…..so wear good walking shoes!

LACMA: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is fun for kids AND adults.  They always have interactive exhibits that kids enjoy, they're the home of the famous lamps where everyone takes instagram photos, and their cafe makes the BEST coffee. They're also right next door to the La Brea Tar Pits……perfect for young dino obsessed kids!

The Getty Center: The Getty Center is an amazing museum funded by the Getty family.  Entrance is free, you just have to pay $15 for parking.  Your kids will love taking the white tram up the hill to the museum.  There is an amazing garden perfect for running around and a great family center with activities for kids.  Plus they have bands playing some summer evenings!

Santa Monica Pier: Looking for a bit of LA classic nostalgia? The Santa Monica Pier is filled with bright colors, carnival games, an amazing ferris wheel that will give you a view of the whole coast (if you're brave enough to open your eyes at the top) plus the beach is accessible.

Travel Town: Travel Town is one of our favorite hidden gems in Griffith Park.  This small park is FREE and houses tons of retired trains.  Kids can climb inside them, and there are plenty of places to eat lunch.

Griffith Park: Griffith Park has a TON of cool activities for kids, from great playgrounds to hiking trails to the BEST carousel…..it's worth a visit.
Taco Tour: You can't visit LA without eating tacos.  Looking for the best? Try Tito's Tacos or Pinches Tacos, Kay ‘N Daves, or Mexicali if you're in the San Fernando Valley.

Malibu Country Mart: Insider tip….the Malibu Country Mart is never crowded, has the BEST playground for young kids, and you'll get a kick out of the paparazzi free zone signs posted everywhere.

Paramount Ranch: Paramount Ranch is a REALLY cool state park on the way to Malibu.  It's a model western town, that you'll recognize from a ton of films, and if you want to take a little hike you can hike to the site where they filmed MASH!

California Science Center: If you're in the downtown area…..be sure to visit the California Science Center on the USC campus.  They always have a ton of hands on exhibits and have a HUGE toddler area guaranteed to keep your little ones busy for hours (bonus, air conditioning during the hot summer months).

Disney Bound: How could I not mention Disneyland?  It may be pricey, but it's worth it.  We wrote an entire post about taking a toddler to Disneyland…..feel free to email me for any Disneyland visit questions!

I'm teaming up with the ladies from Mamas and Minis to share travel guides to our hometowns….be sure to check out:

/ sandy a la mode: summer bucket list / chasing davies: summer activities in kansas city / walking in memphis in high heels /

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