Reader Suggestions: Activities in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Address 5905 Wilshire Blvd 90036 Map, Website

The large contemporary galleries at LACMA/Broad Gallery are fun for kids to run around in. Especially on the free admission days, it's a good spot for adults to catch some culture while the little ones stretch their legs. Outside is the La Brea tar pits, complete with statues of Mastadons, very exciting for the 3-6 set. Through the GenNext program, you can get a free membership for anyone under 18 years old, with a free adult companion. more

Americana At Brand

Address 889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA Map, Website

This outdoor shopping center has a playground in the middle of the grassy knoll where you can picnic or just hang out. There are Bellagio - style fountains set to music and often there are activities on the weekend such as puppet shows, live bands, etc.
The place is particularly good at Christmastime - twinkly lights galore and a humongous tree. Of course there's Santa's workshop where you can take pictures and play.
This is California after all so fake is in - meaning - fake snow. Every night it snows. Where else can you wear shorts, eat an ice cream cone and see snow falling from the sky amidst beautiful fake European architecture. more

Griffith Park

Address 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Map, Tel (323) 913 4688 Call, Website

Good for little kids. They have a small train that goes around the park, as well as pony rides that even my cautious 2 year old was excited to go on. They also have a carousel that is supposed to be cool, but check the schedule because it is not always open (it was closed when we were there mid-week). more

Huntington Library and Gardens

Address 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA Map, Website

Lots of spaces to run, walk or stroll. There's admission fee for adults but in the process you can visit several art museums with very interesting american art collections. The garden has several sections: Japanese Gardens, Australian forrest, cactus garden, rose garden, tropical conservatory and an herb garden where kids can smell and taste various herbs.
You can't have picnics on the lawn but there is a tea-house with sandwiches and drinks.
It's a great place for kids to learn about flora. Summers can be hot, so bring plenty of water, so best time to go is spring and fall.
There are some steep hills, but they're all stroller accessible. more

Long Beach Aquarium (Aquarium of the Pacific)

Address 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 Map, Tel (562) 590-3100 Call, Discount Purchase tickets online for a $5 discount. Website

This is one of the most spectacular aquariums I have been to. It's HUGE, so using a carrier for little ones is advisable. Tons of exhibits of all types of sea creatures, has both inside and outside exhibits. Highlights include Shark Lagoon, touch tanks with rays, and a 180 degree walk through tank that is amazing. more

Mann's Chinese Theater

Website

Here's a free place to see lots of your kids' favorite movie characters (especially if they're too young to notice that the characters are a bit dingy...) in front of the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. Older kids will enjoy the footprints of famous actors, and the adjacent Hollywood & Highland shopping complex has plenty of kid-friendly food and a fountain in the main court, plus music on the weekends. Tips: most characters are out on the weekends, and they work for tips, so offer $1 or $2 if you take a photo with them. more

Santa Monica Pier

Address Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA Map, Tel (310) 458-8900 Call, Website

This amusement park built on a very long pier can be crowded, noisy and chaotic. Still, it's an essential part of the Santa Monica experience and kids will enjoy riding the (quieter) Carousel, visiting the bubble man, and even trying a few carnival games. Head to the middle of the pier to watch Trapeze School and to the end to chill out with a picnic and watch the seagulls. more

Third Street Promenade (Santa Monica)

Address 1920 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA Map, Tel 310-319-6263 Call, Location Third Street from Wilshire to Broadway Website

The Third Street Promenade is a lively urban pedestrian shopping area. In addition to shops and restaurants, you'll also find street performers and artists. Most of the performers start to set up at dusk, so this is a good spot to visit just before or after dinnertime. more

Trapeze School New York - TSNY Los Angeles (Santa Monica)

Address 370 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Map, Tel (310) 394-5800 Call, Website

Located on Santa Monica Pier, this outdoor trapeze school (just like the one you may have seen on Sex In The City) is fun for even very young kids to watch. During open sessions, you may even want to give it a swing yourself! Check the website for details about when classes are in session. more

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