6 Family-Friendly Activities You Can Do With Your Kids in LA

Los Angeles. The city known as the home to many Hollywood A-listers, a west coast region with impeccable beaches, and plenty of unique neighborhoods, is not always remembered as the place where thousands of families live. Whether you are a resident of Los Angeles or you are planning a visit with your children, this famous city has plenty to offer families. In this post, we will introduce you to just a few of the incredible things you can do with the whole family.

1. Picnic at Griffith Park: Many LA natives and visitors alike typically think of the Griffith Observatory when they hear about Griffith Park. After all, the stately, awe-inspiring observatory is so recognizable and iconic, thanks to famous films like Rebel Without a Cause and the more recent, La La Land. But there’s plenty more to see and do at Griffith Park, in addition to a visit to the observatory. Pack a lunch and enjoy your picnic at The Trails Cafe where open outdoor seating is available at the picnic tables. If you forgot to pack a lunch, you can try The Trails Cafe’s delicious pastries and sandwiches. Walk off a big lunch by taking the kids hiking up to the Hollywood sign for some family photos. Follow that up with a ride on the merry-go-round before checking out the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Finally, end the day at Griffith Park with a relaxing train ride on one of the park’s three trains (either the large train run by Griffith Park and Southern Railroad, the small train by Travel Town Railroad, or the medium-sized LA Zoo Choo Choo train). This park is so impressively large and filled with fun family activities that it even has pony rides for kids at just $3 a ride. The whole family could easily spend the entire day just at Griffith Park. 
2. Catch a Film at El Capitan Theater: Do up a day at the cinema the old-fashioned way by catching a film at the historic, ornate El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, which was first opened in 1926. If you have young children, take them to the weekly “Tiny Tots Tuesdays” showing where films for toddlers play every Tuesday. You can also go any other time of the week and likely be in for a real treat in addition to a great movie. The theater regularly has surprise visitors come in such as live singers and cast members from Disney. The surprise visits are capped off with an explosion of streamers and confetti sure to put a bright smile on your child’s face. 
3. Spend the Day on (or Beside) The Los Angeles River: Though it was long neglected by the city for many years, the Los Angeles River is in the process of becoming an outdoor attraction that brings thousands of people through every year. With its current revitalization taking place, this river has become a hot spot for anyone looking to take in some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful scenery. If you’re interested in taking the family out on a kayaking or canoeing trip, the Los Angeles River is a prime spot for it. If you’d like to enjoy the views of the river without actually going on it, you can bike along the path, picnic beside the water, and even go horse-back riding. Families planning to do some biking along the pathway can either bring their own bikes or rent them from Spoke Cafe. If you’re able to venture all the way down to Frog Spot by bike, foot, or horse, you can take a load off and enjoy some live outdoor music, sip a cool drink, wade in the shallow parts of the river, and just hang with the family and other folks who are spending the day at the Los Angeles River. 
4. Soak up The Sun at The Annenberg Community Beach House: Formally a private, 100-room mansion, this Annenberg Community Beach House is now open to the public and provides a perfect way for families to enjoy the sun, sand, and water (both from the ocean and the marble swimming pool). The beach house sits on five acres of oceanfront property and can be found at the Santa Monica State Beach. Aside from a gorgeous swimming pool and plenty of beach chairs to go around, the beach house includes guest rooms and galleries to explore, a splash pad, kid’s play area, volleyball courts, and soccer fields. The beach house is open year round, however, the pool is only open from May till October. There is no membership required to enjoy all of the amenities at the Annenberg Community Beach House. 
5. See a Puppet Show at The Bob Baker Marionette Theater: One novel experience you can treat your kids to is a puppet show at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, the oldest marionette theater in the country. Children will watch in awe as these majestic puppets come to life in the intimate, colorful theater space. After the performance, the whole family can get a free tour of the backstage area and complimentary ice cream (for the kids) and coffee (for the adults). Who could resist free ice cream and coffee?
6. Get Your Bounce on at Sky High Sports: Anyone with kids knows how they can, at times, have so much energy it seems like they’re bouncing off the walls. At Sky High Sports, the kids can literally bounce off the walls. If you don’t own a trampoline, do one better by taking your kids to this gigantic warehouse that is filled with trampolines. After several hours of bouncing and jumping around to catchy, energetic tunes, your kids will surely have gotten out all their energy and be ready to sleep well later in the evening. 

Looking for more family-friendly things to do in Los Angeles? Keep reading our blog for more information on local events and attractions. If you are in need of an appliance repair, get a hold of us today and we will happily provide you with a free price quote!