Family Activities in Los Angeles
Despite its glitzy image, Los Angeles actually provides many activities that are appropriate for the whole family. From taking advantage of beautiful Southern California beaches to soaking in some culture, families of all budgets are sure to have a great time across L.A.
Affordable Fun: When the weather’s nice, almost anything outdoors can mean hours of fun for the whole family. Head to the coast in Venice or Santa Monica with the family’s bikes, trikes, rollerblades and scooters or rent some there at one of the many rental stores along Santa Monica and Venice’s beaches. There are wide bike lanes along the beach, with incredible views of the ocean on one side and colorful Venice Beach vendors and street performers on the other.
For those who are more dexterous on their feet, the Los Angeles area provides many beautiful hikes, many of which end in breathtaking views of the city. Griffith Park provides a trail that leads all the way up to the iconic Hollywood sign, which has been there since 1923. Be prepared to sweat a bit during the five mile hike — the trail is challenging. Free parking is available in some of the park’s lots as well, so all you’ll need is comfortable shoes and a snack or two.
After a long, hot day of riding and hiking, an evening movie screening under the stars is perfect for unwinding with the kids. Hollywood Forever cemetery, the most famous cemetery in L.A. and resting place of some of Hollywood’s old screen legends, shows free movies on Saturday nights during the summer (and sometimes special screenings throughout the year, like this year’s “Carrie” screening on Halloween). Pay just $5 for parking, and the rest is up to you — picnics and blankets are encouraged, although tall chairs and dogs are not.
Mid-Priced Fun: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA, provides year-long activities for pint-sized visitors and lots of great exhibits for adults as well. Admission is free for those 17 and under as well as an accompanying adult, and on any given weekend you can find art camps or kids’ art exhibits on the gorgeous grounds. For a break, stroll over to the La Brea Tar Pits, right next to the museum. With fascinating fossils continuously being unearthed from the pits, the location is a sight to behold, and the adjoining Page Museum provides lots of information about each fossil.
If staying near the beach is a top priority, the kids will love visiting the Santa Monica Pier. The historic pier provides a truly kid-friendly experience, with arcade games, cotton candy and plenty of children’s rides. The pier’s famous Ferris Wheel is a fixture of the beach skyline and has recently been revamped with eye-catching LED lights that dance after dark. The rides and games require tickets, which can add up, but there’s no admission fee and the city-run parking structures nearby often offer two hours of free parking.
Fun Splurges: Those with big budgets and an itch for adventure should stay on the beach and get a surf lesson, either privately or in classes. There are plenty of surf schools in the Santa Monica and Malibu areas, including Surfing L.A. and Islands Surf Camp. The companies usually offer surf camps that run through the summer months, or private lessons. For those who feel that they can go it alone, surf shops including ZJ Boarding House on Main St. in Santa Monica offer board rentals.
For a more low-key approach to luxury tourism, try a helicopter tour with a company like Celebrity Helicopters, with tours starting at around $90. For a bit more, passengers can sip on champagne while taking in the sights. The VIP package even picks you up from your restaurant! To step things up a bit, book a tour with Black and White Biplane, where you can sit in an open cockpit as it soars and dips over the ocean around Malibu and West Los Angeles. The only catch is that only two people can go on the plane with the pilot at once. The company’s packages start at $319.