From a Travel Agency: The Best Things to Do in LA with Kids
Planning a family vacation to Los Angeles can feel like casting for a major motion picture—there are so many amazing options, and you want to get it just right!
And if you've ever found yourself searching for a "travel agency near me" to help make sense of it all, you know the value of getting trusted, expert advice.
That’s exactly what this guide is for.
As travel planning experts, we’ve helped countless families craft the perfect LA adventure. We know what works for toddlers, what excites teenagers, and what keeps the whole family happy and engaged.
Forget the endless searching; this is your insider guide to the absolute best things to do in LA with kids, filled with our top tips to make your trip a blockbuster hit.
The Main Event: World-Famous Theme Parks
For many families, a trip to Southern California means one thing: theme parks! These full-day adventures are the stuff of childhood dreams and are guaranteed to be a highlight of your vacation.
Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)
The original and, for many, still the best. The Disneyland Resort is a magical destination with two distinct parks.
Disneyland Park: This is the classic kingdom of fantasy and nostalgia. It’s perfect for all ages, but it holds a special magic for toddlers and younger kids who can meet their favorite characters, ride iconic attractions like "Peter Pan's Flight," and watch the fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Disney California Adventure Park: Right across the esplanade, this park celebrates the spirit of California with a focus on Pixar, Marvel, and thrilling rides. Older kids and teens will love the adrenaline rush of the Incredicoaster and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, while younger ones can explore Cars Land.
Expert Tip: Disneyland is about a 45-60 minute drive from downtown LA. We always recommend at least two full days to experience both parks without feeling rushed.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Get ready for your close-up! Universal Studios Hollywood is a real, working movie studio and an action-packed theme park all in one.
Highlights: The main draw for many families is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can walk through Hogsmeade and fly on the "Forbidden Journey." The world-famous Studio Tour is a must-do, taking you through real backlots and soundstages. The new Super Nintendo World is also a massive hit with kids of all ages.
Best For: We find Universal is best for elementary-aged kids and teens. Many of the simulator rides and bigger attractions have height requirements that might exclude toddlers and preschoolers.
Museums That Make Learning Fun
Los Angeles has a world-class selection of museums that are designed to be interactive, engaging, and anything but boring for kids.
California Science Center
Prepare to be amazed! When families are looking for things to do in LA with kids, the California Science Center is one of our top recommendations. General admission is completely free. The star of the show is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, a breathtaking sight that will inspire awe in every member of the family.
The museum also has tons of hands-on exhibits covering everything from ecosystems to the human body. It’s located in Exposition Park, making it easy to pair with a visit to the Natural History Museum next door.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Got a dinosaur lover in your family? Then you can’t miss the Dinosaur Hall at the Natural History Museum. It features an incredible collection of fossils, including a T-Rex growth series with a baby, juvenile, and adult skeleton.
Beyond the dinosaurs, the Nature Lab is a fantastic, hands-on area where kids can learn about the wildlife that lives right here in Los Angeles.
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Now, this place is truly unique. It’s an active paleontological dig site right in the middle of the city. As an LA travel agency, we can’t recommend it enough!
Kids can see the bubbling tar pits where Ice Age animals were trapped thousands of years ago. Inside the museum, they’ll see the skeletons of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves that were excavated on-site.
It’s a fascinating look at the prehistoric world hiding right beneath LA’s busy streets.
Outdoor Adventures & Beach Fun
You can't come to Southern California without enjoying the incredible weather. From iconic beaches to sprawling parks, there are endless ways to have fun in the sun.
Griffith Observatory & Park
A visit to the Griffith Observatory is a quintessential LA experience. Perched in the Hollywood Hills, it offers the most spectacular views of the entire city and the Hollywood Sign. Inside, the exhibits on space and the universe are engaging for all ages, and admission is free! The surrounding Griffith Park is also home to:
The Los Angeles Zoo: A fantastic, large zoo with animals from all over the world.
Travel Town Museum: A charming outdoor museum where kids can climb on historic trains.
Pony Rides: A classic, budget-friendly activity for younger children.
Santa Monica Pier & Beach
For a perfect family beach day, head to Santa Monica. The wide, sandy beach is great for building sandcastles, but the real star is the iconic pier. It features Pacific Park, a full amusement park with a solar-powered Ferris wheel that offers incredible ocean views. There's also a small aquarium, street performers, and plenty of classic boardwalk food.
It's a full day of fun in one place.
Unique Experiences Your Family Won't Forget
Looking for something beyond the big theme parks and museums? These are the unique experiences that can make your family trip truly special.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
For families with kids ages 8 and up, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is one of the best behind-the-scenes experiences in Hollywood.
Unlike a theme park, this is a guided tour of a real, working studio. Fans of Harry Potter and the DC Universe will love the dedicated exhibits where you can see actual props and costumes from the movies.
It’s a fascinating look at the magic of filmmaking.
El Capitan Theatre
See a Disney movie in style at this beautifully restored, historic movie palace on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The El Capitan shows first-run Disney, Pixar, and Marvel films, but it makes the experience an event. Often, a screening includes a pre-show with live characters, music, and special effects that you won't get anywhere else.
Why You Should Use an LA Travel Agency for Your Trip
When you start listing all the incredible things to do in LA with kids, the options can seem endless. How do you fit it all in? How do you know what's right for your family's specific ages and interests?
That’s where a local expert comes in.
We handle the logistics, from crafting an itinerary that minimizes drive time to securing tickets and reservations. We offer personalized advice like what to bring and we are here to help if anything unexpected comes up. Let us take the stress out of planning so you can focus on making memories.
Ready to build your family's dream LA vacation? Contact us at Travel Savvy today to get started!