8 Best Places to Visit in Los Angeles With Your Family for a Fun-Filled Trip
There are so many places to visit in Los Angeles with family, whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, interactive museums, or exciting theme parks.
From feeding animals at the zoo to riding a Ferris wheel over the ocean, every part of the city has something to offer.
You can explore hands-on science exhibits, hike to scenic viewpoints, or spend the day at an amusement park.
If your kids love wildlife, there are zoos, aquariums, and even farms where they can see animals up close.
For those who enjoy history and culture, museums and theaters offer experiences for all ages.
No matter your family's interests, LA has something to make your trip memorable.
If you're planning a family trip, here are the best spots to check out.
1. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
A day at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great way to keep kids entertained while learning about wildlife.
The zoo has more than 1,400 animals, including rare and endangered species.
You can watch elephants roam, see playful otters swim, and even meet a Komodo dragon.
Beyond the animals, the zoo’s botanical gardens feature beautiful plants and themed landscapes.
Since it’s open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, you can fit it into your schedule whenever you visit.
2. California Science Center
If your family enjoys hands-on learning, the California Science Center is a must-see.
One of the biggest highlights is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, a real NASA spacecraft on display.
Kids can walk beneath it and learn about its missions in space.
The museum also features over 150 interactive exhibits, including a massive kelp forest tank where you can see marine life up close.
Even better? Admission to the permanent exhibits is free, making it a budget-friendly activity.
3. Knott's Berry Farm
For theme park lovers, Knott’s Berry Farm is a fun alternative to Disneyland.
The park has roller coasters, water rides, and live shows that bring California’s history to life.
Younger kids will love Camp Snoopy, while thrill-seekers can ride GhostRider, one of the fastest wooden roller coasters in the country.
Knott’s also has great food, including its famous boysenberry pie, a treat you won’t find anywhere else.
4. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
If your kids are fascinated by dinosaurs, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is the place to go.
The museum has a massive dinosaur hall with life-size skeletons, including a T. rex.
Families can also explore exhibits on Earth's history, gemstones, and even live insects.
With over 35 million specimens, this museum has enough to keep kids of all ages engaged.
5. Griffith Park
If your family enjoys the outdoors, Griffith Park is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and exploring.
The park has trails for all skill levels, including some that lead to the famous Hollywood Sign.
It's also home to several attractions, like the Los Angeles Zoo and the Griffith Observatory, making it easy to plan a full day of fun.
Bring a picnic, let the kids run around, and enjoy the fresh air.
6. Kidspace Children's Museum
For younger kids, Kidspace Children’s Museum offers interactive play and hands-on learning.
Designed for children ages 1 to 11, it features water play areas, climbing structures, and an outdoor nature park.
Kids can dig for fossils, explore science exhibits, and create art projects.
It’s a place where learning feels like play, making it a great stop for families with toddlers and elementary-aged kids.
7. Griffith Observatory
Even if your kids aren’t into space, Griffith Observatory is worth visiting for the view alone.
From the observatory, you can see downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, and even the ocean on a clear day.
Inside, families can explore space exhibits, look through telescopes, and watch live shows in the planetarium.
Since admission to the observatory is free, it’s an easy and affordable addition to any LA trip.
8. Santa Monica Pier
For classic LA beach vibes, head to the Santa Monica Pier.
It has carnival rides, arcade games, and ocean views all in one spot.
Pacific Park, the pier’s amusement park, has a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and fun rides for kids of all ages.
There are also plenty of food stalls, souvenir shops, and street performers to keep things lively.
It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re playing games or just soaking up the sun.
More Places to Visit in Los Angeles With Family
Beyond the big attractions, there are plenty of other family-friendly places to explore.
Los Angeles Public Library – A quiet spot with a huge book collection and fun events for kids.
Descanso Gardens – A beautiful garden with walking trails, perfect for a relaxing break.
Underwood Family Farms – A working farm where kids can feed animals, pick fruit, and go on hayrides.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – A water park with slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river for hot summer days.
STAR Eco Station – A wildlife rescue center where families can learn about exotic animals.
We Rock The Spectrum – An indoor gym designed for kids of all abilities, with climbing areas and sensory-friendly activities.
El Capitan Theatre – A historic movie theater known for Disney screenings and live performances.
California Theater of Performing Arts – A great spot for families who love live theater.
Van Buren Drive-In Theatre – A fun, retro way to watch a movie from your car.
Mr. Brainwash Car Museum – A unique museum featuring animation and pop culture exhibits.
Annenberg Community Beach House – A family-friendly beach house with a pool, play areas, and ocean access.
There’s no shortage of places to visit in Los Angeles with family.
Whether you’re exploring nature, riding roller coasters, or learning something new, there’s something for everyone.
Plan Your Family Adventure With Travel Savvy
Planning a trip with family can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
At Travel Savvy, we take care of the details so you can focus on making memories.
From finding the best family-friendly attractions to booking hotels and activities, we make your trip stress-free.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, theme park thrills, or interactive museums, we’ll help you create the perfect LA itinerary.
Let’s make your next family vacation unforgettable.
Start planning today. Contact Travel Savvy for expert travel planning!