LA Guides
Fun Things To Do in Los Angeles With Kids

3 Days of LA with the Family

Jul 6, 2023
Family Studio Workshop at Hauser & Wirth in the Arts District
Family Studio Workshop at Hauser & Wirth | Photo: Mario de Lopez
Share Download
My Next Trip
Overview

The secret to successfully traveling with kids? Keep them moving. With your starting point in the Valley, transport is easy and the nights are quiet. Enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk on the first day, so you can fit in more fun and activities the rest of the trip; and parents get to experience the city too.

NOTE: Hours and opening dates change frequently. Check individual websites for updated information.

Wake Up in the Valley
Primary image for BLVD Hotel & Spa
Primary image for BLVD Hotel & Spa
BLVD Hotel & Spa
My Next Trip
Primary image for The Garland
Primary image for The Garland
The Garland
My Next Trip
Primary image for Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Primary image for Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
My Next Trip
Find More Hotels
Day 1

Fun is Universal. Universal Studios Hollywood, that is. Start the day with breakfast at the oldest Bob's Big Boy in the country. Take advantage of the free shuttle from your hotel and get to the rides, photo-ops and shopping at Universal Studios and CityWalk. End the day with a meal at the legendary Smoke House Restaurant. Kid-friendly, but adults will enjoy the iconic room and crafty cocktails. You've earned it.

Fun for All
Bob's Big Boy
Bob's Big Boy
Bob's Big Boy

Breakfast milkshakes are A-OK at this OG Bob's Big Boy.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Universal Studios Hollywood
Primary image for Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood

Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter and much more.

My Next Trip
Shop Till You Drop
Primary image for Universal Citywalk Hollywood
Primary image for Universal Citywalk Hollywood
Universal Citywalk Hollywood

After the rides, shop for LA souvenirs and more.

My Next Trip
As Seen in "La La Land"
Primary image for Smoke House Restaurant
Primary image for Smoke House Restaurant
Smoke House Restaurant

Iconic watering hole famous for its garlic cheese bread.

My Next Trip
Day 2

Today begins with a trip to the waterfront and ends with Mexican BBQ - how LA can you get? Along the way, you'll shop a landmark open air market and visit Museum Row in the Miracle Mile.

Let's Play Battleship
Primary image for Battleship IOWA Museum
Primary image for Battleship IOWA Museum
Battleship IOWA Museum

Tour the legendary "Battleship of Presidents."

My Next Trip
World Famous Shrimp Tray at San Pedro Fish Market
World Famous Shrimp Tray at San Pedro Fish Market
San Pedro Fish Market - San Pedro

The whole family can dive into a signature seafood tray.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Cabrillo Beach
Primary image for Cabrillo Beach
Cabrillo Beach

Enjoy the family-friendly Cabrillo Beach.

My Next Trip
Saber-Toothed Tigers and Batmobiles
Primary image for Original Farmers Market
Primary image for Original Farmers Market
Original Farmers Market

Iconic open air market with gourmet goods and gifts.

My Next Trip
Primary image for La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
Primary image for La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

Ancient mammoths and saber-toothed tigers live again.

My Next Trip
The Batmobile from "Batman" (1989) and "Batman Returns" (1992)at the Petersen Automotive Museum
The Batmobile from "Batman" (1989) and "Batman Returns" (1992)at the Petersen Automotive Museum
Petersen Automotive Museum

Cool cars from movies and private collections.

My Next Trip
Frogtown FTW
Tacos and more at Salazar in Frogtown
Tacos and more at Salazar in Frogtown
Salazar

Dig into Mexican BBQ in the heart of Frogtown.

My Next Trip
Day 3

Experience LA's diversity with cultural trips to Mexico, China and more - no passport required. Take a ride on "the world's shortest railway," then view dinosaur fossils and the Space Shuttle at two of LA's most famous museums. Finish the busy day with Anthony Bourdain's favorite LA restaurant and a show at El Capitan. You did it!

Go Global
Olvera Street
Olvera Street
Olvera Street

Find souvenirs galore at this colorful marketplace.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Los Angeles Chinatown Business Council
Primary image for Los Angeles Chinatown Business Council
Chinatown

Dim sum and then some in this historic neighborhood.

My Next Trip
Dropping Science
Primary image for Grand Central Market
Primary image for Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market

Iconic food hall with global options for the whole family.

My Next Trip
Primary image for Angels Flight® Railway
Primary image for Angels Flight® Railway
Angels Flight® Railway

A ride on "the world’s shortest railway" is a must.

My Next Trip
Kids playing in the Splash Pad at Grand Park in Downtown LA
Kids playing in the Splash Pad at Grand Park in Downtown LA
Gloria Molina Grand Park

The kids can't resist playing in the Splash Pad.

My Next Trip
Space Shuttle "Endeavour" at the California Science Center
Space Shuttle "Endeavour" at the California Science Center
California Science Center

Take flight at the Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit.

My Next Trip
"Dueling Dinos" in the Grand Foyer of the Natural History Museum
"Dueling Dinos" in the Grand Foyer of the Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Live butterflies, "Dueling Dinos," dioramas and more.

My Next Trip
In-N-Out of Hollywood
Primary image for In-N-Out Burger - Hollywood
Primary image for In-N-Out Burger - Hollywood
In-N-Out Burger - Hollywood

Tony Bourdain's favorite LA burger might be yours too.

My Next Trip
Primary image for El Capitan Theatre
Primary image for El Capitan Theatre
El Capitan Theatre

Enjoy a kid flick with a show in this historic theatre.

My Next Trip