For Toddlers: Head to the top of the zoo for some fun at the playground, and of course, make sure you take a ride on the historic carousel.
For Big Kids: Big kids love the carousel and playground too, but make sure to visit the Rainforest of Americas exhibit, which includes fascinating animals like giant otters, a stunning jaguar, and even piranhas!
For Teens: As mentioned before, the L.A.I.R. is a must-see attraction for teens. Other highlights for the older set include the chimpanzees, gorillas, and giraffes.
With a large lawn area, plenty of dining options within blocks, and the immersive and educational Page Museum, the La Brea Tar Pits are a must-visit for anyone in LA!
For Toddlers: Toddlers will love to run around the ample lawn area of Hancock Park that surrounds the Page Museum — just make sure they don’t get sticky from the tar that bubbles up.
For Big Kids: Bigger kids will be fascinated with the gassy lake at the south end of the park, right off Wilshire. Big bubbles of methane burble and pop around the famous diorama of a tragic woolly mammoth trapped in tar.
For Teens: You can spring for tickets to the Page Museum, which includes interactive and immersive exhibits that educate kids about the area and its history. Otherwise, there are excavation sites outside the museum that are free and include educational placards.
Museums & Cultural Stops that Wow All Ages
Not only is the California Science Center free to visit, but it also offers some of the best all-ages activities in LA.
For Toddlers: Discovery rooms are specifically designed for the youngest of kids. These rooms allow kids the chance to pretend to be a veterinarian and participate in hands-on learning experiences.
For Big Kids: Head to Game On! Science, Sports & Play to learn about the connections between science and sports.
For Teens: Teens will love Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear. This interactive and immersive exhibit will test teens’ ability to handle common fears like zoophobia, phonophobia, and basophobia (fear of falling).
The Aquarium of the Pacific has plenty of all-ages activities for LA families. Photo by Kylie Williams
This Long Beach staple has indoor and outdoor areas, allowing kids of all ages to enjoy the exhibits and activities at their own pace. From an outdoor play area to touch pools and traditional aquarium exhibits, everyone will have a great time at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
For Toddlers: Toddlers will love to gaze into the mesmerizing tanks filled with colorful fish, jellies, and sea stars.
For Big Kids: For bigger kids, the touch tanks and outdoor areas will be the star of the show. They’ll also love exhibits like the Lorikeet Forest and the Penguin Habitat.
For Teens: The Shark Tank is a must-visit for any teen, allowing you to walk within a shark habitat. For those who are more interested in the adorable side of nature, the Sea Otter Habitat is a must-see.
Entertainment Everyone Can Get Into
Disneyland Resort is one of the best things to do near LA with kids of all ages. Photo courtesy Disneyland Resort
One of Southern California’s most iconic destinations, Disneyland is specifically designed to appeal to kids (and adults!) of all ages. From the gentle rides of Fantasyland and Critter Country to character photo-ops to thrilling roller coasters, the Happiest Place on Earth has it all.
For Toddlers: One nice thing about Disneyland is that kids ages three and under get in free. If you’re bringing a toddler to the park, make sure to plan with lots of snacks and scheduled rest breaks. And of course, many tots love to meet all of the characters—and who doesn’t love the parades?
For Big Kids: Bigger kids will still love the classic rides but will likely start to be more adventurous with their ride selection and may even be up for Indiana Jones or The Matterhorn. And of course, the Jungle Cruise is a must-ride, as bigger kids will start to get the corny-on-purpose jokes from the tour guides. Another tip for those with bigger kids is to take the boat out to the Pirates’ Lair at Tom Sawyer Island, where they can explore, and you can take a break from the crowds.
For Teens: Disneyland isn’t quite as thrilling as other area theme parks like Knott’s or Magic Mountain, but there’s still plenty of rides and activities to keep a teen busy. Space Mountain is a legendary favorite, as well as Big Thunder Mountain and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. If you have a park hopper, California Adventure offers even more thrills with Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout and the Incredicoaster.
It’s a bit of a drive if you’re based in the city, but Orange County’s Medieval Times is certainly an experience every Angeleno (or visitor to LA) should experience. The gallivanting horses and showmanship of this dinner theater will wow Little kids and teens alike.
For Toddlers: Toddlers are free at Medieval Times if they sit on a lap and share food. Consider bringing noise-canceling headphones, as the show can get a bit loud. Also, don’t forget to request a booster seat if they have their own chair.
For Big Kids: Bigger kids will love the festivities, the competition between rival competitors and their cheering sections, and the novelty of the eat-without-utensils dining experience. If you have a short child, you may consider requesting a booster seat for them as well.
For Teens: Teens will also love the audience participation aspect of Medieval Times, as well as photo-ops and the souvenir shop.
Seasonal Favorites for All Ages
Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Pier
Summer – Santa Monica Pier
Southern California is known for its beaches, and the Santa Monica Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. From Pacific Park at the end of the pier to the historic 1922 Looff Hippodrome Carousel, there’s something for everyone. And of course, when it comes to food, there is typical fair “fare” as well as restaurants like Bubba Gump’s, Pier Burger, and The Albright.
For Toddlers: Bringing a toddler to the beach and pier requires lots of planning—think lots of blankets, snacks, and a good stroller. Besides playing in the sand right next to the pier, the carousel is a favorite, and some rides like Inkie’s Wave Jumper and Sea Planes are perfect for the littlest of kids.
For Big Kids: Pacific Park is even more fun for big kids, with a plethora of rides that will appeal to all levels of thrill seekers. The Seaside Swing, Frog Hopper, and bumper cars (cleverly called the Sig Alert EV) are ideal for kids of this age.
For Teens: Teens will enjoy just being out and about in sunny Southern California — plus this is one of the best places for photos in the city. From the Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the coast to thrilling rides like the West Coaster and Pacific Plunge, they’ll stay entertained the whole time.
Fall – Apple Picking at Los Rios Rancho
Fall in Southern California doesn’t quite offer up the same cozy atmosphere as less temperate locales. However, there are still ways (besides iced Pumpkin Spice Lattes) to get into the seasonal spirit! Apple picking is a great activity that will keep everyone happy, from the littlest of littles to your independent teen.
For Toddlers: They probably won’t do a lot of apple picking, but the orchard is a great place for a little kid to run around and explore. They also have pumpkin picking during the fall—your toddler will love picking their own pumpkin.
For Big Kids: Bigger kids can get in on the apple-picking action, plus they’ll enjoy the horse-drawn wagon rides and press-your-own cider!
For Teens: Teens will enjoy picking apples and learning about the many different varieties that are grown on the farm (32 varieties!). The Nature Trails and Botanical Gardens offer five miles of paths that wind around ponds, gardens, and redwood forests.
Winter – Sledding & Skiing at Mountain High
We’re truly blessed to have year-round temperate weather, but still be a short drive away from some of the best skiing and sledding in the country. There are many options for skiing and sledding in Southern California, and one of the most popular is Mountain High. It’s a family-friendly experience with activities and options for kids of all ages as well as adults.
For Toddlers: Yeti’s Snow Play is the perfect place to spend time with your toddler at Mountain High. It has tubing, sledding, snow play, and more!
For Big Kids: Bigger kids may want to give skiing or snowboarding a try. Trails like Easy Street, Sunnyside, and First Tracks provide the perfect opportunity for your kids to hone their snow sport skills.
For Teens: Mountain High has something for everyone, whether your teen is a seasoned skier or hitting the slopes for the first time. If they’re new, the aforementioned easy trails are perfect for getting started, with progressively more difficult trails available for more experienced riders.
Spring – The Getty Center
After Los Angeles’ “rainy season” (if you can really call it that most years), the skies are clearer than ever. There’s no better place to take in sweeping views of the city than The Getty Center. Perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains, on clear days, you can see all the way to Long Beach, with panoramic views of Downtown LA, the San Gabriel Mountains, Hollywood, and the Westside. Plus, there are incredible art galleries, and the museum itself is truly a work of art. Even if your kids aren’t interested in art, there’s something for everyone at The Getty.
For Toddlers: Toddlers will love the large grassy area to the south side of the museum, as well as exploring Robert Irwin’s Central Garden.
For Big Kids: Bigger kids may be starting to show interest in art, and The Getty is a great place to cultivate that interest. There is a wide range of galleries that showcase different eras, mediums, and artistic movements. Plus, the museum often hosts family events on campus, which will keep kids of all ages entertained.
For Teens: Besides the world-class art, teens will love the photo opportunities at The Getty. Before you head to the museum, take a look at the galleries to plan which galleries you want to prioritize.