Does your family crush weekly movie night? Are you first in line for major blockbusters? Have your kids sought out behind-the-scenes YouTube videos? If this sounds like your crew, then make a Hollywood studio tour your next fun family activity, whether you’re local to SoCal or visiting LA for the first time.
On Hollywood studio tours, you’ll visit the real shooting locations from some of your favorite films and TV shows, learn backstage tricks of the trade, and maybe even spot the cast or crew of a current production. But not all movie studio tours are created equal, and no parent wants to hear a whiny “when will this be ovvvveerrrr?” after you’ve plunked down a hefty ticket price. That’s why we’ve compared the four LA studio tours: Warner Bros., Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, and Sony Pictures to identify the best Hollywood studio tours for families. Kid-tested and approved!
At a Glance: The Best Hollywood Studio Tours in Los AngelesBest overall studio tour for families: Warner Bros. Best for younger kids: Universal Studio Tour Best for older kids and tweens: Sony Pictures Tour Best for movie and TV fans: Paramount Pictures Studio Tour Best Hollywood studio tour for Harry Potter fans: Warner Bros. Best for first-time LA visitors: Warner Bros. Best value: Sony Pictures
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What to Know Before Booking Kid-Friendly Studio Tours in Los Angeles
For peak times like school holidays, book about a month in advance. Keep in mind that most studio tour tickets are nonrefundable, but if you’re flexible, you can find last-minute tickets. When calculating price, factor in parking, which can be a significant expense–$20 at Warner Bros. and Paramount, $40 at Universal, free at Sony.
Insider tip: The Warner Bros. tour is my top recommendation because it hits the sweet spot between fun and informative. Sony is a great backup if you want to save money or combine your tour with a beach day, since it’s the only studio on the west side of Los Angeles.
Hang with Friends at Warner Bros. Photo by Amy Wruble
1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour – Burbank, CA
Ages 5+
3 hours
After a brief introduction to the studio’s history, families board a guided tram to see the studio backlot, featuring a classic New York City street (you’ll think you’re on the East Coast) and an entire neighborhood that can be customized to look like any small-town USA setting. There are some fabulous photo ops; it’s a thrill to sit on the Friends couch in front of the famous fountain, and my girls enjoyed twirling around the Gilmore Girls gazebo. The tram ride lasts about an hour, then you continue on foot for self-guided exploration, starting at the indoor Friends set. I loved this part more than my kids did. Not only can you order a real coffee and snack at Central Perk, but also kick back in Joey and Chandler’s Barca loungers! More into Sheldon than Ross? There’s also a Big Bang Theory set to explore. Bazinga!
Next up are props and costumes from major movies, including DC superheroes. Even if your kid’s more of a Marvel fan, it’s hard not to be impressed by the Bat suits and Batmobile. The final — and, some might say, best part of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter; it’s packed with artifacts from the movies (including Fantastic Beasts) and multiple hands-on experiences. I’d recommend letting the kids be surprised, but between us, a talking sorting hat will choose your house, a mandrake will scream if you yank on it, and you’ll even learn potion-making and wand choreography. For an extra fee, Harry Potter fans can film a broom-flying video via green screen, which makes a pretty great souvenir slash Instagram post.
Despite being the longest tour at three hours, my kids were never bored on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour because there was so much to see, do, and touch. It works on the film-fantastic level too, if you want to dig into the nuts and bolts of motion capture, voice-over acting, and costume design. Don’t be shocked if your child leaves the tour as a future film major!
Insider Tips: If your kids haven’t seen Friends yet, watching even one episode before the tour will up the “wow” factor. And don’t forget! Warner Bros. sometimes offers SoCal residents tickets at a reduced rate, so be sure to check.
2. Sony Pictures Studio Tour – Culver City, CA
Ages 12+
2 Hours
This low-key movie studio tour is the least well-known of all the Hollywood Studio Tours, but several exhibits have prime kid appeal. And although the age limit says 12 and up, I was able to bring my 10-year-old without issue. Keep in mind there’s no tram, so you’re on your feet for about two hours. You know your kid: if they can hold it together for a two-hour walking tour, it’s probably safe to bring them.
The Sony Pictures tour kicks off in the Studio Museum, which features props and costumes from movies like Jumanji and Groundhog Day. A highlight is the Spider-Man area, where my kiddos enjoyed lying down inside a chalk outline to pose as a body. Before you leave the building, you’ll see a brief film montage about the history of Sony, which is a nice opportunity to rest, especially for kids who don’t like standing around.
As you head outside, there’s a fantastic display for Ghostbuster fans that includes the Ecto-1, the facade of the Ghostbusters’ firehouse/office, and a model of Slimer, the green ghost: photo ops galore! (Other exhibits, like Seinfeld’s kitchen and Walter White’s van from Breaking Bad, are fun for adults but may be unfamiliar to kids.) You’ll also pop into some soundstages, including where The Wizard of Oz was filmed, and real production departments like the cluttered and fascinating Foley studio, where artists create sound design using practical items like shoes, tires, and even vegetables. We could have stayed there all day.
The Sony Pictures Tour ends with a visit to the Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune sets. My kids loved sitting in the audience seats and seeing how small the game show sets look IRL compared to on TV. Our family posed for a photographer on the Jeopardy set, and we were pleasantly surprised that the digital image was included in our ticket price.
Insider Tip: You can’t visit the game show sets when they’re in use, so check the taping schedules before you book your tour. Jeopardy typically tapes Tuesday/Wednesday, while Wheel of Fortune varies Tuesday through Friday.
The Paramount studio tour is full of movie props. Photo by Amy Wruble
3. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour – Hollywood, CA
Ages 10+
2 Hours
For the true Hollywood glamour experience, you can’t beat Paramount Studios. The iconic Bronson Gate has been featured in many movies, the Hollywood sign peeks out over the soundstages, and it’s the only studio actually located in Hollywood proper. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot on the Paramount Tour that will hold most kids’ interests, as it’s heavy on stories about the olden days: think The Godfather, Star Trek, and Lucy & Desi. The tour opens on a high note with everyone getting to hold a real Oscar statuette (they’re heavy!). But after that, it’s a two-hour cart ride with occasional stops to look around the stages and backlot, including Paramount’s New York street (every studio has one).
One unique feature of the Paramount tour is that your guide shows clips of the movies and TV shows they’re referencing, bringing the behind-the-scenes stories to life. But with just one iPad on a 7-person cart, I recommend having the kids sit near the front for the best visibility. A prop warehouse is the last stop on the tour, and it’s filled with a few recognizable items from Transformers and Star Trek. Although I’d rank the Paramount studio tour last for kid-friendliness, it gets points for its dreamy setting and being well-located near other Hollywood attractions.
Insider Tip: Each cart can only hold 7 guests, so if you have a large family, you can dominate this tour and focus all your questions on the kids’ interests.
4. Universal Studios Tour – Universal City, CA
All ages
1 Hour
This “world-famous” attraction is both the oldest and best-known studio tour in town. You might have seen it depicted on Hacks, The Muppet Movie, or even The Simpsons. But don’t go into this tour expecting a deep dive behind the scenes. Universal’s Studio Tour is more of an amusement park ride than an in-depth look at a working Hollywood studio. Or, as locals know, it’s what you do at Universal Studios when you’re exhausted and want to sit on a breezy tram ride for an hour. I wouldn’t book a pricey day at Universal just for the studio tour, but if you’re already planning a day at the theme park, I absolutely recommend adding the Universal Studios Tour to your list of attractions.
You’ll board a four-car tram hosted by a live tour guide and also featuring pre-taped clips from Jimmy Fallon. The ride takes you through Universal’s back lot, where you might recognize Courthouse Square from Back to the Future, or Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane. Then, things get weird, in the best possible way. A digital King Kong and angry dinosaurs “attack” the tram. A subway station “earthquake” gives you a good shake. The shark from Jaws may swim up and bare his teeth. The tour varies a bit day to day, but you can expect several big special effects moments. And although there’s no age minimum, heads up that it can seem scary to little ones.
Insider tip: You can’t exit the tram during the hour-long ride, so make a potty stop beforehand (Note: stroller parking is available near the tram entrance)!
What Should Parents Know Before Taking a Hollywood Studio Tour With Kids?
While I’m a huge fan of taking kids on LA movie studio tours, these tours are best for school-aged kids, tweens, and teens, and are not intended for babies and toddlers. The exception is Universal Studios, where you can include your youngest. Studio tours do have age minimums, but they won’t card your children. They will card you, however. Studios are careful about their security, so adults should always bring photo ID. An important thing to know about Hollywood movie studio tours is that guides adjust their stops daily based on what their backlots are busy filming. This means the tour is a little different every time. I think that makes things more exciting, but be careful not to over-promise on the details before you go.
How Do I Decide Which Studio Tour to Book?
I recommend booking the lowest-priced tour each studio offers. All studios offer upgrades for longer, pricier VIP tours, but I wouldn’t recommend booking one with kids! One to three hours is plenty. Speaking of timing, you should arrive 15 minutes early to check in; any earlier and you’ll just be standing around. Definitely don’t be late, especially for a tram tour, or you might miss your ride. All tours operate rain or shine, and luckily we don’t get much rain in Los Angeles. If you’re hoping to spot a celebrity on the lot, you have a better chance on a weekday when TV shows are shooting. (If you prefer weekends, note that only Warner Bros. and Universal offer tours on Saturdays and Sundays.) My kids didn’t see any stars in the flesh this time around, but 20 years ago, I saw Will Smith at Sony, so I know it’s possible!
What to bring on a Hollywood movie studio tour
Definitely bring your phone; you’ll want to get great family photos on a Hollywood studio tour. Just be aware that videos may not be allowed, and you can’t photograph some areas because — spoilers! Water bottles and a small snack are generally fine, but you might have to leave them outside if you’re entering a working soundstage; no crumbs on set. Avoid bringing large bags, and know security may check your purse. As I mentioned, adults need their photo ID’s, while kids need a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast so they can be their best selves.
What Must-See Hollywood Attractions Should You Pair With a Studio Tour?
Movie lovers who want to double down on the fun should make a beeline to the Academy Museum, which has an outstanding collection of movie costumes, props, Oscars, and Hollywood stories. My kid always plops down next to a wild display of wigs, mustaches, and prosthetic noses to watch a behind-the-scenes video about the art of movie makeup. Directly across the street from the Academy Museum is the Peterson Auto Museum, where young movie lovers can get up close and personal with vehicles from The Fast and the Furious, Terminator, Ghostbusters, and even the DeLorean from Back to the Future.
No Hollywood outing is complete without a stroll down the famous Walk of Fame, where you can, um, step on your favorite stars! The biggest names are just outside the spectacular Chinese Theater, which is a great place to see a movie if you can fit it into your busy schedule. One place you can be sure to spot a celebrity? Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum on Hollywood Boulevard, which features over 100 wax statues of legendary stars, including Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and The Rock. Of course, Los Angeles has more than just movie-making, so consider the world-famous Griffith Observatory and the LA Zoo; both are fairly close to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
Where should families eat near Hollywood studio tours?Warner Bros., Burbank
Fuel up at America’s oldest Bob’s Big Boy, just a two-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Enjoy classic diner food and an iconic milkshake.
Paramount Studios, Hollywood
Larchmont Village is a charming 3-block stretch of boutiques and restaurants just a five-minute drive from Paramount. We love Max & Helen’s, an upscale diner owned by Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond.
Sony Pictures, Culver City
Take advantage of your free parking and walk 5-10 minutes to Cafe Vida, where you’ll grub on all-day breakfast, healthy salads, and a fun kids’ menu.
Universal Studios, Universal City
The theme park abounds with food options, plus Universal City Walk is just outside the entrance. My kids love the Hello Kitty & Friends Cafe for a light meal or treat.