As a millennial, child-friendly fun isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when dreaming of Los Angeles. But for those travelling with a mini-me (or three), it's a place packed with adventure.
Here’s some of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids (that adults will find pretty cool too).
Get Playful At Cayton Children’s Museum
Calling this immersive indoor playground a museum is almost a disservice. Rather than stuffy historical exhibits, Cayton Children’s Museum is home to 2,000 square metres of interactive displays, augmented reality experiences, art workshops and STEM classes that are suitable for all ages, from infants and toddlers to primary schoolers. Admission is only $15, which is a steal when it comes to keeping the kids entertained all day.
Image credit: Cayton Children's Museum | Instagram
Ride On A Hollywood Tour Bus
Are Hollywood bus tours tacky? Yes. But they are also a cultural imperative and undeniably fun. Older teens will dig the TMZ tour, where they’ll be loaded onto a truck and ferried around to see where their favourite celebrities live, or used to live, and where they’ve been caught in compromising situations. If you have younger kids in tow, choose one of the more conservative sightseeing tours; several operators offer a hop-on-hop-off situation that allow you to take breaks rather than committing to a full day in the passenger’s seat.
See The Stars At Griffith Observatory
It’s a fair drive to the top of Griffith Park, but once there you’ll find the most extraordinary panoramic vantage point in all of LA. The Observatory is the park’s crowning jewel, and offers daily live shows, science exhibits and public viewing decks with telescopes that are free to enjoy. The building is buzzing with activity from 10am to 10 pm most nights of the week, but if your kids are prone to getting overly hyped before bedtime, it’s best to visit in the day or early evening.
Image credit: Griffiths Observatory | Website
Hike To The Top Of The Hollywood Sign
It’s not for pram-pushers or little legs, but adventurous families and older teens will get a thrill from scaling Hollywood’s most iconic mountain peak. Access to the sign itself is restricted, but you can still get fairly close by following one of the surrounding hiking trails. For a safe path that isn’t too challenging, stick to the Mt. Hollywood Trail where the terrain is less rocky, and the incline isn’t as steep.
Explore The Hollywood Studio Backlots
Check out the real sets of tv shows like Friends and The Big Bang Theory at Warner Bros. Studios, or see how action films like King Kong and Fast and the Furious came together at Universal Studios Hollywood. Both production companies offer behind-the-scenes tours of their working studios, and there’s every chance of a celebrity sighting as you wander through the grounds. Note that Universal’s attached theme parks and entertainment district attract high levels of tourist traffic, so plan your visit during off-peak hours if you’re bringing the kids.
Image credit: Universal Studios Hollywood | Website
Go Skating At Moonlight Rollerway
For a step back in time, Moonlight Rollerway delivers the full 1980s skate rink experience–complete with retro neon lights, an on-site snack bar selling corn dogs and floppy pizza-by-the-slice, and a semi-functional website with low-res imagery. The owner began working there in the 1960s, and when he took over decades later, little was done to modernise the venue. But that’s all part of the nostalgic appeal. All ages events are held regularly, and the throwback 90s music nights are a great opportunity to impress your kids with club bangers from days of yore.
Now you've gone exploring, you'll need to feed those hungry bellies. Check out: