Family trips can be challenging sometimes. You might feel more like a guide or a babysitter than someone on holiday. However, Los Angeles could change how you think about traveling with kids.
Yes, it has busy spots and flashing lights, but if you look beyond that, you’ll find calmer, more real moments to enjoy. The city offers laid-back things you can do together, where kids and adults have a good time.
Having said that, let’s explore some amazing activities that both you & your kids will enjoy.
Explore Magic in Griffith Park
Griffith Park is where LA’s wild side feels a bit more alive. It’s not just a green space in the city—it’s like stepping into a different world.
You can start with the old carousel ride. The soft music, colorful horses, and slow spin take you back for a moment and make you smile without even thinking about it.
From there, head over to the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad. Kids love the train ride, and adults can’t help but enjoy the charming old-fashioned feel.
The park is also home to the iconic Griffith Observatory. While it’s a blast for science-loving kids, the real gem might be the panoramic view of LA stretching to the ocean. Catch it at sunset, and it’s a moment you’ll quietly savor even more than the kids.
Go Whale Watching Together
Some experiences stretch beyond the every day, and whale watching is one of them. It instantly pulls you out of the city’s fast pace & drops you into something wild, majestic, and completely unforgettable.
Whale watching isn’t just about spotting massive sea creatures—it’s about feeling connected to nature in the most incredible way. And when you join a whale-watching tour, that connection deepens.
Additionally, these exciting and educational tours offer more than just a boat ride. The expert guides on board don’t just point and shout but teach. They help you learn about species like Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, and Orcas.
The best part? You can book a whale watching Los Angeles tour online, with plenty of year-round options. Morning sail? Check. Sunset cruise with cotton candy skies? Absolutely. Whichever you choose, the Pacific views alone are worth the ride. But the memories? Those are priceless.
Learn and Play at the Science Center
When learning feels like play, everybody wins. The California Science Center nails that balance perfectly. It’s hands-on, interactive, and full of surprises that spark wonder at every turn.
Start with the ecosystems exhibit, where children can explore a giant kelp forest aquarium or see desert critters up close. It’s immersive without being overwhelming, making it ideal for families with kids of different ages.
Further, don’t miss the Space Shuttle Endeavour standing beneath an actual spacecraft. That’s the kind of moment that silences even the most energetic little ones. It is humbling, impressive, and oddly emotional—especially for adults who grew up dreaming of space.
Discover Fun at La Brea Tar Pits
Not every day you see bubbling tar in the middle of a city, but that’s exactly what you get at La Brea Tar Pits. It’s a little weird, messy, and full of ancient history that makes science fun. You can watch real fossils being pulled out of the sticky black tar.
Further, kids get excited about saber-toothed cats and giant mammoths that once walked around the same area where LA now stands. And even adults become interested when they realize how much this place can tell us about life from thousands of years ago.
The on-site museum adds another layer. It’s well laid out, easy to navigate, and filled with real skeletons and engaging displays. Plus, the outdoor grounds are perfect for a laid-back stroll once everyone’s had their fill of fossils.
Relax at El Matador Beach
Not every family adventure needs to be a go-go. Sometimes, the best memories come from slowing down, breathing in salty air, and letting the day unfold naturally.
El Matador Beach offers that kind of escape. Tucked along the Malibu coast, this beach feels like a hidden cove from a movie scene. It has jagged rocks, sea caves, and golden cliffs, more like a raw beauty that speaks louder than words.
For kids, it’s a paradise of tide pools and secret nooks to explore. For adults, it’s an invitation to relax. The waves crash softly, the sun lingers just right, and suddenly, everything feels a little lighter.
Conclusion
Traveling through Los Angeles with kids doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your own experience. In fact, the best places to explore in this city are the ones that feel like they were made for both of you.
Each outing is a chance to share wonder, to laugh together, and to see the world through fresh eyes—sometimes even your own. And that’s the secret: while the trip may be for the kids, the memories? They’re yours, too.
