Best Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles

One way or another, this museum of science and technology has been in operation since 1912, when it began as the State Exposition Building. It was remodeled in 1951 and rechristened the California Museum of Science and Industry, then it was finally completely revamped in 1998 and became the California Science Center. Admission is always free and the four permanent exhibitions are Creative World; Ecosystems; World of Life; and Air and Space, which has housed the Endeavour space shuttle since 2012. Many of the exhibits are hands-on, which means both children and adults really get the chance to understand the basic principles of science and technology.

Kidspace Children's Museum has been delighting kids 10 and under for more than 40 years with its fun mix of outdoor and indoor play. There's lots to see and do, as Kidspace allows children to get soaking wet (bring towels and extra clothes) in the Water Play area, to climb rocks and a big rope bridge in the Outdoor Climbing section and to learn about gardening and pollinators in the Harvest Corner. There's plenty of fun inside the Roberts Pavilion, where there's everything to discover, from all about fossils and rocks to building robotics and other inventions. There's even a giant Ant Hole adventure that lets kids feel just like an ant does, climbing through a tunnel colony and down a giant leaf! Don't miss the Physics Forest, where 12 interactive outdoor exhibits let children understand how the world actually works, all the while having a blast in the process.

The Petersen Automotive Museum anchors the eastern end of the famed "Miracle Mile," that length of Wilshire Boulevard that boasts numerous world-class museums. Located on the corner of Fairfax Avenue since 1994, the museum's collection encompasses over 300 vehicles of all types —" including one of the Batmobiles! Five galleries house changing exhibitions of the collection (but don't expect to see more than about 150 of the autos at any one time), while other galleries display automotive memorabilia. Don't miss the Discovery Center where kids can learn basic car fundamentals in the interactive hands-on learning center. There's a whole exhibition devoted to Hot Wheels toys, too, which is a bit like heaven for car-loving kids.

Situated on 4200-plus acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park is home to a number of museums and outdoor attractions. Inside the park you'll find the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry National Center (a museum dedicated to the American West) and the Griffith Observatory, as well as the famous merry-go-round, the L.A. Equestrian Center, Travel Town Museum (all about transportation) and the venerable Greek Theatre outdoor performance space. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails and bridle paths, miniature railroad rides and bike rentals, a swimming pool, tennis courts and golf courses. In other words, there's something for everyone in Griffith Park!

Roller-coaster lovers know that Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is one of the world's best amusement parks, boasting more hair-raising rides than any other on the planet. Fearless adventurers will find record-breaking rides like the Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom, the X2, Viper, Goliath and the Riddler's Revenge, the fastest stand-up coaster in the world. Plus, there are family and kids' rides, too, as well as nighttime shows featuring laser lights and live music; and the Looney Tunes characters can be found throughout the park. But anyone with motion sickness might prefer hitting Hurricane Harbor, the 22-acre water park that is right next door. It's much easier on the stomach.

Dinosaurs, insects, African mammals, cool rocks and more - what kid wouldn't be entranced? The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles has some great exhibits. In Dinosaur Hall, you can visit one of the ten most completed Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons in the world. Another exhibit popular with families is the Insect Zoo, which serves to educate visitors about the many different types of insect species in the world - with many live ones on display, some which kids can even touch. The whole family can also learn about gems and minerals, endangered species and California's history while visiting the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.

If you believe, like Colonel Griffith J. Griffith, in the transformative power of observation, then the Griffith Observatory is the L.A. museum for you and your children. Located in the park that also bears that philanthropist's name, the observatory was recently renovated completely (it originally opened in 1935), but it still offers free public telescope viewing on every clear night in the city. Look up into the universe with the historic Zeiss telescope, the famed coelostat (solar telescope) or the portable telescopes on the lawn and a whole new perspective opens up in the sky. Be sure to visit the Samuel Oschin Planetarium for one of the in-depth shows, but note that there is an admission fee for those. Everything else, including parking, is free at the Griffith Observatory.

The Santa Monica Pier is the most iconic spot in Santa Monica, the place that first comes to most people's minds when they think of this famous beach city. It's a long, wide pier that is packed with fun things to do. A roller coaster, Ferris wheel and other rides await, colorfully curling against the skyline and providing a lit-up atmosphere at night. Carnival-style games also line the pier, along with carnival foods and other eateries. There are plenty of souvenir shops, too, at this great family spot. And be sure to bring bathing suits, towels and sand toys as well, since the beach and ocean beckon right below the famous pier. Spend the whole day here and we guarantee that your kids will sleep like babies by the time you arrive back home.

Universal Studios is the real thing, a working movie studio that also happens to have a theme park attached to it. Which means visitors get the chance to go right onto the lot to see where some of their favorite movies and television shows are made. Think the "Psycho" house, the "Desperate Housewives" neighborhood, the "Back to the Future" town square and much more. Take the Studio Tour for unique insights into how Hollywood really works. Stay for the rest of the rides there too, including the Fast and Furious: Supercharged, Transformers The Ride 3D, The Simpsons Ride and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Be sure to allow lots of time to see everything The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has to offer and to try the newest offering, Jurassic World: The Ride, designed for dinosaur lovers of all ages.

Disneyland is Walt Disney's original vision for "the happiest place on earth," and more than 65 years later it remains just that. Begin with a walk down Main Street and end with the fireworks-filled parade and laser light shows that happen every evening. In between, take in all the big rides including the Millennium Falcon, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones, and the Haunted House; and make sure to meet Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and all their friends. Don't miss Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and spend another day next door at Disney's California Adventure Park, where Pixar characters rule and and The Avengers Campus brings Marvel heroes to life. The Force is with the Mouse at the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge section of Disneyland, too. For a behind-the-scenes look at both the parks, book an Adventures by Disney trip for lots of insider experiences. Note that the famous Matterhorn Bobsleds ride is closed for refurbishment.