Fun Family Things to Do in Los Angeles, California This Weekend

Hollywood sign
Hollywood sign

Los Angeles, California has a multitude of activities for families to enjoy from exploring Venice Beach to goggling over the celebrity impressions on the Walk of Fame. There are museums, theaters, and plenty of beachside activities to check out. 

We will point you toward some of the best family fun activities Los Angeles has to offer including oceanside adventures, unique places to visit, and awesome museums to explore. 

What Are the Best Family Activities to Do in Los Angeles?

There are so many things to do in Los Angeles, but there are a few places you will not want to miss out on. 

Check out the Hollywood sign and take your picture in front of the giant letters that spell out a celebrity stacked town. You can even take aerial tours of the area, flying over the Hollywood sign and capturing a bird’s eye view of the City of Angels. 

Hollywood sign
Hollywood sign

Stroll through the Walk of Fame outside the Chinese Theater and see if you can find where your favorite celebrities have made their impressions on the sidewalk. Snap pictures next to the stars of stars and maybe even get the chance to glimpse someone famous!

Walk of Fame
Walk of Fame

Visit the Los Angeles Zoo and see alligators, gorillas, elephants, kangaroos, and more on your stroll through the exhibits. Ride the carousel and delve into your love of nature by letting the kids play in the park. 

A Rustic Sculpture of Two Stylized Lions Among Palm Fronds Inside the Los Angeles Zoo.
A Rustic Sculpture of Two Stylized Lions Among Palm Fronds Inside the Los Angeles Zoo.

If you have a family of readers, you have to visit The Last BookStore. Not only is the store itself a work of art but they also have the largest collection of new and used books and records in California. It’s easy to spend an entire day here!

The Last BookStore
The Last BookStore

What Oceanside Adventures Are Good for Families to Explore in Los Angeles?

If you want to stick close to the ocean, there are some great seaside adventures for you and your family to explore in Los Angeles.

Check out the Aquarium of the Pacific with its fantastic exhibits of marine creatures of all kinds. Watch sharks, octopus, and sea otters swim by amid gloriously colored coral reef communities. Enjoy the exhibits both indoors and outdoors and enjoy one of the newest exhibits which features baby sea animals!

Aquarium of the Pacific
Aquarium of the Pacific

If your family would rather enjoy a day of surfing, swimming, and sunbathing, Los Angeles is the perfect place to be with its famous playground by the sea – Venice Beach. Enjoy the turquoise Pacific and soak in the rays all day long and then visit one of the spectacular restaurants right along the beach for a great meal. 

Venice beach sunrise palm trees
Venice beach sunrise palm trees

If you’re in the mood for more activities than just a relaxing beach day, check out the Santa Monica Pier with games and a Ferris wheel to ride. There are fishing opportunities off the pier and other amusement park rides as well. You can’t go wrong with a visit to the seaside, whether it’s learning about the ocean creatures or playing arcade games at the pier. 

Sunset in Santa Monica, view on the amusement park
Sunset in Santa Monica, view on the amusement park

What Are Some Unique Places to Visit in Los Angeles? 

If you want to experience the hidden gems of Los Angeles, these places are the perfect way to start. 

Take the family roller skating at Moonlight Rollerway. You’ll have the time of your lives skating around the rink that’s been open since the 1950s and still displays some of its retro vibes. Nothing says family fun like a day on the roller rink!

Moonlight Rollerway skating
Moonlight Rollerway skating

If you want to take advantage of the beautiful weather, explore the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. See how many different trees and plants you can identify and keep an eye out for the resident peacocks that wander around the park. For a different kind of adventure, come out at night and see how the gardens look after dark. 

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

The Echo Park Time Travel Mart is a must-see stop on your tour of Los Angeles. Check out merchandise from all different eras and enjoy the looks on your kids’ faces as they see how things used to be. Your kids will find awesome vintage toys and you may experience a bit of nostalgia yourself walking through. 

Echo Park Time Travel Mart
Echo Park Time Travel Mart

The Skirball Cultural Center is another great place for the entire family. Learn about the rich culture of Los Angeles, explore a miniature replica of Noah’s Ark, and even sit down for story time at this awesome venue everyone is sure to love. 

Skirball Cultural Center
Skirball Cultural Center

What Museums Are Good for Families to Visit in Los Angeles? 

If you thought all museums are the same, think again! Los Angeles has some out-of-this-world museums to visit that will make your jaw drop and leave your kids amazed.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is a must-see venue for your weekend adventure. You can experience the full process of fossil excavation by viewing the tar pits and watching scientists work in the fossil lab. It is an experience unlike any other!

The Kidspace Children’s Museum is perfect for children of all ages. Little kids will especially love the gardens and unique kaleidoscope entrance. If you need a space to let your kids run around and explore, the Kidspace Museum is just the thing. 

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is another great place to visit, especially if your family is creative. Not only are there awesome displays of modern art pieces but you also have the opportunity to create your own art. Who knows, maybe someday it will be put on display for other museum patrons to admire!

Summary

If you’re looking for some fun family adventures this weekend, Los Angeles has everything you could ask for. For a great time by the ocean, check out the Santa Monica Pier or sunbathe at Venice Beach. For those who love to explore, the Botanical Gardens and Los Angeles Zoo are a must-see.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, check out the La Brea Tar Pits or wander through the stacks at the Last BookStore. Whatever you choose to do, have a blast!

See Also

Things to do in US Cities

Fun Family Things to Do in Los Angeles, California This Weekend

Hi and welcome to my travel blog! Based in London, I work in investment banking in a quantitative field and although I am not part of the travel industry, I have a ton of passion for travel. My blog is a reference guide for my fellow travelers with the same passion as me. Hopefully the blog is easy to navigate and my aim is to bring the most relevant and interesting information before you begin your journey!