LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA TRAVEL GUIDE
We visited LA with our 3.5-year-old and 4-month-old boys. This was the last stop on our two-week California road trip. We found so many great things to do in LA with little kids; I shall share them below.
We spent five nights in LA. This was a good amount of time but if you have longer, you could definitely find more things to do.
Los Angeles is pretty spread out. You really need a car to get around. We stayed in Downtown LA. Look for an Air BnB or Hotel with free parking as this area seemed to be one of the most expensive to park in. We were able to explore on foot and drive to other areas.
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN LA WITH LITTLE KIDS
1. RIDE ANGELS FLIGHT
AKA: the best $1 you’ll spend in LA! Angels Flight is the world’s shortest railway and a must-do for kids if you’re visiting LA. It is just a short ride but tickets are just $1 each way. Our 3-year-old and baby were free!
Taking Angels Flight can also save you walking up quite a steep hill, which when you’re pushing a stroller, is well worth $1.
2. VISIT SANTA MONICA
We loved visiting Santa Monica! Kids will enjoy the pier. Apart from parking, we didn’t spend any money here, there was a stall giving out free ice cream and our 3-year-old enjoyed pretending to ride the bikes in the arcade.
Then we headed down to the beach. It was fairly busy but it’s a nice sandy beach perfect for families.
We parked right by the pier, parking was $15 for the day. It’s a large car park but it does get busy.
3. EXPLORE THE VENICE CANALS
Just along from Santa Monica Beach are Venice Beach and Venice Canals. Honestly, they’re nothing like the canals in Venice, Italy but it’s still a beautiful area to explore when you need a break from the beach.
We left our car at Santa Monica and walked to the canals, stopping for lunch en route. The walk took around an hour, of course, driving would be much quicker!
4. CELEB SPOT IN BEVERLEY HILLS
Visiting Beverly Hills was more of a “me” activity rather than a kid’s activity. Saying that, my 3-year-old, ended up having the best time. He loved walking up Rodeo Drive and climbing on these steps. He was a prince and I was a princess. We ended up with some great photos together!
We then went to Chaumont Bakery for a coffee and spotted Kelly Rutherford. I was freaking out inside while my son was only interested in his pastry! Just around the corner is Reeves Park. It’s a very small playground but good enough to burn a bit of toddler energy.
5. WALK DOWN HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD
This is a very touristy activity but I still feel like it’s something to tick off your bucket list. Kids will enjoy looking for the names of their favourite celebrities. In my son’s case, Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse.
It gets very crowded here, there was also quite a lot of trash and dirt around. We didn’t end up walking the whole Boulevard. It is probably best to go early to avoid the crowds.
Mills is our family name so a star with THE MILLS BROS. on was just perfect for them!
6. SEE THE BEST VIEWS FROM CITY HALL
This is a FREE activity. I love a free activity! Head to the visitor’s entrance on 201 N Main Street. You need to go through security, show your ID and get a visitor’s pass from the front desk.
With the stroller, we had to take three elevators to get to the top. Once you make it up there, you can see panoramic views over L.A. It’s hard to see in the photo but you can see the HOLLYWOOD sign in the distance!
Open Monday – Friday. Closed on the weekends.
7. SPLASH IN THE FOUNTAIN AT CIVIC CENTRE MALL
On a warm day, this is another fun (and free) activity. As you can see my toddler got soaked so pack a change of clothes!
8. SEE THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN
The best free place to see the Hollywood sign? Lake Hollywood Park. Parking is free but be prepared you might have to take a spot a little way down the hill and walk up.
There is also a small playground here that kids will love. After a run about we took our family selfies.
9. HAVE A TREAT AT SWEET LAUREL BAKERY
This one was actually for me. I can’t resist a cute pink cafe! But my boys didn’t take much persuading when there was cake on offer.
10. EAT AT IN-N-OUT BURGER
A popular burger chain with outlets mainly in California. We tried it for the first time in Los Angeles. I’ve seen people rave about it on Instagram but honestly, we didn’t get the hype. It is however a good place to eat with little kids. It’s busy and noisy, so it doesn’t matter if your kids are as well!
That concludes my list of things to do in LA with little kids! I hope it helps you plan your trip.
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT MY OTHER CALIFORNIA TRAVEL GUIDES HERE.
Happy Travelling,
