Japanese American National Museum 100 N Central Ave Los Angeles 90012
The Japanese American National Museum is a one-of-a-kind place, dedicated to the history of Japanese Americans, and to a deeper understanding of cultural diversity. There are frank depictions of the discrimination many Japanese Americans faced during World War II, along with educational resources for children. The Museum celebrates the cultural contributions made by Japanese Americans and hosts many special events throughout the year, each designed to be welcoming and educational.
Museum Of Dream Space
A series of immersive light and art installations offering one-of-a-kind photo ops
An immersive exhibit with hundreds of multi-colored lanterns
| Website | Cost: $32.50 Monday through Thursday, $36 Friday through Sunday, adults $22.50 / $25 children military, student, senior | Hours: 11 am 8 pm Monday through Saturday, 11 am 6 pm Sundays
The Museum of Dream Space, commonly referred to as MoDs, is a whole new thing. Vibrant, fully interactive, just plain fun, and 100% best when shared.
The first digital art museum in the United States, MoDs is a new-gen experience honed to suit the social media savvy. After snapping a few pics in front of specially placed projections youll enter a set of rooms inspired by the infinity rooms of Yayoi Kusama. These spaces are otherworldly, like walking through a dream about a strange planet.
Unlike other museums in Los Angeles, you need only an hour or so to visit MoDs. Located in the Beverly Center, this attraction is easy to mix into a shopping trip, or as a part of LA sightseeing day trips to nearby Beverly Hills.
Pro tip: Take advantage of the premium photo packages offered here. Each member of the Museum of Dream Space staff is a professional photographer, and with their guidance, youre assured some great shots while remaining free to fully embrace the wonder.
Museum Of Latin American Art628 Alamitos Avenue Long Beach 90802
The Museum of Latin American Art is the only museum within the United States that is dedicated to both modern and contemporary Latin American art. Families will enjoy their permanent collection which includes more than 1,300 works of art, including sculpture, painting, photography, and video, all created by more than 350 Latin American artists from 20 Latin American countries. There are special events held throughout the year, all worth checking out.
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La Brea Tar Pits And Page Museum5801 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles Ca 90036
The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits is the only consistently active urban Ice Age excavation site in the world and it houses one of the worlds largest and most diverse collections of Late Pleistocene fossils. After The Page Museum excavates ice age creatures outside in the tar pits, they bring them inside the Page Museum where visitors can watch paleontology in action.
Museum Of Jurassic Technology
A quirky assortment of curiosities displayed in a spooky Victorian-style home
A commemorative stamp of Laika, the first dog to travel to outer space
| Website | Cost: $12, general admission $10, seniors/students/educators/unemployed $3, persons w/ disabilities & active military Free, child under 12 | Hours: 2 8 pm Thursday & Friday. 12 6 pm Saturday & Sunday
Dont be fooled by the word Jurassic, there are no dinos on display at this intriguing Los Angeles, CA destination. There are hand-carved peach pits, and long-winded explanations of metaphysical theories that somehow make less sense the more attention you pay them. Plus a handful of uncomfy-yet-accurate tidbits that exist in the shadowy cobwebbed corners of history.
As a bonus treat, complimentary tea and cookies are served in the second-floor courtyard.
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Battleship Uss Iowa Museum Los Angeles
The Battleship IOWA Museum is located next to the World Cruise Terminal at Port of Los Angeles Berth 87. The Battleship IOWA Museum is the first of several jewels that will bring the LA Waterfront to life as a tourist destination. In recent years, the Port of Los Angeles has committed over $200 million in waterfront revitalization.
Their vision for the Pacific Battleship Center and the Battleship IOWA Museum is to connect the past with the future. Connecting the stories and the legacy of the Battleship IOWA with future generations through different programs and education, and interactive innovative ideas.
Moxi The Wolf Museum Of Exploration + Innovation
Santa Barbara cemented its place as a family vacation destination when this modern play space opened in 2017. Science rules at the MOXI, where kids of all ages love exploring the exhibits that occupy the museum’s three natural light filled floors. Aspiring musicians can play DJ and create their own movie sound effects in the Sound Track installation. Little engineers can build their own race cars to send whizzing down a fast and bumpy course at the Speed Track. You will never look at selfies the same way again after checking out an exhibit called Mosaic Faces. After visitors take a photo of themselves at a kiosk, the device then generates a version of their image using hundreds of other photos. Totally trippy… and totally fun. And then there’s the Sky Garden where parents can enjoy the beautiful view while kids pump and splash in a water feature The MOXI does not have a cafe on site, but it’s within walking distance of many State Street restaurants. The museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm.
Insider’s Tip: Kids ages 13 and over may visit the MOXI without an adult.
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Go City Explorer Pass Los Angeles
If you are loving this list of activities and are planning to do a few of them, the Go City Los Angeles card can save you a ton! It includes more than 30 activities to pick from and you can choose if you want to do the 2 7 of the activities based on the card you get. Take a look and use the Go Los Angeles Card to help you maximize your trip!
Le Brea Tar Pits And Museum
The Le Brea Tar Pits and Museum takes natural history museums up a notch by incorporating hundreds of Ice Age fossil displays with a genuine tar pit, which you can see bubbling away.
Excavations are ongoing and you can watch the palaeontologists at work. Theres also the brilliant Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Both are two of the best kids activities in Los Angeles .
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La Brea Tarpits And Museum
Did you know the Tar Pits came into existence 50,000 years ago ? Kids will love this classic Los Angeles Museum on Wilshire Blvd. The bubbling tar pit is a big attraction, not to mention the open grassy area where kids can roll down a sloped grassy hill and climb on animal sculptures throughout the park. Dont miss Titans of the Ice Age 3D.
Why We Love It: This museum is a right of passage for LA kids. Ask anyone who grew up here and youll hear beloved stories of family visits and rolling down that hill.
Hours: Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. closed Tues.Admission: $7 for kids, $15 for adults, tots under 3 are free L.A. County residents receive free admission to the museum between 3-5 p.m.
5801 Wilshire Blvd.Online: tarpits.org
Hollywood Sign And Walk Of Fame
Its hard not to get caught up in the buzz of Hollywood, and even young kids will enjoy the vibe. Take older kids there and theyll be hyped. Its fun to see the places that are so familiar from TV and films, and spot your favourite stars on the Walk of Fame.
Plus the sight of the Hollywood Sign is always impressive.
To go extra deep, you could also do a tour of the stars homes . There also this fun self-guided tour of famous movie locations.
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March Field Air Museum22550 Van Buren Blvd Riverside Ca 92518
Families can learn about the history of aviation when they visit the March Field Air Museum. Youll find one of the largest collections of military aircraft on the West Coast, including over 80 aircraft and more than 30,000 artifacts on display, some of which date back to World War I. Set on 30 acres of outdoor exhibit space, and with two indoor hangars as well, this museum is sure to keep you busy learning and exploring. On display is a full-scale replica aircraft from 1903 that helped launch the era of powered flight, as well as spy planes, unmanned aircraft, cargo planes, bombers, helicopters, and more.
Beverley Wiltshire Hotel For Luxury On Rodeo Drive
Any fans of Pretty Woman will recognise this hotel, The Beverly Wiltshire, part of the Four Seasons group. Probably not something the kids can appreciate, but its a great option for families looking for a luxury stay with multiple pools and a programme of family events
Check prices and availability.
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Petersen Automotive Museum Los Angeles
Americas premier automotive museum is the Petersen Automotive Museum. The Petersen Automotive Museum, which houses over 400 vehicles and spans one city block, has over 150,000 square feet of exhibit area.
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the Petersen features 100000 sqft of exhibit space, 25 galleries, thousands of stories, and over 300 vehicles.
Autry Museum Of The American West
A vast collection of multicultural artifacts relating stories of the Old West
Statue of Gene Autry and Champion the Wonder Horse
| Website | Cost: $14, Adults $10, Students & Seniors $6, Children Free, Veterans & Active Military | Hours: 10 am 4 pm Tuesday through Friday, 10 am 5 pm Saturdays & Sundays, Closed Mondays
Tackling an interesting and sometimes complicated challenge, the Autry Museum tells stories collected by people throughout the history of the Western United States. The museums collection contains more than 600,000 artifacts from a wide array of cultures and periods, displayed in exhibits that illustrate the history of the Western United States.
Now known as the Autry National Center, the organization oversees three institutions: the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, the Museum of the American West, and the Institute for the Study of the American West.
Located in Griffith Park, the museum hosts several popular events, including food truck gatherings and outdoor movie screenings.
Supporting the Troops: The Autry offers free admission to all U.S. veterans and active duty service members.
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The Magic Castle Hotel Hollywood
Staying a this hotel grants you access to the legendary Magic Castle. But if youre travelling with kids, make sure you book for a weekend as kids are only welcome to the Saturday and Sunday brunch shows. Staying at the hotel comes with all sorts of fun added extras for kids, including daily free ice cream, a huge snack bar, kiddie-sized bathrobes and the ability to order a poolside ice lolly by using the Popsicle Hotline, a little red telephone thats used exclusively for ordering lollies! The hotel itself isnt all that special in terms of decor, but these added extras make it a truly memorable stay.
Movies And The Performing Arts
The city’s has become recognized as the center of the and the Los Angeles area is also associated with being the center of the . The city is home to major film studios as well as major record labels. Los Angeles plays host to the annual , the , the as well as many other entertainment industry awards shows. Los Angeles is the site of the which is the oldest film school in the United States.
The performing arts play a major role in Los Angeles’s cultural identity. According to the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation, “there are more than 1,100 annual theatrical productions and 21 openings every week.” The is “one of the three largest performing arts centers in the nation”, with more than 1.3 million visitors per year. The , centerpiece of the Music Center, is home to the prestigious . Notable organizations such as , the , and the are also resident companies of the Music Center. Talent is locally cultivated at premier institutions such as the and the .
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Natural History Museum Of Los Angeles County
Do a deep dive into dinos in Dinosaur Hall and other exhibitions dedicated to the past, present, and future of our natural world
Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton
| Museum Website | Cost: $15, adults, $7, children 3-12, $12, seniors & students, Free for children 2 & under | Hours: 9:30 am 5 pm, closed Tuesdays | Natural History Museum Ticket w/ Self-Guided Audio Tour
Dating back to the opening of Exposition Park in 1913, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is one of the areas oldest cultural institutions. Albeit that history pales in comparison to that of the inhabitants of Dinosaur Hall, which include a trio of T.rex and a plesiosaur called Polly, the only pregnant plesiosaur fossil ever discovered.
Another great museum for families, the Natural History Museum keeps the kiddos engaged with creatively educational activities in the Discovery Center. Grown folks gravitate to the sparkle and shimmer of the 2,000+ specimens on view in the Gem and Mineral Hall.
Food and drink options are limited in this Los Angeles County museum, but youll find a variety of grab-n-go items in the NHM Grill. There are plenty of picnic tables, but if youre up for a mealtime stroll theres no better place for it than the Exposition Park Rose Garden.
LA Local Loophole: L.A.County residents can get free Museum Admission at onsite ticket windows from 35 pm Monday through Friday.
The Aquarium Of The Pacific100 Aquarium Way Long Beach 90802
The Aquarium is a terrific place to take your kids, especially when theyre young. The multi-colored fish and marine life are eye-catching and will delight children and the adults who accompany them! Plus its a way to learn about animals from deep under the sea that we may never get to see up close any other way.
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Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures6067 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles 90036
Opened in 2021, this is the movie museum that Los Angeles has been waiting for. The Entertainment Capital of the World is now the home of a space that pays homage to film and the filmmakers we all love. There are exhibits designed for all ages, and your whole family is sure to find it delightful. Of course theres a terrific screening facility on site, and the Academy hosts weekly family movie matinees, various family events throughout the year, and hosts monthly Calm Mornings designed for neurodivergent visitors can experience the museum with lowered light and sound levels.
Why Youve Got To Go
If youre looking for things to do in LA with kids, these botanical gardens are a pretty good bet.
You will see little ponds filled with roses, lilies and trees in every direction.
In the spring you will see blooms in every direction, in the winter theres camellias and theres majestic oaks all through the year.
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Best Views: Griffith Observatory
At the top of Griffith Park, you are met with sweeping views of the city, where on a clear day you can see from the San Gabriel Mountains to the beach. See if kids can spot your neighborhood far below. Then head inside and learn all about our planets and universe. What would we weigh on Jupiter? How is a comet made? What can you see through the giant telescopes? Dont miss a visit to the planetarium for one of their amazing shows. Public Star Parties are held once a month, where you can go look at the sun, moon, and planets and try out a variety of telescopes. Check out our in-depth article on the Griffith Observatory and why its a favorite place to visit with the kids.
Need to Know: Parking is notoriously difficult, so on a weekend expect a long walk. The good news is the walk will be gorgeous, with the best views in the city of the Hollywood Sign. The bad news is that its all uphill so bring strollers or carriers for wee ones.
Good to Know: Avoid the parking dilemma altogether and take the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station.
Hours: Fri. from noon-10 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Mon.-Thurs.Admission: Free but shows in the planetarium are $3 for kids $7 for adults. Kids under 5 are only admitted to the first show each day and must sit on an adults lap.
2800 East Observatory Rd.
La Brea Tar Pits And Page Museum
An iconic Los Angeles attraction showcasing natural history with a touch of Hollywood flair
| Museum Website | Cost: $15, adults, $12, senior & student, $7, child | Hours: 9:30 am 5 pm, Closed Tuesdays
This natural history museum is serving drama, mama! That mammoth family has been out here fighting for its life for decades.
Now, papa mammoth is technically mired in a pond, so youll want to wander trails through the surrounding park to have a look at some actual tar pits. Interactive exhibits in the adjoining museum go a step further by allowing you the opportunity to feel what it was like to be stuck in the Ice Age muck.
While this spot doesnt offer any on-site dining options, there are plenty nearby. One of five Los Angeles museums on Museum Row, this attraction is conveniently located just south of Hancock Park in Beverly Grove, a great Los Angeles area for shopping and dining.
Need a place to stay? Just 5 minutes away from Museum Row, theBeverly Laurel Hoteloffers affordable rooms in a desirable central location.
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