Is Los Angeles a family friendly destination? The city doesn’t seem like it is at first glance, and yet.
Our team of Offbeat Los Angeles have selected family friendly activities that will please young and old alike, and they’ll be happy to assist you throughout your family’s stay in the City of Angels.
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Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-see on any Los Angeles itinerary. This amazing theme park is right in the heart of the movie studios and will take you behind the scenes of cinematic history via the most famous film sets. The secrets of Hollywood are all laid bare, with thrilling rides, stunning 3D experiences and live shows with impressive special effects.
The park also has a variety of rides and shows suitable for young children. With a little planning, you’re sure to have a fantastic time!
We strongly recommend buying your tickets in advance. To get your tickets at the best price, we recommend this site!
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Bike ride along the seafront in Venice and Santa Monica
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Get on your bike and explore the neighborhoods of Venice Beach and Santa Monica the Californian way.
Bike paths and rentals are found all along the wide beaches popular with skateboarders, surfers and sun worshipers. Go on a family ride along the waterfront and among the palm trees with the soft ocean breeze in your hair!
Join us on a tour of Venice Beach and Santa Monica and you won’t miss a single bit of these must-see neighborhoods and their history.
Griffith Observatory
Stop off at the observatory! Perched on Mount Hollywood at an altitude of 300 meters, the Griffith Observatory has breathtaking views of Los Angeles in addition to its science museum and a planetarium you can visit during the day. You can also access its telescope – one of the most powerful in the world in the world – at nightfall.
Picnics are allowed on the grass in front of the observatory. And you’ll be treated to a view of the Hollywood Sign as a bonus!
Entrance to the site is free (but parking is charged at $10/hour after noon). Visit on a weekday morning before noon to avoid the crowds. Be aware that the observatory is closed on Mondays.
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Pedalo across Echo Park Lake
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Venture out on the water in a canoe or swan-shaped pedal boat and spend a couple hours among the ducks and jet fountains at Echo Park Lake.
The green space that makes up relaxing Echo Park Lake is located in the Echo Park neighborhood, fifteen minutes north of Downtown LA. It’s one of the oldest parks in the city and its natural lake was formed from the now dried up Arroyo de los Reyes river.
It has recently undergone major rehabilitation work to become one of the nicest and most popular parks in LA. Angelinos and tourists love its « boathouse » (housing a restaurant, Square One and a pedalo hire store), as well as its new walking paths among the many lotus flowers, but mostly it’s famous for its view of the LA skyline!
To access the boats, go through the Beacon restaurant located by the lake. Prices are 11$/adult and 6$/child per hour.
Take some time out at Grand Park
This veritable oasis in the heart of Downtown LA has been a key part this neighborhoods’s rebirth. Formerly deserted once the offices closed for the evening, Downtown LA is seeing something of a renaissance thanks to a new influx of residents.
With its panoramic view running from the Music Center (next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall) to City Hall, Grand Park is a large green space built to last with hundreds of trees and plants making up the gardens. Kids will love the playgrounds, the fountain and the numerous water jets.
Explore this little pocket of nature and many other hidden spots in the City of Angels by joining us on a tour of Downtown Los Angeles.
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Hollywood sign Hike
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A legendary sight! Nine letters resting on one of the most celebrated hills in the world. The sign was originally put up as a billboard to promote a real estate development called Hollywoodland. It went through many ups and downs before being saved from ruin and then renovated and protected along with the park around it.
It has become an emblem of the City of Cinema throughout the world. The letters can be accessed via a hiking trail that’s suitable for even the youngest of children. A breathtaking view awaits you at the top with a panorama from Downtown LA to Santa Monica Bay that can be seen from behind the huge white panels.
Angels Flight Railway
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The vibrantly colored funicular railway is located in Bunker Hill in Los Angeles’ business district. The lift has two cabins named Sinai and Olivet running in either direction on a 91-metre-long track.
It was the world’s smallest railway when it opened in 1901. A few problems befell it along the way, such as being moved a few meters from its original position and multiple interruptions to its service for it to finally reopen in 2017.
To uncover its history and many other hidden spots in the City of Angels, join us on a tour of Downtown Los Angeles.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
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The Walk of Fame has made its mark as one of Hollywood’s iconic images. It consists of 2,500 stars spread along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Launched in 1960 with the idea of cheering up Hollywood’s historic center, this area had previously been neglected by the studios and stars. The Walk of Fame immortalizes celebrities hailing from the worlds of film, radio, theater, comedy, music.
A stroll along this wide boulevard isn’t very interesting other than to look for your favorite star or shop for movie-themed gadgets.
If you want to visit here with your family, we recommend carrying on towards the Chinese Theater where you’ll find the hand and footprints of celebrities. Arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds.
Want more suggestions and a guide on your family vacation?
Offbeat Los Angeles offers custom tours for a trip you’ll never forget.