Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Los Angeles

At Knott’s Berry Farm, fun is always in season, with dozens of thrilling rides, shows, and attractions in four themed areas inspired by the history and culture of California. Take on mammoth roller coasters, Old West adventures in the authentic 1800’s Ghost Town, pay tribute to California’s Hispanic roots in Fiesta Village, experience the beach lifestyle along the Boardwalk, and go on an adventure with the world’s favorite beagle – Snoopy!

Located just 10 minutes from the Anaheim resort area, the once family farm has grown into today's family fun destination with the Knott's Berry Farm theme park, Knott's Soak City Waterpark and Knott's Hotel. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway, family road trip, or overnight stay, you’ll find something for everyone!

With over 4,210 acres of both natural chapparal-covered terrain and landscaped parkland and picnic areas, Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States. Situated in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range, the Park’s elevations range from 384 to 1,625 feet above see level. With an arid climate, the Park’s plant communities vary from coastal sage scrub, oak and walnut woodlands to riparian vegetation with trees in the Park’s deep canyons. The California native plants represented in Griffith Park include the California species of oak, walnut, lilac, mountain mahagony, sages, toyon, and sumac. Present, in small quantities, are the threatened species of manzanita and berberis.

Griffith Observatory is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of southern California's most popular attractions. The mission of Griffith Observatory is to inspire everyone to observe, ponder, and understand the sky. Admission to the Observatory building and grounds is FREE. There is a nominal charge to see shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
Griffith Observatory is owned and operated as a public service by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. Griffith Observatory Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Griffith Observatory’s exclusive fundraising, membership, and advocacy organization.

With its spectacular natural setting adjacent to Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park and the Port of Los Angeles, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is uniquely suited to its leadership role in marine science education, aquaculture research and community recreation. The historic Frank Gehry-designed aquarium displays the largest collection of Southern California marine life in the world. Since 1935, CMA has provided visitors with both a natural and interactive approach to learning about the marine environment of Southern California.

The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is open: Tuesday through Friday from 12pm to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am to 5pm. The Gift Shop hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm.

Of course, the libraries in the Los Angeles area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. 

 Farm Market, Animal Center, & PYO fields are nestled on 12 acres in Somis just off the 118 HWY adjacent to Camarillo. From strawberries to blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, picking berries is fun for the whole family!

Bring the family out to visit the animals nestled among a small grove of citrus trees. (Please leave your dogs at home, though.)

The STAR Eco Station is an environmental science museum, an exotic wildlife rescue center, and a haven for endangered and illegally-trafficked exotic animals confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Under the Santa Monica Pier, come see what Heal the Bay’s work is all about: Protecting the people and animals who call the Bay home. With over 100 local species on exhibit, hands-on activities for all ages, and daily educational programs, our award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium is the perfect place to immerse yourself in marine science.

Offering climbing, cross-training and community since 1993. With over 20 years experience bringing versatile rock climbing and cross training facilities to the Los Angeles area. Rockreation is proud to be a part of California’s storied rock-climbing history, and its equally exciting future. For more than twenty years now, we’ve helped grow the sport from the little-known fringe activity your cool uncle was obsessed with, to the internationally famous Olympic sport it has become today. With programs tailored for kids and adults; newbies or seasoned pros, Rockreation offers everything you need to begin… or continue your own climb to the top of the mountain.