Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Los Angeles
In early summer each year, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids, and you'll see our 2023 results below.
Of course there is LOTS more to do in the Los Angeles area than just what is below. After you check out the list, make sure to find great things to do on our packed daily calendar, sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter, and visit our Everything That's Free page for lots more ideas. Click here for the list of nominees.
1. California Science Center
Embark on a journey of science learning and fun for everyone as you explore over 150 interactive exhibits in their galleries like Ecosystems featuring live animals in living habitats, including a 188,000 gallon kelp forest tank. Complete your visit by seeing Space Shuttle Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. View the orbiter up close and discover the science behind this amazing vehicle. Admission to permanent exhibits is FREE. (Excludes IMAX and special paid exhibitions).
2. Getty Museum
Getty is a cultural and philanthropic institution dedicated to the presentation, conservation, and interpretation of the world’s artistic legacy. Through the collective and individual work of its constituent programs—Getty Conservation Institute, Getty Foundation, J. Paul Getty Museum, and Getty Research Institute—Getty pursues its mission in Los Angeles and throughout the world, serving both the general interested public and a wide range of professional communities in order to promote a vital civil society through an understanding of the visual arts.
3. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Discover more than 1,400 animals – many of them endangered – among immersive habitats and lush gardens that will transport you all over the globe. At the L.A. Zoo, fun comes naturally. Open daily except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
5. Griffith Park
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.
6. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
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.
7. California Wildlife Center
California Wildlife Center takes responsibility for the protection of native wildlife through rehabilitation, education, and conservation. It is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of native California species, who otherwise would be left to suffer from the effects of human encroachment, habitat destruction and environmental damage.
Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and rehabilitation facilities, a cadre of professionally-trained staff, dedicated volunteers and an engaged community.
8. Knott's Berry Farm
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!
9. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM)
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County protects over 35 million specimens, dating back 4.5 billion years. NHMLA tracks the Earth's biodiversity because knowing what is out there is the first step to conservation. The Museum is an authority on the "big picture" of the planet, the natural and the cultural world.
NHMLA is home to some of the first, best, and only specimens, exhibits, and experiences of their kind. Located in Exposition Park just minutes from L.A. Live in the heart of downtown L.A.
10. Underwood Family Farms
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.)
11. My Local Library
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.
12. Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. Visit for a stroll, a concert or a class — there are so many ways to explore.
13. Griffith Observatory
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.
14. APEX for Kids: Active Play Experience for Kids
15. Pacific Park
Located on the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park® is the family place to play! Featuring 12 thrilling rides, including the West Coaster and Pacific Wheel, the first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Millions of visitors each year enjoy all the rides, games and fun you’d expect from one of Southern California’s leading entertainment destinations. Pacific Park® has it all… a dozen rides, midway games, ocean-front specialty food, and seaside shopping.
16. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Dive into the wet, wild world of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. At this 22-acre waterpark next door to Six Flags Magic Mountain, you'll splish-splash into a world of fun. Enjoy two of the tallest fully-enclosed speed slides in Southern California, a 1,300-foot river, a wave pool, an interactive lagoon and a kids' play area.
17. Star Eco Station
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.
18. We Rock The Spectrum
We Rock the Spectrum is a gym for children of all abilities. The gym includes suspended equipment with swings for balance and vestibular treatment, crash mats and crash pillows for fun, motor planning, and strength; tunnels; zip line; trampoline for building leg and core strength; indoor play structure for climbing and increasing playground skills; sensory-based toys; motor play toys and equipment; and an arts and crafts area. Locations in Agoura Hills, Glendale, and Santa Monica.
19. Heal the Bay Aquarium
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.
20. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
The Arboretum is an 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in what was the heart of Rancho Santa Anita in Arcadia. Our mission is to cultivate our natural, horticultural and historic resources for learning, enjoyment and inspiration. We strive to reflect Southern California’s distinct climate, community and openness to new ideas. In addition to concerts and tours, we offer activities and events that cater to every audience.
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in three categories. Here were their choices.Top Arts Educator: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Centrally located between the beach and downtown Los Angeles, LACMA features artwork covering the expanse of art history—from ancient times to the present—and the globe.
Top Sports Educator: American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)
AYSO is a national, non-profit organization which provides soccer development and instruction for children between the ages of 4 and 18. Today, AYSO has over 50,000 teams, 125,000 registered volunteers and more than 500,000 players.
Top STEM Educator: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM)
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County protects over 35 million specimens, dating back 4.5 billion years. NHMLA tracks the Earth's biodiversity because knowing what is out there is the first step to conservation. The Museum is an authority on the "big picture" of the planet, the natural and the cultural world.
NHMLA is home to some of the first, best, and only specimens, exhibits, and experiences of their kind. Located in Exposition Park just minutes from L.A. Live in the heart of downtown L.A.
