Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Los Angeles - 2021
Best Places for Kids in the Los Angeles area!
2021's best places to take kids in the Los Angeles, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in the Los Angeles! Get great ideas here! What is listed below are far from the only opportunities for family fun and learning; they're just what was voted this year.
1. 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.
2. 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).
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Universal Studios Hollywood
With thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk, Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family.
7. La Brea Tar Pits
Rancho La Brea is one of the world’s most famous fossil localities, recognized for having the largest and most diverse assemblage of extinct Ice Age plants and animals in the world.
8. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone is the world’s first indoor trampoline park. We are the inventors of “fun fitness” and the makers of trampolines as far as the eye can see. We give you one of the greatest workouts ever combined with awesome, healthy fun. We are always working to invent epic new ways to play, gather, and compete. Even though we are the originators of wall-to-wall aerial action, we never stand still. The only way to understand it is to come experience it. So, rally your crew and let’s go!
9. Getty Museum
The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance. To fulfill this mission, the Museum continues to build its collections through purchase and gifts, and develops programs of exhibitions, publications, scholarly research, public education, and the performing arts that engage our diverse local and international audiences.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the National League West division.
13. 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.
14. The Gentle Barn
The Gentle Barn rescues, rehabilitates and gives sanctuary to severely abused animals. Through interaction with our animals, children learn reverence for all life.
15. 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.
Disney’s Home on Hollywood Boulevard
17. 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.
18. Santa Monica Pier 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 small frys, and daily educational programs, our award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium is the perfect place to immerse yourself in marine science without getting wet.
19. 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.
20. 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.
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
Drawn2ArtDrawn2Art is devoted to teaching skill-based fundamentals. Students, ages 4 – 12, teens and adults, begin by using drawing mediums and then move onto painting. Students receive extensive instruction in the use of each painting medium, including color-mixing, painting techniques, and the proper use and care of materials. Simple step-by-step instruction avoids frustration, and makes learning enjoyable for all ages!
Top Sports Educator
YMCA of Metropolitan Los AngelesThe YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This commitment ensures that every individual has access to essentials needed to learn, grow & thrive.
Top STEM Educator
Los Angeles ZooDiscover 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.
