The neighborhood of Westwood may be most well-known as being the home of the University of California Los Angeles. Within this community, you’ll find a number of family-friendly things to see and do.
University of California Los Angeles
405 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90095
It’s never too early to start thinking about college. For many kids, merely being on a college campus is enough to inspire and motivate them. Fortunately, you don’t need to schedule an official college campus tour to have a reason to visit UCLA. Royce Hall is a popular concert hall featuring musical, dance, and spoken word performances. Just in time for winter break, Royce Hall is planning a production of Los Angeles Ballet: The Nutcracker from December 16-18. You can also take a stroll through the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, “one of the most distinguished sculpture installations in the country.” The Murphy Sculpture Garden covers more than 5 acres of campus and includes over 70 sculptures. Families may also enjoy touring the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden. While tours are offered for groups of 10 or more, families can check the website for information about self-guided tours as well. The Botanical Garden is a living museum allowing visitors to learn about and appreciate a variety of plants and their impact on society.
UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame
J. D. Morgan Center
(enter UCLA from Sunset and Westwood Plaza), Los Angeles, CA
A visit to the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame is truly inspirational. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and also the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. UCLA Sports is highly regarded and a visit here allows families to feel as if they are a part of history. You can view photos, watch videos, and more. Take a walk through John Wooden’s “Den”, marvel at Olympic memorabilia (including medals and a torch), and much more.
Westwood Branch Library
1246 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024
The Westwood Branch Library is a part of the Los Angeles Public Library system. It offers a variety of special events and activities for children and their families. Join them for a weekly baby and toddler story time, learn about acting (for teens and tweens), learn chess, or participate in the Building Bricks Club (using the library’s Lego collection). The Library is closed on Sundays.
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Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
The Hammer Museum always offers free admission to all guests! The Museum’s exhibitions and programs all fit their mission statement that “believes in the promise of art and ideas to illuminate our lives and build a more just world.” In addition to the Museum’s exhibits, families will also appreciate the variety of screenings, lectures, and performances the Museum regularly hosts. The Hammer also offers Hammer Kids which includes a variety of special kid-friendly events. (The Museum is closed on Mondays).
Westwood Recreation Center
1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
There is so much to do at the Westwood Recreation Center, your family will probably be returning again and again. You’ll find Aidan’s Place Playground (the second fully-accessible playground in the United States), indoor racquetball courts, a swimming pool, children’s play areas, outdoor basketball courts, and more. In addition, they offer a variety of classes and programs including a Performing Arts Summer Camp, parent and me classes, dance classes, youth sports leagues, exercise classes, and more.
Fowler Museum
308 Charles E. Young Dr. N., Los Angeles, CA 90024
The Fowler Museum “explores global arts and cultures with an emphasis on works from Africa, the Pacific, and the Americas.” They offer a variety of exhibitions, public programs, and family-friendly performances. Check the website for a list of suggestions to enhance your family’s visit. The Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Holmby Park
601 Club View Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Spend a day outside at Holmby Park. This popular park features a jogging path, picnic tables and barbecue pits, bowling greens, and a children’s play area. Visitors speak highly of the peaceful quiet found here as well as the plentiful shade. Pack a picnic, play with a Frisbee, play catch, and make a day of it!
iPic Theaters
10840 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Going out to see a movie becomes a whole other experience when the movie is seen at iPic Theaters. You’ll sit in leather seats or recliner seats that will make you feel as if you’re comfy on your couch. You also won’t find a regular movie concession stand here, but instead can select from iPic Express (a grab-and-go), Cinema (food service to your seat), and The Tuck Room Tavern. (Admittedly, it’s a bit of a splurge, but if you’re looking for a unique family outing this may be the place).
Westwood Village
Los Angeles, CA 90024
You can make a day out of exploring Westwood Village. On Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, you’ll find the Westwood Village Farmers’ Market on Broxton Avenue. You’ll find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as well as prepared foods. Within the Village, there are a number of shops, including familiar stores such as Target, and more unique speciality boutiques. You’ll also find a large number of restaurants and eateries, including the very popular Diddy Riese Cookies and Stan’s Donuts. Catch a movie at the Bruin Theatre or the Fox Village Theatre, or you may even see one of the theaters preparing for a movie premier later that evening. Check the website for a Westwood Village Map and Directory.
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