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9 Things to Do With Kids in Downtown Los Angeles 2024

Updated for 2024

There’s no shortage of things to do in downtown Los Angeles. Don’t try to do it all in one day. Many are free and appropriate for kids of all ages!

Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Last Bookstore, The Bradbury Building, The LA Central Library, The Broad Museum, Olvera Street,
(clockwise from top) Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Last Bookstore, The Bradbury Building, The LA Central Library, The Broad, Olvera Street (photos by Yvonne Condes)

Central Library
630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071

The Central Library isn’t your usual public library. For starters, it’s huge — as public libraries go. And, it almost serves as a type of museum because of the different art and architectural styles on display. Here, you’ll find examples of art deco pieces, an astounding rotunda, sculptures, murals, and more.

A ride in the elevators won’t just take you from floor to floor, but will also give you the chance to teach your children about card catalogs. (The inside of the elevators are papered with them). Roam from floor to floor, and make sure to spend time in the Children’s Literature Department (level 2 of the Goodhue Building).

In addition to the thousands of items available for loan, you’ll also find a wide assortment of activities and programs that are all offered free of charge. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of the library, take advantage of one of the free daily docent tours that are offered.

Grand Central Market
317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

For almost 100 years, the Grand Central Market has been bringing our city’s diverse cultures and food to one location. Get ready to be on sensory overload by the sights, smells, and tastes contained within this 30,000-foot space. You’ll find food from all corners of the world — coffee, juice, ice cream, flowers, and more. Even a picky eater can find something to eat here!

Toyota Symphonies for Youth
Walt Disney Concert Hall
151 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Toyota Symphonies for Youth are special concerts that are family-friendly (held on weekends, during the day). They are geared for kids ages 5-11 and “mix music with fun and fantasy.” Before each performance, kids also have the chance to participate in an art workshop.  Specific information about days, times, tickets, and shows can be found online.

Bradbury Building
304 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Recognized as the oldest commercial building in downtown L.A., the Bradbury Building is not like most buildings we find ourselves in today. Here you’ll find marble stairs, open-cage elevators, iron railings, and a light-filled Victorian court. Kids who are intrigued with building and design will most likely appreciate this often-photographed building. It’s a National Historic Landmark and has been featured in many movies and television shows. 

Some of the Best Bookstores to celebrate National Book Lovers Day in Los Angeles. (photo by Yvonne Condes)
Kids will love The Last Bookstore!

The Last Bookstore
453 S. Spring St. (enter on 5th St.), Los Angeles, CA 90013

Make sure kids know that books aren’t just bought from Amazon, and take them to The Last Bookstore, California’s largest new and used book store. They occupy 22,000 square feet of space and feature more than two hundred thousand books! In addition, you and your kids will marvel at the many “extras,” including a “tunnel” made out of books.

The Broad
221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Broad is downtown L.A.’s newest art museum featuring contemporary art. The Broad’s collection includes more than 2000 works of art in a 120,000-square-foot space. The Broad is being called “the veil and the vault,” because it combines two floors of exhibition space with the “vault” (items not currently on display in the galleries). Admission is free, and tickets for advance reservations are available online.

Olvera Street
845 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Olvera Street is known as the “birthplace of Los Angeles.” In this Mexican Marketplace, you’ll find restaurants, street vendors, gift shops, dancers and musicians, handcrafted items, and folk art. Olvera Street was created in 1930 to give visitors a sense of what early California was like. You can explore on your own or take advantage of free docent-led tours of Olvera Street and El Pueblo Historical Monument.

Grand Park
200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012

After exploring downtown L.A., you’ll need a place to rest and recharge. Head to Grand Park, located between The Music Center and City Hall. Oftentimes, Grand Park is the site for specific events, but it is also open to the public. Pack a picnic and enjoy “the park for everyone.” (Make sure the kids get a chance to have fun in the splash pad).

Related: Guide to the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles

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Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.

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