Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Some people think of Paintball in terms of its similarity to other games, such as tag and dodge ball. However, paintball is so much more than that, and requires much more equipment, than those playground games.

A paintball is a round, thin-skinned capsule with a colored liquid inside. Most games last 10-20 minutes. While most Paintball games require players to be in their tween/teen years, there are some versions (such as Paintball Lite) that allow younger players to participate. Here is our list of the 10 Best Places for Paintball In & Around Los Angeles.

Are you ready for a family adventure that’s out of this world? Southern California has no shortage of awesome laser tag arenas that offer thrilling fun for kids of all ages. Whether you’re searching for the ultimate birthday party spot or want a day of action-packed excitement, we’ve got you covered.

Get ready to gear up and explore our roundup of the best places to play laser tag in Los Angeles – perfect for unleashing your kids’ inner galactic warrior!

Laser Tag is one of those activities that the whole family can play. The recreational shooting game provides quite a work-out, too! Here in Los Angeles, there are many companies offering laser tag, whether you’re looking for a family outing or are interested in hosting a laser tag birthday party.

Plus, Mobile Laser Tag brings the action to you. Here is our list of the 19 Best Places for Laser Tag In and Around Los Angeles.

Maybe your son or daughter wants to be the next Taylor Swift, or you’ve heard that music makes your child smarter. If you’re looking for music lessons for kids in Los Angeles, these LA-based instructors and schools just might be in perfect tune with your child’s needs.

You can’t run out of things to do in Griffith Park. And Griffith Park attractions offer something that most places in Los Angeles don’t — free parking! Whether you want a ticketed experience (such as a trip to the Zoo or Autry Museum) or a more casual, make-it-up-as-you-go-experience, you can do it all in Griffith Park.

There are many different immersive experiences to choose from in Southern California – check out this great Family-Friendly list!

Archery is a sport that combines precision, focus, and history, and is one of the sports in the modern Olympic Games, which are coming to Los Angeles in 2028.

Archery made its Olympic debut at the Paris Games in 1900, but it wasn’t until 1972 that it regained a permanent spot in the program. Today, Olympic archery consists of four main events: individual and team competitions for both men and women.

The nice thing about archery here in Los Angeles is that kids can practice year-round, with many ranges in outdoor settings. Most ranges also offer safety and skills training, which is crucial when it comes to this sport.

La Crescenta-Montrose is a neighborhood offering much in terms of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for shopping options, a new public library to explore, or a different park to play at, you’ll find it in this 3.8-square-mile enclave of unincorporated Los Angeles. 

Candy definitely makes the world a little sweeter. And here in Los Angeles, we’re surrounded by candy shops that offer it all — world famous candies, made-in-L.A. candies, super sour candies, super silly candies, and super chocolatey candies. 

Check out our list of the Best Candy Stores In and Around Los Angeles to discover some new-to-you shops.

When it comes to exercise, we all want our kids to find something that they enjoy doing. Something that makes exercise feel more like play than work. That’s where Trampoline Parks come in. Whether your child is seriously interested in improving their trampoline skills, or you’re looking for a fun, out-of-the-ordinary, indoor activity for the whole family, you’re sure to find a Trampoline Park that offers what you’re looking for.

Glendale has something for everyone. Shopping, hiking, theatre, robots and more! Here is a list of nine family-friendly things to do in Glendale.

If all you know about Pasadena is that it’s home to the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl, you’re missing out. Pasadena has a lot to offer families. Science, books, arts, athletics — Pasadena has it all.

Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena, California, exudes an irresistible charm that effortlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. This vibrant city, located just a stone’s throw away from the bustling heart of Los Angeles, offers a unique blend of small-town intimacy and cosmopolitan sophistication.

Apple season generally begins on Labor Day weekend and generally extends through Thanksgiving weekend. An apple-picking trip is a fun, memorable way to spend the day!

Here in Southern California we may not experience fall quite like the rest of the country, but that doesn’t mean we are completely absent of slightly cooler weather and the changing color of leaves.

Who says we don’t have seasons in Southern California? They’re wrong; we do! Enjoy these Harvest Festivals this Fall!

San Pedro describes itself as a “Whale of a Town.” Part of the reason may be its proximity to the ocean where you may be able to view these magnificent creatures. Whether you explore in the water or just nearby the water, you’ll find plenty of fun (and inexpensive) things to do in San Pedro with kids.

But how do you get a driver’s permit in California? What are the steps you and your teen need to take to make the dream of a driver’s permit a reality?

And more importantly, what are some Insider Tips from parents who’ve already been through it?

Many families would like to go camping but aren’t quite sure where to go or how to get started. Other families have been camping multiple times but are looking for a new spot to experience. And that’s where this list can help!

El Segundo has a small-town feel within the big city. Translating the Spanish to English, “El Segundo” means “the second,” but we think you’ll find it’s first-rate! There are many family-friendly things to do in this small seaside city adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport.

Los Angeles County has dozens of trails, some perfect for hiking (whether strenuous or family-friendly), going for a run, mountain biking, equestrian activities, and some are even dog-friendly. They’ve got a great website with information on all the trails, including a super handy way to sort the trails by level of ease or difficulty – just look under the “Explore” tab, or browse by categories.

LA County boasts over 500 miles of trails, and they work in partnership with the National Park Service, California State Parks, the Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority, the Mountain Restoration Trust, and the Catalina Island Conservancy.

The city of Corona was founded in 1886 and was once known as the “Lemon Capital of the World.” While Corona may no longer be well known for its agriculture, the city does offer a number of family-friendly attractions and activities.

If you’re not familiar with it, “Geocaching” is a high-tech version of a treasure hunt. It is GPS-based, involves using a free app, and allows families to participate in the “world’s largest treasure hunt.”

Once you’ve created your free account on Geocaching.com, you’re ready to start exploring. The object is to discover “caches” which are containers holding knick-knacks, coins from around the world, and more. You may take one item from the cache, but be sure to leave another one in its place. And don’t forget to sign the logbook.

This is a fun family-friendly activity to do. Plus, it’s all outside, and gets you moving while exploring new neighborhoods. Keep your eyes open – some treasures are hidden in plain sight while others are more cleverly camouflaged.

They say there’s “more to sea” in Redondo Beach (mis-spelling intended). While only 18 miles from downtown Los Angeles, you may feel as if you’re further away from the hustle and bustle of the big city once you spend some time exploring this popular beach town.

Located along the southern end of the Santa Monica Bay, Redondo Beach has a population of just over 66,000, and is filled with many family-friendly spots and activities. This little City has beautiful beaches, stretching from King Harbor on the North end all the way south to nearly Palos Verdes. You’ve probably also seen this city in many Hollywood movies and TV shows over the years since it’s so picturesque.

Take a look at our list and try out these fun things to do with your kids in Redondo Beach.

A visit to a farm gives children the opportunity to learn and explore in new ways, get up close with different animals, and learn more about how food is grown and how it arrives on their plate. And with any luck, your kids will find some new foods they’re willing to try!

Whether you’ve got family visiting or you want to play tourist in your own backyard, The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a great place to do it. The whole family can enjoy a day of fun!

National Night Out (NNO) is a “national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.” This year, National Night Out is happening on Tuesday, August 2nd. Several communities all around Los Angeles are participating in this special event that aims to strengthen neighborhood unity. 

The Farmers Market and The Grove aren’t just popular eating and shopping destinations. They’re also an important historical location.

FootGolf combines golf and soccer for a whole new sport. Imagine playing on a golf course, but instead of using a golf ball and golf clubs, you’re using a soccer ball and your feet. Yes, kicking a soccer ball around a golf course is something you and your family really can do!

The Griffith Park Zoo opened in 1912 with just fifteen animals, a few miles from the current Zoo site. Today, you’ll find more than 1,000 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles (representing more than 250 species) on more than 100 acres at the L.A. Zoo.

If you’re heading to the beach, but you’ve got some water-resistant kids in tow, you’ll be happy to know that there’s more to do than splash in the water and get wet.  Check out these popular beach playgrounds!

Most dogs love the beach. Running in the sand and water while the sea air blows through their fur would make any dog’s day. We’ve rounded up a list of The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Southern California from Carmel to Malibu to San Diego where it’s easy to bring man’s best friend along for an adventure.

Different schools have different names for it. 8th Grade Culmination. Middle School Culmination. Middle School Graduation. 

Whatever you call it, completing middle school and being on the verge of starting high school is a big deal. Especially for this year’s current 8th graders. Remember, they were sixth graders when they were sent home from school in March 2020 and told they would return to school in two weeks. Instead, they completed their sixth grade year at home and did all of their seventh grade year at home as well. 

Taking kids to see trains or model trains can be a super fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. Model train displays often feature intricately detailed miniature landscapes, complete with tiny buildings, people, and vehicles. The trains themselves are also often highly detailed and can range from historic steam locomotives to modern high-speed bullet trains.

Wildlife centers are important institutions that can serve as a lifeline for animals who are injured, sick, or orphaned. These centers provide critical care and rehabilitation services to animals in need, helping them to recover and return to their natural habitats. Additionally, wildlife centers play a vital role in educating the public about the importance of conservation and the need to protect our planet’s biodiversity.

Exploring Rancho Palos Verdes means spending time outdoors. There is so much to see and do in this picturesque neighborhood including whale watching, hiking, and more!

The Big Game is coming to town, but if your family is not into football, check out this list of things to do INSTEAD of watching.

Car Shows are a great chance to see cool cars and interact with their owners. Maybe you’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to own a Classic Muscle Car. Or what it’s really like to drive a Lambo. You’ll probably hear stories of how long they’ve owned the car, or how they found it, in pristine condition, in their old neighbor’s garage one day, and bought the cream puff for their own.

A staycation is a vacation spent near home rather than an airplane ride away. Why travel far from home when there are so many ideal destinations within an hour’s drive? From beachfront resorts to a desert oasis, we’ve gathered up the best family staycations in Los Angeles.

Mo’s House of Axe is one of the newest and most unique Things To Do in Los Angeles, with safe axe throwing, and a full bar and restaurant. For families with kids 9* and up, it’s a great way to spend time together.

If you or your child is at all into cars, then make sure and visit the The Petersen Automative Museum; it’s like Disneyland for car enthusiasts.

Piñatas are a fun activity for a child’s birthday party. But why let the kids have all the fun? Adults like them too! You can find piñatas in every shape and size. And if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, some businesses will create a custom piñata for you!

You’ll need to find an instructor your teen feels comfortable with, and someone you feel confident will teach your teenager the skills, techniques, and procedures they’ll need to be able to pass their Drivers License Exam and serve as the foundation for a lifetime of safe driving.

People in Los Angeles love their dogs, which means there’s no shortage of dog parks. Here is our list of the Best Dog Parks in and Around Los Angeles.