Updated for 2023
By now you may have noticed the billboards and advertisements around Los Angeles. The popularity of immersive experiences just keeps growing! And since there are so many different events to choose from, you’re bound to find one — or most likely, more than one — that your family can agree on seeing.
What is an Immersive Experience?
The idea of an immersive experience is that you’re surrounded by images and sounds of the experience theme you’ve chosen. Some are based on famous painters, and the rooms are filled with projections of their art, oversized, and all around you as you walk through them. Sound designers have also collaborated so that more of your senses will be filled during the experience.
Part of what makes the experience unique is the fact that they’re usually set in an enormous space, sometimes in a warehouse, so that the size can really make an impact. And that also helps with social distancing and keeping the crowds smaller.
Are Immersive Events Family Friendly?
Most immersive experiences are family friendly. However, not every child will enjoy being inside a space that’s filled with images and sounds, so in that case, the experience may not be as enjoyable for your family. You know your children best, so read the descriptions below before deciding if you want to buy tickets.
Some immersive experience themes are more family-friendly than others; for example, we think the Dinos Alive experience in our list is likely to be a big hit with most kids, whereas the Monet exhibit may not appeal to some kids. The Dinos Alive Immersive Experience even includes an interactive section, meant for kids. Certainly, there are some immersive experiences meant for adults, but all of the experiences on this list are family friendly.
Most immersive experiences don’t require walking for too long, which helps make it more fun for a family, especially with toddlers, who aren’t up for a lot of walking. However, there are rules about not running around within the experience, which may be a challenge for some kids, so bear that in mind.
Immersive Experiences in Southern California
World of Barbie Immersive Experience
395 Santa Monica Place Mall, Santa Monica 90401
Enter the bright pink world of Barbie at this immersive experience. Barbie’s iconic Dreamhouse is brought to life, and you can hang out in her larger-than-life pink camper van – side note: it was built by the world-famous West Coast Customs. There’s a bubble ball pit, a music studio, and hundreds of Barbie dolls on display, and much more. Get tickets via our affiliate link.
SpringTopia
6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Woodland Hills CA 91367
This “Family Fun Fest” is sure to be a big hit. Spanning over 200,000 square feet, with 7 different immersive lands to explore, SpringTopia has something for everyone. There’s a light show, you can play with puppies, navigate a maze, climb aboard a life-sized pirate ship, or visit a 3D circus. And probably much more! Get tickets via our affiliate link.
Stranger Things: The Experience
1345 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640
Be the hero of your own Stranger Things story as you journey through Hawkins Lab alongside your favorite characters. You can also take pleasure in being back in the 80’s with fan-favorite moments with merchandise, food, drinks, photo ops, interactive performers, and many more surprises. Use our affiliate link to get tickets.
Dinos Alive: Immersive Experience
1345 N. Montebello Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640
Use our special affiliate link to buy tickets!
If you have dinosaur fans in the family, you have to make plans to experience Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience. As you wander through, you’ll “meet over 80 life-sized specimens from both famous and lesser-known species such as the T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Velociraptor, and Suchomimus.”
The decorated venue and VR technology will have you feeling as if you’ve stepped back in time millions of years. There is also a special interactive space for children, “where they can become paleontologists and even tame some of the most iconic dinosaurs.” Tickets are available online. (Children under 3 do not need a ticket.)
Titanic: The Exhibition
4327 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004
Immerse yourself in the story of the Titanic which tells the tale of the design, creation, launch, maiden voyage, and tragedy of the largest and most luxurious ship in the world at that time. Step inside the vast and beautiful recreations of the interior of the ship, hear music from the era, and become the real passenger of whose boarding pass you hold. Use our affiliate link to get tickets.
Astra Lumina
South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Astra Lumina is a fantastic, celestial-themed light show you can experience this winter at South Coast Botanic Garden. There are 9 spots on the nearly 1-mile walk around the garden, and each plays a different light show that runs about 5 minutes each. It’s a lovely way to spend the evening, and you’ll get a good walk as well. Note that the terrain can be a bit rough in some spots, so it’s not super stroller-friendly. We recommend it for kids who can walk on their own or babies you can carry.
National Geographic’s Beyond King Tut
Magic Box LA – 1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Embark on a journey with your family through Ancient Egypt, through the story of King Tut, and many other fascinating parts of Egypt’s history. All ages are welcome and free for children ages 4 and under. The event is open Wednesdays – Fridays. Check the website for tickets and more info.
Immersive King Tut
Lighthouse Art Space, 6400 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
One hundred years ago, King Tut’s tomb was discovered. To commemorate the occasion, take the family to Immersive King Tut. This special experience “takes you on a mythical journey through the Egyptian afterlife,” and is an unforgettable way to learn about and experience Ancient Egypt like never before. Tickets are available for select days. Check availability online.
Alice in Wonderland — Immersive Game Experience
Multiple locations around SoCal
This app-based game is like an “Escape Room” puzzle for the whole family, but it takes place outdoors. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and enter a topsy-turvy world of adventure, intrigue and impossible things at this immersive Alice in Wonderland event. Solve clues which just get curiouser and curiouser, take on mad and mischievous challenges, and uncover a dark conspiracy at the heart of Wonderland. One ticket needed per team of 6, kids under 16 are free.
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit
Lighthouse Art Space, 6400 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
The popular Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit, located in the heart of Hollywood in the former Amoeba Music store, features a “25,000 square foot exhibit space where the art of Vincent van Gogh will come to life around you.”
Wisdome LA
1147 Palmetto St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Enter into the world of LA’s first and largest art and music immersive dome park where you can experience a surreal journey in time, space, art, and the universe! Wisdome is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4 pm – 10 pm. They are also open Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm – 10 pm, Doors close on all days at 9 pm. Don’t forget to check out the Mystic Universe Plus Events!
Immersive Experiences in SoCal Not Currently Available
Flutter
217 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Use our special affiliate link to buy tickets!
Flutter is a one-of-a-kind experience, an “interactive experience that will uplift your soul and allow you to interact with art like never before.” The 90-minute private guided tour features 13 “flutterspaces” designed to “stimulate your senses and make your heart flutter.” It’s fun for all ages. Tickets are available online. In addition, a portion of the proceeds benefits Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation’s youth mental wellness programs.
Immersive Nutcracker
Lighthouse Art Space, 6400 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle is the ultimate holiday experience for the entire family! Your family will be enchanted by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s sweeping music, including iconic selections like “The March of the Toys” and “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” as they are immersed in holiday wonder. Opening November 19, 2022.
Jurassic Quest: Dinos Return
1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015
Walk through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods and learn about the creatures that ruled the lands. Enjoy live shows and interactive activities, inflatable attractions, animatronic dinos, and more! Dinosaur fans of all ages can ring in the New Year downtown at the LA Convention Center December 28 – 31.
ModelLand
Level 2 at 395 Santa Monica Pl., Ste. #142, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Be a model for a day in this first-of-its-kind experience, created by Tyra Banks, where posing professionals will teach you tips and tricks on how to reveal your true potential and radiate confidence. Play in multiple rooms and discover your best poses, find your light with state-of-the-art technology, master your angles, and indulge in SMiZE Ice Cream. You might even be discovered and featured in a ModelLand campaign. No session is the same and each experience is tailored to you and is about discovering your individual fierceness. Open Fridays – Sundays 1-7pm.
A Forest For the Trees
Ace Mission Studios, 490 S. Mission Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90033
Become a part of the forest during your visit by getting a hands-on experience and the magical world of A Forest for the Trees. See captivating illusions of fire that you can control with your hands, talk to the trees, walk on water, and witness multisensory storytelling. Experiences that “will inspire audiences of all ages to reimagine their relationship with the natural world”.
The LUME Los Angeles
1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Step into an outstanding adventure in street art that provides unique and vibrant life in a profound way! The LUME is ranked as one of the city’s most prestigious art and cultural attractions. The LUME brings masterpieces to life with a full physical experience with sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas providing a new perspective in a whole new 360-degree dimension. The LUME is open to visitors of all ages. Hours of operation are Friday 12 pm – 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 8 pm.
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles.
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.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
