Whether you’re a local who considers Hollywood a place for tourists, or someone who considers Hollywood too far to make the effort, there are plenty of family-friendly things to see and do.
Hollywood is a neighborhood within Los Angeles, but it sometimes feels like its own city. It’s symbolically known as the center of the American film industry, even though TV shows and movies are produced all over the world.
The famous Hollywood sign, which gave the neighborhood its name, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Located in the hills just behind Hollywood Blvd, the sign originally read “Hollywoodland,” and was built in 1923 by local Real Estate developers as a way to bring more people to the region. Seems like it worked!
Now Hollywood is a place to come for great shopping, dining, and people-watching.
Updated for 2023
Fun Things to Do in Hollywood with Kids
Hollywood Bowl and Hollywood Bowl Museum
2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068
Seeing a concert at the Hollywood Bowl is an experience like no other. Whether you hear classical music — the Bowl is the summer home for the Los Angeles Philharmonic — or a popular act perform, you can purchase tickets suitable for any budget. Don’t forget to pack a picnic.
Additionally, the Hollywood Bowl Museum allows families a chance to get a sense of the history of the Hollywood Bowl. See how the shape has evolved over the years, look at photos, and hear recordings from past acts.
Related: Guide to the Hollywood Bowl
Capitol Records Building
1750 Vine St., Los Angeles, CA 90028
As the recording home of various artists including The Beach Boys, Sam Smith, Katy Perry, The Beatles, and many more, Capital Records was designed to look like a stack of records. This historic, 13-story building was the world’s first circular office building upon its completion in 1956 and is a “must-see” for anyone visiting Hollywood.
Although the building is not open to public tours, out front you’ll see the Hollywood Walk of Fame stars belonging to John Lennon and Garth Brooks, among many others.
Hollywood Wax Museum
6767 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
The Hollywood Wax Museum is the longest-running wax museum in the United States. Open every day of the year, it’s a fun way to mingle and pose among the stars! Grab your phones and start snapping some fun selfies with a wide variety of celebrities.
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
A Hollywood classic, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, along with its pool, has been designated a Historic-Cultural Monument. When visiting, walk around the lobby and immerse yourself in the Hollywood of old.
The Hotel was the site for the first-ever Academy Awards ceremony back in 1929. And for a special treat while you’re there, try a burger and shake like no other you’ve had before at the hotel’s 25 Degrees restaurant.
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
Originally opened in 1926, the El Capitan has been restored to provide all who come a completely enchanting movie-going experience. In addition to state-of-the-art cinematic technology, the El Capitan also usually includes pre-show entertainment as well as prop and/or costume exhibits. It is also an exclusive first-run theatre for Walt Disney Pictures, which means it’s currently showing, Elemental 3D.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Blvd. and Vine Street
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is considered to be the world’s most famous sidewalk. Located on Hollywood Boulevard as well as Vine Street, the famous stars honor those who have made contributions in the categories of Motion Pictures, Television, Recording, Radio, and Live Theatre/Live Performance.
The first star honored Stanley Kramer in 1960. Currently, the Walk of Fame hosts twenty-four ceremonies a year. Ceremonies are free to attend and a list of upcoming ceremonies can be found online.
Related: Things To Do with Kids on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Guinness World Records Museum
6764 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
It’s as if their books have come to life when you tour the Guinness World Records Museum. Stroll around and compare your height to that of the world’s tallest person (just one fun fact you’ll encounter). Check out the unique and the unusual in a fun, interactive way.
The website even has a special “Youth Materials” section with printables that kids can complete before they visit or while walking through the museum.
Ovation Hollywood
6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
This shopping center has it all. There are plenty of kid-friendly dining options including Johnny Rockets, the Hard Rock Cafe, and Cold Stone Creamery, to name a few. There’s also a bowling alley — Lucky Strike — and many specialty shops.
You’ll find the Dolby Theatre there, home to the Academy Awards. Families can even take a guided tour of the theatre. Ticket prices are available online.
Hollywood Farmers’ Market
Ivar Ave. and Selma Ave. (near Vine Street, between Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Blvd.)
Each Sunday, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, families are invited to browse and shop at the Hollywood Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, jams, eggs, juices, clothes, and more. Usually, you’ll enjoy live musical performances as well as different community outreach programs. The market is open rain or shine.
Related: Things to do in Griffith Park with kids
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
6780 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
You won’t believe the exhibits you’ll find here. Eleven galleries on two floors with over 300 exhibits including a portrait of Michael Jackson made from candy, scrap metal sculptures, a shrunken head, and much more. Get tickets via our affiliate link above. And read our detailed guide to Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium in Hollywood.
Related: Reasons to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood in Summer
Hotels to Stay at Near Hollywood
- W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
- Hampton Inn & Suites Los Angeles/Hollywood, 1133 Vine St., Los Angeles, CA 90038
- Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles/Hollywood, 2005 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068
- Hollywood Hotel, 1160 N. Vermont Ave. District of, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
You can do it all at Universal Studios Hollywood. You’ll find theme park rides, shows, a variety of dining and shopping options, and a working movie studio. Many rides and attractions feature some of your favorite movies and/or characters including Jurassic Park, Shrek, King Kong, and the Minions to name a few.
Go on the Studio Tour, take pictures with The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants, and have some fun in Super Silly Fun Land — with more than 80 different water-play features suitable for all ages. You won’t run out of things to do and see at Universal Studios.
TCL Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028
Perhaps one of the most famous movie theaters in the world, TCL Chinese Theatre hosts movie premieres, ceremonies, and film festivals along with regular movie showings. Originally opened in 1927 as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, you can find the cement handprints and footprints of famous movie stars out front. The theatre has had technology upgrades and now also hosts an IMAX auditorium.
Amoeba Music
6200 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Take the kids to see something we remember from our youth — a music store. Taking up an entire city block, Amoeba Music’s Hollywood location features two levels housing a wide range of music. CDs, cassettes, vinyl, DVDs (new and used) — it’s all there.
Hollywood Museum
1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028
Located within the Historic Max Factor Building, the Hollywood Museum features four floors that are home to more than 10,000 items. You’ll find photographs, props, costumes, memorabilia, posters, and more all from your favorite movies and TV shows.
The Magic Castle
7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028
Reservations are required to enter The Magic Castle in Hollywood as it’s an exclusive, private club. However, if a member invites you or if you get an invite by staying at the Magic Castle Hotel you might gain access to this secret club. Be sure to check the rules on their website for up-to-date information, prices, and dress code.
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).
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