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Venice Beach in Los Angeles (Photo credit: oneinchpunch,) The second biggest city in the United States is filled with family-friendly activities. No wonder L.A. is one of the finest places to go to in California with kids! Los Angeles likewise uses 24 miles (38.5 km) of sandy beaches along the California Coast.
Take in its special SoCal vibe, an extensive skate park, and an outdoor health club with musclebound residents lifting weights under the California sun. Olvera Street in Los Angeles (Image credit: Colleen Lanin) The Getty Center is among the most popular destinations in the Los Angeles location. The museum is filled with artwork by such artists as Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne.
, also known as El Pueblo Historic Monolith. This is the birthplace of Los Angeles. It features 27 historic buildings and a main Mexican plaza.
Step way back in time at La Brea Tar Pits and Natural History Museum. Kids might question if they have actually gone into Jurassic Park as they gaze at life-sized statues of woolly mammoths, huge sloths, and other extinct animals in swimming pools of gooey asphalt bubbling from the earth. Posing at The Huntington (Picture credit: Phil Travels In between) A personal favorite, The Huntington Botanical Gardens stretches across 130 visitable acres (half a square kilometer).
Kids especially enjoy Helen and Peter Bing Children's Garden, which features spirited, hands-on elements such as tunnels, splash locations, fairy doors, and more. Cover a great deal of ground with a Los Angeles Go City All-Inclusive Pass for 40+ Attractions, including the Los Angeles Zoo, Knott's Berry Farm in close-by Buena Park, and much more.
A residential area of Los Angeles, Burbank has hundreds of major film and tv studios. Burbank is home to around 100,00 homeowners and 3 powerhouse studios: Walt Disney Studios, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Warner Bros Studio. For an immersive appearance at sets and memorabilia from favorite programs and films, book a Warner Bros.
For a tasty serving of movies and television shows with a side of roller coasters and live programs, Universal Studios Hollywood is a must. This is particularly true for Harry Potter fans, who will adore the Wizarding World at this amusement park. Of course, you will likewise wish to view the iconic Hollywood Sign and walk along the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Yosemite National forest Valley landscape (Picture credit: haveseen,) Resplendent with hiking routes, waterfalls, and towering trees, Yosemite is a place of natural wonder. In 2024, a record-breaking 4.1 million visitors visited this precious nationwide park. It covers nearly 750,000 acres (3,035 sq km) and is home to wildlife like foxes, deer, cougars, and black bears.
Yosemite opened in 1890 and stays one of the nation's finest examples of land preservation. Carved by glaciers over 10s of countless years, Yosemite Valley includes granite giants El Capitan and Half Dome. Households seeking to check out California's natural beauty will love going to Yosemite. Plan your journey with these Yosemite National Park tips.
While in this desert sanctuary, do not miss a crave-worthy date shake made with fruits from the location's abundant palm trees. This excellent zoo and botanical garden offers innovative play spaces for kids and an enjoyable design train exhibition.
The vehicle's flooring turns throughout the ride, so travelers get a 360-degree view of the Coachella Valley. The Channel Islands in Ventura County (Image credit: Colleen Lanin) For a distinct selection of household activities, think about a Ventura County getaway.
Households likewise take pleasure in walking Ventura Harbor Town for ice cream and waterfront views, or spending a relaxed afternoon on the broad, uncrowded beaches that specify this seaside region. Discover more unique things to do in Ventura County with kids. Santa Monica Beach & Pier (Photo credit: oneinchpunch,) Santa Monica characterizes Southern California with its surfable waves, beachy downtown, and seaside amusements.
Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier includes a lots trips, consisting of the 130-foot-tall Pacific Wheel and a full-sized roller coaster. You'll also discover every reward your cravings for sweets could yearn for and a myriad of arcade games with prizes. Families also delight in walking the Third Street Promenade for shopping, street entertainers, and easy dining just a couple of blocks from the beach.
Grownups and kids of all ages can't help however feel awestruck by the massive sequoias in the Giant Forest. This national park boasts the world's biggest tree, General Sherman.
Best 2026 Family Activities Near Your Preferred StudioKnown for its glacial-carved canyon, Kings Canyon, is among the deepest in The United States and Canada. This park offers significant rock formations, rugged wilderness, and remote hiking routes. Find out more about Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and other national forests in California, like Death Valley and Channel Islands, in my list of the finest national forests in the U.S. Joshua Tree National Park (Photo credit: lunamarina,) Situated about an hour from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National forest is essential for families who wish to check out natural marvels in California.
Calico Mine Ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, a suburb of Los Angeles (Image credit: Colleen Lanin) Just a short drive from Los Angeles, Buena Park is a dream for families who love amusement parks, themed experiences, and simple holiday fun.
Summertime visitors can cool down at Soak City Water Park, while yearround entertainment includes Medieval Times and Pirates Dinner Adventure. It's a simple addon to any Southern California journey and a great home base for checking out close-by beaches, Orange County, and LA. Explore more in my guide to Buena Park with kids.
Discover SoCal's best-kept trick (shh!) with my La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club evaluation. Find out about a surprise gem desert destination with these things to do in Borrego Springs. For a lot more California pail list concepts, inspect out this California trip itinerary, a list of national forests in California, and my comprehensive brochure of California trips and pointers.
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