8. La Brea Tar Pits

Who knew the ice age existed in the middle of Los Angeles? The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits is one of the richest paleontological sites in the world and the ONLY one being actively excavated in an urban setting.

After seeing the saber tooth tiger fossils along with other cool fossils inside the museum, head outdoors, where scientists actively excavate ice age creatures outside in the tar pits.

There is a lot to see and do in this area, and it is one of a kind. You definitely want to spend a day exploring this beautiful, unique museum.

If you walk around the grounds, you may even see some of the outdoor exhibits of the LACMA: like floating rocks and Urban Lights.

9. The Getty Museum

The Getty Center is an art museum in the truest sense. High in the hills, you will be wowed by beautiful architecture, world-class exhibits, and the piece de resistance, the amazing gardens. 

Kids will also love picnicking outside and the tram ride that takes you to the center. 

Good to Know: Admission to the Getty Center is FREE, although you will need to pay for parking.

10. Griffith Observatory

Let’s talk about an icon of Los Angeles. The Griffith Observatory is one of the most popular attractions in LA and for a good reason. This place is simply magic.

Besides the amazing view from the top, you can bring the enchantment of space right to your family’s fingertips with a visit. With amazing technology, exhibits, and telescopes, you will not only learn in theory about space but experience it up close and personal.

On a clear night, you can view magnificent stars right outside the observatory. The phenomenal location overlooking the city gives amazing views day or night, so there really isn’t a bad time to visit. 

5. Learn While Playing at Unique Kids Clubs

MSC Cruises has some really great kids’ clubs on each of their ships that emphasize experiential learning and education through play. Teens can learn to pilot drones, while tweens have access to Masterchef Junior at Sea. Younger kids can test their design skills through freeform play with the Lego experience, and even babies 0-3 will enjoy music and rhythm activities at Baby Club. Local guides make shore excursions fun and educational for the whole family, making MSC one of the best cruise lines for family learning.

Key Information: Global destinations – Shore excursions extra – Major discount for kids on shore excursions

Good to Know: If you want to take one of the world’s truly unique family cruises, MSC offers a worldwide cruise.

10. Splash in the Touch Pool at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro

No trip to LA with kids is complete without seeing the Pacific Coast’s marine life up close and personal At the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, kids don’t just get to see oceanic wildlife; they can touch and experience these amazing creatures for themselves! 

Key Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday – Admission is $7 – Parking is $1 per hour

Good To Know: The aquarium suggests experiencing the tidal touch tank and outdoor exhibits at low tide.

11.Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach

Get up close and personal with cuddly sea otters, animal babies, and other marine wonders at the Aquarium of the Pacific. This fun aquarium showcases local and worldwide wildlife and is home to some of the most innovative aquarium programs in the world. The Moon Jelly Touch Lab is not to be missed!

Key Information: Admission is $36.95/$26.95 – Full restaurant menu available – Lots of accessibility features

Good To Know: The museum has a series of fun, educational puppet shows that budding marine biologists can watch before or after their visit.

12. Go Whale Watching at Dana Point

Although not technically an aquarium, seeing whales and dolphins up close is an incredible, life-changing experience, and a must for any bucket list of things to do in LA with kids. The coastal waters off of LA are home to thousands of these incredible animals. Depending on the time of year, you might see gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales, fin whales, and more! Captain Dave’s two hour whale watching cruises include access to underwater viewing pods, so you can see the wildlife from their perspective. They even let kids help steer the boat!

Key Information: $71.20/$48 for kids under 12- Restrooms on board – Good for kids of all ages

Good To Know: Good times to see whales include between January and April, when the gray whales are migrating, and between November and March, when the humpback whales are migrating.

13. Play Tree Bingo While Touring a Garden

The public gardens in Boston commons are an amazing place to walk around with kids on a nice day. Take a self-guided tour with a fun tree bingo game around the park using the map provided on their site, or book a kid’s walking tour of the garden. 

Key Information: FREE – Wheelchair accessible – Food nearby in season – Pet friendly (on leash.)

Good To Know: Kids will love the statue of the little ducklings, a must-stop.

14. Learn About STEM at the Museum of Science

At the Museum of Science, your kids can build, experiment, and explore with hands-on exhibits that teach them about science, technology, engineering, and math. 

Key Information: $29 for adults, $24 for kids – Food onsite – Bathrooms with changing tables.

Good To Know: The Museum of Science is very accessible and will provide sighted guides for blind guests and ASL interpreters if you call about two weeks in advance.

15. Escape the city and enjoy the ocean breeze on Castle Island

Take a break from the city landscape and head over to Fort Independence. There you will find a great park to walk and enjoy the ocean breeze and water view. Kids will love to look and learn about the Fort as well as hit the big playground near the entrance. 

Key Information: FREE – Path is stroller and wheelchair friendly – Food onsite – Shaded spots available.

Good To Know: There is a family-friendly beach right next to the fort to make a day out of it. The whole area is pet-friendly too.