Enjoy the return of your favorite rides, slides, shows, and more with your mom this weekend at Dorney Park's season opening. Photo courtesy of the park
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Treat mom to a special meal at a Mother's Day brunch at Sesame Place. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
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The Philadelphia Children's Festival is back with an exciting array of professional performances for the whole family, Photo by R. Kennedy/Visit Phily
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Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
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Enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and luscious strawberry-themed food and drink specials at Peddler's Village Strawberry Festival. Photo by Paul Boger
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Check out the amazing WildWorks Ropes Course at the entrance to the Philadelphia Zoo.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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Kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill @creativishmom
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Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin
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Phildephia's Magic Gardens are covered by magical mosaics and found objects. Photo by Liz Baill @creativishmom
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Grand Slam U.S.A. challenges you to a game of laser tag! Photo courtesy of the center
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Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author
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Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
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Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC
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Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air
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Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.
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No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
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On the first Sunday of each month, the Barnes offers free admission and creative programming to its visitors. Photo by J. Fusco/Visit Philly
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Best Attractions and Things To Do in Los Angeles

LA Zoo photo by Kylie Williams
LA Zoo photo by Kylie Williams
8/18/24 - By Toby B

Whether you're a first time visitor to LA or a lifetime Southland veteran, your question remains the same: what can I do with my kid today? Our daily calendar is filled with special and seasonal events, many of them found on our list of 100 things to do with your kids. But LA is also home to awe-inspiring museums and bucket list destinations for outings that are available year round.

Below you'll find some of our favorite must-see destinations for families in Los Angeles.

Noah's Ark at the Skirball Center. Photo by Mercie Ghimire
Noah's Ark at the Skirball Center. Photo by Mercie Ghimire

Year Round Attractions for Kids in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Zoo

Griffith Park
LA Zoo is home to more than 1,700 mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, and reptiles representing more than 270 different species, of which more than 60 are endangered.  Favorite spots for kids include the LAIR, a steamy indoor habitat for snakes, amphibians, and reptiles, Rainforests of the Americas, where playful giant otters swim and slide down a waterway, and the Elephants of Asia, a three-acre outdoor space with multiple viewing areas to watch the majestic animals. READ MORE

Aquarium of the Pacific

Long Beach
The Aquarium of the Pacific is Southern California's largest Aquarium, focusing on the planet’s largest and most diverse body of water, the Pacific Ocean. The aquarium has more than 100 exhibits, including habitats for penguins and otters, sea jelly tanks, the Tropical Pacific Gallery, and the Southern California Gallery.   READ MORE

Natural History Museum

Exposition Park
The wonders of the natural world are on display at the Natural History Museum of LA County. Perhaps best known for its Dino Hall, the museum also has galleries and exhibitions devoted to mammals, birds, local legend P-22, gems and minerals, and Los Angeles itself. READ MORE

Skirball Cultural Center

Bel Air/ Brentwood
The Skirball Center's programming is informed by Jewish traditions and democratic ideals. The museum has a track record of hosting crowd-pleasing and often child-friendly limited-run exhibits, exploring subjects such as Star Trek, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and Maurice Sendak. Its current special exhibit looks at fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. READ MORE

California Science Center

Exposition Park
The California Science Center is a favorite field trip destination for Los Angeles schools. Museum visitors can discover the delicate balance and interconnectedness of the planet's Ecosystems, visit the World of Life for a new perspective on the living world, and let imagination take flight through Air & Space displays. READ MORE

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Mid-Wilshire
Lights, camera, Academy Museum! Where else would you find the ultimate museum devoted to the art of making movies but in the moviemaking capital of the world? Galleries and exhibitions reveal the artistry, technological wonders, and sheer magic that contribute to bringing movies to life on the big screen. READ MORE

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Hollywood
Step into a world of glamour at Madame Tussands Hollywood, home to over 130 meticulously crafted wax figures representing classic Hollywood icons, contemporary A-List stars, and music stars. READ MORE

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium Hollywood

Hollywood
You've got to see it to believe it! Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Hollywood is home to hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts, movie memorabilia, hands-on interactives, and unbelievable oddities. READ MORE

A Faery Hunt Los Angeles

Multiple parks and venues in Southern California
Faery folke have been spotted in parks (and occasionally libraries) throughout Southern California.  Kids can join a fun and gentle immersive quest for the fairy royalty at A Faery Hunt's interactive, musical performances.   READ MORE

The Escape Game LA

Century City
In The Escape Game, players are immersed in interactive rooms to follow clues, solve puzzles, and complete missions in under 60 minutes. Each escape game provides a unique hands-on experience, designed for families, friends, or anyone looking for an elevated unplugged adventure. READ MORE

The Getty Center and Getty Villa

West LA/ Brentwood and Pacific Palisades
Please note: Getty Center is closed through January 27, 2025. The Getty Villa will remain closed until further notice.     The Getty Center and its sister museum, the Getty Villa, stand out among our favorite destinations, in no small part based on their stunning architecture, exquisite gardens, and breathtaking views. READ MORE

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