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Munchkins Indoor Playground is balls of fun!
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Hop aboard the Easter Eggstravaganza! Photo courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad
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Surfing camp will be one swell of a good time. Photo courtesy of Learn to Surf LA
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I spy with my little eye something that can flutter by!
The Butterfly Pavilion Ushers in Spring at the Natural History Museum
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Camp Hollywoodland is an affordable sleepaway camp in the heart of LA. Photo courtesy of laparks.org
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You can spot those yellow Porto's boxes a mile away! Photo courtesy of Porto's Bakery
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Climbing encouraged at Wild Child. Photo courtesy of Wild Child Gym
30 Best Indoor Playgrounds in Los Angeles: Indoor Play Spaces for Hot (or Rainy?) Days
Some of the tube lanes at Mt. Baldy are as long as 150 feet! Photo courtesy of Mt. Baldy Snow Play Park
11 Spots for Snow Tubing Near Los Angeles for Winter Thrills and Chills
Let's-a-go! Step through the Warp Pipe, and you're in Super Nintendo World!
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is Now Open
All the dolls of your little one's dreams. Photo courtesy of the Westfield Century City Mall
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Everyone loves a snow day! Photo courtesy of Big Bear Mountain Resort
Snow Play Near Los Angeles: 16 Places LA Families Can Pretend It's Winter
This Compton museum teaches kids about aviation. Photo courtesy of Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum
Black-Owned Restaurants, Shops, and Landmarks to Discover in Los Angeles
Throw a party in this pretty play space, where everything is taken care of for you. Photo courtesy of PlayLab
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Kids' classes like art lessons can help your LA kid grow and develop.
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This 3 day itinerary will make you fall in love with LA. Photo by Roberto Nickson, via Pexels
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We guarantee you'll have to share your pastries with the kids. Photo courtesy of La Monarca Bakery
17 Best Coffee Shops in Los Angeles to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine
Vincent Lugo Park, also called Dinosaur or Monster Park, was nominated to the California Register of Historic Places. Photo courtesy of the City of San Gabriel
The Best Playgrounds in Los Angeles: They’re Even Worth Crossing the 405
Almost every teen I've met loves VR. Photo courtesy of dreamscapeimmersive.com
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Disney turns 100 and there will be celebrations from coast to coast. Photo courtesy of Disneyland
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Check out the academic calendars for the Los Angeles 2022-23 school year.
School Calendars 2022-2023: Start & End Dates for Los Angeles County Schools
SingleCare offers major savings on more than 10,000 prescription drugs through its free app.
This App Offers Up to 80% Off the Whole Family’s Prescription Meds–Here’s My SingleCare Review
Selfies with the T-Rex, who can resist? Photo courtesy of the LA Natural History Museum
Insider Tips for Visiting the Natural History Museum with Kids
Kids can build sandcastles while parents dine on the beach. Photo courtesy of Back on the Beach Cafe in Santa Monica
16 Los Angeles Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Strike a pose, there's nothing to it. Even when you're in the middle of eating ice cream!
Tyra Banks' ModelLand Gives Kids a Taste of the Supermodel Life—and Ice Cream
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Travel through town in a tiny car with GoCar.
Top-Rated San Francisco Tours for Families: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and More
Kids can frolic and play while parents relax and sip. Photo courtesy of Cornell Winery
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries Near Los Angeles: Santa Ynez Valley Wineries and Beyond
Watch as kids become entranced by a live show. Photo by Alexis Buatti Ramos, courtesy of the New Victory Theater
Best Children’s Theaters in the US: Why Bringing Young Kids to the Theater Is So Important
Children are natural advocates for the planet and our actions truly can make a difference.
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Taco Tuesday makes meal planning easy and dinner kid-pleasing.
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See a show at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, where you also have a great view of the Hollywood Sign! Photo by Matthew Field
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Hello new friend. Photo by Jamie Pham
Secrets of the LA Zoo: Top Tips for a Great Visit with Kids
There's something to explore in every season at Kidspace. Photo courtesy of Kidspace Children's Museum
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Hiking in LA means stunning vistas, hidden trails, babbling brooks, and wonderful wildlife all year.
Hiking in Los Angeles with Kids: The Best Hiking Trails for Families
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Play, sip, relax, repeat. Photo courtesy of Wirtshaus
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Kids can get up close and personal with a giant tortoise. Photo credit Jaimie Wells, San Diego Zoo
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The La Brea Tar Pits are one of the most famous fossil discovery spots in the world.
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STEM-based learning centers offer kids access to tools that many kids don’t ever get to enjoy and learn from.
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Who knew there was so much nature to see in the Las Vegas area? Photo courtesy of Springs Preserve
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Ice cream tacos come in every flavor and color. Photo courtesy of Sweet Rolled Tacos
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There are rides that delight tots and teens at Six Flags.
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Camping at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Hannah Schwalbe/NPS
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There's so much to do at Victoria Beach. Photo by Carl Glover/CC BY 2.0
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Kids that are tuckered out from exploring are right at home at The Garland. Photo courtesy of The Garland
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Visit LACMA's Levitated Mass. Photo by Joey Zanetti
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The Outdoor Play Plaza at Greensboro Children's Museum in North Carolina.
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Slide on in, the water's fine. Photo courtesy of Legoland Water Park
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Kids love the rocks and climbing structures at Tongva Park. Photo courtesy of James Corner Field Operations
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Imaginations run the show at Dream Big. Photo courtesy of Dream Big Children's Center
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Sundays are for bagels. Photo courtesy of Pop's Bagels
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Free in May: The Best Free Activities and Things To Do in Los Angeles for Mother's Day and More

Meet the horses after the (free) polo matches at Will Rogers State Park.
Meet the horses after the (free) polo matches at Will Rogers State Park.
5/3/22 - By Brian Steele

Summer is just around the corner, and so are the summer camp fees, family vacation expenses, and a TON of ice cream trips. Before the summer budget blows up, use the month of May to enjoy some of the fabulous free events all over the city. Whether you’re looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo free of charge, plan a budget-friendly outing for mom on Mother's Day, get moving outdoors, or check out a movie without breaking the bank, here are a few free things to do this month with the whole family.

Discover all the free activities and events near you in our Free Things To Do with Kids in Los Angeles Guide, which includes a roundup of all the Free Museum Days in Los Angeles plus a list of 60+ Birthday Freebies for Kids.

To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Cinco de Mayo Family Day provides free family fun. Photo courtesy of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Facebook
Cinco de Mayo Family Day provides free family fun. Photo courtesy of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Facebook

Free Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Los Angeles

Anaheim Cinco de Mayo

Anaheim - Saturday & Sunday, April 30 & May 1
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated every year at La Palma Park in the City of Anaheim. The fest is filled with live music, dance performances, carnival rides, games, and lots of delicious food. READ MORE

Carson Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Carson - Sunday, May 1
Get in a workout and celebrate Latino culture this year at Carson's Cinco de Mayo Celebration 5k run/walk. This free event takes place in Carson Park.  READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Family Day

DTLA - Sunday, May 1
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a fun and free family day. READ MORE

38th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Monterey Park - Thursday, May 5
The City of Monterey Park’s Cinco de Mayo celebration features a wide variety of entertainers, including folklorico dancers, mariachis, and other traditional Mexican music. READ MORE

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

San Clemente - Saturday, May 7
Orange County's Spanish Village by the Sea puts on its annual festival celebrating el Cinco de Mayo with plenty of traditional music, food, and other family entertainment READ MORE

Fiesta Hermosa

Hermosa Beach - Saturday - Monday, May 28- 30
Hermosa Beach's semi-annual blowout combines hundreds of artisans and craftspeople with opportunities to swim, bike, fish, or just relax on the beach. READ MORE
See the butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Mother's Day Event in Calabasas. Photo courtesy of the venue
See the butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Mother's Day Event in Calabasas. Photo courtesy of the venue

Free Ways to Celebrate Mom on Mother's Day in Los Angeles

Monarch Butterfly Mother's Day Event

Calabasas - Saturday, May 7
Learn about monarch butterflies and make a beautiful bouquet for Mother's Day at this free event hosted by the National Park Service. NPS staff will educate attendees on butterflies and their food sources. Participants create a unique bouquet using natural materials and bring home milkweed seeds or plants to grow at home.  READ MORE

Michaels Sunday Makebreak

Multiple locations - Every Sunday in May (including Mother's Day!)
Get your craft on with Michaels Sunday Makebreaks. These fun crafty events take place at all Michaels stores every week. Michaels provides all of the supplies- all you need to do is come ready to create!  READ MORE
Spend a spring day in the zen garden at the Huntington. Photo courtesy of the Huntington
Spend a spring day in the zen garden at the Huntington. Photo courtesy of the Huntington

Free Garden and Museum Days in May

Free Day at The Huntington

San Marino - Thursday, May 5
To take advantage of the Huntington's free day program, you must reserve tickets in advance; see the website for full details. Reservations for the first Thursday are open the prior Thursday (last Thursday of the month) and are first come, first served.  READ MORE

Free First Fridays at Kidspace

Pasadena - Friday, May 6
Families can enjoy a free night at Kidspace on the first Friday of the month. This museum regularly introduces new exhibits and celebrations, such as Butterfly Season in early spring.  READ MORE

Sunday Funday at the Wallis

Beverly Hills - Sunday, May 8
Broadway babies can enjoy free family entertainment at the Wallis, including musician Parker Bent, flamenco lessons, and the Broadway Babies! READ MORE

Museums of the Arroyo Day

Arroyo Seco - Sunday, May 22
The annual Museums of the Arroyo Day treats LA families to free admission at six local museums. READ MORE
Family Nature Club at Griffith Park is free for all. Photo courtesy of lazoo.org
Family Nature Club at Griffith Park is free for all. Photo courtesy of lazoo.org

Free Ways to Get Moving in Los Angeles

Open House at the Placerita Nature Center

Newhall - Saturday, May 14
The Placerita Nature Center is hosting an open house event with free admission and parking! Kids can pan for "fool's gold," meet local wildlife at an animal presentation, and participate in a variety of crafts and games. READ MORE

Free Skateboarding Clinic in Malibu

Malibu - Sunday, May 22
Girls ages 8-13 can learn to skateboard or sharpen their skills at this free clinic at Malibu Bluffs Park led by instructors from Champ Camp. READ MORE

Family Nature Club

Griffith Park - Saturday, May 28
The LA Zoo partners with the LA Department of Recreation & Parks for Family Nature Club. Kids spend the morning enjoying loosely structured outdoor play – exploring nature through art, building, observation, and imagination. READ MORE

Sports for All

Multiple locations - Various dates in May
You don't have to sign your child up for expensive training clinics to help them excel at their favorite sport! LA County's Sports for All initiative provides free sports clinics and training for kids ages 6-12 at 25 different parks throughout LA. Sports options include basketball, baseball, T-ball, volleyball, cheer, softball, and soccer.  READ MORE

Polo Matches at Will Rogers

Pacific Palisades - Saturdays & Sundays
Catch a (free) polo match weekends this spring and summer at the Will Rogers polo field. Don't know what a chukker is? No need to know anything to enjoy a day of polo. Just bring a picnic and relax while watching magnificent horses pound up and down the field right in front of you. READ MORE
Odd Nights at the Autry returns! Photo courtesy of The Odd Market via Facebook
Odd Nights at the Autry returns! Photo courtesy of The Odd Market via Facebook

More Free Things To Do in Los Angeles this Month

Star Wars Day Celebration

Pico Rivera - Wednesday, May 4
The force will be strong at the Pico Rivera Library on May the 4th! Come for an afternoon of Star Wars-themed activities, specifically geared for kids ages 5-12.  READ MORE

PCH Movies and Moonlight - Summer Series

Long Beach - Friday, May 6
2ND & PCH returns with its free outdoor summer movie series.  Films are shown along Seaport Way and begin just after sunset. Screenings include pre-show activities from 7pm - 8:30pm. READ MORE

Fire Service Day (Burbank)

Burbank - Saturday, May 7
The Burbank Fire Department celebrates Fire Service Day with station tours, a kids' obstacle course & a bike angels obstacle course, photo opportunities with Lil' Squirt & Pluggy, a demonstration of vehicle extrication, and the opportunity to learn about fire prevention & emergency preparedness. READ MORE

Kibō Nobori 2022 — Children's Day Festival

Little Tokyo - Saturday, May 7
Little Tokyo's first annual Kibō Nobori Children’s Day Festival is a free family-friendly event celebrating the Japanese holiday Kodomo No Hi. "Kodomo No Hi" means "Children's Day" in Japan and is a day to celebrate and wish for health and good fortune for all children. READ MORE

Downtown Burbank Arts Festival

Burbank - Saturday & Sunday, May 14 & 15
The Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair curates the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival. This free event in the heart of Downtown Burbank features over 175 handmade artisan booths on San Fernando Boulevard. Vendors offer trendsetting indie goods including original fashion and jewelry design, paper goods, innovative home decor and housewares, art, photography, and food. READ MORE

Monthly Kids Club at The Point

El Segundo - May 19
The Point Kid's Club is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month from April through December. The themed events include live entertainment, face painting, balloon twisting, strolling characters, and more. READ MORE

Odd Nights at the Autry

Griffith Park - Friday, May 20
Odd Nights at the Autry is a free monthly outdoor event on the Autry grounds. Families can bring blankets and folding chairs and kick back to enjoy an evening picnic with live music on the huge lawn. READ MORE

2022 Summer Concerts in the Park (Thousand Oaks)

Thousand Oaks - Monday, May 30
It may get a little chilly in the evenings,  but the music at Conejo Community Park is hot!  READ MORE

Kids Club Concerts at the Grove

Mid-City - Every Thursday in May
Get your groove on at the Grove at the return of the popular Kids Club events concerts, held in collaboration with Apple TV+. The weekly events feature live music, storytelling, puppet shows, and other kid-friendly entertainment. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Michaels - All Locations, including
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
Kidspace Children's Museum
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Multiple Museums, including The Gamble House
Police and Fire Headquarters