New Kid-Friendly Openings in Los Angeles in 2023

1. Super Nintendo World — Hollywood 

In February 2023, the pixelated wonders of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood came to life with beloved characters and iconic landscapes of green warp pipes and mushrooms. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is the main thrilling attraction where you race with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, and collect coins. With interactive elements and cutting-edge technology, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is a dream come true for gamers and fans of all ages. 

2. Bluey x CAMP — Century City 

When the kids need an afternoon of amusement, and you've exhausted all options in Los Angeles, CAMP in Westfield Century City always comes through. Their most recent interactive experience brings the characters of Bluey from the popular animated series to Century City behind the magic door. From themed play areas that include slides and forts in Bluey's House to exclusive merchandise and meet and greets, the Bluey x Camp Experience is a must-visit for fans of the lovable Blue Heeler pup and her adventures. 

 
Enter the whimsical world of classic Dr. Seuss characters. Photo courtesy of Fever 

3. Dr. Seuss Experience — Santa Monica

At the Dr. Seuss Experience, children and adults alike can interact with larger-than-life characters, step into iconic book scenes, and immerse themselves in the fantastical imagination of Dr. Seuss. From the colorful truffula trees to the mischievous Thing 1 and Thing 2, every corner is full of joy and wonder that generations have come to love.

Go on a whimsical and interactive journey of timeless tales as the pages of these ageless classics come to life. Tickets to the limited-run Dr. Seuss Experience are currently available through the end of January 2024. 

4. Adventure Playground — Huntington Beach 

Adventure Playground in Huntington Beach reopened in the summer of 2023 for the first time in four years. Features like mudslides, climbing structures, and innertubes redefine a traditional playground experience. Kids will get dirty and muddy as they're encouraged to build, explore, and connect with nature. It will feel like they went to summer camp for the day. 

Adventure Playground will reopen in June 2024, and reservations are typically required. Act fast when more information becomes available, as it's only open for a limited time in the summer months. 

5. American Girl Store — Century City 

This two-floor store opened in the summer of 2023 at Westfield Century City Mall and is a haven for fans of the beloved American Girl dolls and their inspiring stories. Beyond shopping for a new American Girl doll and accessories, there's a salon for manicures and hairstyles, a reading room, a doll hospital, and a sit-down restaurant. The store often holds many seasonal events, too. 

6. Bubble World — Montebello 

Bubble World in Montebello invites guests to engage in a variety of bubble-centric activities, from a technological twist of bubbles blown by robots to colorful photo ops. Kids can step into giant bubbles that seem to defy the laws of physics and dive into a "bathtub" ball pit. With vibrant technicolor rooms and a playful ambiance, this experience is bursting with fun! 

7. Munchkins Indoor Playground — North Hollywood 

Munchkins Indoor Playground opened in early 2023 in North Hollywood. This clean and pristine indoor playground offers an array of activities and play structures, from colorful ball pits to thrilling slides that cater to all energy levels. The indoor setting ensures a climate-controlled and secure space, making it a perfect escape for playdates, birthdays, or an afternoon of fun. They'll soon add a second location in Northridge. 

RELATED: Best Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Los Angeles 

Ride the Ventura rails via pedal. Photo by Brendan McGuigan courtesy of Sunburst Railbikes

8. Sunburst Railbikes — Ventura

Perfect for families seeking a unique outdoor adventure, Sunburst Railbikes in Ventura offers a leisurely and enjoyable ride for all ages. Pedal along miles of historic rail tracks, providing breathtaking views of Ventura's charming farmlands and citrus groves. You'll even make a pit stop at Prancer's Farm, which has provisions and a petting zoo. 

9. Tiana's Palace at Disneyland — Anaheim 

The food at Disneyland is part of the magic, and Tiana's Palace added yet another great new food option to the park this year. This new quick-service restaurant is in New Orleans Square. It will transport you to the Louisiana Bayou with its cajun and creole food staples, accompanied by the atmospheric inspiration of The Princess and The Frog. The gumbo and house-filled beignets are the stars of the southern show, and kids' meals are available. 

10. Thomas Dambo's Trolls: Save The Humans — Palos Verdes

Renowned artist Thomas Dambo brought six larger-than-life trolls to life in a captivating exhibition throughout the South Coast Botanic Garden. Reclaimed and recycled materials make up these colossal trolls as they stand as guardians of nature. Thomas Dambo's Trolls: Save The Humans is a magical fusion of creativity and conservation, inviting visitors to appreciate art while reflecting on the impact of human actions on the environment. See the exhibit through Sunday, January 14, 2024. 

11. The LEGO Store — Century City

In case you can't tell, we kind of love the Westfield Century City Mall and think it's the best LA mall for kids. The LEGO Store backs us up on this claim as it was another new addition to this kid-friendly mall. While the American Girl Store might be the more recent opening, the LEGO store opened in February 2023, commencing with a LEGO Grogu Master Builder event. LEGO fans will love building Minifigures, and the youngest LEGO lovers can enjoy the LEGO DUPLO Play Table. 

12. Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy — Boyle Heights 

Luna Luna is the world's first art amusement park and went on display in Los Angeles in 2023 for the first time in four decades. Visionary works from renowned artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and David Hockney are on view in the form of rides, games, and attractions, like a carousel and Ferris wheel. Luna Luna made its LA debut thanks to Drake, of all people. It offers visitors an unprecedented opportunity to witness the convergence of art and amusement in a singular and inspiring experience.  

13. Squid Game: The Trials Experience — Fairfax 

If you're looking for something fun for older kids, Squid Games: The Trials, which opened up next door to the Grove in November 2023, is lots of fun! You can compete in the Squid Games, with much lower stakes. Enter through the Night Market, test your skills on up to six games (there's a reason they say up to six!), and watch as alliances shift and your competitive side comes out! It's for kids 13 & up (though the game after us was won by an 11-year-old girl who rocked Red Light Green Light!) 

14. The Count's Splash Castle at Sesame Place — Chula Vista

The Count's Splash Castle made waves at Sesame Place San Diego in the summer of 2023, and you can count all 111 ways to play in this multi-level water attraction. Even the littlest water waddlers can splash, spray, play, and appreciate this watery wonderland in the Southern California sun. 

15. Arctic Rescue at Seaworld — San Diego 

Arctic Rescue, Seaworld San Diego's newest ride, opened in the summer of 2023. This family-friendly snowmobile ride is the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast. The snowmobile-style seats ensure an immersive experience as you navigate thrilling turns and banks along the track. 

16. AutoCamp Zion — Virgin, UT 

AutoCamp Zion opened in May 2023 and offers a fantastic new lodging option near Zion National Park. It feels rustic as you're in an Airstream but comes with all the bells and whistles, like a private bathroom with a hot shower, making it convenient to go glamping with kids. I stayed there with my one-year-old using a pack-n-play, and the desert sunsets outside our door and the convenient location in proximity to the park entrance made it such an enjoyable stay. 

Coolest Kid-Friendly Openings in 2024 

2023 had a strong showing of new openings for kids in Los Angeles, but we can't help but eagerly await all the new stuff that's to come in 2024! We've got a preview of some of the best kid-friendly openings to expect in LA (or nearby LA) to add to your radar. Don't forget to check out our Los Angeles Calendar for more new openings throughout the new year. 

17. Dino Valley at Legoland — Carlsbad 

A prehistoric adventure arrives at Legoland in the spring of 2024. Dino Valley will be a brand-new land in the park. Two new dino-rific rides will include the Explorer River Quest and DUPLO Little Dino Trail rides, offering exciting journeys into the land of dinosaurs. The Coastersaurus dinosaur ride will remain a staple in the land. Dino Valley will also introduce dino build-and-play areas and meet-and-greet sessions with new characters. 

18. Early Childhood Learning Center at Kidspace — Pasadena 

There used to be a room just for babies at Kidspace where they had a safe padded space to crawl around. The room closed around the time of the pandemic. Kidspace is reviving and reopening the room into an Early Childhood Learning Center in 2024, where babies and the youngest kiddos will have a dedicated brand-new space to roam and explore. 

RELATED: SoCal Theme and Water Parks Guide 

 
Go to summer camp at Knott's Berry Farm. Artist's rendering of Camp Snoopy courtesy of Knott's Berry Farm.

19. Camp Snoopy at Knott's Berry Farm — Buena Park 

Knott's Berry Farm will unveil the reimagined Camp Snoopy, a sprawling six-acre wonderland inspired by the California High Sierras, set to debut on Memorial Day weekend in 2024. The PEANUTS™ gang will introduce an array of thrilling additions, like Snoopy's Tenderpaw Twister, a family-friendly coaster. Rocky Mountain Trucking Company will transform into an Off-Road Rally featuring colorful four-wheel jeeps racing through expanded tracks and whimsical obstacles. 

Other additions will include Sally's Swing Along, a giant bench swing, an upgraded Beagle Express, the Camp Snoopy Theater, and the return of Woodstock's Airmail.   

20. Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland — Anaheim  

The highly anticipated Tiana's Bayou ride at Disneyland will open in late 2024. The ride will replace Splash Mountain and dive into the world of The Princess and the Frog, picking up where the movie leaves off in the heart of New Orleans. Princess Tiana, Naveen, and the jazz-loving alligator Louis will take guests on a lively expedition through the Louisiana Bayou as they prepare for an unforgettable Mardi Gras celebration.  

21. Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience at Seaworld — San Diego 

In 2024, SeaWorld will unveil the "Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience exhibit." This immersive aquarium will transport guests into a captivating underwater world through the depths. The exhibit will feature three unique galleries, circular habitats for jellyfish well-being, an 18-foot-tall jelly cylinder and LED digital video panels creating virtual oceanic moments, and a 10-foot-tall acrylic living arch of jellyfish, perfect for a photo op.  

22. Mattel Adventure Park — Glendale, AZ 

This one isn't in Los Angeles, but it's worth mentioning since kids will be begging their parents for a trip to nearby Arizona to visit Barbie's Dream House, speed on Hot Wheels rides, and be enthralled by Thomas & Friends experiences. We don't know many details about this intriguing theme park just yet, but are very eager to learn more. It's due to open sometime in 2024 outside of Phoenix, Arizona.