Fun Activities During Spring Break in Los Angeles

Enter the world of Mario and Luigi. Photo courtesy of Meghan Rose

1. Universal Studios Hollywood — Universal City 

Universal Studios Hollywood is a great way to spend the day if you're willing to brave the spring break crowds. There are attractions for kids of all ages, and the latest addition to the park is the first Super Nintendo World in the United States (which opened last year). Located on the lower level near the Jurassic World ride, hang out with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and other characters from the iconic video games. The park just opened the Power Up Cafe in Super Mario World, too. 

2. Bluey x CAMP — Century City 

There's always something to delight kids behind the magic door at CAMP in the Westfield Century City mall. There's still time to enjoy the entertainment of Bluey during spring break in Los Angeles. Step into Bluey's house for an immersive experience. 

3. Butterfly Season at Kidspace — Pasadena 

You don't need an excuse to visit Kidspace, but in case you do, Butterfly Season is the perfect reason to visit. The children's museum will showcase our beautiful fluttery friends this spring with bug safaris, create-a-caterpillar art projects, and butterfly dress-ups. And that's just the tip of the butterfly wing! Your child can adopt a caterpillar—for a small fee—a kit includes a caterpillar, its food, and a care guide. 

4. Natural History Museum Butterfly Pavilion — Exposition Park 

Speaking of butterflies, your heart will be aflutter when you enter this world-class butterfly pavilion with thousands of flying friends inside. The Butterfly Pavilion is a seasonal exhibit, so catch it during spring break before it is gone. 

5. Six Flags Magic Mountain — Santa Clarita 

Some of the world's greatest roller coasters are only 20 minutes from LA in Santa Clarita at Six Flags Magic Mountain. In addition to high-octane rides for thrill seekers, Six Flags has a great children's area with several (slower) rides for little tots. 

6. Sherman Oaks Castle Park — Sherman Oaks

Mini-golf is a fun way to entertain the kids while on spring break in Los Angeles. One of the best mini-golf courses in LA is in Sherman Oaks, complete with three courses to choose from, batting cages, and an arcade.  

7. Griffith Park — Griffith Park 

Expect beautiful weather during spring break in Los Angeles, which means all the outdoor fun. Griffith Park is full of things for kids from the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Observatory, Shane's Inspiration playground, the Autry Museum, Travel Town, and kid-friendly hiking trails (Ferndell is a favorite). 

8. Dodgers Game — Elysian Park 

The Dodger's opening weekend happens to take place during spring break in Los Angeles. Root for the home team and enjoy a springtime game before the temperatures get too hot! 

9. FIDM's The Art of Costume Design in Film — DTLA 

Young movie buffs will appreciate this free annual museum exhibit. It celebrates movie costumes and typically includes Academy Award-nominated films and costumes from other popular films released from the previous year. 

10. Springtime Easter Festival at Underwood Family Farms — Moorpark 

From animal shows to Easter egg hunts, Underwood Family Farms is the perfect place to catch spring fever during your break. This happy little farm has tractor rides, pick-your-own fields, photo ops with (real) Easter bunnies, petting zoos, animal shows, and more during the Easter season. 

11. Aquarium of the Pacific — Long Beach 

Kids love sea creatures, so you can visit the ocean in Long Beach without going in the water (unless daring kids want to feed sharks and walk among rays) at the Aquarium of the Pacific. This beloved and impressive aquarium also hosts tons of events throughout the year. 

RELATED: Hiking in Los Angeles with Kids: The Best Hiking Trails for Families

Spring is in the air when you see a blanket of orange poppies. Photo by Gina Ragland

12. Spring Wildflower Hikes — Various Locations 

It's always a roll of the dice as to whether or not we'll see spectacular wildflower blooms each spring. There are many great hiking locations to pursue this colorful natural phenomenon like the Antelope Poppy Reserve or Chino Hills State Park. So, hit the trails and bring a camera (but stay on the paths)! 

13. Santa Monica Pier — Santa Monica 

Disneyland typically comes to mind when you think of a day of amusement rides, but for a more low-key time, the Santa Monica Pier has plenty of rides and entertainment for all ages. There's even a carousel for little ones, and Heal The Bay aquarium is under the pier. 

14. Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit at Discovery Cube LA — Sylmar 

Take your little ones to Discovery Cube LA to check out the new Doc McStuffins exhibit. Kids can work at the daily duties of being a (toy) doctor, and learn healthy habits as they play. For kiddos who are a fan of Doc and the Disney Junior show, this exhibit is a must-do spring break activity. 

15. Strawberry Picking — Various Locations 

Is there anything more spring than picking red, ripe strawberries in the sunshine? Tanaka Farms is already open for strawberry-picking season, and other fields around LA and the surrounding areas are set to open soon. 

16. MB2 Entertainment — Santa Clarita 

This family fun gem is the perfect place to enjoy a round of mini-golf, try duckpin bowling, cruise around in bumper boats, play a round of laser tag, and throttle through the go-kart course—all for a very affordable price! 

17. The Huntington Library and Gardens — San Marino

There are many botanic gardens in Los Angeles, but the Huntington is especially magical during spring, as so many flowers and plants are in bloom. The children's garden is the perfect place to spend a fair-weather afternoon when school isn't in session. 

18. Lake Balboa — Van Nuys 

With boat rentals, bike rentals, a playground, and a gorgeous lake to stroll around, it's easy to spend a day at Lake Balboa. Plus, it's one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the springtime in Los Angeles. 

19. Sunset Ranch Horseback Riding — Hollywood 

Ride on horseback to the Hollywood Sign. It's just one of those bucket list things to do in Hollywood with kids. Why not on spring break? 

20. Marvin Braude Bike Trail — Santa Monica

Running over 20 miles from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades to Torrance County Beach is the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as "The Strand." With the weather getting warm (but not too hot for a long ride), spring break in Los Angeles is the perfect time to soak in the city's iconic coast. 

21. Easter Eggstravaganza at Irvine Park Railroad — Orange 

Chug over to Irvine Park Railroad, where kids can meet the Easter Bunny, participate in egg hunts, ride the train, and enjoy other ticketed activities. While there, don't miss other fun adventures in Irvine Regional Park, like the OC Zoo, pony rides, and boat rentals. 

Amazing Day Trips for Spring Break from Los Angeles

Disneyland wants you to be their guest during spring break! Photo by Gina Ragland

22. Disneyland — Anaheim 

Disneyland needs no introduction, and lucky Angelenos don't need to travel far to visit this enchanted place. Everyone else has to plan flights and hotels for this spring break classic, and we just have to hop on the freeway. 

23. Joshua Tree National Park 

Spring break is the perfect time to visit Joshua Tree National Park before the desert gets too hot. Explore miles of kid-friendly hiking trails, climb on rocks, and marvel at the otherworldly beauty of this vast national park. Expect to see desert wildflowers in the springtime, too. 

24. Channel Islands National Park 

In Los Angeles, we're lucky to have not one but two national parks within a day trip drive. To get to the Channel Islands, a boat ride needs to be booked, but once there, spring wildflowers will be blooming on stunning coastal trails. For older kids, think about going on an epic kayaking adventure through the sea caves. 

25. Malibu 

Drive up the PCH to take in the glorious views in Malibu, where there's plenty for kids to do. Admire spring wildflowers on popular treks like Point Dume and Solstice Canyon, and pack a picnic to take with you to picturesque beaches like El Matador and Leo Carrillo. 

26. Legoland — Carlsbad 

LEGO lovers will find so much to do at this popular theme park in Carlsbad. There are rides, shows, playgrounds, miniature cities, and tons of other interactive attractions. 

27. Catalina Island 

Spring break is the perfect time to take your family to Catalina Island and get away on this remote (yet close by) island destination. Take the kids on a Jeep Eco-Tour to see the bison that call the island home, try snorkeling in Two Harbors, view marine life on a glass-bottom boat or undersea sub, or play mini-golf at the center square of Avalon. 

28. Knott's Berry Farm — Buena Park 

Another theme park? Yup, but this one is worth the trek for the Boysenberry Festival occurring during spring break in Los Angeles. All ages can enjoy this family-friendly Orange County staple with thrilling rides and entertaining shows.  

29. Ventura County 

30. Balboa Fun Zone — Newport Beach 

The Balboa Fun Zone provides entertainment for all ages with its classic amusement rides, arcade games, and picturesque harbor views. Newport Whales is also a fantastic option for affordable whale watching, and it's right near the Balboa Fun Zone. Take a quick ferry ride to Balboa Island for a charming coastal escape with its scenic waterfront, quaint shops, and famous frozen bananas. 

32. San Diego 

Willing to travel a little further? San Diego is renowned for its many family-friendly attractions and hotels. Animal lovers adore the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and Sesame Place San Diego. Your family can even have a sleepover at the Safari Park with a Roar & Snore safari adventure. 

Additional reporting by Ana Belibasis, Matt Matasci, and Gina Ragland