LA is home to Beverly Hills, Selling Sunset, and the world’s most famous celebrities, and it can be expensive to live here. Shocker, right? That is why I’ve scoured the city to find the best family-friendly fun under $5. If you’re looking for budget-friendly fun for families in LA, Mommy Poppins is your spot. We are constantly looking for all the best deals and affordable hidden gems in LA. 

I put together this list based on things I’ve actually done with my kids. I’m a born-and-raised Angelino and a mom of four (ages 2-9). I understand that leaving the house can be an ordeal, and some experiences can be a huge letdown (and wallet drainer). These $5 activities for kids in LA are worth filling up the water bottles, packing the snack bag, and locating a matching pair of shoes and socks. 

What Can You Actually Do in Los Angeles for $5 or Less?

There is actually a lot of free and low-cost fun in LA, especially if you’re willing to be creative. Some of our favorite adventures have hardly cost anything. From free museums to charming boat and train rides, the sticker price on these attractions costs $5 or less. Keep in mind that this doesn’t factor in parking, which can fluctuate from metered prices to $10+ flat fees. Some of these attractions are completely free, while others request a donation or request a $1-$5 admission fee per kid. 

Insider Tips for Visiting Spots in Los Angeles That Cost $5 or Less With Kids

If you have flexibility and your kids are homeschooled or not in school yet, many of these attractions are open on weekdays. I love taking my preschoolers on a mid-week adventure while the big kids are in school, and I tried many of these spots during one of those outings. This minimizes crowds, wait times, parking complications, and traffic. LA is most accessible during work/school hours, and we generally leave our house around 10am for an adventure to outsmart traffic. 

If you’re adventuring around with littles, bring a stroller along. Most of these spots have stroller access or offer stroller parking. While there’s no one-size-fits-all parking solution for LA attractions, do your best to locate reasonable (or venue-owned) paid parking. I find parking on the street can be really complicated due to meter limitations and tricky parking laws. I try to be safe, rather than sorry. Yes, maybe it costs me a few dollars more to park on-site- but my car is safe, and I know I won’t walk out to one of those dreaded white tickets on the windshield. 

Things to Do With Kids in Los Angeles for $5 or Less by Category

Outdoor and Nature Experiences One of my favorite activities in LA is the Ferndell Trail, which offers free parking and provides a gorgeous hike on a clearly marked path to an amazing playground. Another amazing nature experience is Vasquez Rocks Interpretive Center, which has snakes and other desert life on display, and is the gateway to several beautiful, kid-friendly hikes (free parking here, too!). 

Museums & Cultural Spots: The Broad Museum in Downtown is always free to the public, and has exhibits kids will enjoy. The Skirball Cultural Center, home to Noah’s Ark, is free on Thursdays. You have to reserve your spot in advance, but it’s worth the effort to gain free admission to one of my favorite indoor playspaces in LA. The Autry in Griffith Park is free for all on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, if you are fixin’ for a taste of cowboy culture. 

Trains, Boats, & Transportation Fun: Take a cruise through the Long Beach Harbor for only $2 round-trip on the Aquabus. The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad and Travel Town trains only cost $3 per child ($4 per adult) to ride on a nice, long loop. 

Beaches & Waterfront Walks: Good news! The beach is always free. Well, okay, sometimes the parking isn’t, but for the most part, it’s free. We absolutely love a good beach day, and have plenty of suggestions for amazing beaches in Southern California. Fancy a stroll by the shore? We love to bring our scooters and roller blades along and make our way down The Strand, and the pathway tracing Ventura State Beach isn’t so bad, either (and you can rent surreys!). In the winter, sand sledding at beaches like Playa del Rey and Venice is a popular, free activity.

Neighborhood wandering and people watching: It’s free to people-watch (and dog watch) in Beverly Hills, and it’s absolutely worth it to do so. Grab a Rip n’ Dip Bagel at Alfred (they’re only $3.50) and settle down for some LA culture as you’ve never seen it before. 

Individual Attractions in LA That Cost $5 or Less

1. Griffith Park Trains - Griffith Park

Fun fact—there are three trains at Griffith Park, and all of them are so much fun for littles (and less than $5). We take a ride on the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad Train often; it’s $3 per child and $4 per adult, and you get a nice, long, meandering ride. This is the one we usually stop at if we’re headed to the Los Angeles Zoo. The Travel Town train (P.S. Travel Town as a whole is totally free) is also $3 per child and $4 per adult, and guests get to loop around twice. 

The last, and least known about, hidden gem of a train is the Los Angeles Live Steamers, which only offers public rides on Sundays from 11am - 3pm for a suggested donation of $4 per person.

Insider tip: On the third Sunday of every month, the Carolwood Barn is also open to the public in Griffith Park for free. Combine a ride on the steamer with a visit to Walt Disney’s barn for the perfect Sunday outing. Parking at all of these spots is free. The trains are great for kiddos 10 and under, but keep in mind that the steam train has a 34” height requirement. There are no height requirements on the other trains. The train conductor at the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad once told me my 4th daughter was the youngest passenger he’d ever had (she was two weeks old on her first ride!). 

2. AquaBus & AquaLink - Long Beach  

These beloved Long Beach ferries are a low-cost way to get out on the water. No need to book one of those fancy schmancy dinner cruises (the kids don’t want that food anyway), just bring a bag of Goldfish aboard and cruise through the Long Beach Harbor on the AquaBus ($2 one way) or the AquaLink ($5 to cross the harbor on a 40-minute trip to Los Alamitos Bay).

The AquaLink includes a snack bar with affordable treats, plus a signature cocktail for mom or dad. The ferries board 15 minutes before departure time; make sure that you arrive at least 20 minutes early because once a boat is full, they close boarding. Strollers are allowed on both boats, but space is limited.

Insider tip: These buses are seasonal and don’t run in the winter months. Wait until the warm weather hits Long Beach, and they’ll be up and running again. 

3. OC Zoo - Irvine

The OC Zoo dips into Orange County, but it’s worth adding here because it’s a great little family outing for only $2 per person. This one does have a hidden cost; the OC Zoo is located inside Irvine Park, which charges an entrance fee of $3 per vehicle on weekdays, $5 per vehicle on weekends, and $7 on major holidays. Don’t expect lions and tigers (but there are bears) at this rescue zoo, but you can set your sights on a mountain lion, kit fox, bald eagle, ocelot, and more. There’s also a barnyard with domestic goats and sheep. The zoo is best for the under 10 set, and won’t take too long to cover.

Insider tip: You can take an audio tour as you wander this zoo on your phone. Just dial (714) 481-0355 into your phone, and the tour will begin. 

4. Adventure Playgrounds - Irvine, Huntington Beach, & Yorba Linda 

Oh my goodness, do I love these creative playgrounds with plenty of space for kids to just be kids. The Irvine Adventure Playground is hard to find (when you park, you’ll see a traditional playground on a green grassy hill- walk the opposite way and search for the entrance that looks like a fort), but it’s free and doesn’t require a reservation. The Yorba Linda Adventure Playground is also free but requires a reservation on weekends during the year, and every day during the summer. The first time we visited here, we didn’t realize that it was only open on weekends most of the year and were disappointed to find the gates locked tight. The Huntington Beach Adventure Playground costs $4 per person (admission must be purchased in advance).

It is like stepping back in time to a place where kids play in the mud and climb in the trees. Kids are required to keep their shoes on here, and it gets really dirty, so bring a change of clothes and shoes for your kids, and make sure they’re wearing an old pair of shoes for play. 

5. Santa Clarita Aquatic Center - Santa Clarita 

This one is seasonal, but it's worth a mention, as it’s one of our go-to summer activities. When things get too warm for outside play in SoCal, you’ll find us at this fun aquatic center with a water house, spray fountains, diving boards, and a tall waterslide for big kids. Children can enter for $5, but adults cost $7 each. Parking is free, and there are no additional fees. Kids who aren’t confident swimmers can borrow a lifejacket while on-site.

If your bigger kids want to use the water slide or high dives, make sure that you attend recreational swim and not toddler time. Toddler time is perfect if you want a calmer environment for your littles, but the slide and dive stations are not open. Kids who want to slide or dive will need to pass a swim test.

Here are more fun things to do in Santa Clarita, in case you're looking for a couple of additional activities in the area. 

6. Griffith Observatory - Griffith Park 

The Griffith Observatory is a must-do if you’re visiting LA because entry to the observatory is totally free. There is a parking fee ($10) if you want to park close. If you’re up for a hike, the Section 9 parking and the parking at the Greek Theater are free (and you can take the DASH bus up to the observatory for practically nothing). While admission is complimentary, it does cost to attend a show in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium: kids cost $6, and adults cost $10. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the planetarium, except for during the first show of the day, where they can join the fun for free.

Insider tip: Strollers are welcome at the observatory, but the hike up the hill is so steep that I’d actually recommend a carrier. It can be quite the exercise regimen to get up there, but the view from the top is worth it. Also, if you head up in the evening, you may be able to catch fireworks from Universal Studios, a Dodger Game, or another LA event. 

7. Great Park Carousel - Irvine

Recently, we decided to pull off the 5 Freeway and actually ride that giant orange balloon that I always see peeking out of Great Park. What I didn’t know is that next to the balloon is a beautiful carousel that offers free, unlimited rides to kids.

Insider tip: The balloon is also very affordable: adults cost $10, but kids 13 and under are free. A day at Great Park is a day well spent, as the parking is free and there are several beautiful playgrounds for the kids to explore. My only caveat is that your kids are going to want to ride the carousel until they’re nauseous. 

8. Balboa Island Ferry - Newport Beach

This one is a bit far south, but if you are visiting SoCal, a day in Newport is a dream. The Balboa Island Ferry takes you from the Balboa Fun Zone over to the charming and idyllic Balboa Island, and fares are $1 per child and $2 per adult (one-way). You can also drive your car onto the ferry for $3 (plus passenger fees), or bring a bicycle along for $1.25 per kid and $2.25 per adult. The boat ride is a blast, and the destinations on either side of the ferry are worth a wander. 

9. Angel’s Flight Railway - DTLA

This funicular railway has been an LA mainstay since 1901, and if you’re visiting Los Angeles (or even just headed to DTLA for the day), it never hurts to hop on for a ride. Is it completely pointless? Yes. Is it cheap? Yes. A round-trip ride is only $3 ($1.50 one-way). The railway will take you up to Grand Park, where you can meander (or enjoy the amazing and beautiful splash pad in the summer) before coming back down. I’ll admit, the Angel’s Flight Railway is kind of a one-time thing. It’s worth it for the photo, but it’s a pretty short-lived experience.

Insider tip: Head right across the street to Grand Central Market for some grub afterwards—Villa’s Tacos (inside Grand Central Market) are one of the best cheap eats in LA. 

10. Los Angeles County Fire Museum - Bellflower

Check out vintage firetrucks and take the kids to the fun firefighter-themed play area in the back, where they can try on gear and pretend to protect the city. This adorable museum only costs a $5 donation per adult, and kiddos are free. This museum won’t take your whole day; it’s pretty small, and I would only budget 1.5 - 2 hours here. All ages will enjoy this outing if they’re interested in the history of the fire department in LA, but the play structure is best for kids 8 and under.

Insider tip: There is free parking right across the street from the museum at the Bellflower City parking structure.

11. Roundhouse Aquarium - Manhattan Beach

This happy little aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier is a great outing in a beautiful beach town. The aquarium is totally free, but staff request a donation of $5 per individual or $10 per family. The aquarium is small, so plan to pair this activity with a day at the beach, or a multi-beach town tour (go north to hit Dockweiler, Marina del Rey, Venice, and Santa Monica). All ages will enjoy the sea life at the Roundhouse Aquarium (and kids will really enjoy the touch tanks).

Insider tip: Make sure you don’t skip the two-spot octopus; he’s the main attraction at the Roundhouse. 

12. California Science Center - Exposition Park 

I can’t believe the California Science Center is free. This amazing LA attraction is so fun for kids 13 and under, and it’s so big that you can stay all day. We love the new GAME ON!: Science, Sports, and Play exhibit, and we always have to say “hi” to Tess in the Bodyworks theater. To be clear, while the museum is free, the parking definitely is not. It costs $20 to park in the lot before 5pm, and $25 after 5pm. The California Science Center shares space with the Coliseum and BMO Stadium, so on game days, parking can be tricky, and traffic is a nightmare. The California Science Center typically updates its website if there is going to be traffic on particular days. 

What’s Overrated (And What I’d Skip with Kids on a Tight Budget)

Many of LA’s biggest shopping centers are so much fun, but you’ll want to be wary of very high parking charges and overpriced food. For example, Universal CityWalk is a blast, but plan to spend a whopping $40 on parking, plus more for food, shopping, and experiences inside. If you arrive after 5pm, the parking is much more reasonable at only $10. There is no play structure for kids here (there is a fun splash area in the summer), so you’ll most likely end up spending money to keep everyone happy.

We love to stop in VooDoo Doughnuts or The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, but we always drop a pretty penny when we do. Instead, go to the Westfield Century City mall, where there’s a giant play structure, plenty of fun stores to wander through, and some affordable food options in the food court. 

Another overrated tourist trap is the rides at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. You should absolutely visit the pier, but stick to the adorable aquarium tucked underneath the boardwalk, or ride the carousel. Many of the rides in Pacific Park have short run times at very high prices. (If you’re not in LA often, you may want to do the Ferris wheel just as a bucket list item.) 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Things to Do With Kids in Los Angeles

Q: Are there truly free things to do with kids in LA?
A: Yes! There are plenty of fun, free things to do in LA. Because the weather is lovely most of the year, many of these fun spots are outside, such as beautiful beaches, stunning parks like Ferndell or Balboa Park, or gardens like the Blue Ribbon Garden in DTLA.

Q: Is Los Angeles walkable with kids?
A: While stretches of LA are walkable (such as Downtown Santa Monica, Beverly Hills near Rodeo, or Westwood), all of LA is not walkable in the same way that more compressed cities are. You’re going to want to use a rideshare service or rent a car. LA is sprawling, and many attractions can be miles away from each other. 

Q: What neighborhoods are best for budget family activities?
A: If you’re visiting LA, make sure to check out Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Mid-City (Miracle Mile), and DTLA. All of these neighborhoods have budget-friendly fun for families, and they all offer a unique snapshot of the city.

Q: Are LA museums free for kids?
A: Some LA museums, such as the California Science Center, The Broad, and The Getty Museum (plus the Getty Villa), are free for families, and they’re a ton of fun. 

Q: Is public transportation safe for families?
A: I don’t take my family on public transportation in LA. That being said, other families feel totally comfortable utilizing the Metro and bus systems to get around town. If you are visiting, you may be most comfortably using rideshare services or Waymo, rather than the city buses and Metro. 

Q: How much should a family realistically budget per day?
A: The size of your budget for a day in LA depends on the size of your family, what you hope to accomplish, and where you want to dine. If you are planning to eat all three meals out, for a family of four, I would say to expect to spend at least $200 on food, plus up to $100 on entertainment. However, you can utilize our cheap eats guide and these budget-friendly activities to reduce the cost.

All photos by the author