Family Guide to Los Angeles and Best Things to Do With Kids – Fodor’s Travel

Our information to the most effective family-friendly and kid-friendly locations in Los Angeles.

Ask any good traveler, and so they’ll inform you that the most effective a part of touring is getting absorbed right into a metropolis’s tradition. It’s one factor to go to Los Angeles, keep on the Beverly Hills Lodge, hit up all of the museums, and zip to the highest of the Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier. It’s one other to spend a lazy afternoon lounging in Highland Park earlier than grabbing some currywurst at a neighborhood spot in Downtown.

That’s a part of what could make touring with children so irritating. There are dozens of hip travel guides for adults online, however few account for what eating places, sights, and experiences would really be good for household journey. To make certain, there’s some overlap—everybody can benefit from the Broad Museum—however what eating places have excessive chairs and don’t thoughts noisy toddlers? What parks have picturesque playgrounds for just a little afternoon run-around? And, most significantly, where can you get the best ice cream?

Whereas Hollywood is a paradise for moviegoers and those that need to see and be seen, it’s additionally full of wonderful locations to relax and loosen up with children—and no, we’re not simply speaking about Disneyland. Right here’s our information to the most effective kid-friendly locations in Los Angeles.

Associated: The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

The place to Eat

Whereas all mother and father dream of having the ability to take their children anyplace, from an oyster bar to a sushi spot, everyone knows that’s not all the time the case. Fortunately, L.A. is filled with superb informal eating choices. Listed below are among the most kiddo-friendly.

Canter’s Deli

An L.A. establishment for nearly 100 years, Canter’s is a type of basic Jewish delis. Its menu is very large, seating prodigious, and bakery counter delectable. Children and fogeys alike will discover a lot to love right here, and the employees is joyful to cater to little ones. In actual fact, highchair-bound little ones usually get the “bagel on a string” remedy, giving them a tethered snack to nosh on whereas everybody else is perusing the menu.

Birdie G’s

A contemporary supper membership in Santa Monica, Birdie G doesn’t solely have nice choices for adults but additionally for teenagers. Their 12-and-under menu comprises Matzo pizzas, potato-crusted hen fingers, and “the wholesome yucky inexperienced salad.” Cruise on over to the Santa Monica pier and journey on the basic carousel.

Lindo Oaxaca

You possibly can’t come to Los Angeles and never have Mexican meals. Lindo Oaxaca is a superb spot not removed from Row DTLA that’s family-friendly and scrumptious. Choose up some tacos, quesadillas, or mole for a track, and don’t neglect the handmade tortillas.

Colorado Donuts

For no matter purpose, Los Angeles is a donut city. There are tons of of mom-and-pop retailers throughout city, all serving a superb slate of candy fundamentals. Colorado Donuts in Eagle Rock takes issues to the following stage, delivering the whole lot from sprinkled outdated fashioneds to Ube-glazed cake donuts. Their Elmo and Cookie Monster donuts are kiddo kryptonite, too. There’s no room to eat inside proper now, however the donuts are nice on the go. And, hey, you solely dwell as soon as, so why not strive the whole lot?

Malibu Seafood

If you happen to’ve come to L.A., you would possibly as nicely see the Pacific Ocean, and an effective way to do this is to take a drive up the PCH. From Santa Monica, take Freeway 1 North up the coast towards Malibu, the place you’ll discover wildly costly homes and nice seafood spots. Broad Street Oyster Company is a favourite for lobster rolls, however if you happen to’re seeking to roll up your sleeves and dig into some fried clams and French fries, you may’t go mistaken with Malibu Seafood. The restaurant is ready actually on the PCH, so you may perch exterior at a picnic desk and watch the waves roll in, and the automobiles go by as you eat. Hop again within the automotive after, and it’s only a hop, skip, and a bounce to some nice trails or seashores. We like Zuma for sand time, however if you happen to’re seeking to poke round in some tide swimming pools, hit up Leo Carillo State Park just a bit farther up the coast.

Connie And Ted’s

Need to have a pleasant dinner out someplace that you simply gained’t really feel like a complete outsider if you happen to convey alongside a child? Strive Connie And Ted’s in West Hollywood, the place you’ll all the time discover tons of households with children eating within the earlier night hours on weekends. Whereas there’s no children’ menu, in case your baby’s a barely adventurous eater, they’ll discover one thing to chow down on at this seafood spot.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Generally, it helps to know the place you may take a child for ice cream. Jeni’s is a mind-blowingly good Columbus, Ohio-based ice cream chain that’s expanded to pick cities throughout the nation. There are 5 completely different places in Los Angeles at current, every providing the whole lot from basic vanilla cones to delectable and completely different seasonal flavors. You possibly can’t go mistaken with the salty caramel, gooey butter cake, darkish chocolate, brambleberry crisp, or brown butter almond brittle flavors.

Grand Central Market

A meals corridor containing 40 completely different scrumptious stalls, Grand Central Market is a superb place to both share a meal or simply discover completely different cuisines and cultures. Train your children the worth of a smorgasbord by cobbling collectively a lunch from a currywurst from Berlin, a mountain of Texas BBQ, some Thai consolation meals, a Golden Highway beer, and a pleasant slice of pie.

The place to Go

The El Capitan Theatre

An outdated Hollywood film palace taken over and renovated by Disney, the El Capitan is a superb place to see a film. The theater’s single display is all the time taking part in one thing launched by the Mouse, whether or not it’s a Marvel film or Mulan. There are particular occasions like pajama get together screenings, and there are many booster seats for little ones who would possibly want some assist seeing over the particular person in entrance of them. Come early, and also you would possibly catch the dwell organist who performs basic Disney songs on weekends. He’s enchanting, as is the pre-movie gentle and sound present that’s positively been imbued with just a little Disney magic.

Bob Baker Marionette Theater

A real L.A. establishment, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been delighting mini-Angelenos for the reason that early ‘60s. They do delightfully retro puppet reveals 12 months rounds, and there’s even an ice cream “shock” after. The Halloween and Christmas reveals are particularly standard and beloved, however you actually can’t go mistaken with something on their calendar.

Kidspace Children’s Museum

A non-profit museum nestled simply subsequent to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Kidspace is a real hidden gem. The three.5-acre campus is damaged into all various kinds of play areas for teenagers, and a few actions and shows change a number of occasions a 12 months. Kidspace is an effective way to spend a day, however don’t neglect to convey a change of garments and possibly some water footwear: One of many displays is a creek that children can climb and play in, and irrespective of how exhausting mother and father would possibly strive, there’s no method they gained’t get moist. (And that’s okay!)

California Science Center and the La Brea Tar Pits

Each good metropolis information has to include a few actually strong museums, and this listing isn’t any exception. Whereas L.A. has plenty of establishments that children would possibly get pleasure from, together with the grounds of the Getty and the Autry Museum of the American West, there are two museums which are positive to be dwelling runs: The California Science Heart and the La Brea Tar Pits. Situated in Exposition Park, the California Science Heart is dwelling to the House Shuttle Endeavor, a large kelp forest filled with sharks, eels, anemones, and all types of different cool, kid-friendly displays. Then again, the Tar Pits just about concentrate on only one factor: The Ice Age animals that fell sufferer to the sticky swamps nonetheless gurgling away proper in central L.A. The museum isn’t large, however there are grounds to discover and run by as nicely, which might be good.

LAPL Central Library

For a film city, Los Angeles has a surprisingly sturdy library system. (Truly, two programs: L.A. Metropolis and L.A. County, are each nice.) The crown jewel of the L.A. Metropolis system is the Los Angeles Central Library, which sits within the coronary heart of Downtown and comprises over 2.8 million books unfold over eight flooring. Guests will discover rotating artwork displays, a extremely nice reward store, and even a puppet theater. It’s an excellent place to whereas away a number of hours with just a little one, particularly contemplating the children’s collection holds a staggering 250,000 completely different books.

The place To Play

Shane’s Inspiration Playground

L.A.’s first inclusive and accessible playground, Shane’s Inspiration, is located inside Griffith Park, town’s large public inexperienced house. The brightly-colored playground has all types of various constructions to play on and nooks to cover in, and enjoyable sights like a foolish see-saw and a family-sized glider.

City Terrace Park

An excellent park tucked away simply southeast of Downtown, Metropolis Terrace Park is a real neighborhood dangle. The well-organized house has a retro-covered basketball courtroom, an enormous swimming pool, a fitness center, and three completely different playground areas, all geared toward completely different ages. There’s a splash pad space for when it will get sizzling, so be sure that to convey your swimsuit.

Vincent Lugo Park

A retro anomaly set within the close to suburb of San Gabriel, Vincent Lugo Park seems to be like a standard outdated park while you pull up. Take the trail round a number of corners, although, and also you’ll find yourself in a particular part of the park known as La Laguna de San Gabriel, which is pure magic. On this historic park, guests will discover 14 completely different large concrete sights, all inbuilt 1965 and designed by Mexican artist Benjamin Dominguez. They’re superb to have a look at and nice for footage, and youngsters will love climbing all around the large slides and statues.

Reese’s Retreat a.k.a. The Pirate Park

An inclusive, pirate-themed playground removed from Kidspace in Pasadena, Reese’s Retreat contains a cannonball climber, fish you may journey, and an infinite ship’s sail. There are many planks to stroll and bows to climb, so seize your parrot and hop aboard.

Los Angeles State Historic Park

You gained’t discover a playground at L.A. State Historic Park, however that doesn’t imply there’s not tons to do. The 32-acre inexperienced house sits adjoining to Chinatown and is filled with public artwork, native crops, and a pleasant path excellent for little scooters. Its massive inexperienced fields are nice for picnics, and there are sometimes occasions right here celebrating the world’s indigenous historical past. (It’s lower than a mile from the final recorded location of a giant Tongva village.)

The place To Store

Merci Milo

A Highland Park boutique that not too long ago expanded as much as Portland, Oregon, Merci Milo is simply concerning the cutest toy retailer ever. Amazingly curated and staged, the store—which sits in what looks as if a storage in a fairly residential space—is filled with bespoke child rattles, small-batch wood toys, and dolls product of the softest natural supplies. There are lovely books to learn, considerate reward gadgets, and even baskets of shockingly edible-looking stuffed bread. Seize a memento right here, and although it gained’t say “L.A.,” it is going to final a lifetime.

Miracle Mile Toys & Gifts

A longtime favourite of L.A. residents, Miracle Mile Toys & Items is just about what it appears like. Situated on La Brea Avenue, the shop is staffed by educated and charming salespeople and filled with charming playthings.

The Reckless Unicorn

One other native favourite, Reckless Unicorn sits in a very hip a part of the Los Feliz neighborhood. The present makes a speciality of cool stuff for cool children, like Bowie t’s and kid-sized guitars, however there’s one thing there for each worth level and age group.

Eggy

Situated in Beverly Grove, Eggy makes a speciality of cute, distinctive child’s garments. Although their finds aren’t essentially low cost, they’re well-made and are available from small makers, which means you already know you’re getting high quality. Eggy can simply assist you make your children the best-dressed tots on the town if you happen to’ve obtained just a little coin to drop.

Children’s Book World

A favourite of savvy mother and father because it opened in 1986, Youngsters’s E-book World is a real West L.A. gem. The shop shares a large vary of books for teenagers of all ages and has gained plenty of awards for its dedication to youngsters’s literacy. There’s one thing for everybody right here — or possibly dozens of somethings, if you happen to’ve obtained bottomless pockets.

The place To Keep

The Magic Castle Hotel

True magic heads learn about L.A.’s legendary members-only magic membership, the Magic Castle. In addition they comprehend it’s exhausting to get within the door until you already know somebody who already belongs. There’s a loophole, although: Anybody who books a room on the Citadel’s adjoining resort mechanically will get into the unique hang-out. Households who’re will need to be sure that to e-book a room over the weekends since children are solely allowed in throughout Saturday and Sunday brunch. There are many different pint-sized perks, although, together with free ice cream every single day at 2:30, a free snack bar, a complimentary in-room kid-sized bathrobe and a free slice of cake in your birthday, and a pink “popsicle hotline” located poolside, for when starvation actually takes over. Dad and mom will respect different perks, like the total kitchens in each room and the free laundry companies.

Beverly Wilshire Hotel

Seeking to home your child within the lap of luxurious? Think about the Beverly Wilshire, which is a 4 Seasons resort. Children have entry to their very own miniature gown, a kid-friendly room service menu, and even kid-friendly spa remedies. Guestrooms might be childproofed upfront, and visitors can request cribs and excessive chairs. Greater children can keep in an adjoining room for a lowered charge as a part of the resort’s Family Time package, together with a each day breakfast credit score and a complimentary bottle of champagne for the certainly weary adults.

The Peninsula Beverly Hills

One other luxurious spot, the Peninsula provides a particular Camp Peninsula package that offers little vacationers their very own in-room tent, in addition to a life-sized in-room teddy bear. There are additionally loads of out there outdoor-themed video games, and fogeys may even reap the benefits of as much as 4 hours of babysitting as a part of the package deal. Now that’s a trip.

Omni Los Angeles at California Plaza

A centrally positioned Downtown resort, the Omni has all the usual facilities you’d anticipate from a nicer institution. They go the additional mile with children, although, and have created the Junior Chefs program. Centered round the concept maintaining a healthy diet might be enjoyable, Junior Cooks offers children a enjoyable lunch bag filled with treats at check-in, a tailor-made eating menu, and a postcard that they will colour and switch into the entrance desk to donate a meal to Feeding America.

The Langham Huntington

A Pasadena landmark for many years, the Langham Huntington sits on a large and plush piece of property that’s excellent for poolside hangs and video games of bocce. For simply $30, mother and father can signal their tots up for the Langham Huntington Kids Program, which provides them free dinner on the Terrace restaurant, a Langham chocolate bar, a coloring e-book and crayons, and a passport that they get stamped across the resort in an effort to earn a free particular reward. There’s a children library on-site and a particular Chocolate Afternoon Tea on Sundays with scrumptious sweets and an infinite chocolate fountain that children are positive to get pleasure from.