Los Angeles is a popular destination for family vacations and for good reasons, The city offers a variety of attractions, activities and experiences that can suit different interests, ages and budgets, Whether you want to visit theme parks, museums, beaches or Hollywood landmarks you can find something for everyone in your family in LA.
But how do you plan a Los Angeles family vacation that is fun and memorable? Here are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your trip.
Best places for family vacations in Los Angeles
Plan your itinerary and prioritize the attractions you want to see, LA has so much to offer that it can be overwhelming to decide what to do and see, To avoid wasting time and money it is advisable to plan your itinerary ahead of time and prioritize the attractions that interest you and your family the most, Some of the most popular attractions in LA for families are:
Disneyland Resort
The ultimate destination for families who love Disney characters, rides, shows and parades you can spend a whole day or more at Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park or hop between them with a park hopper ticket.
Universal Studios Hollywood
A theme park that combines movie magic with thrilling rides, shows and attractions, You can explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, The Simpsons Land and more.
Griffith Park
A large urban park that offers various outdoor activities and attractions for families, You can hike to the Griffith Observatory or the Hollywood sign, visit the LA Zoo or the Autry Museum of the American West, ride a train or a pony or enjoy a picnic.
Santa Monica Pier
A historic pier that features an amusement park, an aquarium, a carousel, arcade games, street performers and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, You can also enjoy the beach, bike along the boardwalk or shop at the Third Street Promenade.
The Getty Center
A world-class art museum that showcases European paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and more, The museum also has beautiful gardens, architecture, and panoramic views of the city.
Hollywood
The entertainment capital of the world that attracts millions of visitors who want to see the famous Hollywood sign,Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Madame Tussauds, Hollywood Museum and more.
Free things to do in LA with kids
There are many free things to do in LA with kids, Here are some of the options you can choose from:
- Visit the Griffith Observatory where you can explore the exhibits, see the telescopes and enjoy the views of the city and the stars.
- Walk along the Venice Canals which were inspired by the canals in Venice Italy, You can admire the different homes, gardens and ducks along the way.
- See the Hollywood Walk of Fame where you can find the stars of your favorite celebrities on the sidewalk, You can also watch for red carpet events and movie premieres at the nearby theaters.
- Explore the Watts Towers which are a remarkable example of folk art and architecture, The towers are made of steel, wire, mortar and various objects like tiles, glass, shells and pottery.
- Enjoy the Santa Monica Pier which has an amusement park, an aquarium, a carousel and a Ferris wheel, You can also play on the beach, bike on the boardwalk or shop at the Third Street Promenade.
Los Angeles weather preparations with kids
LA is a year-round destination but some seasons may be more crowded, expensive or hot than others, Generally spring and fall are the best times to visit LA as the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists, Summer is the peak season which means higher prices, longer lines and hotter temperatures, Winter can be rainy and chilly but also less crowded and cheaper.
Essentials for family vacations in LA
Some of the essentials to pack for your Los Angeles family vacation are:
- Comfortable shoes and clothes for walking and exploring
- Layers, jackets, sweaters or hoodies for cooler evenings or mornings
- Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and water bottles for sun protection and hydration
- Swimsuits, towels and beach gear for enjoying the ocean.
- Umbrellas, raincoats or ponchos for rainy days
- Camera, phone, charger and power bank for capturing and sharing your memories
Getting around LA with kids
Getting around LA with kids can be challenging but not impossible, There are several options you can choose from depending on your preferences, budget and itinerary, Here are some of the pros and cons of each option:
Renting a car
This can give you more flexibility and convenience as you can drive to any destination you want at any time you want, However you will also have to deal with traffic, parking fees, gas prices and navigation, You will also need to bring or rent car seats or boosters for your kids if they are under 8 years old or shorter than 57 inches tall.
Taking public transportation
This can save you money and stress as you can avoid driving and parking in the city, LA has a metro rail and bus system that covers most of the major attractions and areas, You can also take the Amtrak train from Union Station to other nearby cities like Anaheim or San Diego, However you will also have to deal with schedules, transfers and delays, You may also need to walk or take a taxi or ride-sharing service to get to your final destination from the nearest station or stop.
Using ride-sharing services
This can be a convenient and affordable way to get around the city especially if you are traveling in a group or with luggage, You can use apps like Uber or Lyft to order a ride from your phone and pay with your credit card, You can also request a ride with a car seat for your kids if you don't have your own, However you will also have to deal with surge pricing, availability and safety issues, You may also need to wait for your driver to arrive or cancel your ride if they are too far away.
Biking or walking
This can be a fun and healthy way to explore the city especially in areas like downtown LA, Santa Monica, Venice Beach or Griffith Park, You can rent bikes from various locations or use bike-sharing services like Metro Bike Share, You can also join bike tours or events like CicLAvia, where streets are closed to cars and open to cyclists and pedestrians, However you will also have to deal with weather conditions, road safety and physical limitations, You may also need to bring helmets, water bottles, snacks and sunscreen for yourself and your kids.
Have fun and enjoy your Los Angeles family vacation, LA is a diverse and vibrant city that has something for everyone whether you are looking for adventure, culture, entertainment or relaxation you can find it in LA, The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy your Los Angeles family vacation with your loved ones, Remember to be flexible, open-minded and respectful of the local culture and people and don't forget to take lots of pictures and make lots of memories that will last a lifetime.
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