66 Fun Things to Do With Toddlers in Los Angeles!
Updated: Oct 25
The best things to do with toddlers in Los Angeles are the ones built for little legs: miniature train rides in Griffith Park, splash-and-climb children's museums, pedal swan boats, free library storytimes and gentle beach playgrounds. Most are easiest on weekday mornings, before nap time, and plenty of them are free.
We rounded up 66 toddler-friendly places in LA and Orange County, from the LA Zoo and Travel Town to Noah's Ark at the Skirball, Kidspace and Pretend City. They're grouped by neighborhood so you can plan around your drive, and every pick comes with the address, hours, cost and a parent tip.
Key Takeaways
Best free fun: Travel Town, Shane's Inspiration, the California Science Center, Grand Park, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Rancho Los Alamitos and toddler storytime at the Beverly Hills Public Library.
Best for train lovers: Travel Town, the Los Angeles Live Steamers, the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, Angels Flight and the Irvine Park Railroad.
Best rainy-day picks: Noah's Ark at the Skirball, Cayton Children's Museum, Kidspace, Pretend City, Ball n Bounce and Billy Beez.
Best animal encounters: The LA Zoo, The Gentle Barn, Rancho Los Alamitos, the Marine Mammal Care Center and River Street Ranch.
Best time to go: Weekday mornings, right at opening, when crowds are small and toddlers are at their happiest.
Book ahead: Noah's Ark, the Getty Center, The Gentle Barn and the Marine Mammal Care Center all use timed tickets or reservations.
How to Plan a Toddler Outing in Los Angeles
Plan Around Naps and Traffic
Toddlers do best with one big outing a day, ideally right when a place opens. You'll beat the crowds, find easier parking and be heading home before the afternoon meltdown. Pick spots close to home on weekdays and save the long drives for weekends.
Pack for the LA Sun
Even in fall and winter, the sun is strong. Bring hats, sunscreen, water, snacks and a change of clothes, since splash pads, water tables and tide pools have a way of finding little ones. A lightweight stroller or carrier makes big gardens and zoos much easier.
Look for Free Days and Toddler-Only Times
Several museums offer free hours or free days, and some children's museums run toddler-only mornings. Kidspace hosts Toddler Tuesdays, Pretend City runs Toddler Town sessions, and the Natural History Museum offers free weekday afternoon hours for LA County residents. For more ideas, see our guide to the best free museums in LA.
Things to Do With Toddlers in Griffith Park
Griffith Park is toddler central. In one morning, you can ride two different miniature trains, climb aboard real locomotives, visit the zoo and run off steam at one of LA's best playgrounds.
Address: 5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Cost: Check the website for current prices; kids under 2 are free
Parking: Free
The LA Zoo is home to giraffes, elephants, gorillas and flamingos, all along stroller-friendly paths. Little ones love the Muriel's Ranch Contact Yard in the children's zoo, where they can brush friendly goats.
Parent Tip: Arrive at opening, when the animals are most active, and head uphill first so the walk back to the car is downhill.
Address: 5200 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mondays for now)
Cost: Free museum; small fee for the miniature train
Parking: Free
This outdoor railroad museum lets kids climb on and walk through real steam locomotives, cabooses and railcars. A miniature train loops the grounds all day, and the whole place is flat and easy for new walkers.
Parent Tip: Bring small bills for train tickets, and plan a picnic on the lawn next to the trains.
Address: 5202 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Public rides on Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting
Cost: Suggested donation per rider
Volunteers run scale-model steam trains that kids ride right through the park. It's a Sunday tradition for many LA train-loving families, and it sits right next to Travel Town.
Parent Tip: Riders must be at least 34 inches tall and able to sit on their own, so this one is best for older toddlers. Check the website for no-ride Sundays before you go.
Address: 4400 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Daily (check the website for current times)
Cost: Pay per ride (check the website for current fares)
This little train takes families on a short loop through a western-themed village and past old pony ride corrals near the Los Feliz entrance to the park. It's quick, affordable and perfect for a first train ride.
Parent Tip: Combine it with Shane's Inspiration playground, just a few minutes away.
Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Daily
Cost: Free
This universally accessible playground has a separate toddler area, musical instruments, a sandbox and a trike track with road signs. It was designed so kids of every ability can play together.
Parent Tip: Weekday mornings are calm, and the shady picnic areas nearby are great for a snack break.
Things to Do With Toddlers in Downtown LA and Exposition Park
Downtown and Exposition Park pack in free museums, splash play, a historic railway and LA's beloved marionette theater, with easy Metro access if you'd rather skip parking.
Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free general admission; reservation fee for the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center
Parking: Paid lots in Exposition Park
Kids can explore hands-on galleries about the human body, animals and the environment. The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, opens on November 13, 2026.
Parent Tip: Book Air and Space Center reservations online, and look for the Discovery Rooms made for kids ages 7 and under.
Address: 900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed the first Tuesday of most months)
Cost: Adults $18; kids 3 to 12 $7; 2 and under free
Toddlers can gape at giant skeletons in Dinosaur Hall, then explore the outdoor Nature Gardens with their pond, paths and bugs. It's a big museum, so pick one or two areas and call it a win.
Parent Tip: LA County residents get free entry on weekdays from 3 to 5 p.m. with an online reservation and ID.
Address: 701 State Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Hours: Check the website (closed January 1 to March 15 each year for pruning)
Cost: Free
This sunken garden has thousands of rose bushes, wide lawns and flat paths that are perfect for a stroller walk or a toddler sprint.
Parent Tip: Pair it with a morning at the Science Center or Natural History Museum next door.
9. Grand Park
Address: 200 N. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: Daily, 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
This 12-acre park between the Music Center and City Hall has a shallow splash pad at the Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain, a playground and plenty of lawn for running.
Parent Tip: The splash pad can be turned off in cooler months, so check before you go, and bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Address: 351 S. Hill Street (lower station)
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Hours: Daily, 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $1.50 one way; less with a Metro TAP card
Billed as the world's shortest railway, this historic funicular carries riders up Bunker Hill in about a minute. It's just the right length for toddlers.
Parent Tip: Start at Grand Central Market across the street for a snack, then ride up and back down.
11. Echo Park Lake
Address: 751 Echo Park Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Hours: Swan boat hours change by season (check the website)
Cost: Pay per hour for swan boats; walking the lake is free
Pedal a swan boat around the lake past lotus beds and fountains, or just stroll the loop and watch the ducks. Life vests come in sizes for babies on up.
Parent Tip: Kids under 15 need a parent on board, and booking online saves time on weekends.
Address: 4949 York Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Hours: Shows Friday to Sunday (check the website for the current show)
Cost: Check the website; kids 2 and under sit free on a lap
LA's legendary puppet theater puts on colorful marionette shows with toddlers sitting right up front on the carpet. Shows change with the seasons, and some performances are sensory-friendly.
Parent Tip: Weekend shows sell out, so buy tickets early and arrive a little ahead of curtain time.
Things to Do With Toddlers in Hollywood and Mid-City
From shiny fire engines and race cars to food stalls and a little ones' playground, Hollywood and Mid-City have plenty of short, sweet outings.
Address: 1355 N. Cahuenga Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
Hours: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Housed in historic Old Fire Station 27, this museum is packed with vintage fire engines, some from the early 1900s, plus a fire safety learning center.
Parent Tip: Parking is limited, so arrive close to opening for the easiest spot.
14. Funko Hollywood
Address: 6201 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free to visit
This flagship toy store is full of giant Funko statues and fun photo spots. It's a quick, free stop that preschoolers think is pure magic.
Parent Tip: A purchase validates parking at the nearby garage, so pick up a small treat before you go.
Address: 6060 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Discovery Center)
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Little car fans can build and race cars on tracks in the hands-on Discovery Center, then gaze at gleaming race cars and movie vehicles throughout the museum.
Parent Tip: Look for Saturday morning crafts for ages 3 to 6 on select dates.
Address: 6333 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free to visit
Wander the covered stalls for donuts, ice cream and crepes, then stroll next door to The Grove to watch the dancing fountain. The Grove also hosts free Kids Club series with music and puppets from time to time.
Parent Tip: The Grove's trolley is currently out of service, so plan to walk between the two. Check The Grove's events page for the next Kids Club.
17. Pan Pacific Park
Address: 7600 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours: Daily
Cost: Free
This big park has a colorful playground built just for kids under 6, plus open lawns and walking paths with views of the hills.
Parent Tip: The splash pad is currently closed, so pack sand toys instead of swimsuits.
Address: 4100 S. La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Hours: Check the website for current days and hours
Cost: Free entry; a vehicle fee may apply
This hilltop park has playgrounds, duck ponds, a fishing lake, a Japanese garden and wide lawns with big city views.
Parent Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and stroll the paved path around the lake.
Things to Do With Toddlers on the Westside
Brentwood, Century City and Playa Vista are home to one of LA's best indoor play spaces for little ones, a hilltop art museum with a family room, and soft-play gyms for rainy days.
19. Getty Center
Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
Cost: Free admission; paid parking
Reservations: Free timed-entry reservation for everyone over 2
Ride the tram up the hill, then explore the free Family Room with hands-on art activities and run around the lawn next to the Central Garden.
Parent Tip: The Getty Center closes on March 15, 2027 for renovation and plans to reopen in spring 2028, so go soon. Free strollers are available to borrow.
Address: 2701 N. Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Adults $20; kids 2 to 17 $15; under 2 free
Reservations: Timed tickets, 90 minutes each
This indoor ark is filled with handmade animals, climbing nooks and building stations. Toddlers can crawl, climb, pump water and play make-believe for a full 90 minutes.
Parent Tip: Book ahead, because same-day tickets aren't sold online. Parking is free.
Address: 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Hours: Daily (check the website)
Cost: Free to browse; ticketed experiences extra
This family experience store is part toy shop, part play space. Its ticketed Gabby's Dollhouse experience for ages 2 and up has themed rooms, a dance party and crafts.
Parent Tip: Park in the mall's Orange zone near the Avenue of the Stars entrance for the shortest walk.
Address: 8471 Beverly Boulevard, #203
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Also in Encino, West LA and El Segundo
Cost: Check the website for open play prices
This soft-play space has ball pits, bounce areas and climbing zones made for little ones ages 1 to 7. It's a lifesaver on rainy or very hot days.
Parent Tip: Check the schedule before you go, since private parties and classes can close open play.
Address: 12005 Bluff Creek Drive
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Hours: Check the website
Cost: Check the website
Toddlers can watch adoptable puppies and kittens play in glass habitats and explore the education center all about pets.
Parent Tip: Check the events calendar for family programs and story times.
Things to Do With Toddlers in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is full of easy, free outings for little ones, from a toddler storytime to a Sunday market and a real fire station tour.
Address: 444 N. Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
When: Toddler storytime on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 a.m., repeated at 11 a.m. (check the current schedule)
Cost: Free
This 20-minute storytime for ages 12 to 36 months is held in the Children's Library Little Theater, with songs, books and rhymes. There are also family and baby storytimes during the week.
Parent Tip: No registration is needed, but doors close when the room is full, so arrive a few minutes early.
Address: 9300 block of Civic Center Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
When: Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Parking: Free for 2 hours in the Civic Center garage
This Sunday market is a feast for the senses, with fresh fruit to taste, flowers and plenty of snacks for little shoppers.
Parent Tip: Let your toddler pick one new fruit to try at home.
Where: Beverly Hills fire stations
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Families can walk in for a 30-minute tour and see the fire engines up close. It's a dream outing for little ones who love trucks.
Parent Tip: Walk-ins are for groups of 7 or fewer, and tours can end early if the crew gets a call.
Address: 905 Loma Vista Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Hours: Grounds daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free to visit the grounds
Explore terraced gardens, courtyards and lawns around this grand 1920s mansion. Little ones love peeking at the fish in the ponds.
Parent Tip: Bring a stroller with good wheels, as some paths are steep.
Address: 471 S. Roxbury Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
This park has a modern playground surrounded by big, shady lawns, perfect for a picnic and a play date.
Parent Tip: Mornings are quiet, making it a good spot for new walkers.
Things to Do With Toddlers in Santa Monica, Marina del Rey and Malibu
The Westside beaches have some of LA's most toddler-friendly spots, including a children's museum, a sheltered swim beach and playgrounds right on the sand.
Address: 395 Santa Monica Place, #374 (Level 3)
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $16 online; $18 walk-in; under 1 free
This bright museum is made for kids up to age 8, with a crawl-and-climb space for babies and toddlers, a real helicopter and a mini marketplace.
Parent Tip: Reserve ahead, since daily capacity is limited, and park in a city structure for the first 90 minutes free.
Address: 415 Pacific Coast Highway
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Hours: Grounds daily from 8 a.m. (check the website for closing times)
Cost: Free playground; paid parking
This beachfront spot has a free playground right on the sand and a splash pad inside the gated area, with the Pacific as the backdrop.
Parent Tip: The splash pad is seasonal, so check the website, and bring sand toys for the playground year-round.
Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Hours: Vary by season (check the website)
Cost: Pay per ride or buy a wristband
Toddlers can ride kiddie rides like Sea Planes and Inkie's Wave Jumper with a grown-up, and little ones 3 and under ride the Pacific Wheel free with a ticketed adult. The historic carousel sits nearby in the Looff Hippodrome.
Parent Tip: Pay per ride if your toddler only wants a few spins, and check the pier's construction notices before you park.
32. Tongva Park
Address: 1615 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
This hilly park near the pier has a playground for young kids, winding paths and a waterfall feature. A splash pad runs in summer.
Parent Tip: Park at the Civic Center structure and combine it with a stroll to the pier.
33. Museum of Flying
Address: 3100 Airport Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Adults $14; kids 3 to 12 $10; 2 and under free
Parking: Free
Little aviators can see real airplanes up close and try hands-on exhibits, then watch small planes take off from the airport next door.
Parent Tip: Bring a card, as the museum doesn't take cash.
Address: 1909 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Hours: Open play Monday to Saturday (call for times)
Cost: $20 per child for 2 hours; non-walkers $10
This inclusive sensory gym welcomes kids of all abilities, with swings, a zip line and calm-down spaces. It's a great choice for toddlers who need movement.
Parent Tip: Socks are required for everyone, and a quick call ahead on weekends helps you avoid private events.
Address: 4101 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Hours: Daily
Cost: Free beach; paid parking
This sheltered beach inside the marina has calm water with no waves, a playground and new restrooms, making it one of LA's best beaches for toddlers.
Parent Tip: Bring a bucket and shovel, and swim near the lifeguard tower.
Address: 3835 Cross Creek Road
Malibu, CA 90265
Hours: Check the website
Cost: Free
This small, sandy playground sits in the middle of the shopping center, with cafes all around for grown-up coffee.
Parent Tip: For more room to roam, the accessible Shane's Inspiration playground at the Park at Cross Creek is right across the street.
Address: 28128 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m.
Cost: Kids' menu available; paid parking with validation
Eat with your toes in the sand at this beachfront cafe, then let little ones splash in the gentle waves of the cove. The kids' menu has favorites like mac and cheese and chicken fingers.
Parent Tip: Parking is pricey without validation, so eat at the cafe and get your ticket stamped.
Things to Do With Toddlers in the San Fernando Valley and Santa Clarita
The Valley has a theme park with a whole land made for little ones, a lakeside playground and a sanctuary where toddlers can hug rescued farm animals.
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Hours: Check the website
Cost: Check the website for current ticket prices
Super Silly Fun Land has a dry play zone for kids under 48 inches, a splash area and a gentle spinning ride. The Studio Tour and DreamWorks Theatre have no height requirement.
Parent Tip: Use the Family Center for nursing and diaper breaks, and pack a change of clothes for the water play area.
Address: 11800 Foothill Boulevard
Sylmar, CA 91342
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed select Mondays)
Cost: Check the website; prices vary by day
Parking: Free
Kids can shop in a pretend grocery store, climb and explore hands-on science exhibits. It's best for older toddlers who love to push buttons.
Parent Tip: Check the website for closed Mondays before you head out.
40. Lake Balboa Park
Address: 6300 Balboa Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Hours: Daily
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
This big park has a shaded, accessible playground with a separate area for ages 2 to 5, plus a flat loop around the lake for strollers and duck watching.
Parent Tip: Bring a scooter or balance bike for the lake loop.
41. A Faery Hunt
Where: Outdoor parks in the West Valley and beyond (location changes by date)
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 9
This interactive outdoor fairy theater leads kids through a park on a gentle, magical adventure with songs, dancing and storytelling. Wings and wands are welcome.
Parent Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water and sunscreen, since the show moves outdoors.
42. The Gentle Barn
Address: 15825 Sierra Highway
Santa Clarita, CA 91390
When: Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Check the website
Reservations: Required online
At this animal sanctuary, toddlers can brush and hug rescued cows, pigs, goats and chickens in a calm, gentle setting.
Parent Tip: Check the Sunday status page for weather closures before you leave home.
Things to Do With Toddlers in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley
Pasadena and its neighbors are home to LA's favorite children's museum and three gardens that toddlers love, complete with peacocks, splash play and a ride-on train.
Address: 480 N. Arroyo Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91103
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $17 for adults and kids 1 and up; under 1 free
Parking: Free in Rose Bowl Lot I
Kidspace has climbing towers, water play, gardens and a socks-only Early Childhood Learning Center for crawlers and early walkers. Toddler Tuesdays add extra activities for the littlest visitors.
Parent Tip: Bring a change of clothes for the outdoor water areas, and check the calendar for occasional closures.
Address: 1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (check the website for closed days)
Cost: Adults from $29; kids 4 to 11 from $13; under 4 free
Reservations: Dated tickets
The Helen and Peter Bing Children's Garden has a rainbow mist, fairy doors, topiary animals and musical pebbles. Little ones can splash and explore for hours.
Parent Tip: Free Second Sunday activities run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and free-day tickets are released online.
Address: 301 N. Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91007
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Adults $18; kids 3 to 12 $8; 2 and under free
Peacocks roam the grounds of this huge garden, and toddlers love spotting them strutting across the lawns. Trams run on select days for tired little legs.
Parent Tip: Keep a 10-foot distance from the peafowl and never feed them.
46. Descanso Gardens
Address: 1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Hours: Daily (check the website)
Cost: Check the website; small fee for the train
Ride the Descanso Railroad, a ride-on mini train that loops the Promenade, then wander through oak woodlands and gardens. Model train layouts run all day.
Parent Tip: Riders must be at least 30 inches tall, and the train runs mostly in the mornings on weekdays.
Things to Do With Toddlers in the South Bay, San Pedro and Long Beach
Head south for touch tanks, rescued sea lions, a barnyard full of baby goats and one of the best aquariums in the country.
Address: 2 Manhattan Beach Boulevard (end of the pier)
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Hours: Weekday afternoons and weekends (check the website)
Cost: Free; donations welcome
This tiny aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier has a touch tank with sea stars, urchins and snails. It's a short, sweet visit for little ones.
Parent Tip: Teach your toddler the one-finger touch rule before you go in.
Address: 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Adults $15; kids 5 to 12 $5; 4 and under free
This 87-acre garden is great for stroller walks, with ponds, flowers and wide paths. A new children's and family garden with a canopy walk and fossil dig is under construction.
Parent Tip: Buy tickets ahead for weekend visits.
Address: 3720 Stephen M. White Drive
San Pedro, CA 90731
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free; suggested donation
Parking: Paid beach lot
This small aquarium showcases local sea life, from sea stars to sharks, and it's right next to Cabrillo Beach for a sandy break.
Parent Tip: Visit on a weekend morning, then walk to the beach for a picnic.
Address: 3601 S. Gaffey Street, #8
San Pedro, CA 90731
Hours: Friday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Reservations: Reserve online
Watch rescued seals and sea lions recover in their pools before they return to the ocean. Docents are on hand to answer curious questions.
Parent Tip: Reserve your free visit online, since walk-ins are limited.
Address: 100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Adults $49.95; kids 3 to 11 $34.95; under 3 free
Parking: $8 with validation
Toddlers can touch sharks and rays in the touch pools, feed lorikeets in Lorikeet Forest and watch sea otters play.
Parent Tip: Reservations are required on weekends and holidays, and you can borrow a baby carrier at the info desk.
Address: 6400 E. Bixby Hill Road
Long Beach, CA 90815
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
This historic ranch has a working barnyard with horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens, plus pretty gardens to explore.
Parent Tip: Make a free reservation online, and remind little ones it's look-but-don't-touch with the animals.
Things to Do With Toddlers in Orange County
Orange County is packed with toddler favorites, from classic theme parks and a pretend city to petting zoos, train rides and an indoor water park.
Address: 301 S. Euclid Street
La Habra, CA 90631
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
Cost: Check the website
Parking: Free
This small, friendly museum has hands-on exhibits for crawlers through age 10, making it a great first museum for toddlers.
Parent Tip: The museum closes for a few weeks each late summer for updates, so check the website before you go.
Address: 8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
Hours: Check the website
Cost: Check the website for current ticket prices
Camp Snoopy is the place for little ones, with Peanuts-themed kiddie rides, a gentle family coaster and meet-and-greets with Snoopy and friends.
Parent Tip: Check height requirements on the Knott's app, and visit Camp Snoopy first thing before lines grow.
55. Disneyland Park
Address: 1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Hours: Check the website
Cost: Check the website; kids under 3 are free
Mickey's Toontown is made for toddlers, with water play in CenTOONial Park, Goofy's How-to-Play Yard and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, which has no height minimum. Fantasyland's classic rides are nearby.
Parent Tip: Plan a midday break at your hotel or the car, and use the Baby Care Center on Main Street for diaper changes and feeding.
Address: 1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Hours: Check the website
Cost: Check the website; kids under 3 are free
Cars Land and Pixar Pier have gentle rides and favorite characters, and little ones love the colorful lights of Radiator Springs at dusk.
Parent Tip: Check the Disneyland app for height requirements and wait times before you pick your first ride.
57. Adventure City
Address: 1238 S. Beach Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92804
Hours: Select days, mostly weekends (check the website)
Cost: $32.95 for ages 1 and up
Parking: Free
This small theme park is just right for little kids, with a vintage carousel, a mini Ferris wheel, kiddie trains, a petting farm and a Thomas the Tank Engine play area.
Parent Tip: Buy tickets online, since some days sell out.
58. Billy Beez
Address: 400 W. Disney Way, Suite 189
Anaheim, CA 92802
Hours: Daily (check the website)
Cost: Kids $20.95; two adults free per paid child
This indoor play park has a tot-sized town and a Mini Beez zone just for little ones, inside a giant colorful play structure.
Parent Tip: Socks are required for everyone, so bring a pair to avoid buying them there.
Address: 12681 Harbor Boulevard
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Hours: Day passes are full-day or half-day (from 4 p.m.)
Cost: Day passes vary by date; 2 and under free
This indoor water park has a kiddie splash pad and water playgrounds where toddlers can splash all year long.
Parent Tip: Day passes are limited, so book ahead, or stay the night for a mini vacation.
60. Santa Ana Zoo
Address: 1801 E. Chestnut Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Check the website for current prices
This small, walkable zoo is a great size for toddlers, and kid rides run Friday through Sunday.
Parent Tip: The main entrance is under construction, so follow the signs to the alternate entrance and buy tickets online.
Address: 2500 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Check the website; prices vary by day
Parking: Paid lot
This hands-on science center invites kids to touch, build and explore, with plenty of exhibits that little hands can manage.
Parent Tip: Visit on a weekday morning when school groups are fewer.
Address: 1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
Hours: Daily (check the website)
Cost: Small zoo fee; train $8 per person; park entry fee per car
Irvine Regional Park has a small zoo with native animals and a barnyard, plus a short train loop, pony rides, paddle boats and playgrounds.
Parent Tip: Plan a whole morning here, and bring a picnic for the shady lawns.
Address: 29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $22 per person; under 12 months free
Parking: Free
This kid-sized city has a grocery store, farm, fire station and more, where toddlers can play pretend all day. Toddler Town sessions on Monday mornings are just for ages 18 months to 3 years.
Parent Tip: Register ahead for Toddler Town, which is calmer than regular open play.
Address: 31791 Los Rios Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Adults $16; kids 3 to 12 $13; under 3 free
This petting zoo lets little ones feed and pet goats, sheep and llamas, then ride a mini train or tractor.
Parent Tip: Take Metrolink to San Juan Capistrano for a bonus train ride, and allow a few extra minutes for the waiver every visitor signs.
Toddler Day Trips Worth the Drive
These two favorites take a little longer to reach, but they're made for small kids and worth a full day.
Address: 3370 Sunset Valley Road
Moorpark, CA 93021
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. (closed some holidays)
Cost: $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends on non-event days
Parking: Free
This working farm has a year-round Animal Center with goats, sheep, alpacas, ponies and pigs, plus play areas with a wooden train and a school bus.
Parent Tip: Weekdays are quieter, and shoes that can get dusty are a must.
Address: One LEGOLAND Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours: Check the website
Cost: Check the website; kids under 2 are free
DUPLO Playtown is built for kids 5 and under, and rides like the DUPLO Little Dino Trail, the LEGOLAND Express and the Coast Cruise have no height minimum.
Parent Tip: Make it an overnight trip so you can split the park across two shorter days.
Map of Toddler-Friendly Places in Los Angeles
Use our map to find toddler-friendly spots near you. For even more ideas, browse our directory of outdoor things to do near you, indoor things to do near you and more places to go with toddlers.
Takeaway
The best things to do with toddlers in Los Angeles are short, hands-on and close to home: a train ride in Griffith Park, a morning at Kidspace or Noah's Ark, a splash at Mother's Beach or a visit with the goats at Rancho Los Alamitos. Go early, keep it simple and follow your little one's lead.
Hours and prices change often, so check each website before you head out. For new ideas every week, visit our family events calendar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do with toddlers in Los Angeles?
Top picks include the LA Zoo, Travel Town, Noah's Ark at the Skirball, Kidspace Children's Museum, the Aquarium of the Pacific and Pretend City. Free favorites include Shane's Inspiration playground, the California Science Center, Grand Park and toddler storytimes at local libraries.
What can I do with a toddler in LA for free?
Try Travel Town, Shane's Inspiration, the California Science Center, Grand Park, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, the Roundhouse Aquarium, Rancho Los Alamitos and the Marine Mammal Care Center. Library storytimes, farmers markets and beach playgrounds like Mother's Beach are free too, though parking may cost extra.
Where can I take my toddler on a rainy day in LA?
Head indoors to Noah's Ark at the Skirball, Cayton Children's Museum, Kidspace, Pretend City, Ball n Bounce, Billy Beez or the Petersen's Discovery Center. Great Wolf Lodge's indoor water park and the Aquarium of the Pacific are also great rainy-day picks.
What is the best children's museum in LA for toddlers?
Kidspace in Pasadena is a favorite, with a socks-only space for crawlers and early walkers. Cayton Children's Museum in Santa Monica has a toddler crawl-and-climb area, and Pretend City in Irvine runs toddler-only Toddler Town sessions.
Where can toddlers ride a train in Los Angeles?
Griffith Park has three: the miniature train at Travel Town, the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad and the Los Angeles Live Steamers on Sundays. Angels Flight in Downtown LA, the Descanso Railroad and the Irvine Park Railroad are other toddler-friendly rides.
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