Fun things to do with your toddler in and near LA (2024)
(Updated for 2024) Get your little explorer ready for a wild and wacky adventure in LA! With so many amazing things to do with toddlers, it can be hard to know where to start, but have no fear, we've got you covered! Whether your tot is into animals, playing in the sun, or exploring new sights and sounds, our list of 60+ fun things to do in LA with toddlers is guaranteed to bring a smile to their faces and make unforgettable memories. So, pack your sunscreen, grab those little hands, and let's dive into some toddler-approved fun!
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2701 N Sepulveda Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Visit Noah’s Ark at the Skirball, the permanent, award-winning children's and family destination that's the talk of the town! Play, climb, build, explore, make-believe, and make friends–all while exploring a floor-to-ceiling wooden ark, filled to the rafters with whimsical animals.
3871 Grand View Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Unleash your child's imagination at Under the Sea Indoor Playground. Children will bounce in the Moon Bouncer, go down the Turbo Slide, crawl through the climbing structure, or climb up to the top of a sea castle. For the younger ones, they offer a soft baby corner, a toddler swing, a slide, a carousel, and other educational play equipment.
6060 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca 90036
Through a ground-breaking partnership with Disney/Pixar, your little car lover can now be a part of an amazing experience found only at the Petersen. The Cars Mechanical Institute, inspired by the animated film, immerses visitors in different interactive stations where your kid can learn about the mechanical systems that make cars work. Your kiddo can also paint and personalize virtual cars as well as trace and color his/her own "Cars" character to take home. And your littlest car enthusiast can zoom toy cars around a racetrack.
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is home to more than 1,400 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles representing more than 270 different species. Different demonstrations and activities are available each day. More than 20 species of birds perform in the show, including macaws, condors, vultures, crane, hornbill, hawks, owls, and eagles. Visit the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo to get up close with our goats and sheep in the animal contact area known as Muriel’s Ranch.
4730 Crystal Springs Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027
One of our favorite things to do at Griffith Park is the Pony Rides. You can choose from slow, medium, or fast ponies. Miniature covered wagon rides are also a feature of the pony concession. Griffith Park also boasts three different train rides: a larger locomotive operated at the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, a smaller train rolling out of the Travel Town railroad, and the L.A. Zoo Choo Choo train located at the Los Feliz entrance to the Park.
5200 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
The Griffith Park Train Rides are one of Los Angeles's most fun and affordable family attractions. At Travel Town Railroad, you travel around the Travel Town Museum two times. After riding the miniature train, you can explore dozens of old time railroad locomotives and cars.
5202 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Experience the fun and lore of railroading at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. They operate 7½” gauge model trains for the general public to ride from 11 am to 3 pm every Sunday (weather permitting), except for the Sunday before Memorial Day and the first Sunday in October. All riders must be at least 34″ tall to ride (no infants in carriers or on laps).
700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films. The Discovery Rooms are filled with cool hands-on experiments like a kitchen, a garden, a construction site, and a kid-sized TV studio with costumes, which are perfect for exploring for kids 6 & under.
189 The Grove Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Take an exciting trip on The Trolley at The Grove! The Trolley travels along First Street through The Grove, taking you on a special tour of the property. Powered electrically, this trolley is the first use of inductive power technology for a transit system in the U.S.
6333 W. 3rd St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90036
There are approximately 40 restaurants, eateries, coffee shops, candy shops, bakeries, and butcheries at the Original Farmers Market with a variety of delicious and authentic food and products, which makes it a perfect venue for families.
751 Echo Park Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
After a massive makeover, the historic Echo Park Lake has finally become a family-friendly destination. Push your way through the lake in a swan pedal boat or stroll around the path that hugs its borders.
4949 York Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90042
With over 300 performances a year, utilizing over 2000 handcrafted puppets, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater caters to birthday parties, school groups, weddings, and community functions of all sorts. Following each performance, the guests are invited to join the Puppeteers for some after show refreshments in the setting of the charmingly thrilling historical Party Room.
2332 Fern Dell Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
A Faery Hunt creates Fairyland by weaving their faery magic with original stories, dancing and songs that will inspire your little one. There is only gentle and silly fun in A Faery Hunt shows. All performances are outdoors except shows at the Sunset Theatre Company (which is indoors and outdoors). Children are encouraged to come in their favorite fairy, princess or superhero costume!
210 N. Grand Ave.
Downtown LA, CA 90012
Located in downtown Los Angeles in between the Music Center and City Hall, this 12-acre Park is an urban oasis complete with fountains and tons of green space. Your toddler will love the splash pad and the whimsical playground that looks like something straight out of storybooks. The splash pad has alternating jets that are so much fun for little kids. There are plenty of chairs for parents to seat, and a Starbucks nearby to enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack. The new Grand Park Playground is just a perfect way to warm up and get dry. Clean bathrooms are nearby and open all day.
11800 Foothill Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 91342
Discovery Cube is a discovery center with hands-on science education that delights, challenges, and encourages kids. Discovery Cube offers permanent exhibits such as Planetary Research Station, Science of Hockey, 3D Theater, Helicopter Tour, Discovery Market, Race to Zero Waste, Aquavator, Inspector Training Course, park-science, and new interactive exhibits that change every few months. Your toddler would love to explore the cube.
1355 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
At Los Angeles Fire Department Museum, artifacts and equipment of all types are on display, dating from the 1880s through the present day.
350 South Grand Avenue,
Los Angeles 90071
The 118-year-old funicular takes you on a short ride between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flight® — the world’s shortest railway — has given more than 100 million rides on its hillside track.
395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 374,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
The state-of-the-art space in the Santa Monica Mall features 21,000 square feet of discovery-based exhibits, a theatre, art studios, workshops, classes, camps, and a year-long calendar of arts and cultural programming for toddlers to youth. The space is filled with immersive elements including a full-size helicopter, fire truck, and veterinary clinic. The kids get to shop for groceries, eat in a café, play chef, go to the vet, become firefighters, or pretend to be a pilot.
415 Pacific Coast Highway,
Santa Monica, CA, 90402
The Beach House is a unique community destination with spectacular views, splash pad, playground, gallery, beach, historic pool, and more! There is also a beach cafe on site where you can eat and relax while the little ones play in the sand.
1600 Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica, CA 90401
This under-the-radar aquarium on the Santa Monica pier is home to 100 species of marine animals and plants. Kids rave about the interactive exhibits, the mesmerizing "moon jellies," and watching aquarium staff feed the horn and swell sharks. With Touch Tanks, Sharks, hands-on activities, and daily educational programs, the aquarium is a perfect place to take your little one for a day of fun.
3100 Airport Avenue,
Santa Monica, CA 90405
The museum features approximately a dozen aircraft, a broad collection of aviation art, rare artifacts, and ephemera from famous aviators, as well as an extensive collection of photographs of historic aircraft and aircraft manufacturing. Your little one can see the planes up close, touch them, climb, and even ride them. All have buttons to push and levers to pull. You can also watch planes take off from the runaway outside the museum.
380 Santa Monica Pier,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
The world-famous Santa Monica Pier is the family place to play with a dozen rides, midway games, ocean-front specialty food outlets, and seaside shopping! Favorites among toddlers are the Ferris wheel. Shark Frenzy, Sea Planes, Inkie's Wave Jumper, and Inkie's Air lift to ride with caregivers.
Los Angeles
8471 Beverly Blvd, #203 Los Angeles, CA 90048
Encino
17200 Ventura Blvd, #120 Encino, CA 91316
BallnBounce is a brand-new kids' playhouse where all sensory needs and fun are met! Made with love, from families with kids to provide a spacious indoor playhouse that allows children to play, learn and explore in spaces designed to foster their creativity, curiosity, and imagination. A larger part of the activities is designed for kids up to 7 years of age.
10250 Santa Monica Blvd. 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067
CAMP is where kids and grown-ups get to play at summer camp, all year long. You can climb up bunk beds, zoom down slides, explore areas full of toys and ways to play, dance in a disco cabin, go full Jackson Pollock in the splatter art room, and much more!
CAMP’s Magic Door is your family’s personal gateway to fun, creativity, and adventure. Your kids would love to find out what is behind the Magic Door. CAMP is constantly changing what’s behind the Magic Door to keep the experience fresh and new for you with fun activities, cool events, and awesome hand-picked products.
1615 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Take one step inside Tongva Park, and you'll find it hard to believe that this 6-acre urban oasis was a flat asphalt parking lot just a few short years ago. The park features a children's play area with splash pads, a natural amphitheater, walking paths, shaded picnic areas, and beautiful gardens.
444 N Rexford Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Visit Beverly Hills Public Library for storytime. No registration is required. All story-times are presented in the Children’s Library Little Theater (or outdoor) and are free. After Story-time you can stay and play with your kid at the kid's playroom, or read at the kid's section of the library.
9300 block of Civic Center Drive.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The Beverly Hills Farmers' Market is a weekly outdoor certified market that provides the finest California-grown, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, juices, bread, specialty items and more in a festive outdoor setting. The Market also features pony rides on Sundays for little ones.
455 North Rexford Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
You can take a tour of the Beverly Hills Fire Station any day of the week. Your toddler would love to see the big fire trucks, ride them, and learn about them.
905 Loma Vista Drive,
Beverly Hills, CA, 90210
Greystone Mansion & Gardens is a Beverly Hills and Los Angeles treasure. Walk through the park, watch the beautiful pond fish, and take beautiful pictures with your little one.
Burton Chase Park
13650 Mindanao Way,
Marina del Rey, California 90292
Take a WaterBus for a unique water's-eye view of Marina del Rey with your little one. Then have lunch at one of the ocean view restaurants nearby. Burton Chase Park is a 10 acres of lush lawn and trees that extend into Marina’s main channel offering magnificent boat and ocean vistas.
1909 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
We Rock the Spectrum is an indoor gym that caters to children with special needs. It offers a variety of play equipment and activities that are designed to support children with autism, sensory processing disorder, and other developmental disabilities.
With open play, children are welcome to come in and enjoy the same activities that are offered during the private sessions and private parties. This includes full use of the gym with all equipment and an arts & crafts and fine motor area.
28128 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Smell the fresh sea air and gaze at the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean while indulging in a wide selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. The kids menu has a variety of kids' favorites, and you can dine while kids play on the beach.
12005 Bluff Creek Dr,
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Connect with pets, interact with staff, play in a kid-centric space or shop a collection of pet items. Admission to the space is always complimentary. Some of special programs or activities may have an associated program fee. Check out the calendar to see what’s coming up!
26300 Crenshaw Blvd.,
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
Covering 87 acres, the South Coast Botanic Garden offers a wide variety of blooming trees, shrubs, and flowers all year. The most popular among little ones is Children's Garden. This garden is developed around nursery rhymes with plants to match the stories. An enchanted dollhouse and bridge enhance the setting. Adjacent to the Children’s Garden is the Discovery Garden with a secret tunnel, worm bin, alphabet garden, butterfly garden, and whimsical characters.
100 Universal City Plaza,
Universal City, CA 91608
There are lots of rides and attractions that little kids can enjoy at the Universal Studios Hollywood such as DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and The Simpsons Ride. There is also a Super Silly Fun Land for little kids with more than 80 different water-play features which is a favorite during hot summer days.
8039 Beach Blvd.,
Buena Park, CA 90620
Knott’s Berry Farm offers attractions and entertainment for all ages, including family-friendly fun featuring Camp Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang for little ones. Camp Snoopy is perfect for your toddler. Many of the rides have no height requirement if an adult accompanies the child. Also, check some of the famous Boysenberry items.
2052 Entertainment Circle,
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Sesame Place is a new theme park in San Diego that brings all your favorite Sesame Place characters to life. Sesame Place features 7 Sesame Street-themed rides, an interactive musical play area, and 11 water attractions including a 500,000-gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California. The park also have an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood complete with the iconic 123 Stoop, live character shows, an award-winning daily parade, unique photo opportunities, and everyone's favorite furry friends!
2605 Lake Ave,
Altadena, CA 91001
The Bunny Museum is a museum dedicated to rabbits and currently holds more than 35,000 rabbit-related items. Amongst the ever-expanding collection there are ceramic rabbits, stuffed rabbits, cookie-jar rabbits and 9 Rose Parade float rabbits.
301 North Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA, 91007
A stroll through the Arboretum will take you through a variety of gardens and landscapes that offer beauty and tranquility as well as ideas for your outdoor space at home.
480 North Arroyo Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91103
Kidspace Children’s Museum is an industry leader in the field of informal, free choice learning whose mission is to nurture the potential of all children through kid-driven experiences, inspiring them to become joyful, active learners. Kidspace is designed for children ages 10 and under to play and have memorable experiences with their caregivers. Kidspace has more than 40 hands-on exhibits, beautiful outdoor spaces, programs, and special events that are designed to encourage a child’s growth and development.
301 South Euclid Street
La Habra, CA 90631
The Children's Museum at La Habra features 7 with dozens of hands-on exhibits like an outdoor dinosaur garden. The Museum features an exhibit which changes two times a year. Visit with "real" wild animals as children are able to explore through their senses as they see, touch and hear taxidermy mounts from Africa, the Pacific Northwest and Southern California wildlife zones.
15825 Sierra Highway,
Santa Clarita, CA 91390
A visit to The Gentle Barn provides your little one a great opportunity to learn about farm animals with their unique features and personalities. Here you can hug the cows, give the pig's tummy rubs, cuddle the turkeys, and enjoy a beautiful day at the Gentle Barn!
The Children's Garden at The Huntington is a popular destination within the 120 acre Huntington Botanical Gardens. The Garden provides "hands-on" experiences primarily for young children ages 2-8. In four separately themed areas exploring primary natural elements-air, water, earth and fire, whimsical displays and playful interactives invite and engage children to better understand scientific principles related to their natural world.
3720 Stephen While Dr.
San Pedro, CA 90731
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is divided into Mudflats like crabs, clams, sand dollars, sea starts, and some fish, and Rocky Shores, and Open Ocean like sharks, whales, dolphins, jelly fish, and sea birds. Favorites are the lobsters, the hands-on tide pools, and the whale bones. Many tanks are low so toddlers can see without lifting up. Cabrillo Beach is just outside the door and has real tide pools during low tide.
3601 S. Gaffey Steet
San Pedro, CA 90731
The Marine Mammal Care Center is a rescue, rehabilitation, and release facility for injured and sick marine mammals, including harbor seals, fur seals, elephant seals, and sea lions. You can usually see seals and sea lions and sometimes other mammals here. Most of the animals are rehabilitated and released to the wild aftercare.
3222 Glendale Galleria Way
Glendale, CA 91210
Giggles N’ Hugs is the first restaurant that brings together high-end, organic food with active, cutting-edge play and entertainment for children. Giggles N’ Hugs offers an upscale, family-friendly atmosphere with a unique, custom-made 2000 square-foot play area that children 10 and younger absolutely love.
3370 Sunset Valley Road
Moorpark , CA 93021
At Underwood Family Farms, you can enjoy a true farm experience. You and your little one get to pick your own fruits and vegetables on the fully operational working farm. The Farm Animal Center has farm animal displays, pony rides, activities and games. Don’t miss Easter on the Farm, the Fall Harvest Festival every day in October and Christmas on the Farm in December!
100 Aquarium Way,
Long Beach, CA 90802
See seals and sea lions, Japanese spider crabs, tropical reef habitat, the puffins, sea turtles, and the Whales. The shark Lagoon allows children to touch real sharks. The Lorikeet Exhibit is a favorite for the colorful birds and the noise they make. The aquarium also offers Harbor Tours, 4D film experience, family festivals, a variety of children’s educational programs, and more.
427 Anton Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Hana Field is Orange County's premiere U-Pick sunflower and flower fields. Pick your own fresh sunflowers and zinnias while you're there! Thousands upon thousands of brilliantly colored blossoms can be found at The Hana Field to brighten your day. The sunflowers will start blooming in mid July.
6201 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 100,
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Funko Hollywood is like a Disneyland for Funko Pops. There are lots of places where you can take pictures with Funko pops on Display, and find all different types of Funko Pops.
400 West Disney Way, Suite 189
Anaheim, CA 92802
Billy Beez is the ultimate indoor play park for kids and kids-at-heart! The 20,000 sq. ft. play parks offer a variety of features and activities, from slides to sports courts, tunnels to towers, ball blasters to bouncy trampolines, adventure is always right around the corner at Billy Beez. The park is ideal for all ages, including infants, toddlers, adults and every age in between.
1313 Disneyland Dr,
Anaheim, CA 92802
Explore 7 exciting lands with timeless rides and entertainment. Here your little one gets to see his/her favorite characters like Disney Pixar, Cars, Spider-Man & Captain America, and many more. Disney Adventure Park transforms throughout the year. Some of favorites for toddlers at Disneyland are Dubmo the Flying Elephant, It's a Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, Alice in Wonderland (Fantasy Land); Minnie's House in Mickey's Toon town, Jungle Cruise in Adventureland, Disneyland Railroad, The Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland, and many more.
1238 S Beach Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92804
With 17 rides, shows, and attractions, Adventure City is an affordable alternative to other Southern California theme parks. The park is small enough that you get to ride all the rides in one day and enjoy them one by one, but big enough to have all the rides that your little one would love to enjoy at an amusement park. Favorites among little kids are Rescue Ride, Balloon Race, Barnstormer Planes, Crank 'n' Roll, Express Train, Carousel, Thomas the Tank Engine Creative Play, and the Petting Farm.
1802 N. Main Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Kidseum is a high-tech and interactive children museum. Check out the "Glow Cave" with its fun art making activities, ride the magical Wells Fargo stagecoach through time in the "Green Screen Time Machine," and explore archaeology in the Archaeology Lab.
1801 East Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
The Santa Ana Zoo is a small zoo that has wonderful primates and macaws, a rain forest exhibit called "Colors of the Amazon" that highlights the wonderful colors of the animals that live in the Amazon; a huge porcupine' and a walk-through aviary. The Crean Family Farm provides a barnyard adventure with goats, sheep, and chickens that can be fed and petted. Zoofari Express rides are also available on the weekends.
2500 N. Main Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Discovery Cube is a discovery center with hands-on science education that delights, challenges, and encourages kids. Discovery Cube offers permanent exhibits such as Planetary Research Station, Science of Hockey, 3D Theater, Helicopter Tour, Discovery Market, Race to Zero Waste, Aquavator, Inspector Training Course, park-science, and new interactive exhibits that change every few months. Your toddler would love to explore the cube.
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
Pretend City Children’s Museum is “the world in a nut-shell.” It is designed for little kids to learn how the real world works. The museum is a child-size interconnected city built with rich educational intention, where children can assume various real-world roles.
5380 3/4 University Dr.
Irvine, CA 92612
The farm provides families with things to do all year round. They host Strawberry Tours March through June, Watermelon Tours July through August, and a Pumpkin Patch Tour from September to October. Tanaka Farms grows and harvests fresh produce right on the farm by using responsible farming methods.
1418 Descanso Drive,
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. There's always something to see at Descanso Gardens. Whether you love lots of colorful spring bloom, winter camellias or the year-round majesty of the oaks, check out what's in bloom at different times of the year with your little one.
12681 Harbor Boulevard,
Garden Grove CA 92840
Great Wolf Lodge resort in Garden Grove offers both indoor water park fun and dry-land experiences. Your stay includes access to 105,000 sq ft water park's 14 slides, four pools kept at a warm 84 degrees year-round.
9889 Helen Avenue,
Shadow Hills CA 91040
Danny’s Farm offers a safe and nurturing farm experience and social environment for children, especially children with learning differences. Danny's Farm shelters and cares for over 21 animals, and they offer animal assisted activities.
Do you want to find more fun things to do with your toddler?
We invite you to our 📅 events calendar with many family-friendly events and things to do on the weekends and every day of the week. Also, see our 🎢 huge list of places in and near LA. You can filter the places by category, age, and location.
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