Los Angeles is a dream destination for many families, but it can also be a pricey one. Parents traveling with kids to LA often need to consider ways to make the most of their trip without breaking the bank.
If you're one of these parents who's planning to travel to Tinsel Town with your kids, or just a young traveler looking for a budget-friendly experience in LA, this article should be your first starting point. Here’s a guide to budget-friendly family fun in Los Angeles.
Venice Boardwalk
The Venice ocean promenade also known as the Venice Boardwalk is one of the most popular public spaces in LA. It is a safe spot ideal for families traveling with kids. Lined with palm trees, shops, and restaurants, you'll get a variety of sights and sounds that will captivate the young minds.
You can choose to go on guided tours if you're new to the area, or you might enjoy the day strolling with the kids. You'll come across street performers, vibrant street art, and plenty of picturesque spots to snap some nice family photos.
For a budget breakfast or lunch with the kids, you can try places like Deus Venice, Blue Bottle Coffee, and Boulevard Coffee. As the day winds down, you can catch a gorgeous sunset over the Pacific Ocean, at no extra cost.
Kids will certainly enjoy the Venice Canals, a charming area with picturesque bridges and beautiful houses. You'll watch ducks and boats glide through the canals, and can even find time for a romantic stop.
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The Getty Center and Getty Villa
The Getty Center is a free-to-enter museum that will make an interesting spot to visit for the kids, especially those interested in science. Admission is free but requires a timed reservation.
You'll probably begin your trip with a ride on the tram from the Lower Tram Station to the hilltop portion of the Getty Center. On the ride, you'll enjoy scenic views, and the rolling greens, and the kids might even get a chance to see some deer playing in the lush.
At the Getty Museum expect to see an array of art and history, one of the largest in the world, from Renaissance to modern and contemporary. You'll see iconic paintings, sculptures, and other art from the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt.
The Getty Villa is a lesser-known gem, where antiquities from Greek and Roman times are housed. there are about 1,200 artifacts housed here, and the kids will have a chance to peek into ancient history.
The Getty Museum is another free gem that you can have on your LA kids' tour. Make sure to reserve your free tickets in advance if you don't want to get stuck in line for too long.
The La Brea Tar Pits
The La Tar Pits is another affordable place where you can take kids on a date on. This is an active pre-glacier era site that has active tar still bubbling out of the earth in some lots.
There's also a museum at the Tar Pits where millions of plant and animal fossil remains have been uncovered. Kids will discover everything here from large mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, giant sloths, and dire wolves. Kids will enjoy the stories of how these fossils came to be, with tales of ice age animals being trapped in the "tar".
Admission is $15 per adult, although there might be discounted rates for the special Kids Tour. Kids will be able to talk to the researchers uncovering the truths of the tar pits, and staff at the museum. Be aware that a timed reservation is very important, and guests often miss a spot.
Griffith Park and the Old LA Zoo
Griffith Park is a must-visit for families especially those with kids. It's home to the famous Griffith Observatory, where there is a giant telescope always peering into the heavens. But even without entering the observatory, the park itself offers plenty of free fun.
You'll get to explore the vast grounds, hike the trails, and enjoy stunning views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. If you're the type to picnic, then Griffith Park will be an excellent add to your itinerary. Pack a picnic and let the kids run around in the wide-open spaces playing adventure.
Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk
The Santa Monica pier is one of the most famous tourists spots in LA, so be warned, it can get pretty packed, especially at summer's end. The pier also hosts plenty of eateries, souvenir shops, street performers, face painting, and plenty of other fun activities for kids to do. There is also a giant Ferris wheel and a high-tech arcade just nearby in the adjoining amusement park.
At the later sunset, you can take the kids out on a walk to the Venice Boardwalk, or in the Santa Monica public beach area where they can build sandcastles or collect some shells.
The Markets
Exploring local markets can be a fun experience for kids. The Grand Central Market and the Original Farmers Market both come highly recommended as places where kids can interact with folks from other cultures.
Expect to spend a little extra savoring all the delicious flavors. Be sure to pay a visit to Littlejohn’s English Toffee which has the best toffee in the world, or Singapore's Banana Leaf, with its Asian-themed dishes.
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Self-Guided Walking Tours
LA will generally have you moving around with public transportation unless you hire a car. However, contrary to popular media opinion, plenty of LA neighborhoods are safe and perfect for exploring on foot. You can download the GPS My City app and take advantage of their free trial to embark on self-guided walking tours.
Downtown LA, Hollywood Boulevard, Chinatown, and Little Tokyo are all great areas to explore with kids. Turn them into scavenger hunts or go for guided group tours for a little extra buck.
See You in LA!
Forget about the hype - LA is a city that nearly everyone on Earth would love to visit. From famous sites, beautiful beaches, world-class museums, amazing science sites, and great people and culture, LA should be on your travel bucket list. The more the merrier if you're traveling with kids.
Also, contrary to popular opinion, it is possible to visit LA without breaking bank or cashing out. With a good amount of planning, you can find the cheapest options for you, especially if you're traveling with kids. See you on the next flight!
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