Fun Things to Do with Kids in LA This Weekend, Sept 11 - Sept 13
Updated: 4 days ago
Weekend Guide: Best Things to Do in Los Angeles Near Me!
Looking for Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles This Weekend? Whether you're planning a family adventure, exploring outdoor activities, or searching for exciting events, Los Angeles is packed with kid-friendly entertainment! From interactive museums and outdoor playgrounds to seasonal festivals and live performances, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the little ones engaged and happy. Get ready to make unforgettable memories with our handpicked list of the best family activities in Los Angeles this weekend—perfect for kids of all ages!
Quick Links to Fun Things to Do This Weekend For Families:
Fun things to do this weekend near me
Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles this Weekend
Before heading out, please verify the status of your destination, as some businesses may be temporarily closed due to the Los Angeles fires.
Friday, Sept 11, 2026
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Sep 11
6 pm - 11 pm
FREE
Get ready to dance the night away under the stars at LA Plaza’s lively Summer of Salsa finale! Families can enjoy an energetic evening featuring Conjunto Oye, music from Super DJ Robby, and a free beginner-friendly salsa lesson before the main festivities get going. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, settle in for the music, and grab food and drinks available for purchase while everyone soaks up the festive Downtown LA atmosphere.
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Sep 11
7 pm - 10 pm
FREE
Put on your dancing shoes for a breezy evening by the water at Dance MDR! This week’s featured style is salsa, and beginners can learn a few new moves from local dance instructors before a DJ keeps the music going for open dancing. Doors open at 6:30 pm, so families can arrive early, find a spot, and enjoy a fun, laid-back night of music and movement in Marina del Rey.
Brentwood Country Mart
225 26th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Sep 11
6 pm - 8:30 pm
FREE
Make Friday night extra cozy with an outdoor screening of Finding Nemo at Brentwood Country Mart. Families can gather in the courtyard for this beloved animated adventure about friendship, bravery, and one very determined dad crossing the ocean to find his son. The movie is free, and parents can make an evening of it by picking up dinner, snacks, or sweet treats from the Country Mart merchants before the film begins.
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
Sep 11
9 am
FREE
Pepperdine University marks the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a moving remembrance ceremony and its annual Wave of Flags display overlooking the Pacific. Thousands of flags cover the university’s hillside in memory of the 2,977 people who lost their lives in the attacks, creating a powerful setting for reflection. Families may walk through the display before or after the 9 am ceremony, while parents can introduce the meaning of the memorial to children in an age-appropriate way.
Venice Farmer’s Market
500 Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
Sep 11
9:30 am - 10:30 am
FREE
Add a little storytime fun to your Friday morning at the Venice Farmer’s Market! Librarians from the Venice–Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library will treat kids to engaging stories, cheerful songs, and a hands-on sensory craft. It’s an easy, low-key outing for younger children, and families can explore the farmers market before or after the program.
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Sep 11
10 am - 7 pm
Ka-chow! Lightning McQueen is racing back onto the big screen as El Capitan Theatre celebrates the 20th anniversary of Disney-Pixar’s Cars. Families can enjoy the G-rated favorite in one of Hollywood’s most iconic movie palaces, with four showtimes available throughout Friday. Be sure to arrive ready for a fun photo opportunity with Lightning McQueen and Mater on stage before the movie.
Fountain Valley Sports Park
16400 Brookhurst St.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Sep 11 - Sep 13
Various times
$0-$159
Come hungry for a full weekend of seafood, music, and classic festival fun at the Original Lobster Festival! Fresh Maine lobster is the star, but families will also find plenty of non-seafood and kid-friendly eats, plus live bands, karaoke, carnival rides, games, and face painting. Weekend entertainment includes magicians and other performers, making this much more than a food festival—and parking is free, too.
Ocean Institute
24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629
Sep 11 - Sep 13
Various times
Ahoy, families! Dana Point’s Maritime Festival turns the harbor into a swashbuckling weekend packed with pirates, tall ships, mermaids, marine life, games, and hands-on adventures. Free areas include pirate shows, Sailor Camp, and a lively marketplace, while Adventure Pass holders can explore the Ocean Institute campus and tour historic tall ships. Families can also add special experiences such as mermaid encounters, themed breakfasts, pirate activities, and even mock cannon battles at sea for an unforgettable nautical day out.
Saturday, Sept 12, 2026
The Autry Museum
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Sep 12
6:30 pm
$19 - $30
Who’s ready for Shrek under the stars? Street Food Cinema brings the lovable green ogre to the big screen at the Autry Museum, with food trucks and a musical pre-show adding to the outdoor movie-night fun. Even better, this special screening includes a drone show, making an already memorable family movie night feel extra magical.
Wilshire Branch Library
149 N. St. Andrews Place
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Sep 12
10:30 am - 11:30 am
FREE
Families looking for a gentler storytime experience can head to the Wilshire Branch Library for this interactive sensory-friendly program. Children with autism and/or sensory processing challenges can enjoy books, songs, movement, and therapeutic play designed to engage all five senses. Attendance is limited to just 10 families, so advance registration is required.
Hyde Park Miriam Matthews Branch Library
2205 W. Florence Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90043
Sep 12
12 pm - 4 pm
FREE
Gamers can celebrate National Video Game Day with an afternoon packed with contests, crafts, and friendly competition. Kids can try a Tetris challenge, create art inspired by favorite video game characters, and join a Mario Kart tournament for ages 8-12. The tournament is limited to 16 players, making this a fun pick for families with game-loving kids.
New Beverly Cinema
7165 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Sep 12
10 am & 2 pm
Movie-loving families have two fun reasons to visit the New Beverly Cinema this Saturday. The morning begins with the PG-rated animated favorite The Iron Giant, followed in the afternoon by a family matinee of Back to the Future Part II. It’s a great double-feature option for older kids who love animation, adventure, and a little time-traveling movie magic.
Village Well Books & Coffee
9900 Culver Blvd. #1B
Culver City, CA 90232
Sep 12
11 am - 12 pm
FREE
Author Chelsea Lin Wallace visits Village Well Books & Coffee for a lively storytime featuring her new picture book, Ms. Bernice to the Rescue. Young listeners can follow a busy school custodian as she races from one cleanup adventure to another before encountering a big surprise. It’s a sweet Saturday outing for little bookworms and families who enjoy meeting children’s authors.
Kirk Douglas Theatre
9820 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Sep 12
Various times
Dav Pilkey’s hilarious crime-fighting canine leaps from the page to the stage in Dog Man: The Musical. The production follows Dog Man as he battles bad guys, gets into plenty of goofy trouble, and somehow still finds time to chew on the furniture. Recommended for ages 3 and up, the 90-minute show is a fun theater pick for fans of the bestselling book series.
Virginia Avenue Park
2200 Virginia Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Sep 12
9 am - 1 pm
FREE
Celebrate the beginning of apple season with a festive morning at Santa Monica’s Pico Farmers Market. Families can browse local farm stands and artisan vendors while kids enjoy apple-themed crafts and live music. Wear something inspired by apples and stop by the information booth for a chance to pick up a special prize.
Sierra Madre Playhouse
87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Sep 12
11 am
$20
Introduce the kids to the colorful world of Frida Kahlo with Hola Frida!, an animated film inspired by the celebrated artist’s childhood. Part of Sierra Madre Playhouse’s family programming, the movie offers a kid-friendly way to explore creativity, imagination, and the early experiences of an artistic icon. It’s an especially nice weekend pick for families looking for arts and culture beyond the usual Saturday activities.
Lowe's - All Locations
2800 120th St.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Sep 12
10 am - 1 pm
FREE
Little builders can get an early start on spooky season at Lowe’s September Build and Grow workshop! Kids ages 4-11 can use tools with adult supervision to put together their own Haunted House project, then take their creation home. Participants also receive workshop goodies such as an apron, goggles, project-themed patch, and certificate, but spaces can fill quickly, so advance registration is a smart move.
Tongva Park
1615 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Sep 12
7 pm - 9:30 pm
FREE
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket or low-back chair, and settle in for a free evening of music and movies near the ocean. The final Tongva Twilight event features Memphis soul artist Emi Secrest, followed by an outdoor screening of Summer of Soul. With Tongva Park just steps from the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Ocean, this is an easygoing way for families to enjoy one more summer-style evening under the stars.
White Point Nature Preserve
1600 Paseo del Mar
San Pedro, CA 90731
Sep 12
10:30 am - 11:30 am
FREE
Got a kid who thinks snakes and lizards are seriously cool? Head to White Point Nature Education Center for a reptile-themed Nature Club packed with wriggly, slithery fun. Children can take part in reptile activities and meet live animal ambassadors while learning more about these fascinating creatures, and no advance registration is required for this free program geared toward ages 3-10.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
Sep 12 - Sep 13
9 am - 5 pm
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s annual Moompetam Festival invites families to learn about California’s coastal Native cultures through a weekend of meaningful traditions and lively performances. The celebration highlights Indigenous communities including the Tongva, Chumash, Acjachemen, Costanoan, Luiseño, and Kumeyaay, with storytelling, traditional crafts, educational programs, demonstrations, music, and dance. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to connect history, culture, and California’s maritime heritage in an engaging setting.
Ventura Harbor Village
1583 Spinnaker Dr.
Ventura, CA 93001
Sep 12 - Sep 13
10 am - 5 pm
FREE
Ventura Harbor Village becomes one giant outdoor canvas as talented street painters transform the sidewalks with colorful chalk-pastel masterpieces. Families can watch the artwork take shape, try hands-on creative activities, explore work from artist vendors, and enjoy live seaside music along the Village Promenade. With paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, and plenty of harbor scenery to browse, this free festival makes a fun artsy day trip from Los Angeles.
Sunday, Sept 13, 2026
California African American Museum
600 State Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Sep 13
2 pm - 3 pm
FREE
Turn a museum visit into a family challenge with this special scavenger hunt at the California African American Museum! Families can follow creative prompts through the galleries, encouraging kids to look closely, talk about what they discover, and make connections with current exhibitions. The first teams to complete the hunt will even receive a small CAAM prize, and walk-ins are welcome.
Recreation Park
401 Sheldon St.
El Segundo, CA 90245
Sep 13
11 am - 2 pm
FREE
Get ready to add some color to the sky during El Segundo’s annual Go Fly a Kite Day! Families can bring their favorite kite or arrive early to snag one of the limited free kites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Kite decorating, crafts, and other activities make this an easygoing outdoor celebration for kids and grown-ups of all ages.
Kidspace Children’s Museum
480 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Sep 13
Museum hours
Sunday is the final day for families to experience Kidspace Campout, a playful celebration inspired by classic summer adventures. Kids can splash through the Arroyo stream, take an imaginative trike road trip, make camp-inspired crafts, and gather around a pretend campfire for silly songs and activities. It’s all the fun of camping and a family road trip—with plenty of Kidspace imagination mixed in.
Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Sep 13
3 pm
FREE
Older young readers and families can spend Sunday afternoon discovering a new time-travel adventure at Vroman’s Bookstore. Author Marie Miranda Cruz joins Dahlia De La Vega for a conversation about A Boy Called Hero, a story exploring courage, connection, and finding ways to make a difference. Guests can also stick around for the book signing after the discussion.
LBX Hangar
4150 McGowen St.
Long Beach, CA 90846
Sep 13
12 pm - 3 pm
FREE
Celebrate the new school year with an afternoon designed especially for kids and families at Long Beach Exchange. Children can make friendship bracelets, contribute to a giant coloring mural, and watch an entertaining bubble performer while a DJ spins kid-friendly tunes. With several activities happening throughout the afternoon, families can drop in and enjoy a little back-to-school fun together.
La Habra Community Center
101 W. La Habra Blvd.
La Habra, CA 90631
Sep 13
9 am - 11:30 am
$0 - $15
Grandparents and grandkids can make some sweet memories together during this special morning celebration in La Habra. The festivities include a pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, a Children’s Museum Mobile Museum experience, and admission to the Children’s Museum at La Habra. Designed for families with children ages 2-13, this one is all about celebrating that extra-special grandparent bond.
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
Sep 13
Museum hours
Grandparents get another reason to celebrate at Pretend City with a day devoted to the special connection between “grands” and their littles. Families can enjoy stories, dance parties, special workshops, and plenty of opportunities to play together throughout the museum. Space is limited, so reserving admission tickets ahead of time is a good idea for families planning to attend.
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Sep 13
11:30 am & 1:30 pm
FREE
Bring the kids to the waterfront and make some noise at this interactive community drum circle in Marina del Rey! Families of every musical ability can join a 60-minute session led by Christopher Ramirez of Freedom Drum Circles, with drums and percussion instruments provided. The event is free, but space is limited, so advance registration is a smart idea.
Gandara Park
1819 Stewart St.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Sep 13
1:30 pm - 6:30 pm
FREE
Pack up the family for an afternoon of live music and outdoor fun as Americana in the Park returns to Santa Monica! The festival mixes roots, blues, jazz, folk, and modern Americana with performances from local musicians, plus the always-kid-friendly Bob Baker Marionettes. Food trucks, interactive activities, and a McCabe’s Guitar Shop pop-up round out this relaxed day in the park.
Marine Mammal Care Center
3601 South Gaffey St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Sep 13
Various times
FREE
Calling all budding marine biologists ages 8 and up! Family Science Sunday gives kids and grown-ups a chance to learn together as Marine Mammal Care Center experts explore marine mammals, ocean conservation, and other fascinating science topics. Families can also enjoy patient viewing and the interactive exhibit hall, so reserve early if your crew wants to dive into this hands-on ocean adventure.
Bowers Museum
2002 North Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Sep 13
11 am - 3 pm
FREE
Celebrate the season with a colorful day of culture and family fun at the Bowers Museum’s annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Kids can enjoy traditional music and dance performances, creative art projects, and free face painting while families learn more about this beloved celebration. There’s even a taste of traditional mooncake to add something extra sweet to the festivities!
Musco Center for the Arts, Chapman University
One University Dr.
Orange, CA 92866
Sep 13
1 pm - 6 pm
FREE
Spend the afternoon immersed in Mexican and Mexican-American arts and culture at this energetic family festival in Orange. Two stages come alive with mariachi, dance, and other performances, while kids can jump into arts and crafts, salsa dancing, soccer activities, live painting, and a chalk art contest. Admission is free, making this a fun-filled cultural day trip for the whole family.
Ongoing Events
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Now - Oct 9
6 pm - 8 pm
FREE
Spend your Friday evening soaking up smooth jazz under the stars at LACMA’s beloved outdoor concert series! Families can spread out on the lawn, enjoy live performances from some of L.A.’s top jazz musicians, and take in the vibrant museum atmosphere together. It’s a relaxed and fun way to introduce kids to live music while parents enjoy a magical night in the city.
Ovation Hollywood
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Now - Sep 25
7 pm
FREE
Enjoy a relaxing outdoor movie night beneath the Hollywood lights as Ovation Hollywood presents Hidden Figures on the big screen. Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair, settle into the courtyard, and enjoy complimentary popcorn along with fun surprises before the movie begins. It's a fantastic free family outing that combines great entertainment with one of Hollywood's most iconic destinations.
Pio Pico State Historic Park
6003 Pioneer Blvd.
Whittier, CA 90606
Now - Jan 2
12 pm - 2 pm
FREE
Families can spend a relaxed afternoon outdoors during this free monthly program at Pio Pico State Historic Park. A park interpreter or guest speaker leads hands-on activities and a children’s story time connected to nature, science, or local history. The afternoon wraps up with delicious s’mores, giving kids a sweet reward after learning and exploring together. Bring a picnic blanket, towel, chair, or hand umbrella, and remember that minors must attend with a parent or guardian.
King Gillette Ranch
26876 Mulholland Hwy.
Calabasas, CA 91302
Now - Dec 5
8:30 am
FREE
Start the morning with a gentle guided walk in search of Southern California’s beautiful and fascinating birds. The easy trail is less than one mile long, making it manageable for younger children and beginner nature explorers. Families are welcome to bring binoculars or a bird guide, although no special equipment is necessary to participate. Meet at the King Gillette Ranch flagpole by 8:30 am so the group can begin the walk together.
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
2000 E. Gene Autry Way
Anaheim, CA 92806
Now - Sep 19
7 pm
$12-$293
Turn a family baseball outing into an extra-special summer night with fireworks after select Saturday Angels games. Fans can cheer on the home team, enjoy classic ballpark snacks, and remain in their seats for a colorful post-game display. Some dates may also include additional giveaways or special promotions that add even more fun to the experience. Fireworks are included with game admission, with ticket prices varying depending on the seating section and selected game.
87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Now - Dec 12
11 am
$20
Sierra Madre Playhouse kicks off another fantastic family entertainment season with kid-friendly theater, music, dance, and film performances throughout the year. This weekend’s featured production is A Midsummer Night’s Dream, bringing Shakespeare’s magical comedy to life in a way families can enjoy together. It’s a wonderful introduction to live performing arts for children of all ages.
Southern California Live Steamers Station
2100 Washington Ave.
Torrance, CA 90510
Now - Dec 19
12 pm - 3 pm
FREE
All aboard! Kids (and let’s be honest—parents too!) can ride miniature trains through scenic Wilson Park. It’s simple, nostalgic fun that feels like stepping into a tiny railway world. Perfect for a laid-back afternoon outdoors.
Row DTLA
777 South Alameda
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Now – Dec 27
10 am – 4 pm
FREE
Spend your Sunday munching, browsing, and vibing at Smorgasburg LA! From food trucks and vintage vendors to designer pop-ups and cultural events, it’s a weekly Downtown playground for families. With free parking for two hours, it’s easy to turn this into a full afternoon outing. Come hungry and ready to explore!
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen White Dr.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Now - Dec 19
10 am - 12 pm
If your little one prefers a calmer environment, this sensory-friendly morning at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a gentle way to explore the sea. Families can enjoy the exhibits with lower crowds and supportive tools like fidget items, cue cards, and noise-canceling headphones. It’s a soothing start to the weekend with ocean wonders waiting to be discovered—perfect for all ages and abilities.
2640 Main Street
Santa Monica, 90405
Every Sunday
8:30 am - 1:30 pm
FREE
The Sunday Main Street Farmers Market features some of California’s freshest produce plus prepared foods from local Main Street restaurants as well as artisanal foods prepared with ingredients sourced from California farmers – you can’t get more local than that! Also, enjoy musical entertainment from a variety of weekly featured bands, face painting, balloon designs, and bi-weekly cooking demonstrations featuring local produce.
City of Beverly Hills
9300 block of Civic Center Dr.
between Third Street and Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA
Every Sunday
9 am - 1 pm
FREE
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 event also features a petting zoo, and pony rides for a minimal fee.
Do you want to find more fun things to do with your kids?
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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Disclaimer: FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, we make no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. We strongly urge you to confirm event details with the event producers, like date, time, location, and admission. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. Some events may contain an affiliate link.
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