Weekend Guide: Best Things to Do in Los Angeles for the Entire Family!
Looking for the lowdown on "fun things to do with kids this weekend"? Well, you've stumbled upon the ultimate guide to a weekend packed with family-fun goodness! Get ready to dive headfirst into a world of excitement where the smiles are as big as the adventures. From Halloween happenings to entertaining festivals and exhilarating outdoor adventures that are sure to set your heart racing, we're your go-to source for all things packed with kid-approved fun!
Gather up your little rascals and embark on a weekend jam-packed with laughter, giggles, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're craving indoor or outdoor escapades, this weekend is your playground for pure, unadulterated FUN! Don't keep those kiddos waiting! Start planning your weekend adventure, and let the good times roll!
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FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. We strongly urge you to confirm event details, like date, time, location, and admission with the event producers before making any plans.
Nights of the Jack
King GIillette Ranch
26800 Mulholland Hwy.
Calabasas, CA 91302
Sept 29 - Oct 31st
6 pm - 10 pm
$29.99+
Thirty miles northwest of Hollywood, tucked in the Santa Monica Mountains, there’s a strange and shadowy wonderland that everyone’s been whispering about. This season, Nights of the Jack is back and brighter than ever with a notorious Halloween event. They've summoned Jack o’lanterns from every mystical sphere and devised a spook-tacular illuminated light show under the autumn sky! It’s not just an illusion, it’s an experience.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
1345 N Montebello Blvd.
Montebello, CA 90640
Now - Nov 12
10 am - 9 pm
$17.90 - $29.90
Step right up, folks! Imagine diving headfirst into a swirling pool of Vincent van Gogh's iconic masterpieces—sounds like a dream, doesn't it? Well, guess what? Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience in sunny Los Angeles is making that dream a reality! Curated by the same masterminds who've dazzled audiences from Europe to Asia and the Americas, this 360º digital extravaganza is your golden ticket to the whimsical world of Van Gogh. It's not just an exhibition; it's a jaw-dropping, heart-stopping journey into the imagination of one of history's greatest artists. Trust us, you've never seen Van Gogh like this before. Prepare to be amazed!
Family Night at Columbia Memorial Space Center
Columbia Memorial Space Center
12400 Columbia Way
Downey, CA 90242
Sept 29 - Oct 27
6 pm - 8 pm
FREE
Blast off to a night of cosmic fun at the Columbia Memorial Space Center! Every Friday from 6 pm - 8 pm, families can enjoy a stellar performance by the World Space Scienz Theater in the outdoor amphitheater. Expect a mix of hilarious sketches and out-of-this-world stories. Best of all, it's free and open to space explorers of all ages. Mark your calendars and prepare for liftoff!
Titanic: The Exhibition
4327 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
Now - Oct 31
10 am - 8 pm
$27.30 - $74
Ahoy, adventure seekers! 🚢 Ever wanted to time-travel and set foot on the legendary Titanic? Well, buckle up, because this immersive, interactive tour is your first-class ticket to the past! Get ready to be blown away by mind-bogglingly realistic recreations of the ship's grandeur, both inside and out.
ShaqtoberFest
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Sept 28 - Oct 31
8 pm - 10:45 pm
$29.99+
Get ready for a spooktacular bash like no other—Shaqtoberfest is back! Hosted on the iconic Queen Mary, this Halloween fiesta is a sensory overload of chills and thrills. Picture this: haunted trails, live music, pop-up performances, and more. Want to level up? Go VIP for exclusive lounges and secret hideaways. From carnival rides to mouthwatering munchies, Shaqtoberfest is your one-stop shop for an epic night of eerie excitement and tasty treats. Don't miss out; it's a hauntingly good time!
Italian Dinner Dance
St. Cyril of Jerusalem School
4548 Haskell Ave.
Encino, CA 91436
Sept 29
6 pm - 10:15 pm
$20
Get ready to twirl your fork and your dance partner at St. Cyril of Jerusalem School's Italian Dinner Dance! For 15 years, this event has been the go-to for an evening filled with scrumptious Italian cuisine, live music, and dance performances by the school's own talented kiddos. From fresh salads to delectable pasta and desserts, your taste buds are in for a treat. So put on those dancing shoes and join the St. Cyril community for a night you won't forget!
Adventure City's Boo-Tastic Halloween Party
Adventure City
1238 S Beach Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92804
Sept 29 - Oct 31
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
$34.95
Whoa, hold onto your witch hats, folks! This Halloween extravaganza is jam-packed with 11 adrenaline-pumping rides, free candy on "Trick-or-Treat Street," and a Cosmic Vortex Tunnel that'll spin you into another dimension. Hop on the Express Train for a scavenger hunt, grab your free glow gear, and boogie down at the Spooktacular Dance Party. Oh, and don't forget to catch the Mad Scientist Magician's jaw-dropping tricks! Costumes? Totally optional, but why miss the chance to strut your spooky stuff? It's a Halloween bash you won't want to miss!
Friends of the Farm Weekend
Underwood Family Farms
3370 Sunset Valley Rd.
Moorpark, CA 93021
Sept 30 - Oct 1
9 am - 6 pm
It's a weekend to celebrate the local First Responders. Joining this event will be Ventura County Fire, the VC Sheriff's Department, EMS, the Department of Public Health, Search and Rescue, and much more!
Fall Harvest
Underwood Family Farms
Moorpark Location
3370 Sunset Valley Rd.
Moorpark, CA 93021
Sept 30 - Oct 31
9 am - 6 pm
Underwood Family Farms transforms the farm for the fall season into a giant Pumpkin Patch and Pick Your Own. With more than 30 acres to visit, the farm offers plenty of room for physical distancing. The event features aces of pumpkins, pony rides, a petting zoo, kids' activities and games, a corn maze, wagon rides, an animal race, live music, food, and much more!
Spooky Science
Discovery Cube Los Angeles
11800 Foothill Blvd.
Sylmar, CA 91342
Sept 30 - Oct 31
10 am - 5 pm
$16 - $18
Calling all ghouls and goblins, come out of your tombs and join Los Angeles Discovery Cube for the Spooky Science block party! Make green slime and participate in a marble run at the Spooky stage, ride the tractor trails, and enjoy other haunting sights and sounds throughout the center.
Mr. Jack O' Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
11852 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Oct 1 - Oct 31
10 am - 9 pm
FREE
The Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned business that strives to reach the full potential of the Halloween spirit. It offers premium pumpkins, corn, games, activities, pumpkin decorating kits, pumpkin carving kits, and attractions to ensure the full Halloween experience! They also sell pumpkins, gourds, squash, corn stalks, hay and more!
Boo At The L.A. Zoo!
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Oct 1 - Oct 31
10 am - 4 pm
FREE
The Los Angeles Zoo goes wild every October with Boo at the L.A. Zoo, featuring Halloween decor, a spooky stroll with photo ops, an extinct-animal graveyard, and other weird and wacky animal facts and educational opportunities. Weekends include special animal feedings, merry-not-scary entertainment, take-home crafts, and, during the last two weekends in October, trick-or-treat candy stations scattered throughout the Zoo grounds. Costumes are encouraged!
LA’s Haunted Hayride
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Now - Oct 31
7 pm – 10:45 pm
$29.99+
Step into the world of Halloween at Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, the city's premier Halloween event where the spooky season comes to life. Get ready for a chilling adventure as you journey through the eerie landscape of Midnight Falls, where the boundary between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.
Bob Baker's Halloween Spooktacular
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
4949 York Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Now - Nov 5
10:30 am - 4:30 pm
$25+
Prepare for a spooktacular return of The Hallowe'en Spooktacular! This hour-long family-friendly show features over a hundred lively puppets in a 'boo-sical' revue, with surprises like Frankenstein's monster dancing and a dreamy Venutian world. Don't miss this bone-rattling cabaret with glow-in-the-dark skeletons for a unique and unforgettable experience!
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Ahmanson Theatre
135 North Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Sept 29 - Oct 1
7:30 pm
$34+
Get ready to be swept off your feet, LA! Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is gracing the Ahmanson Theatre with three spellbinding performances. As pioneers in contemporary dance, this 14-member troupe will dazzle you with a mixed repertory, including the captivating "Coltrane's Favorite Things." Inspired by John Coltrane's 1963 spin on "My Favorite Things," this is a dance experience you won't want to miss. So mark your calendars and join The Music Center for a dance extravaganza that promises to be a hit with Angelenos of all ages!
Knott's Spooky Farm
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
Sept 28 - Oct 31
Get ready for a spook-tacular time at Knott's Spooky Farm! This is Halloween fun for the kiddos, minus the scares. Dress up in your Halloween best and go trick-or-treating around the charming town of Calico. The event runs every Thursday to Sunday from September 28th until October 29th, and even on Halloween itself! So grab your treat bags and let's make this Halloween all about cheer, not fear!
Los Angeles Police Department Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Union Station
800 N. Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA
Sept 29
10 am - 1 pm
FREE
Get ready for a fiesta like no other! Union Station is hosting the LAPD's mariachi extravaganza in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Come one, come all, and groove to the vibrant rhythms of mariachi music! It's a cultural celebration that's fun for the whole family. Don't miss out on this toe-tapping, heartwarming event!
Family Nite
12400 Columbia Way
Downey, CA 90242
Sept 29
6 pm to 8 pm
FREE
Blast off into a night of cosmic fun at Columbia Memorial Space Center's Family Nite! 🚀 Get to know the trailblazers of space exploration, wander through the awe-inspiring space center, and be dazzled by a performance from the World Space Science Theater. It's a universe of excitement that's perfect for stargazers of all ages!
Jazz at LACMA
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Sept 29
6 pm to 8 pm
FREE
Swing into the weekend with Jazz at LACMA! Every Friday evening, including this September 29th, groove to live jazz performances that'll make your soul sing. This week, the spotlight is on vocalist and composer Angie Wells. Seats are limited and free, so come early to snag your spot and let the music take you away!
Los Angeles Libros Festival
Central Library
630 W. 5th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Sept 30
10 am - 4 pm
FREE
The Los Angeles Public Library is rolling out the red carpet for the Los Angeles Libros Festival. Dive into a world of bilingual storytelling, mesmerizing performances, and workshops led by award-winning authors. This free festival is a literary paradise for all ages!
Sukkot Begins and Worldwide Day of Play with ACM and Nickelodeon
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA
Sept 29 - Sept 30
11 am - 2:30 pm
Double the fun, double the excitement! Pretend City Children's Museum is hosting not one, but TWO awesome events this weekend. First up, celebrate Sukkot Begins on Friday with storytime and Sukkah-making sessions. Then, gear up for a play-packed Saturday as ACM and Nickelodeon bring you the Worldwide Day of Play, complete with special storytimes and a traveling exhibit full of surprises. It's a weekend of culture, play, and endless fun for the kiddos!
Decades of Disney: Hercules and Lilo & Stitch
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Sept 29 - Sept 30
10 am
El Capitan Theatre is wrapping up its Decades of Disney series with a bang. Journey to Mount Olympus with Hercules on Friday and catch some Hawaiian vibes with Lilo & Stitch on Saturday. Both screenings kick off at 10 a.m. and feature the all-new short, Once Upon a Studio. It's a magical trip down memory lane that's perfect for Disney lovers of all ages!
Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach
Show Center
Huntington St. and PCH
Huntington Beach, CA
Sept 29 - Oct 1
All Day Event
Sky's the limit at the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach! This isn't just an airshow; it's an all-out extravaganza that combines jaw-dropping aerobatics, live music, and a dash of art and tech. From gravity-defying stunts to toe-tapping tunes, this weekend-long spectacle is a feast for the senses. So grab your tickets and prepare for a sky-high adventure that's sure to leave you awe-struck!
Autry 35th Anniversary
The Autry Museum in Griffith Park
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027 Sept 30 All Day Event
Yeehaw! The Autry Museum is turning 35, and they're throwing a bash that's straight out of the Wild West! Saddle up for a day filled with live music, dance shows, docent-led tours, and even trick ropers. Kids will love the carnival games and petting zoo, while foodies can indulge at the food trucks. Best of all, ticket prices are a blast from the past—just like they were in 1988!
10th Annual Banana Festival
The Port of Hueneme
105 E. Port Hueneme Rd.
Oxnard, CA
Sept 30
10 am - to 6 pm
FREE
Go bananas at the 10th Annual Banana Festival! This isn't just a fruit fest; it's a full-blown celebration of a bustling port. Bring the kiddos to the special "Go Bananas" zone for bounce houses and crafts, take a guided tour of the port, and groove to live music. From shopping to scrumptious food, this festival has it all—and it's all free!
1st Annual West Covina Moon Festival
Historic Downtown West Covina
S. Glendora Ave.
West Covina, CA 91790
Sept 30
10 am - 9 pm
Get ready for a lunar-tastic time at the 1st Annual West Covina Moon Festival! From 10 am to 9 pm, the historic downtown will be buzzing with spectacular performances, scrumptious food, and awesome vendors. It's a family-friendly extravaganza that promises a day full of moonlit magic and fun. Don't miss out on this inaugural celebration!
Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
Now - Oct 31
$0 - $7
The Irvine Park Railroad and Pumpkin Patch are back this season, offering a plethora of attractions including the Pumpkin Train, moon bounce, and hayrides. Visitors can indulge in a variety of activities such as gold panning, carnival games, and cookie decorating, among others. Located behind the train station, the Pumpkin Patch offers free admission, though a vehicle entrance fee applies for accessing Irvine Regional Park. Activities range from 1 to 2 tickets, priced at $7 each, with several free attractions available. The event operates from 10 am - 5 pm on weekdays and 8 am - 6 pm on weekends, open daily depending on the weather.
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort 2023
Disneyland California
1313 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
Now - Oct 31
8 am - 10 pm
Get ready for Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort! Immerse yourself in a spooky wonderland filled with themed attractions, entertainment, and more. Disneyland Park offers enchanting experiences like characters dressed up for the occasion, with Mickey Mouse donning a top hat and Minnie Mouse wearing a bat-spotted dress.
Kids Boo Fest at Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy.
Valencia, CA 91355
Now - Oct 31
10:30 am - 6 pm
$25 - $45
Prepare for Monstertainment galore at the upcoming Fright Fest event. This thrilling celebration, taking place on select days till October 31st, offers an array of spooky and family-friendly activities at the theme park. From haunted attractions to the Trick-or-Treat Trail in Bugs Bunny World, families can embrace the Halloween spirit together during daylight hours. Little ones can navigate through festive mazes and indulge in treats that are to die for – ensuring a mix of scares and deliciousness.
Oogie Boogie Bash: A Disney Halloween Party 2023
Disney California Adventure Park
313 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
Now - Oct 31
6 pm - 11 pm
The spell’s been cast! On select nights this September and October, Disney California Adventure Park will host a separately ticketed Halloween party with Oogie Boogie. This family-friendly event includes after-hours park access to treat trails, photo opportunities, entertainment, attractions, frightfully fun decor and more.
Fright Fest Halloween Event at Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy.
Valencia, CA 91355
Now - Oct 31
$85
The Haunted Attractions brings a chilling dimension to the Fright Fest event, which spans till October 31st. The calendar is packed with spooky experiences, and thrill-seekers are invited to join in the eerie monstertainment. The event features haunted houses that dare visitors to step inside, offering spine-tingling adventures with the only way out being to confront the fear. Scare zones are ready to watch your back, infested with zombies, witches, and other creatures that go bump in the night. As the sun sets, rides and coasters take on a new level of fright in the dark, providing a chilling experience for those who crave a scare.
SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular 2023
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.
San Diego, CA 92109
Sept 29 - Oct 29
10 am - 5 pm
Ready for a spooktacular adventure that's more a treat than a trick? Then grab your capes and wands and zoom over to SeaWorld for a daytime Halloween bash that's bursting with fun! Imagine a trail decked out in Halloween glory, where you'll bump into the quirkiest, most colorful characters you've ever seen. But hold onto your broomsticks, because that's just the tip of the haunted iceberg!
The Count's Halloween Spooktacular 2023
Sesame Place San Diego
2052 Entertainment Circle
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Now - Oct 29
10 am - 6 pm
Go in costume and celebrate silly, not-too-spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place! The park will be transformed into a family-friendly Halloween haven and guests will enjoy trick-or-treating around the park, a Halloween-themed show, the Sesame Street Halloween Parade, an interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, the Furry Friends Halloween Dance Party, Sesame Street-themed dry rides, and unique photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume!
Exhibition: Imagined Wests
Autry Museum
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA, 90027
Now - Dec 30
The exhibition "Imagined Wests" at the Autry explores the narratives surrounding the American West as portrayed in popular culture, attire, playthings, artistic expressions, historical records, and various forms of media. With a diverse array of over 250 items sourced from Autry's extensive collections, the exhibit also incorporates multimedia components and interactive experiences, such as the widely enjoyed "green screen" feature.
Paws & Pages
Wallis Annenberg PetSpace
12005 Bluff Creek Dr.
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Now - Dec 30
12 pm - 1 pm
$3
Calling all young readers to join the adorable adventure of Paws & Pages! At Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, kids can enhance their communication skills and boost self-confidence by reading to adoptable pets or enjoying captivating story sessions. This family-friendly experience features engaging book readings, the chance to meet adorable pets or critter ambassadors, and exciting pet-themed crafts. Afterward, young readers can select a book from the library and share their stories with the furry friends outside their adoption suites.
Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy
1418 Descanso Dr.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Ends - Oct 1st
9 am – 7 pm
$5 - $15
Organized and presented by Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, Living in a Wildlife Corridor is an interactive and multi-sensory exhibit at the historic Boddy House at Descanso Gardens. Through the lenses of talented wildlife photographers and camera trappers, via the paint brushes and canvases of local artists, and through the stories and wisdom of the Tongva people who have stewarded this land for millennia, visitors will see the wild surroundings from an entirely new perspective.
POKÉMON X KOGEI: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft
Japan House Gallery
Level 2, Ovation Hollywood
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Now - Jan 7
FREE
Get ready for a playful encounter like no other at the POKÉMON X KOGEI exhibition! Japan House Gallery is buzzing with excitement as they unite two remarkable contributions to world culture - the beloved Pokémon characters and the timeless Japanese craft!
The Boba Show
Chinese American Museum
425 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Now - Jan 7
Brace yourself for a journey like no other as the Chinese American Museum unravels the delightful history of boba. From its exotic roots in Brazil to its tantalizing travels through Africa and Asia, and finally, to the local boba shops that have us hooked! This exhibit promises to quench your thirst for knowledge and boba at the same time. Marvel at boba-inspired art that will have you reaching for your camera for the perfect Insta-worthy shot!
Maya: The Exhibition
700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Now Open
10 am - 5 pm
$14.95 - $21.95
The exhibition features over 250 authentic artifacts—many on tour outside of Guatemala for the first time—highlighting the ancient Maya civilization of Mexico and Central America. Through priceless artifacts and hands-on exhibits, discover how the ancient Maya built and sustained complex cities in the heart of the rainforest.
Sunday Car Rides
The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum
610 Airport St.
El Segundo, CA 90245
Every Sunday
10:00 am - 3:30 pm
$10 per person
Rev up your engines and get ready for an exciting Sunday at The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum! Every Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, visitors can take a ride in one of the Museum's iconic cars during the Sunday Car Rides event. You don't even need a reservation - rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that children must be at least 55” tall to ride, so make sure they meet the height requirement before hopping in one of these classic cars.
Related: 45+ Fun Things to Do in Culver City in 2023: An Ultimate Guide!
A Real Boy: The Many Lives of Pinocchio
Italian American Museum of Los Angeles
644 N. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA, 90012
Ends Oct 15th
FREE
This exhibition is designed to engage visitors of all ages, a journey into the many incarnations of a beloved character, on display toys, books, and costumes.
Main Street Farmers Market
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.
Beverly Hills Farmers Market & Kid's Zone
City of Beverly Hills
9300 block of Civic Center Drive
between Third Street and Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA
Every Sunday
9:00 am - 1:00 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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