27 November Freebies and Deals for LA Families: Free Santa Photos, Free LEGO Reindeer and More!
November freebies in LA are the best kind of holiday warm-up: free Santa photos, a free LEGO reindeer build, a collectible Starbucks red cup, Veterans Day meals and free museum days, all happening across Los Angeles this month. We rounded up 27 November 2026 freebies and deals for LA families, with dates, addresses, and the fine print you need before you go.
Some of these giveaways are first come, first served, and a few need a reservation or sign-up, so we flagged those for you. Save this guide, mark your calendar, and let the kids pick their favorites.
Key Takeaways
Biggest freebie: Free photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga, Nov. 8 to Dec. 24.
Best for builders: A free LEGO reindeer make-and-take at LEGO Stores on Friday, Nov. 13 (ages 6+, while supplies last).
Mark your calendar: Starbucks Red Cup Day is Tuesday, Nov. 17, and LACMA's free day is Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Veterans Day (Wed., Nov. 11): Free national park entry, a free Applebee's meal for veterans and free admission for military families at several LA museums.
Always free: The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, the Hammer Museum, The Broad and the California Science Center.
Thanksgiving on a budget: Holiday meal bundles that feed 10 for under $40 at Walmart and Aldi.
Free Santa Photos and Holiday Freebies
The holiday season kicks off early this year, and some of the sweetest freebies come with a candy-cane twist. Here are the free Santa visits, crafts and goodies worth planning around.
Where: Participating Starbucks stores across Los Angeles
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Cost: Free collectible reusable red cup with any handcrafted holiday drink
Red Cup Day is the unofficial start of the holiday-drink season. Order any handcrafted holiday beverage on Nov. 17 and you'll get a free collectible reusable red cup while supplies last. The holiday menu itself returns on Thursday, Nov. 5, so you can scope out favorites before the big day.
Parent Tip: Kids' hot cocoa and steamers count as handcrafted drinks at many stores, so the little ones can score their own cup. Go early in the morning, since popular stores run out by lunchtime.
Century City: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Space 2970, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Topanga: 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Unit 1092, Canoga Park, CA 91303
When: Friday, November 13, 2026, 5 to 7 PM
Cost: Free
LEGO Stores are hosting a free make-and-take where kids build a little LEGO reindeer and bring it home. It's for ages 6 and up, one model per guest, and the set isn't sold in stores, which makes it a fun holiday keepsake for the tree or the advent calendar.
Parent Tip: This one is first come, first served and runs only while supplies last. Arrive before 5 PM, especially at Century City, where Friday-evening crowds build fast.
Bass Pro Shops Rancho Cucamonga
7777 Victoria Gardens Lane
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 5 PM
Cost: Free
Santa makes his big entrance at Bass Pro Shops with a tree lighting, seasonal treats and a free mini reindeer plush for the kids. It's a festive, no-ticket way to start the season, and the store's Santa's Wonderland area stays decked out through Christmas Eve.
Parent Tip: The reindeer plush goes while supplies last, so plan to get there early. Victoria Gardens is right next door if you want to turn it into a holiday dinner outing.
Bass Pro Shops Rancho Cucamonga
7777 Victoria Gardens Lane
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
When: November 8 to December 24, 2026
Cost: Free 4x6 photo; optional packages $20 to $25
This is one of the best Santa deals in Southern California. Every family gets a free 4x6 photo with Santa plus a free shareable video, and there's no pressure to buy more. If you'd like extras, optional packages include a Jingle Bells set, a holiday card set and a digital download.
Parent Tip: Reserve a time slot on the Bass Pro website if one is offered, and confirm whether Santa is in on Veterans Day before you make the drive.
Bass Pro Shops Rancho Cucamonga
7777 Victoria Gardens Lane
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
When: Monday to Friday, November 9 to 27, 2026
Cost: Free
On weekdays, kids can make a free Santa ornament craft to take home. In December, the giveaway switches to a sticker-by-number activity, so it's worth a second visit if your kids love crafts.
Parent Tip: Pair the craft with your free Santa photo on a weekday afternoon, when lines are usually shorter than on weekends.
Bass Pro Shops Rancho Cucamonga
7777 Victoria Gardens Lane
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
When: Tuesdays at 5 PM, starting November 10, 2026
Cost: Check the website for details
Santa settles in for a cozy holiday story on Tuesday evenings, and it's a sweet, low-key way for little ones to see him up close. Reservations are required and open one week ahead.
Parent Tip: Set a reminder to book exactly one week before the Tuesday you want, since storytime spots are limited.
Free Kids' Workshops in November
Hardware-store workshops are one of LA's best-kept freebies. Kids get a wood kit, a little hammer time and a project to show off, all at no cost.
Where: Participating Home Depot stores across Los Angeles
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9 AM to noon
Cost: Free
Home Depot's free Kids Workshops give children a wooden build kit to put together with a grown-up's help, plus a certificate of achievement and a collectible pin. Registration is required, and a parent or guardian must stay with the child.
Parent Tip: Check this month's project and register on the Home Depot workshops page before Saturday. Bring a cardboard box to carry the finished project home.
Where: Participating Lowe's stores across Los Angeles
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10 AM to 1 PM
Cost: Free
Kids build a holiday train engine to take home, and they earn digital badges along the way. You register through a free Lowe's account by choosing a store and time slot, then show your QR code confirmation when you arrive. December's project is a Holiday Trolley Car on Dec. 12, so the two make a cute matching set.
Parent Tip: Popular time slots fill up fast, so register early in the week and pick the earliest slot for the shortest wait.
Veterans Day Freebies in LA (Wednesday, November 11)
Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday this year, and many LA kids have the day off school. Here are the free admissions and meals for veterans, military families and everyone else. For parades and ceremonies, see our Veterans Day in LA guide.
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
When: Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Free for military every day, and free for kids under 2
The Autry, across from the LA Zoo in Griffith Park, welcomes military visitors for free year-round, and the cowboy, Native American and Old West galleries are a hit with school-age kids. Everyone gets in free on the museum's Free First Wednesdays, and the next one is Wednesday, Dec. 2.
Parent Tip: Parking is free for Autry visitors, which makes this an easy add-on to a zoo or Griffith Park day.
900 Exposition Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007
When: Every day, including Veterans Day
Cost: Free for active and retired U.S. military with ID
Dinosaurs, gems and the Nature Gardens are free every day for active and retired military. You can reserve online and upload your ID at checkout to skip the line on a busy holiday.
Parent Tip: Special exhibits and parking cost extra, so check the website before you go.
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 9 AM to 6 PM
Cost: Free for veterans and military with ID; reservations required
The aquarium honors veterans and military members with free admission on Veterans Day. It's a great excuse to visit the sea lions, sharks and lorikeets with the whole family.
Parent Tip: Reserve ahead, and check the aquarium's website for family member pricing, since it isn't covered by the free offer.
Where: All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee, including Joshua Tree National Park
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Cost: Free entrance for U.S. citizens and residents
Veterans Day is a National Park Service fee-free day, so the entrance fee is waived at parks that normally charge one. Joshua Tree, about two and a half hours from LA, is the classic SoCal pick for a day of rock scrambling and desert hikes. New for 2026, the free entry applies to U.S. citizens and residents.
Parent Tip: Other fees, such as campsite or timed-entry reservations, may still apply. Bring plenty of water and layers, since desert temperatures swing a lot in November.
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Where: Participating Applebee's restaurants across Los Angeles
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Cost: Free meal for veterans and active-duty military with proof of service
Applebee's is serving its free Veterans Day meal for the 19th year. Veterans and active-duty military can choose from a special menu that includes a 6 oz sirloin, a bacon cheeseburger, chicken tenders and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne.
Parent Tip: The offer is dine-in only, with one meal per person, and drinks and tip aren't included. Lunch is usually calmer than dinner.
Where: Participating Outback Steakhouse locations across Los Angeles
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Cost: Free Bloomin' Onion and drink offer for veterans and military with ID
Outback's Veterans Day offer for military members includes a free Bloomin' Onion and a drink, plus a thank-you meal for a later visit. Terms can vary by location.
Parent Tip: Call your nearest Outback before you go to confirm the details, as the fine print can change from year to year.
Where: Lucille's locations across Southern California, including Long Beach, Torrance and Valencia
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Cost: Free meal for veterans and military, plus a $10 card for a future visit
This SoCal barbecue favorite is thanking veterans with a free meal and a $10 card to use on a future visit. It's a hearty, family-friendly spot for a holiday lunch.
Parent Tip: Check the Lucille's website for this year's menu and ID rules before you go.
Where: Dave & Buster's in Hollywood, Long Beach, Orange, Irvine, Ontario and more
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Cost: Free game play and dessert offers for veterans and military with ID
Dave & Buster's typically rolls out free game play for veterans and military on Veterans Day, along with a free dessert with an entrée. Kids tagging along will love the arcade.
Parent Tip: Offers vary by location, so confirm with your local Dave & Buster's before heading over.
Free Museum Days and Always-Free Spots in November
LA is packed with museums that are free every day, and a few others open their doors for free on special days. Here are the best free museum picks for November. For even more ideas, browse our list of the best free museums in LA.
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
When: Open most days; check the website for hours
Cost: Free admission with a timed-entry reservation
Parking: $25, or $15 after 3 PM
Ride the tram up the hill for gardens, fountains, sweeping views and world-class art, all free. The Family Room is a hands-on hit with little ones, and the Central Garden is perfect for a stroll on a crisp fall afternoon.
Parent Tip: Arrive after 3 PM to save on parking and catch the sunset from the terraces.
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
When: Thursdays, November 5, 12 and 19, 2026
Cost: Free general admission, including Noah's Ark
Every Thursday is free at the Skirball, and that includes Noah's Ark, the beloved interactive gallery where kids climb, build and play with handmade animals. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 26.
Parent Tip: Free Thursday tickets go fast, so reserve your Noah's Ark time slot as soon as you can.
2800 E Observatory Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
When: Tuesday to Friday, noon to 10 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 10 PM; closed Mondays
Cost: Free admission
Griffith Observatory is free every day it's open, with telescopes, space exhibits, the Tesla coil and some of the best views of the Hollywood Sign in town. Planetarium shows cost extra, but the building and grounds are free to explore.
Parent Tip: Sunset is just before 5 PM in November, so plan to arrive in the late afternoon. Parking nearest the Observatory is paid, and it fills up quickly on weekends.
10899 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM; closed Mondays and Thanksgiving
Cost: Free, no reservations needed
Parking: $9 for three hours with validation
The Hammer in Westwood is always free, with rotating contemporary exhibits and a courtyard where kids can stretch their legs. It's an easy, low-commitment art stop for families with older kids.
Parent Tip: Pair it with a stroll through Westwood Village or a picnic on the UCLA campus.
5905 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
When: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Cost: Free for everyone; book ahead with a free account
LACMA opens its doors for free on the second Tuesday of each month, so Nov. 10 is your chance to see "Urban Light" and the galleries at no cost. LA County residents also get in free on weekday afternoons after 3 PM, and LA County kids 17 and under are always free through the NexGenLA program.
Parent Tip: Sign the kids up for a free NexGenLA membership, which also lets one adult in free with them.
221 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
When: Tuesday to Sunday; closed Mondays and Thanksgiving
Cost: Free general admission
The Broad's general admission is free, and kids love the colorful, larger-than-life pop art. It's a great downtown stop before or after a walk to Grand Park.
Parent Tip: Reserve free advance tickets on the museum's website to skip the standby line.
700 Exposition Park Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90037
When: The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens Friday, November 13, 2026
Cost: Free general admission; a small reservation fee applies for the new center
General admission to the Science Center is always free, and November brings its biggest news in years: the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, opens on Nov. 13. Space-loving kids won't want to miss it.
Parent Tip: The new center uses timed reservations, so book your time slot early. The rest of the museum doesn't need a reservation.
900 Exposition Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007
When: Monday to Friday, 3 to 5 PM
Cost: Free for LA County residents with ID
LA County residents can see the dinosaurs for free on weekday afternoons. Admission is also free for kids 2 and under, California teachers and EBT cardholders (up to two adults and four kids).
Parent Tip: Bring ID with your LA County address, or reserve online ahead of time. Special exhibits and parking are extra.
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
When: Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 6 to 9 PM
Cost: Free with a reservation
Visit the aquarium's Shark Lagoon after hours for free, with touch pools and dozens of sharks in the evening glow. It's a fun pre-Thanksgiving outing for shark fans of every age.
Parent Tip: Free reservations open on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 9 AM and go quickly, so set an alarm.
Thanksgiving Meal Deals for LA Families
Feeding a crowd doesn't have to break the bank. These grocery bundles keep the classic Thanksgiving menu on the table for less. If you'd rather skip the cooking, see our guide to the best family-friendly restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner in LA.
Where: Aldi stores across Los Angeles
When: Through November 25, 2026
Cost: Under $39 for a meal that serves 10
Aldi's Thanksgiving meal includes a 16-pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberries, rolls and pumpkin pie for under $4 per person. Look for the turkey logo on shelf tags to find the items.
Parent Tip: Items are bought separately and prices vary by store, so build your cart early in the week before Thanksgiving, when turkeys are still easy to find.
Where: Walmart stores and walmart.com
When: Through December 24, 2026
Cost: About $35 for a meal that feeds 10
Walmart's holiday meal basket bundles 26 items, including a Butterball turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, rolls and pumpkin pie. It's a handy one-stop shop for families hosting a big group.
Parent Tip: Check walmart.com for current pricing at your local store and for delivery options before Thanksgiving week.
Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Tips
Black Friday lands on Friday, Nov. 27, and Small Business Saturday follows on Saturday, Nov. 28. Our Black Friday deals guide for LA families covers the best toy, tech and theme park pass deals as they're announced.
Small Business Saturday is a great day to shop local toy stores, bookshops and makers' markets around LA. Many independent shops add small extras that day, like free gift wrap or kids' activities, so check your favorite store's social media.
Before you shop, make a list with the kids' wish-list items and a firm budget. Price-match policies and loyalty apps often beat the doorbuster lines.
Takeaway
November in LA is full of free fun: a free photo with Santa, a LEGO reindeer to build, free Veterans Day admissions and free museum days all month long. Pick two or three favorites, check the fine print and enjoy a festive, budget-friendly month with the kids.
What are the best November 2026 freebies for kids in LA?
Top picks include free photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga from Nov. 8 to Dec. 24, a free LEGO reindeer build at LEGO Stores on Nov. 13, Starbucks Red Cup Day on Nov. 17, and free museum days like LACMA's Free Second Tuesday on Nov. 10.
When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2026?
Starbucks Red Cup Day is Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026. Order any handcrafted holiday drink at a participating store and you'll get a free collectible reusable red cup while supplies last. The Starbucks holiday menu returns on Thursday, Nov. 5.
Where can kids get a free photo with Santa near Los Angeles?
Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga offers a free 4x6 photo with Santa plus a free shareable video from Nov. 8 to Dec. 24, 2026. Optional photo packages are available, but there's no purchase required. Santa arrives at the store on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5 PM.
What is free on Veterans Day 2026 in Los Angeles?
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, national parks are free to enter for U.S. citizens and residents, Applebee's offers a free meal to veterans and active-duty military, and the Aquarium of the Pacific is free for veterans and military with a reservation. The Natural History Museum and the Autry are free for military every day.
Which LA museums are free in November 2026?
The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, the Hammer Museum, The Broad and the California Science Center are always free. LACMA is free for everyone on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and the Skirball is free on Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19. Some free museums require timed reservations.
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