LA’s Wild Side: 28 Totally Unexpected Things To Do with Kids in Los Angeles
- Angela Cantoni
- Jun 18
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 1
From slime showers to trapeze flying—this is how LA families do fun differently!
Let’s face it, sometimes you just want to do something wildly different with the kids—something that will leave them talking (and TikToking) for weeks. Sure, we love parks and playgrounds, but LA is bursting with creative, adventurous, and truly out-of-the-box activities that are as exciting for grown-ups as they are for little ones.
Whether you’re raising a budding artist, an animal lover, or a thrill-seeking tween, this list has 28 unexpected adventures in LA that will surprise and delight your whole crew. And we've reorganized them so your inspiration sparks in every direction—get ready to skip the same old and dive into the epic.
Imagine a nighttime rave—but daytime, family-friendly, and full of glow sticks, bubbles, interactive games, and confetti cannons. Big Fish Little Fish events bring the energy of a dance club to parents and kids, complete with DJs spinning everything from pop bops to remixes of kid favorites. Crafts stations, kid-safe liquids, and cool lighting make it feel like a full-on festival. It’s the perfect way to let loose, bond, and dance like nobody’s watching—because everyone’s doing it.
This isn’t your cousin’s party slime—it’s a full sensory playground built around gooey, glittery goo. In the Sloomoo Lab, kids plunge under slime waterfalls, squeeze countless textures (think cloud-like butter slime or snap-crackle crunch mixes), and create their very own signature slime jar. The experience embraces mess and color, and every squish is photogenic. With vibrant décor, upbeat music, and zero judgement on the floor, it's perfect for loud, messy, and joyful family time.
Walking in is like stepping into a whimsical apothecary. Kids don robes (yes, really) and measure out syrups, powders, and popping boba like budding alchemists crafting magical potions. Dry ice smoke, glittery toppings, and vibrant tea layers combine into a bewitching, photo-worthy drink. Even better: the workshop blends a bit of science lesson into each recipe. At this Costa Mesa gem, every sip feels enchanted.
Sometimes, you just need to break stuff. Rage Ground offers that release—without the mess at home. Teens (or parents who want to vent too!) don safety gear and step into a padded room filled with breakable objects. Choices range from old dishes and TVs to paint-covered canvases. Swing a bat, hurl a bowling ball like Thor, or toss paint at the walls—whatever helps dump stress and spark energy. With calming vibes after, everyone leaves lighter and oddly refreshed.
This sensory-rich workshop invites kids to use a tufting gun—a special tool that pushes yarn through canvas—to create fluffy rugs. Under instructor guidance, they pick color palettes, follow design templates (or freestyle), and watch textures evolve beneath their hands. In addition to the rhythmic, almost meditative process, they learn basic design principles. The end result? A custom-made rug that’s part craft, part statement piece—and all heart.
Flip the script on old footwear. At SRGN Academy, kids bring in sneakers and, armed with paint, patches, markers, and embellishments, start designing. Mural-like designs, neon accents, or embroidered details—whatever sparks their style. Weekend drop-in sessions offer casual experimentation; the multi-day workshops dive into shoe anatomy, custom builds, and showcase-level finishes. It’s practical art that gets worn around town—and definitely gets noticed.
This upscale boutique offers a sophisticated twist on craft. Teens blend pigments with a cosmetic expert, choosing undertones, shimmer levels, and fragrances. They watch chemistry happen as base formulas transform into wearable lipstick. Name it, label it, and take it home—a testament to creativity you can actually use. Teens especially love this blend of beauty and science.
Grab pre-cut glass and ceramic tiles and create mosaic art that doubles as functional decor. Kids learn cutting techniques, grout mixing, and color coordination as they build coasters, decorative tiles, or mini trays. It’s slow-paced, creative, and visually appealing. The tactile process promotes patience and focus, and the end piece is proudly displayed at home.
Picture Downward Dog—with a goat climbing on your back. This guided, family-friendly yoga session includes gentle goats who wander and interact during moves. Kids (and parents) get to stretch, laugh, and cuddle animals mid-pose. It’s part mindfulness, part cuddle therapy, and all insta-ready. Puppy yoga variations bring added smiles, too.
Travel centuries back as expert falconers introduce families to raptors—hawks, falcons, and owls. Demonstrations include free-flying birds fetching perches or landing on the handler’s glove. Scientific insight, bird care tips, and up-close encounters (with gloved hands) make this a rare wildlife experience. Kids often say moments like watching a falcon glide 30 feet are unforgettable.
Mini golf meets neon art installation. Under black lights, creative holes emerge in 4D: glowing mushrooms, cosmic mushrooms, neon skeletons, and futuristic tunnels. 3D glasses amplify the effect. Courses in San Bernardino and Riverside feel like traveling through a luminous video game—fun, light-hearted, and totally unique.
Get ready for a high-stakes, family-friendly adventure as you and your crew step into the mysterious Pink Pyramid in search of the legendary Red Giant ruby. This 60-minute escape room is packed with immersive storytelling, ancient secrets, and thrilling puzzles that challenge your courage and wit. Perfect for ages 10 and up (with adults), the Red Giant experience combines cinematic atmosphere with edge-of-your-seat excitement as you risk everything to uncover a priceless treasure—just beware what you might awaken along the way!
Teens and parents can dive into chocolate heaven in this hands-on baking class where you’ll make mousse, brownies, and gelato—all from scratch. A pro chef guides you through techniques like tempering chocolate and creating perfect caramel. You’ll walk out with dessert skills (and leftovers) to impress. For ages 14+.
Choose from a roster of cartoon favorites—Pikachu, Baby Yoda, SpongeBob—and watch them come to life in spun sugar. Trained artisans use cotton candy machines to sculpt and layer colors, all while maintaining the character’s shape. It’s fun to watch and even better to eat (though maybe not the eyes—those are edible, too).
These soufflé pancakes are marvels of fluff. Made with whipped egg whites and gentle cooking, they rise high and wobble on the plate. Serve them with fresh berries, maple syrup, or matcha—each bite is soft, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth. Watching them flip in the griddle is part of the charm.
Imagine your scene comes to life—literally. As a family enjoys their movie, actors or kitchen staff deliver themed dishes tied to key scenes (“Olaf’s Frozen Feast” or “Monsters, Inc. Sulley Sliders”). It’s interactive storytelling through flavor. Some meals even include matching props or trivia, making it a dinner theater mash-up that engages all five senses.
Kids walk into a circus rehearsal—and come out flying. Classes include aerial silks, balancing, juggling, contortion, and acro-dance. Certified instructors coach at all levels, helping kids build strength, flexibility, and confidence. There's something magical about mastering a skill that seems impossible at first.
Harness up, soar out. This iconic rooftop experience lets kids (6+) practice real trapeze techniques above the pier and ocean. The combination of salt air, crashing waves, and aerial adventure creates a memory that’s part adrenaline rush, part postcard.
Think cardio, meets playtime, meets rebound workout. Strapped into a harness connected to bungee cords, kids bounce, swing, flip, and sprint across mats to high-energy music. It’s a surprisingly effective and insanely fun fitness class.
Families join a themed mystery—armed with clue scrolls, gem vials, and detective tools—to unlock treasure boxes containing beads and charms. At the end, they craft their own jewelry piece. It's part puzzle, part jewelry class, and all fun.
This isn’t just kids running around—it's blueprints of fun. Brady’s command zones, barricades, timed missions, team flags... Each battle is structured, with missions, victories, and foam ammo that magically collects itself afterward. Parent-approved chaos.
An adult-style activity made safe and fun for teens (15+). Under expert supervision, kids learn stance, aim, and follow-through. Targets are wood logs—like archery, but with axes. Glow sessions add neon flair and a sensory twist.
Real heat. Real hammering. Real stuff they get to take home. Teens and parents step into a full metal workshop to learn forging techniques using coal-powered tools. They shape steel into hooks, blades, or tools while instructors guide safety, metallurgy basics, and historical forging context.
This is paint therapy on steroids. Kids pour acrylic paint over a fiberglass bear statue or canvas, watching paint flow, blend, and drip into psychedelic art pieces. Instructors help them choose color palettes and techniques. The vibrant sculptures make bold home decor and conversation starters.
Step aboard a mysterious pirate ship and prove you're worthy of treasure! In this high-energy escape room at Questroom, your crew is tested by a cunning captain through a series of clever puzzles and interactive challenges designed to see if you're smart, strong, and ruthless enough to join his ranks. With movie-quality sets and immersive storytelling, it’s an epic adventure perfect for older kids, tweens, and teens who love teamwork, thrills, and a good pirate quest.
For a family ride that turns heads, rent a futuristic Polaris SlingShot from Top Off Rides in Glendale. These three-wheeled motorcycles are street-legal, come with helmets and head socks, and are a blast for birthdays or just cruising the coast. Rentals start at just one hour, making it a fun, flexible way to surprise the kids or celebrate something big—with serious style!
Step into a magical, mind-bending world in this immersive VR escape experience inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Shrink down with a potion, chase the White Rabbit, and solve puzzles with help from the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat. With stunning visuals and interactive gameplay, it’s a whimsical and tech-savvy adventure perfect for 2–6 players ready to outwit the Queen of Hearts.
Just steps from Malibu Pier, Malibu Divers offers unforgettable underwater experiences for kids and families. From beginner snorkeling to Junior SCUBA certification (starting at age 10), this full-service dive shop makes exploring the ocean easy and exciting. With gear rentals, guided tours, and expert instruction, it’s a perfect intro to marine life—and a fun way for kids to gain lifelong skills.
Final Thoughts: LA Fun That Doesn’t Look Like Everything Else
Ranging from slime floods to heartfelt lyrics, sword-forging to goat-laughs—this collection is built to surprise, spark creativity, and strengthen connections. They’re screen-free, creative, and packed with authentic memories. So—what’s your next move? Trapeze under the sun? Goat yoga giggles? Or a chocolate lab explosion?
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