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Many homeowners face the same problem each year. They want to update their homes, but they don’t know which projects will bring real value. Costs rise fast, and it’s easy to spend more than planned. Some upgrades look exciting at first, but they don’t make much difference when it’s time to sell. Others may not look flashy, yet they draw more interest from buyers and help a home stand out in the local market. Los Angeles has its own rhythm. The housing market moves at a steady pace, and buyers here tend to focus on comfort, good use of space, and long-term upkeep. This makes it important for homeowners to choose projects that fit the local lifestyle. A renovation that works in another city may not help much here. Buyers usually want practical value, not trendy features that fade fast. If you want to invest in your home without wasting money, you need clear information. You also need to know which changes matter most when buyers start comparing homes. The following sections break down the updates that help homeowners build value with confidence. Improving Bathrooms Without Overspending A fresh and well-kept bathroom makes a strong impression on buyers. People look for bathrooms that feel clean, comfortable, and ready for daily use. Most homeowners focus on updates that improve the shower or tub area since those features shape how the whole room feels. Many turn to their local convington bathroom remodeling company when they want simple changes that refresh the space. Clean surfaces, new fixtures, and better lighting can lift the room’s look and make it easier to maintain. When a bathroom feels bright, practical, and updated, it adds real value and helps the rest of the home feel more inviting. Choosing Kitchen Updates That Create Real Value The kitchen often influences how buyers feel about a home. They want a space that feels clean, open, and functional. You don’t need a full remodel to achieve that. In many cases, small updates carry more value than a full overhaul. Fresh cabinet doors, modern hardware, improved lighting , or a new backsplash can transform the room. Buyers pay attention to condition and layout more than to luxury features. If the kitchen works well and looks maintained, buyers feel more comfortable with the home as a whole. Focus on changes that improve daily use. Better storage, brighter lighting, or smoother surfaces tend to draw stronger interest than expensive design trends that may lose appeal over time. Adding Energy-Efficient Features That Matter Energy costs matter in this region, especially during hotter months. Buyers pay attention to features that help keep bills manageable. Strong insulation, updated windows, and efficient HVAC systems often stand out. These upgrades help both comfort and long-term value. When buyers see lower future costs, they feel more confident about choosing the home. This makes energy-efficient improvements a smart investment for many homeowners. Making Better Use of Unused or Awkward Spaces Many homes have areas that don’t serve much purpose. It might be an extra room, an old office, or a corner that never gets used. Turning these spots into useful spaces can raise a home’s appeal. Buyers notice when every part of a home supports daily living. A small room can work as a guest space or a simple office. A closed-off area can open up into the main living space. Even a laundry area can improve with better storage and lighting. These changes help buyers picture themselves living in the home, which often leads to stronger offers. When a home feels organized and efficient, buyers see more value. They also feel like they won’t need to plan major changes after moving in, which increases their interest. Updating Flooring for Better Comfort and Durability Flooring plays a big role in how buyers judge a home. Old carpets, damaged wood, or worn tiles can turn people away fast. Fresh flooring can change the entire feel of the home and help buyers see that the property has been well-maintained. Materials that handle humidity and daily wear hold up better. Many homeowners choose hard surfaces because they last longer and are easier to clean. Modern vinyl planks and sealed wood are common choices because they resist moisture better than older materials. When the flooring looks clean and consistent, it makes the rest of the home feel newer. This often improves the return on investment more than decorative upgrades that don’t affect daily use. Creating Outdoor Areas That Fit Local Living Buyers often look for homes with welcoming outdoor areas. A simple patio or deck adds space for daily routines. Even a small seating area can create a strong impression. You don’t need a large project to make an impact. Good lighting, clean surfaces, and basic landscaping often do enough to raise interest. Many buyers want a yard that feels easy to maintain. They also want a place where they can relax or entertain without heavy upkeep. When outdoor spaces look ready to enjoy, buyers see more long-term value in the home. Avoiding Renovation Choices That Hurt Your Return Some projects cost more than they give back. These choices often occur when homeowners focus on personal style rather than local market needs. Unique designs, luxury features, or major structural changes may not appeal to most buyers. Overspending on one room can also limit your return. When one area looks high-end but the rest of the home doesn’t match, buyers often feel unsure about the overall value. They tend to prefer homes that feel consistent rather than those with a single costly feature. It’s also important to avoid removing functional spaces. For example, converting a bedroom into another room type may lower the home’s appeal. Buyers often look for homes with flexible layouts, not reduced options. Planning a Smart Budget That Supports the Right Goals A clear budget helps you avoid mistakes and focus on improvements that matter. Start by deciding which areas of the home need the most attention. Homes with maintenance problems often need repairs before cosmetic updates. Buyers look closely at the condition of a roof, HVAC system, windows, and plumbing. When these elements work well, buyers develop more trust in the home. Plan your projects with realistic goals. Choose updates that improve comfort, reduce future costs, or strengthen long-term durability. These factors often bring better returns than trend-based changes. If you plan each step with care, you’ll avoid overspending and still see strong value from your work. Making smart choices about home updates helps homeowners build real value. Buyers respond well to homes that feel safe, clean, and ready for daily living. When you focus on useful improvements rather than dramatic changes, you reduce risk and increase your return. Simple upgrades often work best. Clean flooring, improved layouts, stronger energy efficiency, and fresh outdoor areas all help buyers feel more confident. A home that looks well cared for draws more interest and keeps its value longer. Thoughtful planning makes each renovation choice clearer and helps you decide where to invest for the strongest results.   FUN WITH KID IN LA®: Your Ultimate Destination for Family Fun! Places to Go . Best of LA  . Classes  . Camps  . Birthdays  . Travel  . Food  . Events

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 Places to go near me Family events & experiences near me Free kids' events 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. Advertisement Friday, Dec 12, 2025 Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree 2025 Original Farmers Market 6333 W. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90036 Dec 12 6 pm – 9 pm FREE It’s time to jingle and mingle at the Farmers Market’s annual holiday bash! This free Friday night celebration is brimming with live music, festive crafts, and delicious seasonal bites. Kids can sip cocoa while getting crafty, and the whole family can dance under the twinkling lights. A perfect way to kick off your weekend with cozy, merry vibes! Boat Parade of Lights Dana Point Harbor 34675 Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA 92629 Dec 12 6:30 pm – 8 pm FREE This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dana Point’s iconic Boat Parade of Lights! The harbor will be gleaming with holiday sparkle as festively decorated boats glide through the water to a symphony of music and lights. Grab a spot by the marina or dine dockside for the full glittering experience. Storytime and Crafts Venice Farmer’s Market 500 Venice Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 Dec 12 9:30 am – 11 am FREE Start your Friday morning with a little literary magic! Librarians from the Venice – Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library will be popping up at the farmer’s market for storytime and sensory-friendly crafts. It’s the perfect blend of learning and play—plus you can grab fresh produce while the kids create! The Night Sky Show Santa Monica College – Math & Science Building 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 Dec 12 6 pm – 7 pm $11 Blast off into the cosmos without leaving Santa Monica! During this live planetarium show, an astronomy expert guides you through current stargazing highlights, new discoveries, and upcoming celestial events. It's an exciting way for curious kids (and their grown-ups) to explore the wonders of our night sky. The Bonkers Adventures of Holly and Spruce The Actors’ Gang Theater 9070 Venice Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 Dec 12 - Dec 13 8 pm $20 This whimsical winter tale follows twins Holly and Spruce as they tumble from a circus into an enchanted forest filled with quirky characters and heartwarming lessons. With live music, puppetry, and theatrical magic, it’s a hilarious and touching show perfect for families with kids 7 and up. Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile Kirk Douglas Theatre 9820 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 Dec 12 Various times $20 – $40 Watch out—there’s a very hungry crocodile on the loose! This clever musical, based on Roald Dahl’s story, features colorful puppets and jungle mischief that will have kids laughing out loud. It’s a bite-sized 55-minute adventure packed with music and giggles, recommended for ages 3 and up. Holidays at the Cube 2025 Discovery Cube Los Angeles 11800 Foothill Blvd. Sylmar, CA 91342 Dec 12 All day $15.95+ Get ready for some science-meets-sugar fun at Discovery Cube LA! The seasonal exhibit, The Science of Gingerbread , features deliciously designed gingerbread houses, hands-on holiday experiments, and STEM activities for the whole family. Don’t miss the sweet chance to blend holiday cheer with kid-powered learning. A Nutcracker Fantasy The Cube Ice and Entertainment Center 27745 Smyth Dr. Valencia, CA 91355 Dec 12 - Dec 13 7 pm $25+ Trade tutus for skates in this icy retelling of The Nutcracker ! Local skaters bring the classic holiday tale to life on ice with stunning choreography, whimsical costumes, and wintry charm. Dress warm—it’s chilly inside—and prepare for 75 minutes of holiday magic, gliding across the stage. Parade of Lights & Fireworks 2025 Ventura Harbor Village 1583 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura, CA 93001 Dec 12 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm FREE Ventura Harbor is lighting up the coast with a boat parade that brings the holiday magic to the water! This is the 49th Annual celebration, and it features festive boats, dazzling lights, and a fireworks show that caps off a magical night. Make it a family night by grabbing a spot along the harbor and enjoying the seaside sparkle. Advertisement Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 Breakfast with Santa The Bloc700 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017 Dec 13 8:30 am – 10:30 am Wake up and smell the syrup—Santa's coming to breakfast! Bring your little elves downtown for a morning filled with yummy bites, holiday cheer, and a chance to whisper their wishes to Santa himself. Don’t forget your camera—this is one adorable photo op you don’t want to miss. Merry Melrose in December Melrose Trading Post 7850 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 Dec 14 10 am – 5 pm $6 This holiday edition of the iconic Melrose Trading Post is brimming with good vibes! Enjoy carolers, festive workshops, and over 200 local vendors while supporting the Mágico Toy Drive. Donate a new toy for free entry and make a day of browsing unique gifts and jamming to live jazz tunes by local students. Zine Workshop: Kwanzaa California African American Museum 600 State Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90037 Dec 14 2 pm – 3:30 pm FREE Celebrate creativity and culture at this hands-on Kwanzaa zine-making workshop! Perfect for all ages, this drop-in event encourages kids and families to learn about the traditions of Kwanzaa through fun, expressive art. It’s a thoughtful, joyful way to connect with the season and make something meaningful together. 3rd Annual Celebración de las Artes Jerry Moss Plaza, The Music Center 135 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Dec 14 4:30 pm – 7 pm FREE Wrap up your weekend with a vibrant celebration of Latinx arts and culture! Enjoy mariachi, choir performances, holiday mercado shopping, and even a selfie with stars from La Bohème . With music, crafts, and festive cheer filling the plaza, it’s a lively, family-friendly bash you won’t want to miss. North Hollywood Farmers Market 5000 Colfax Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91601 Dec 13 8:30 am – 1:30 pm FREE Saturdays in NoHo are all about fresh finds and family fun! This vibrant farmers market offers everything from farm-fresh produce to artisan goodies—and yes, there's a Bounce House for the kiddos! Add live music and local eats, and it’s a wholesome way to kick off the weekend. Passport to Santa Beverly Center 8500 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 Dec 13 - Dec 31 Various times $39 - $59 Santa’s not just visiting—he’s inviting your kids on an interactive holiday journey! At this whimsical North Pole adventure, kids earn passport stamps by building toys, racing gingerbread men, training with Rudolph, and more. Once their passport is full, they unlock entry to a Christmas Carnival packed with games, crafts, and festive bounce houses! Cartoon Club New Beverly Cinema 7165 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 Dec 13 10 am $11 Start your Saturday with a dose of animated nostalgia! Cartoon Club features a curated lineup of classic holiday cartoons—think vintage gems and seasonal surprises screened straight from film reels. It’s the ultimate throwback morning for kids and animation-loving parents alike. Kidspace Winter Dance Party Kidspace Children's Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91103 Dec 13 11 am – 2 pm Get ready to sleigh all day! This frosty dance bash at Kidspace is a twirl-worthy winter celebration, complete with snow flurries, reindeer games, and festive tunes. Plus, the Winter Frolic continues all month with sock skating, fort-building, and snow-free snowman fun! Holiday Sing-Along: Deck the Hall Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Dec 13 11:30 am & 2:30 pm $39+ Warm up those vocal cords for this merry sing-along at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall! With a live jazz combo, choir, and pipe organ backing you up, families can belt out holiday classics together in an unforgettable setting. Arrive early to sip cocoa, take a Santa selfie, and enjoy Winter Wonderland crafts before the music begins! Creature Design and Pepper’s Ghost Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 6067 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 Dec 13 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Get hands-on at this fun and educational drop-in workshop inspired by Hollywood magic! Kids will create their own alien creatures and learn how to make a Pepper’s Ghost illusion just like in Star Wars . It’s first-come, first-served—so get there early to snag your spot and bring your imagination. Mini Winter Festival & SMC Glass Sale Virginia Avenue Park 2200 Virginia Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404 Dec 13 9 am – 12 pm FREE Celebrate the season while supporting local artists and enjoying all-ages fun at this cheerful outdoor festival. There’s live music, face painting, a photo booth, and hands-on holiday crafts to keep kids smiling. Don’t forget to swing by the Pico Farmers Market next door to grab snacks and gifts! Theatricum Botanicum Holiday Family Faire Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga, CA 90290 Dec 13 11 am – 5 pm $10-$20 This Topanga holiday tradition turns the rustic Theatricum grounds into a charming winter village. Expect madrigals, festive food, and storytelling from around the world. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for photos, and if you stay until evening, enjoy a special celebrity-studded performance of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play . Surfing Santa Competition Salt Creek Beach 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. Dana Point, CA 92629 Dec 13 8 am FREE Only in Southern California do you catch Santa shredding waves! Watch as competitors don their jolliest red suits to ride the tide in this one-of-a-kind surf contest. It’s festive, it’s funny, and it’s totally SoCal. A perfect mix of holiday cheer and beachside fun. Concert on the Pier Redondo Pier 100 Fisherman’s Wharf Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Dec 13 2 pm – 4 pm FREE Let the music (and ocean breeze) carry you into the holiday spirit at this festive concert on the water! Redondo Pier brings live music, free family fun, and charity toy collections to the boardwalk. Bring a new toy to donate and you’ll be entered to win festive prizes too! Holiday Boat Parade Burton Chace Park 13650 Mindanao Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Dec 13 4 pm – 8 pm FREE Ahoy, holiday magic! Celebrate a beloved LA tradition at this waterside spectacular complete with a fireworks display, glowing boats, and festive music. The parade sets sail at 6 pm, but come early to enjoy food trucks, carolers, and the vibrant marina vibe. Bundle up for the ultimate SoCal holiday night! Advertisement Sunday, Dec 14, 2025 Pet Photos with Santa The Bloc 700 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017 Dec 14 11 am – 1 pm Fur babies deserve holiday magic too! Dress up your pups (or cats!) in their festive best and bring them for a sweet Santa snapshot. Whether they’re camera shy or total hams, it’s sure to be a paw-sitively adorable memory. Hanukkah Festival Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 Dec 14 12 pm – 5 pm 0$-$20 Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with a beautiful mix of tradition and fun at this lively festival. Enjoy live music, storytelling, art-making stations, and a community candle lighting. This is a heartwarming cultural experience that the whole family will remember. Chanukah Celebration Original Farmers Market 6333 W. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90036 Dec 14 2:30 pm – 5 pm FREE Join the joyous celebration of Chanukah at the Market Plaza with live entertainment, traditional music, and hands-on activities for all ages. Whether you're lighting the menorah or spinning a dreidel, the community spirit here shines as bright as the candles! Chatsworth Holiday Parade & Festival Parade Route: Devonshire St (Topanga to Lurline) Chatsworth, CA Dec 14 12 pm – 5 pm FREE This community celebration brings marching bands, equestrian groups, classic cars, and more to the streets of Chatsworth! The parade kicks off at 1 pm, but come early to enjoy the holiday festival with food vendors, boutique shopping, games, and kid-friendly fun. El Segundo Holiday Parade Main Street El Segundo, CA 90245 Dec 14 1 pm – 3 pm FREE Decked-out floats, joyful bands, and a very special Santa Claus appearance march down Main Street in this beloved hometown holiday tradition. It’s festive, it’s feel-good, and it’s perfect for making memories right in the heart of El Segundo. Hanukkah Celebration The Point850 S Sepulveda Blvd. El Segundo, CA 90245 Dec 14 1 pm – 3 pm FREE Gather on the grass lawn at The Point for a kid-friendly Hanukkah party filled with crafts, storytelling, balloon animals, and even a magic show! Add in latkes and a raffle, and this free event has all the ingredients for a fun family afternoon. Holiday Fireworks Festival Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA Dec 14 3 pm – 8 pm FREE Get ready for a magical day of sledding in real snow, meeting Santa, live music, and one of the best fireworks shows on the coast. The SKECHERS Snow Park has sled runs and snow play, and the grand finale fireworks at 7 pm light up the sky above the pier. Giant Hanukkah Celebration Hermosa Beach Pier 1 Pier Ave. Hermosa Beach, CA Dec 14 3:30 pm FREE Join the community at the beach for an epic Hanukkah celebration! Enjoy trampoline stunts, live entertainment, crafts, and the highlight—a gelt drop from a firetruck! With latkes, donuts, and gifts for kids, this one is a coastal celebration you won’t want to miss. Payam Music Holiday Open House & Song Workshop Payam Music829 Broadway Santa Monica, CA 90401 Dec 14 12 pm – 3 pm FREE Learn to play a holiday song—no experience necessary! Families are invited to explore music through beginner-friendly piano lessons, holiday crafts, festive treats, and live music. This open house is all about fun, creativity, and getting into the spirit, one note at a time. O ngoing Events SPARKLE DTLA Nightly Light Show 2025 700 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017 Now - Dec 31 5 pm – 9 pm FREE The holiday lights keep dazzling at SPARKLE DTLA’s nightly show! With synchronized music and millions of colorful lights, this free display is perfect for an evening stroll with the family—or even a date night with the kids in tow. Shows start every hour on the hour starting at 5 pm! Holidays Disneyland Resort 1460 South Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92802 Now – Jan 7 Various times The Happiest Place on Earth turns into the merriest  with Disneyland’s annual holiday celebration! Enjoy seasonal parades, dazzling fireworks, and festive overlays of beloved rides like Haunted Mansion Holiday  and it’s a small world . Over at California Adventure, the Disney Festival of Holidays honors global traditions with food, music, and characters like Mirabel and Miguel joining the fun. Don’t miss the nightly snow on Main Street, U.S.A. and the stunning 60-foot Christmas tree! Kidspace Winter Frolic Kidspace Children’s Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91103 Now – Dec 24 Various times Get ready for snowy fun—without the actual snow! Kidspace’s Winter Frolic is back and more magical than ever, featuring sock skating (yep, no ice here!), snowball tossing at icy forts, a gingerbread trike ride, and the cutest no-melt snowman photo op you’ve ever seen. It’s hands-on holiday play designed just for kids ages 0–12. Don’t forget socks for skating and your camera for those frosty family pics! Winter Wonderland 4949 York Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90042 Now - Jan 18 Various times $25+ Step into a magical world of twinkling lights, sledding penguins, and holiday cheer with Bob Baker’s annual puppet spectacular! This nostalgic favorite features delightful marionettes, music, and wintery charm for kids of all ages. The show is indoors and runs on select days through the season, so grab tickets early! Enchanted: Forest of Light Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 Now – Jan 4 5:30 pm – 10 pm $0–$35 Step into a living fairytale with Descanso Gardens’ beloved Enchanted: Forest of Light ! This mile-long nighttime walk-through transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland of interactive light installations. From Tom Fruin’s magical stained-glass village to the sparkling displays in the Ancient Forest and Rose Garden, this event is pure eye candy for all ages. Dress for the weather, grab some hot cocoa, and prepare to be dazzled! Tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance. Related: 45+ Fun Things to Do in Culver City: An Ultimate Guide! 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 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. FUN WITH KID IN LA®: Where Fun and Family Come Together, All in One Place! Places to Go . Ticket Deals . Classes . Camps . Birthdays . Travel . Food . Events 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. 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With Winter Break around the corner, it's the perfect time to start planning fun, budget-friendly activities to keep the kids entertained. Los Angeles is brimming with free and affordable adventures that will have your kids smiling from ear to ear! From scenic parks to hands-on museums and quirky attractions, we’ve rounded up 20 exciting outings that will make this Winter Break a hit for the whole family. So, grab your calendar and start planning for a memorable week of family fun in the City of Angels—without breaking the bank! 1. Go to Museums Many LA Museums offer free admission days every month. Also, you can get free passes with your library card to various Museums and cultural institutions through Discover & Go! 2. Explore the Venice Canals Walkway in Venice Wander through this charming and peaceful neighborhood of LA where you’ll find bridges, water‑filled canals, ducks, and pastel houses — it feels like a little escape within the city and costs exactly nothing. 3. Visit a Public Library Public libraries are not just for borrowing books. They often offer free workshops, movies, shows, and more. Click here to find a library near you. 4. Visit California Science Center The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults, and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring films. Admission to the California Science Center is always free. 5. Visit CAMP at Westfield Century City CAMP is where kids and grown-ups get to play at summer camp, all year long. CAMP’s Magic Door is your family’s personal gateway to fun, creativity, and adventure. Your kids would love to find out what is behind the Magic Door. CAMP is constantly changing what’s behind the Magic Door to keep the experience fresh and new for you with fun activities, cool events, and awesome hand-picked products. Visiting CAMP is free and open to all ages. 6. Go to a Farmer's Market Farmers' Markets are great places for social time and for teaching kids about healthy eating. Find a Farmer's Market near you here . We also highly suggest visiting The Original Farmer's Market during the Thanksgiving break. 7. Explore the Greystone Mansion Explore this beautiful old mansion with distinctive English gardens, located on 16 acres in Beverly Hills. Greystone Mansion is free and open to the public every day. 8. Take a Tour of the Beverly Hills Fire Department You can take a tour of the Beverly Hills Fire Station for free any day of the week. Little kids would love to see the big fire trucks and learn about them. Station tours are limited to 30 minutes and are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m . Call before you go. 9. Visit Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum Overlooking the ocean at the Malibu Lagoon State Beach, the Adamson House is an architectural beauty with an unusual interior that has earned it the moniker “The Taj Mahal of Tile.” The Spanish Colonial Revival style home—today a National Historic Site, California Historic Landmark, and a California State Park—casts a magical spell, allowing visitors to evoke old California in a way few places can. 10. Visit Santa Monica Aquarium See over 100 local species on exhibit at Santa Monica Aquarium , enjoy hands-on activities, and daily educational programs. Kids under 13 are $5, and adults and kids 13+ are only $12. Students get $2 off their tickets. 11. Visit the Griffith Observatory Perched above the city, this iconic observatory offers spectacular views of LA and the skyline—and it's totally free to enter the building and enjoy the exhibits. Bring your kids for an afternoon of star‑gazing, planetarium shows (small fee), and roaming the space exhibit. Pack snacks, dress in layers (it gets chilly at sunset), and make a day of the hike or picnic in the surrounding park. 12. Visit Cabrillo Aquarium Explore the conservation of Southern California marine life at Cabrillo Aquarium. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is divided into Mudflats, like crabs, clams, sand dollars, sea stars, and some fish, Rocky Shores, and Open Ocean, like sharks, whales, dolphins, jellyfish, and seabirds. Favorites are the lobsters, the hands-on tide pools, and the whale bones. Many tanks are low, so toddlers can see without lifting. Cabrillo Beach is just outside the door and has real tide pools during low tide. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium accepts suggested donations of $7 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. 13. Go to The Getty Center The Getty Center hosts family-friendly events almost every day of the week. The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles houses European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photography from its beginnings to the present, gathered internationally. Admission to the Getty Center is always free. 14. Experience The Trolley At The Grove Take an exciting trip on The Trolley at The Grove! Built on a historic undercarriage from a 1950s Boston streetcar, The Trolley travels along First Street through The Grove, taking you on a special tour of the property. Powered electrically, this trolley is the first use of inductive power technology for a transit system in the U.S. 15. Visit Wallis Annenberg PetSpace Connect with pets, interact with staff, and attend a lecture or workshop. You can also play in a kid-centric space or shop a collection of pet items. Admission to the space is always complimentary. Some special programs or activities may have an associated program fee. Check out the calendar to see what’s coming up! 16. Beverly Hills Farmers Market & Kid's Zone 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. Beverly Hills Market features a petting zoo and pony rides for a minimal fee. 17. Visit Marine Mammal Care Center The Marine Mammal Care Center is a rescue, rehabilitation, and release facility for injured and sick marine mammals, including harbor seals, fur seals, elephant seals, and sea lions. You can usually see seals and sea lions, and sometimes other mammals, here. Most of the animals are rehabilitated and released into the wild aftercare. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. 18. Annual Festival of Lights The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa's Festival of Lights is one of the nation's largest holiday light collections, voted "Best Public Lights Display" by USA Today. Every year, The Inn's festival gains new energy and grows in popularity. This event is free and open to the public and starts on November 22nd. 19. Take a little trip to Calico Ghost Town Calico is an old West mining town that has been around since 1881, during the most significant silver strike in California. Explore some of the untouched buildings that remain from the silver mining days. Ride the Calico and Odessa Railroad, take a tour through the Maggie Mine, or go panning for silver. 20. Visit Paramount Ranch The Paramount Ranch property is a working movie ranch that allows the public to see filmmaking in progress.  It also offers several miles of easy-to-moderate scenic hikes through chaparral, riparian, and valley oak savannah plant communities. Most hikes are named after TV and movie productions that were filmed here. Equestrians and mountain bikers may access these multi-use trails. There is no entrance fee for National Park Service sites in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Discover the best family-friendly activities, events, and resources in Los Angeles with Fun With Kids in LA. From weekend adventures to holiday guides, find everything you need to keep your kids entertained and make lasting memories! Activities for Los Angeles Families The Latest Latest and the Greatest Catch Up On Our Latest Articles Covering Everything Families And Kids Need To Thrive, Play, And Discover! Experiences LA Family Adventures Dive into LA's Daily Wonderland of Family-Friendly Events, Experiences, and Entertainment Extravaganza! Places To Go Explore, Learn, Cherish Embark on a Joyful Journey to Kid-Approved Fun Spots and Create Lasting Memories While You Explore! Guides for Los Angeles Families Holidays Holiday Magic Awaits elebrate the Season with Tree Lightings, Snow Play, Santa Sightings & Family Fun All Across Los Angeles! Best of LA L.A.'s Best Picks Uncover the Essence of Los Angeles in Curated Gems and Must-Try Wonders to Enjoy With Your Family! Weekends Family Weekend Fun Make every weekend memorable with family-friendly activities, events, and adventures in Los Angeles! Birthdays Kids' Party Magic Discover the Ultimate Kid's Party Wonderland: Top Venues, Amazing Entertainers, Yummy Birthday Cakes and more! Classes Kids' Fun Classes Discover Cool Classes, Workshops, Parent & Me, and After-School Fun for Your Kiddos. It is Super Easy to Find a Class Near You! Camps Explore Camp Options Explore Our Giant List of Day Camps, Sleep-Away Adventures, Religious Retreats, and Special Needs Camps in Los Angeles! Travel Family Fun Escapes Unearth Exciting Family Destinations, Find Top Spots for Camping, Cool Dude Ranches, And Beyond! Food Foodie Family Adventures Explore Fantastic Family-Friendly Eateries, Whip Up Speedy Lunch and Dinner Inspirations, and Dive into A World of Fun Food Finds! City Guides LA Family Guide Your go-to resource for family-friendly spots, activities, and tips across Los Angeles neighborhoods! SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTERS! Yes, send me fun ideas!

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