Family Staycation Ideas Around Los Angeles

Gina I. said:  Explore some outdoor family fun at Kidspace Children's Museum! Exhibits include the Galvin Physics Forest, Imagination Workshop, Greenhouse, and more. Kids will learn about science and nature through hands on experiments and activities, and there are also lots of great spaces for outdoor play. Keep in mind that all exhibits are outdoors, and many have water and mud features. So, be sure to bring a towel and change of clothes for your little one. Water shoes are also recommended.

Gina I. said:  If your kids are into aquatic animals, they're sure to love the Aquarium of the Pacific! Exhibits include everything from jellies and frogs to Shark Lagoon, featuring more than 150 sharks - some you can even pet! Kids love getting up close and personal in the BP Sea Otter and June Keyes Penguin Habitats. You can also book special Animal Encounters for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Gina I. said:  The historic Queen Mary boats a interesting history, and families can enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience with one of their informative guided tours! Choose from the Steam and Steel Tour that takes you "below the water line" and through the ship's boiler rooms, The Glory Days Tour which focuses on the ship's use as troopship during WWII, or the Ghosts and Legend Tour that explore's The Queen Mary's paranormal history.

Ages: ALL

Cost: Tour prices vary by date

Grand Park LA, an eco-friendly park that uses re-circulated water, has a spacious splash pad that features interactive jets to keep little ones cool and entertained. Parents appreciate the convenience of the park's movable pink furniture which allows them to catch some shade and take a breather as they watch their little ones during daytime water play. At night, families can stick around to see a light show at the park's historic fountain.

Erynn said:  Visitors can rent pedal boats, canoes, or even gondolas to explore Echo Park Lake. All ages- from toddler on up- can ride on the swan pedal boats. Also enjoy the sights at the lake, which include seasonally blooming lotus beds, plenty of wildlife, and picturesque fountains.

Every rental includes life jackets and a quick orientation and safety instructions to get you started.

Cost: Rental fees for swan boats start at $11/hour per adult and $6/hour per child

Erynn said:  Moonlight Rollerway has public sessions open to everyone--some of which include live organ playing by the owner--plus skating lessons, a snack bar, and a pro shop. This location has been around for a while, making it perfect for families craving a bit of throwback nostalgia!

Cost: Pricing starts at $8.50/session; $5 skate rental

Gina I. said:  Although it's perhaps best known as the site of the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Park has lots to offer in the way of family fun! The park encompasses more than 4,200 acres, and features a number of kid-friendly activities and attractions, including: a merry-go-round, Southern Railroad mini trains, the Los Angeles Zoo, Bronson Caves, pony rides, the Griffith Observatory, and more! The park also offers plenty of green spaces that are perfect for a picnic or family hike.

Cost: Park entry is FREE; attractions priced individually

Erynn said:  If you have your own horse (or are renting or leasing one), you can visit Griffith Park anytime to enjoy its horseback riding trails. Horses must stay on marked trails and out of privately owned stables.

Of course, there's plenty more to see and do at Griffith Park, including pony rides for the smaller equestrian enthusiasts in the group!

Gina I. said:  Bring the whole family to visit Griffith Observatory, Southern California's "gateway to the cosmos!" From innovative exhibits and telescope viewing to live planetarium shows, there is something for everyone.

Ages: All (children under 5 admitted only to the first planetarium show each day)

Cost: Free admission, planetarium tickets $3-$7

Erynn said:  If you want a great outdoor experience mixed with seeing the not-so-natural sights of Los Angeles, a horseback tour at Sunset Ranch will fit the bill. On horseback, you'll explore Griffin Park and its mountainous terrain. They offer kids' parties, too!

Note: Only kids ages 8+ may ride

Gina I. said:  Get a sneak peek at WB's outdoor sets and soundstage, and see where all the magic happens on this iconic tour! Every tour includes exclusive access to props, costumes, and sets from some of your favorite movies and TV shows. Kids will love seeing the DC Universe - DC Comics Exhibit and a collection of original Batmobiles! The tour concludes on Stage 48, an interactive soundstage, where you'll see how special effects come to life with a green screen experience. Classics and Deluxe Tours also available.

Ages: 8 & up

Cost: Tickets start at $65/adult; $55/child

Gina I. said:  An L.A. icon, the Hollywood Walk of Fame honors entertainment's biggest and brightest stars! Take a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard and explore, or take advantage of the star search and find all your favorites. With more than 20 inductions to the Walk of Fame a year, you may even get a chance to catch a ceremony!

Cost: FREE

Gina I. said:  Dubbed "the most iconic movie palace in the world" TCL Chinese Theatre offers a red carpet experience for families visiting Los Angeles! Home to the most prominent Hollywood movie premiers, the theatre's ornate architecture is instantly recognizable. Catch a family movie or book your VIP tour for a unique behind-the-scenes experience.

Erynn said:  Kids enjoy the exhilaration, parents enjoy the safety features and trained flight instructors! iFLY is an indoor flight experience that includes class time and team sessions where kids can learn alongside fellow thrill-seekers. Kids are guaranteed a minimum of five minutes' flight time on their own, with additional group time, too.

Gina I. said:  Little kids and big kids alike love Universal Studios Hollywood! Check out kid-friendly attractions like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Super Silly Fun Land, or have some pulse-pounding fun on Jurassic Park the Ride and King Kong 360 3-D. And no visit to Universal Studios is complete without a trip to Diagon Alley and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Keep your eyes peeled for character sightings of Dora, Sponge Bob, Scooby Doo, The Simpsons and others. Families can also enjoy great dining, shopping, and entertainment both in the park and at CityWalk.