Los Angeles with Kids
🎬 Honest family travel guide
Los Angeles can work for families but requires more planning — here's everything you actually need to know before booking: kid-friendly attractions, where to base yourself, stroller realities, and which months to avoid with young children.
Why Los Angeles is harder with kids
- ✦Beaches keep kids entertained
Best things to do with kids in Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory at sunset
Santa Monica Pier + Venice Beach
Universal Studios Hollywood
Getty Center (free)
Day trip to Joshua Tree
Where to stay with kids
For families, apartment rentals beat hotels almost always — kitchen access means breakfast at your own pace and saving on every meal. Look for places with elevators (not all European apartments have them), washing machines, and walking distance to a park or playground.
Practical tips for Los Angeles with kids
Rental car is essential — LA is the most car-dependent big US city.
A baby carrier may serve you better than a stroller for crowded areas and stairs in older buildings.
Best tacos outside Mexico are in East LA. Try Mariscos Jalisco truck. Dinner culture is family-friendly in most local spots — staff is usually welcoming to kids.
Hollywood Walk of Fame is shabby and scammy. Sunset Strip is the real photogenic area.
Best months to visit Los Angeles with kids
For families, weather matters more than for solo travellers — extreme heat or cold turns a fun trip miserable fast. The best months for a family trip to Los Angeles are March, April, October. Avoid nothing really — but August can be smoky from fires — uncomfortable weather is hard on young kids.
How many days do you need with kids?
Adults can pack Los Angeles into 5 days easily. With kids, plan for 7–8 days minimum — you'll do fewer activities per day (one major sight is enough), build in pool/park afternoons, and need recovery days between big outings.