FREE Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Los Angeles
25 amazing, totally free activities across LA, beaches, museums, parks and more for the whole family.
Los Angeles has a reputation for being expensive, but here’s the thing: some of the best experiences in the city cost absolutely nothing. Whether you’re a local family looking for a fun weekend or a visitor trying to stretch a budget, LA is full of incredible free activities that kids genuinely love. I have been living in LA for the last 10 years and here are my personal recommendations for the 25 best free kid-friendly things to do in Los Angeles in 2026.
Get Outside & Explore
Griffith Observatory
Perched above the city with one of LA’s most iconic views, Griffith Observatory is a must for curious kids. The exhibits about space, planets, and the cosmos are completely free to explore. On clear evenings, the 12-inch Zeiss telescope is open to the public at no cost, so kids can actually peer at stars and planets up close. Planetarium shows cost extra, but the rest of the observatory, the grounds, and that unbeatable Hollywood Sign view are all 100% free.
Ferndell Nature Trail, Griffith Park
One of LA’s most magical and underrated hikes, Ferndell is a shady, fern-lined trail that winds through a cool canyon inside Griffith Park. The flat, paved path is stroller and toddler friendly, and there’s free parking, free entry, and a fantastic playground at the end of the trail waiting for you. It makes for a perfect half-day family outing. In spring, the greenery is absolutely stunning.
Elysian Park
Just minutes from Downtown LA near Dodger Stadium, Elysian Park is the oldest public park in the city and a fantastic free destination for families. There are multiple hiking trails, wide open fields for playing, and several playgrounds scattered throughout. The Stadium Way overlook offers stunning city views, and the park rarely feels as crowded as Griffith or Runyon. It is a truly local, underrated gem worth adding to your list.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach is one of the most uniquely LA experiences on the planet, and it is completely free. Walk the famous boardwalk where street performers, artists, and skaters all come together in one big, joyful parade. Kids will love watching brave skateboarders at the legendary Venice Skate Park, checking out Muscle Beach, and playing in the sand. The energy here is really unlike anywhere else in the world.
Venice Canals Walk
Just steps from the boardwalk, the Venice Canals feel like a hidden slice of European charm tucked into the heart of LA. Stroll across charming footbridges, admire colorful canal-side homes, and spot ducks and turtles in the water. Kids love the little bridges and the peaceful, storybook atmosphere. It is a short, easy walk and a lovely contrast to the busy boardwalk nearby.
Point Dume State Beach, Malibu
For a gorgeous, more nature-forward beach experience, Point Dume in Malibu is something special. A 1.5-mile easy family hike takes you up a bluff with sweeping views of the Pacific, and if you are lucky you might even spot dolphins or sea lions along the way. The beach below is pristine and calm, perfect for playing in the sand and exploring tide pools. Entry to the beach itself is free, though parking fees can apply on busy days.
Runyon Canyon Park
One of LA’s most famous urban hikes, Runyon Canyon offers spectacular views of the Hollywood skyline and the Hollywood Sign from multiple lookout points. The trails are well-maintained and beginner-friendly, so you do not need to be a serious hiker to enjoy them. The park is also dog-friendly and popular with locals, which means kids will often get to meet friendly pups along the way. It is free, easy to reach by public transit, and feels like a true LA rite of passage.
Annenberg Community Beach House
This Santa Monica gem has a fantastic free beachside playground, splash pad, and open green space for families. Located right on Pacific Coast Highway, there is also a beach volleyball court, seating areas, and grassy fields, all completely free of charge. In summer, they host free storytime events right on the beach. The pool is a paid amenity, but families can easily spend hours here without spending a cent.
Learn Without Spending a Dime
Travel Town Museum, Griffith Park
Train-obsessed kids, rejoice! Travel Town is a completely free outdoor museum dedicated to historic locomotives and rail cars inside Griffith Park. Kids can climb aboard vintage engines and explore the grounds at their own pace, and it genuinely feels like stepping back in time. There is a paid miniature train ride around the museum for just a couple of dollars if you want to add a little extra fun, but the museum itself costs nothing to enter.
California Science Center, Exposition Park
One of the most impressive free museums in the entire country, the California Science Center is an absolute must for families. The exhibits cover everything from ecosystems and space exploration to the human body and engineering, and they are all genuinely engaging for kids of every age. The undeniable highlight is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the real retired NASA orbiter displayed in all its towering glory inside the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. Special IMAX films and the shuttle experience cost extra, but the general museum admission is completely free. Plan to spend at least half a day here.
Getty Center, Brentwood
Sitting high above the 405 freeway in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center is one of the most spectacular free destinations in all of Los Angeles. Admission to the museum is always free, and the building itself, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the city and the ocean, is worth the trip on its own. The galleries are filled with an extraordinary collection of European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts, and the central garden is genuinely loved by kids. The tram ride up from the parking area is also a fun experience for little ones.
Getty Villa, Pacific Palisades
Set dramatically on a bluff above the Pacific Coast Highway, the Getty Villa is one of LA’s most unique and transportive cultural experiences. The museum is styled after an ancient Roman country house and is dedicated to the art and culture of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The outdoor peristyle garden alone is worth the visit, and kids are often mesmerized by the ancient artifacts, mosaics, and the sheer drama of the architecture. Admission is always free, though advance tickets are required.
Hammer Museum, Westwood
Located right next to the UCLA campus in Westwood, the Hammer Museum is a wonderful, always-free contemporary art museum that consistently puts on some of the most thought-provoking exhibitions in Los Angeles. The galleries are intimate and approachable, making it a great introduction to modern and contemporary art for older kids. The outdoor courtyard is a lovely spot to sit and rest, and the museum frequently hosts free public programs, talks, and family-friendly events throughout the year.
LACMA Outdoor Installations, Miracle Mile
You do not need to buy a LACMA ticket to enjoy one of LA’s most photographed art spots. Chris Burden’s iconic Urban Light installation, featuring 202 restored cast-iron antique street lamps, is free to visit 24 hours a day on the LACMA grounds. Kids love running between the lamp posts, and it is one of the most magical and photogenic spots in all of LA, especially at dusk when the lamps glow golden.
Watts Towers
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of LA’s most awe-inspiring pieces of folk art, the Watts Towers were hand-built over 33 years by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia using scavenged materials like broken tiles, shells, glass, and pottery. The tallest spire reaches nearly 100 feet. The outdoor grounds are free to visit, and the sheer scale and craft of the towers sparks genuine wonder in kids of all ages. It is a truly unique and moving piece of Los Angeles history.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro
Tucked next to Cabrillo Beach, this wonderful aquarium showcases hundreds of marine species native to Southern California. The exhibits cover three ecosystems: rocky shores, sandy beaches, and open ocean. Admission is technically free (a small donation of $5 per person is suggested but not required). Kids can touch real sea creatures at the touch tank, learn about local marine life, and enjoy the beach right outside the door.
Only-in-LA Experiences
Olvera Street & El Pueblo Historic Monument
The birthplace of Los Angeles, Olvera Street is a vibrant and colorful slice of Mexican culture and history right in the heart of Downtown. You can browse the oldest street in LA, watch mariachi musicians perform live, and explore the historic buildings and murals of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, all for free. It is a living, breathing piece of LA’s roots and a wonderful cultural experience for kids of any age.
Grand Park, Downtown LA
This 12-acre urban park in the heart of DTLA is one of the city’s best free gathering spaces for families. With wide lawns, a splash pad, a playground, and stunning views of City Hall, Grand Park hosts free public programming year-round, from outdoor movie nights to holiday festivals. The splash pad is a summertime hit with little ones, and the park’s central location makes it easy to pair with other Downtown activities.
Picnic at Lake Hollywood Park
Tucked behind the Hollywood Hills, Lake Hollywood Park is one of LA’s most peaceful and photogenic hidden spots. The grassy park sits right below the Hollywood Reservoir and offers some of the closest, most spectacular views of the Hollywood Sign you will find anywhere in the city. It is the perfect setting for a family picnic, with wide open lawns, a small walking path around the reservoir, and a relaxed, neighborhood vibe that feels a world away from the tourist crowds nearby. Completely free to visit and genuinely beautiful.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most famous streets in the world and it costs absolutely nothing to walk. Kids love searching for their favorite celebrities, musicians, and cartoon characters among the more than 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalk. The surrounding area is full of energy, street performers, and iconic landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre and the El Capitan. It is lively, it is free, and it is unmistakably Los Angeles.
The Grove, Fairfax
While The Grove is technically an outdoor shopping center, it is also one of the most beautifully designed and family-friendly public spaces in Los Angeles, and wandering through it is completely free. The open-air promenade has fountains, a vintage-style trolley that kids absolutely love, beautiful landscaping, and a warm, festive atmosphere year-round. During the holiday season, it transforms into one of the most magical free experiences in the city, complete with a giant Christmas tree and festive decorations. You do not need to spend a dime to enjoy the ambiance and have a lovely family outing here.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most iconic spots in all of Southern California and exploring it is completely free. Walk to the end of the pier for sweeping ocean views, watch street performers and fishermen, and soak in the classic California coastal atmosphere. The pier has a small amusement park and a trapeze school if you want to add paid activities, but simply walking the pier, watching the waves crash below, and watching the sun dip toward the horizon is a wonderful and totally free family experience.
Uniquely Los Angeles Experiences
Dockweiler Beach, Watch Planes Land
Dockweiler Beach is a long, wide, and surprisingly uncrowded stretch of sand just south of LAX, and it offers one of the most uniquely thrilling free experiences in the city. Every few minutes, massive commercial jets roar directly overhead on their final approach into Los Angeles International Airport. It is incredibly dramatic and kids absolutely go wild for it. The beach itself is beautiful, with fire pits available for rent if you want to make an evening of it. It is free to visit and unlike anything else you will find on the LA coastline.
Watching Planes Land at In-N-Out by LAX
This is one of those only-in-LA experiences that locals absolutely love and visitors rarely know about. The In-N-Out Burger location on Sepulveda Boulevard, right next to LAX, sits directly under the flight path, and planes descend just a few hundred feet overhead as they come in to land. Grab a burger, find a spot in the parking lot or on the patch of grass nearby, and watch the show. Kids are completely transfixed, and honestly so are the adults. It is free to sit and watch, and combining it with an In-N-Out meal makes for an incredibly fun and affordable family outing.
Sunset at Palos Verdes Peninsula
If you have never watched the sun set over the Pacific from the cliffs of Palos Verdes, you are genuinely missing one of the most beautiful free experiences Southern California has to offer. The Palos Verdes Peninsula juts out into the ocean south of Los Angeles, and its dramatic bluffs and rocky coves offer sweeping, unobstructed views all the way to Catalina Island on a clear day. Bring a picnic, find a cliff overlook, and watch the sky turn every shade of orange and pink as the sun disappears into the sea. It is free, it is breathtaking, and it is the perfect way to end a day of LA adventures.
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