Los Angeles is a city that has something for everyone, including an abundance of fun-filled play places for kids and families. Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect spot to entertain your little ones or a visitor seeking a memorable outing, LA offers a variety of indoor and outdoor play areas that are sure to impress. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best play places in Los Angeles, featuring activities, attractions, and options for all ages.
1. Kidspace Children’s Museum
Located in Pasadena, the Kidspace Children’s Museum is a paradise for curious young minds. This interactive museum combines play and learning with exhibits that encourage creativity, exploration, and discovery. Kids can enjoy activities like digging for fossils, climbing, and playing with water features in the outdoor Arroyo Adventure.
“Tip: Bring a change of clothes for your kids as they might get wet in the water play areas. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the outdoor Arroyo Adventure.”
“Pro Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowd and take advantage of discounted admission days. is a paradise for curious young minds. This interactive museum combines play and learning with exhibits that encourage creativity, exploration, and discovery. Kids can enjoy activities like digging for fossils, climbing, and playing with water features in the outdoor Arroyo Adventure.”
Plan your visit to Kidspace Children’s Museum now!
2. Griffith Park and Travel Town Museum
Griffith Park isn’t just a haven for hikers; it’s also home to several kid-friendly attractions. The Travel Town Museum lets kids explore vintage trains, while the Griffith Park Pony Rides and Train Rides are a hit with toddlers and preschoolers. Don’t forget to stop by the Los Angeles Zoo, located within the park.
“Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the many scenic spots within Griffith Park. Don’t forget sunscreen and hats for sunny days.”
“Pro Tip: Arrive early to get parking near the attractions and take advantage of free admission at the Travel Town Museum. isn’t just a haven for hikers; it’s also home to several kid-friendly attractions. The Travel Town Museum lets kids explore vintage trains, while the Griffith Park Pony Rides and Train Rides are a hit with toddlers and preschoolers. Don’t forget to stop by the Los Angeles Zoo, located within the park.”
Book your tickets for Griffith Park attractions!
3. Pretend City Children’s Museum
While technically located in nearby Irvine, Pretend City Children’s Museum is worth the drive for its unique concept. This “city” is designed for kids to role-play in different careers, from firefighters to doctors, offering a hands-on learning experience that’s both fun and educational.
“Tip: Check their calendar for themed events and activities that your kids might love.”
“Pro Tip: Purchase tickets online to save time and ensure availability during busy weekends. located in nearby Irvine, Pretend City Children’s Museum is worth the drive for its unique concept. This “city” is designed for kids to role-play in different careers, from firefighters to doctors, offering a hands-on learning experience that’s both fun and educational.”
4. The Coop
For parents seeking a modern indoor play area, The Coop is a must-visit. This chic play space offers slides, ball pits, and climbing structures, along with a coffee bar for adults. It’s the perfect spot for playdates and birthday parties.
“Tip: Don’t forget socks for both kids and adults, as they’re required for play.”
“Pro Tip: Book your spot in advance for birthday parties or special events to avoid last-minute disappointments. seeking a modern indoor play area, The Coop is a must-visit. This chic play space offers slides, ball pits, and climbing structures, along with a coffee bar for adults. It’s the perfect spot for playdates and birthday parties.”
5. Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park
A visit to LA isn’t complete without a trip to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Pacific Park, the pier’s amusement park, features a classic Ferris wheel, thrilling rides, and arcade games. It’s a perfect spot for family fun with stunning ocean views.
“Tip: Arrive in the late afternoon to enjoy both daylight and sunset views from the Ferris wheel.”
“Pro Tip: Purchase a wristband for unlimited rides if you plan to stay for a while. to LA isn’t complete without a trip to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Pacific Park, the pier’s amusement park, features a classic Ferris wheel, thrilling rides, and arcade games. It’s a perfect spot for family fun with stunning ocean views.”
Get your tickets for Pacific Park here!
6. Snooknuk Play Cafe
Snooknuk is a charming play cafe that combines entertainment and comfort. Kids can participate in music and dance classes, enjoy creative play areas, or watch live performances. Meanwhile, parents can relax with a cup of coffee in the cafe.
“Tip: Arrive early to grab the best seating in the cafe and enjoy some quiet time while your kids play.”
Pro Tip: Check out their schedule for live performances and classes to add extra value to your visit. is a charming play cafe that combines entertainment and comfort. Kids can participate in music and dance classes, enjoy creative play areas, or watch live performances. Meanwhile, parents can relax with a cup of coffee in the cafe.
Learn more about Snooknuk Play Cafe!
7. Discovery Cube Los Angeles
Located in the San Fernando Valley, Discovery Cube LA is a science and education center that’s perfect for kids of all ages. From hands-on science exhibits to immersive displays, this place is designed to spark curiosity and imagination.
“Tip: Download the Discovery Cube app for interactive challenges and additional information during your visit.”
“Pro Tip: Visit during the off-season or school hours for a quieter, more immersive experience. in the San Fernando Valley, Discovery Cube LA is a science and education center that’s perfect for kids of all ages. From hands-on science exhibits to immersive displays, this place is designed to spark curiosity and imagination.”
Plan your visit to Discovery Cube LA today!
Budget-Friendly Play Places
Exploring Los Angeles with kids doesn’t have to break the bank. Many play places in LA offer affordable or even free options for families on a budget. Griffith Park, for example, provides free admission to the Travel Town Museum, and the outdoor spaces are perfect for picnics and play. Similarly, the Santa Monica Pier allows free entry, with affordable rides and activities for all. Local parks and splash pads scattered around the city are also excellent choices for low-cost fun.
“Pro Tip: Check local event calendars for free admission days or discounts at popular attractions.”
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles is a playground for families, offering a diverse range of activities and attractions for kids to enjoy. From hands-on museums to thrilling amusement parks, there’s no shortage of play places to explore. So pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready to make unforgettable memories in the City of Angels.
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