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As the summer ends and kids return to school, the search for budget-friendly and engaging activities never stops. Here’s your go-to guide for keeping your family entertained throughout every season and school holiday without stretching your budget.
1. Travel Town: All aboard the fun train! Delight your locomotive-loving child with a visit to Travel Town, nestled in the heart of Griffith Park. While rides on the train carry a small fee, admission to the park is free and open all week.
2. Grunion Run: Watch for these silvery little fish who turn our beaches into shimmering spectacles on summer evenings.
3. Splash Pads: When the temperatures rise, splash pads scattered across the city provide a free, fun way to cool down.
4. Kid-friendly Beaches: The coastline boasts numerous family-friendly beaches, from the calm Mother’s Beach to the surf-friendly Zuma Beach in Malibu.
5. The Broad Museum: Immerse your family in modern art at this downtown LA museum. Register online early for free tickets, especially if you plan to enter Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room.
6. Point Mugu: Slide down the giant sand hill at Point Mugu, a beloved Malibu tradition for Southern California kids. Who said sledding was just for winter?
7. Los Angeles Audubon Society: Join a guided family birding walk in parks around the city. Be sure to sign up in advance, as space is limited.
8. California Science Center: While some exhibits come with a fee, the museum’s general admission is free. Explore the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the Kelp Forest, and more!
9 Grand Central Market: Even though the food isn’t free, you can savor the sights, sounds, and smells at no cost. While there, ride on the nearby Angel’s Flight for just $2.
10. Favorite City Parks: Take a break from the city bustle at one of LA’s green oases, perfect for picnics or a lazy day under a shady tree.
11. Hollywood Forever Cemetery: A stroll among the graves of film and music legends is a unique and educational experience. The cemetery is also home to over 50 peacocks and 70+ cats.
12. Discover Hidden Staircases: Explore the painted stairs hidden in plain sight around Silver Lake and Echo Park hills.
13. Venice Canals: Take a scenic walk along these artificial canals, spotting boats and birds. Follow your stroll with a snack at the trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
14. Venice Electric Light Parade: Every Sunday, locals dress up in neon and ride their bikes through the streets of Venice. Join the parade or watch the spectacle from the sidewalk.
15. Pacific Marine Mammal Center: Spot sea lions at this Laguna Beach rescue center. Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The center welcomes groups of 10 or more with a reservation.
16. Marine Mammal Care: Reserve your spot online to visit this center, home to rescued marine life. Open Friday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm, a suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated but not required.
This summer, dive into LA’s wealth of free activities. Happy summer adventuring!
17. Dance Downtown: Revel in the rhythm every Friday evening in DTLA as the sun sets.
18. LA Arboretum: Marvel at the enchanting peacocks on the third Tuesday of every month. Ensure to book your free tickets in advance.
19. The Hammer Museum: Wander through an eclectic art collection at this Westwood institution, where entry is always free.
20. Van Nuys Blvd’s Mural Mile: Immerse yourself in LA’s vivid street art scene, with over 300 feet wide murals.
21. Annenberg Beach House: Enjoy the playground, splash pad, and beach area free of charge. The pool area, however, has more limited hours and charges an entry fee.
22. Universal CityWalk: As the sun sets, experience a whirl of lights, sounds, and music. While parking might cost a bit, the plentiful photo ops, intriguing shops, and live performances are free.
23. MOCA Geffen Contemporary and MOCA Grand: Expand your art horizons at these free modern art galleries.
24. National Register of Historic Places: Immerse yourself in LA’s rich history by touring the oldest house in the city.
25. Ferndell in Griffith Park: Enjoy a gentle walk through this enchanting cave with a stunning playground and a nearby café.
26. Greystone Mansion: Explore the stately grounds and ignite your imagination at this public park in Beverly Hills, open seven days a week.
27. Wende Museum: Delve into Cold War history at this hidden gem in Culver City, and perhaps partake in a monthly chess tournament.
28. Balboa Island: Roam the island, browse the shops, and check out the free Balboa Island Museum. Remember to ask about the Kid’s Scavenger Hunt!
29. The Getty Center: Enjoy a day filled with art, gardens, and endless tram rides. It’s not just about art—it’s about creating memorable experiences with your kids.
30. Olvera Street: Experience the rich history of the oldest part of downtown LA, and make sure to stop by Mr. Churros for a snack.
31. Olvera Street: Experience the rich history of the oldest part of downtown LA, and remember to grab a snack at Mr. Churro.
32 . Hollywood Sign Hike: Experience an essential LA activity by hiking close to the iconic Hollywood sign.
33. Star Party at the Griffith Observatory: Join a free Star Party hosted monthly by the Griffith Observatory, where amateur astronomers answer questions about the cosmos.
34. Westfield Century City: Window shop and enjoy the gorgeous outdoor area of this mall. Remember to check out the first-floor play space for kids.
35. TV and Movie Filming Locations Tour: Discover where your favorite shows or movies were filmed, like the Brady Bunch house or the Bat Cave.
36. Museum of the San Fernando Valley: Explore this lesser-known, free museum where even parking is free.
37. Waterfall Hike: After the winter rainstorms, waterfalls are in full force in LA. Embark on a hike to witness their beauty.
38. The Roundhouse Aquarium: Learn about oceanic life at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier. Entry is free, though donations are appreciated.
39. Free Admission Days: Take advantage of the free days offered by many museums and other venues in LA and OC.
40. Local Libraries: Apart from borrowing books and participating in activities for free, reading can earn you treats!
41. Will Rogers State Park: Enjoy free guided tours
42. Point Fermin Lighthouse: Visit this historic lighthouse near San Pedro. Free guided tours are available in the afternoon, though donations are suggested.
43. The best Picnic spots in Los Angeles: Pack a lunch and head to a picnic spot like Lake Balboa, Polliwog Park, Brookside Park, or Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area.
44. Dockweiler Beach: Build a campfire at this underrated LA beach with 40 fire pits. Remember your smores ingredients!
45. Santa Monica Place: Let the kids play on the rooftop’s giant whale. Afterward, stroll down to the Santa Monica Pier.
46. LA’s Free Archery Clubs: Teach your kids archery at one of the city’s many free clubs.
47. Garvey Ranch Observatory: Hosted by the LA Astronomical Society, enjoy free public viewings every Wednesday night.
48. Jazz at LACMA: Every Friday night in June, LACMA hosts free jazz concerts by some of the city’s top musicians.
49. Rodeo Drive: Take an iconic LA stroll along Rodeo Drive, and watch for posh pooches on this famous street in Beverly Hills.
50. Mann’s Chinese Theatre: Take a trip to classic Hollywood and place your hands where legends once did in front of this iconic theatre. Then, stroll along the Walk of Fame to find your favorite celebrity stars.
51. Amoeba Records: Immerse yourself in the Hollywood music scene with a free browsing experience in the world’s largest independent record store.
52. LA Sanitation & Environment Open House: If your toddler loves trash trucks, they’ll enjoy these unique open houses at LA’s Sanitation and Environment Yards, where they can ride in a real trash truck!
53. Getty Villa in Malibu: Enjoy the beautiful venue of the Getty Villa, which hosts free family workshops throughout the summer.
54. Summer Parks After Dark Events: The LA County Parks and Rec department hosts free events at local parks, offering everything from sports challenges to back-to-school bashes.
55. Farmers Markets: Farmers’ markets are one of small farmers’ oldest forms of direct marketing. A directory of all Farmer’s Markets taking place in and around Los Angeles.
56. Free Train Ride in Wilson Park: The Southern California Live Steamers offers free rides on their miniature train on the first Sunday and the third Saturday of every month.
57. Heal the Bay Aquarium: Kids 12 and under FREE with an Adult Ticket Purchase. With over 100 local species on exhibit, hands-on activities for all ages, and daily educational programs,
58. Lotus Festival: This free festival at Echo Park Lake highlights a different Asian culture every year.
59. Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA): The newest art museum in Orange County hosts special events for babies and toddlers on weekday mornings.
60. The definitive Los Angeles sightseeing area guide: The best way to explore LA is to sightsee by neighborhood. Luckily, several pockets of the city have plenty of attractions within a short distance of each other
61. Noah’s Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center: Visit Noah’s Ark and the rest of the Skirball for free on Thursdays (reservation is suggested in advance on their website).
62. Leo Carrillo State Park: Discover marine life in the tide pools, with surprises ranging from crabs to tiny octopuses.
63. 10 Bike Trails for LA Kids You Need to Try: You can see and do more in Griffith Park by bike than by car or foot.
64. Beach Cleanup: Join Heal the Bay’s Nothin’ But Sand beach cleanups to help keep LA’s beautiful beaches pristine.
65. La Brea Tar Pits: Discover the prehistoric history of LA and enjoy free admission to the museum during specific hours for LA County residents.
