15 Free Things To Do in LA & OC With Kids

Kelly R:  Head to this incredible playground with your imagination, plenty of extra time, and a change of clothes for the kids - things might get messy! The fully enclosed 2-acre complex is filled with features that inspire unstructured play, including plenty of open space to explore. Kids can get messy in a mud hole, decorate an art wall, build structures with giant Legos, and unwind in a sensory garden. Standard playground fun can be had with equipment that is anything but ordinary, like cement hill slides and a towering fortress-inspired jungle gym.

Experience farm life right at the OC Fair & Event Center! This three-acre working farm is home to chickens, pigs, oxen, and other livestock. Animal educators are on hand to share their knowledge and answer questions.

Jenny:  7 miles of beautiful, handicap accessible bike paths. Great for biking, jogging, skating

Alexandra F.:  This American Revolution-themed park is really something special. It has three playgrounds, large open fields, softball diamonds and basketball courts, and a large pond with plenty of ducks, geese and turtles. However, what really makes it special is the play island in the middle of the pond, complete with bridges, rock formations, and American revolution-themed play structures, including a “ship” that juts out into the water! It is SO much fun for playing and exploring, and my kids love going there as much as I did when I was their age. It’s worth noting that the line of sight is not very open on the play island, making it a bit of a challenge to keep an eye on very little ones who like to run off - especially with all the fun rocks and hills for climbing (and potentially slipping) on!

Families may catch sightings of hummingbirds, geese, turtles, and more at the El Dorado Nature Center, which has two lakes on either end of the Nature Center and streams, ponds, wild flowers and trees dotting the stroller-friendly and mostly shaded hiking trails. The Center offers various nature programs on a regular basis, including a naturalist-led Family Night Walk every second Tuesday of the month, and workshops and other educational programming designed especially for kids.

Gina I.:  Open to the public, Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. Built in 1939, it has been hailed “the last of the great train stations.” Bring the kids and explore the building's beautiful architecture and historic details. They also offer tours, allowing you to explore areas like the Historic Ticketing Hall that are not generally open to the public.

Cost: Admission & tours are FREE

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.

Griffith Observatory and its surrounding grounds are open to the public for free, so kids and their grownups can enjoy the museum exhibits and spy the sky through a telescope. Special programs, including public talks and demonstrations, happen often. Break for lunch at the cafe or out on the grounds, then stick around for a planetarium show in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium!

Gina I.:  Open to the public when UCLA is in session, Wednesday Night Public Shows are conducted by current astronomy graduate students, and each week features a different celestial topic. So, whether your little astronomy lover is interested in neutron stars or black holes, they are sure to be entertained. Shows are 60 minutes long, but be sure to arrive on time. They cannot admit guests after the show starts. Telescope viewing and private shows are also available.

Ages: ALL

Cost: FREE

Admission to the permanent galleries at the California Science Center is always free and does not require a reservation. Permanent exhibits include World of Life, Fire! Science & Safety, and Ecosystems. Timed tickets are required for the IMAX Theater and special exhibits.

Gina I.:  Founded in 1947, the Travel Town Museum is dedicated to preserving LA's railroad heritage. Kids have the opportunity to view several historic locomotives. There's lots to see, but not much to do, so be prepared to walk and consider packing a lunch. They also have a gift shop and offer miniature train rides through GP Rah Enterprises.

Cost: Admission is FREE

You might not think of an art center as an ideal location for kids to explore, but this free museum with two locations is dedicated to making your family's visit enjoyable and educational. Family restrooms, onsite cafe, plus tempting outdoor gardens and maze area will help you and the kids get out and explore. A special Family Room has activity coves with treasure hunts, art and craft materials, and more. Free family tours are also available!

This man-made beach was designed for kids! Grab your beach chairs and stretch out on this almost half-mile beach featuring a playground, volleyball, windsurfing and kayaking. No surf in the swimming area means little ones can splash safely. And picnic tables, nearby restaurants, BBQ grills, and restroom facilities mean you can make a day of it with the whole family.

Gina I.:  Located entirely with the the L.A. city limits, Topanga State Park is the "world’s largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city." Bring the kids to check out a variety of geologic formations, a waterfall, stunning ocean views, and over 36 miles of trails. Whether you take the Musch Trail, Backbone Trail, or another trek, you're sure to see some gorgeous sights. So, be sure to bring your camera for great photo ops.

Erynn:  This botanic garden spans 33 acres and includes a Kids Adventure Garden with a tree house, a "zoo" garden with animal sculptures, and more. In the main garden, there are habitats for birds, butterflies, and even an orchard. The on-site nursery lets you take a bit of greenery home, too.