Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, LA is packed with activities the whole family can enjoy. This 4–5 day itinerary is built for a Wednesday night arrival and Sunday afternoon departure, with a downtown hotel as your base. From iconic sights to hands-on experiences, this guide is here to help you plan the perfect family trip with kids between 9 and 16 years old.
Wednesday Evening: Arrival and Downtown Eats
Once you’ve landed at LAX and checked in to your downtown hotel, it’s time to ease into your trip. Both the Omni Los Angeles Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott at LA Live offer easy access to local attractions, spacious rooms, and reliable comfort.
Head out for dinner at Grand Central Market, where everyone can choose what they’re craving. There’s ramen, burritos, pizza, deli sandwiches, falafel, and more, all under one roof.
Helpful Links
- https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/los-angeles-california-plaza
- https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/laxla-residence-inn-los-angeles-l-a-live/overview/
- https://www.grandcentralmarket.com/
Thursday: Iconic LA Views and Hollywood Fun
Morning at Griffith Park and the Observatory
Start the day with fresh air and sweeping views at Griffith Park. The trail to Griffith Observatory is manageable for families and offers incredible skyline views. Inside the observatory, kids can explore hands-on science exhibits for free, with optional planetarium shows available for a small fee.
Helpful Links
- https://griffithobservatory.org/
Afternoon Walk of Fame and Oddities
From there, head to Hollywood Boulevard to walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You’ll spot celebrity names, street performers, and the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre. Make a stop at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for some offbeat museum fun packed with curiosities and photo ops.
Helpful Links
- https://www.ripleys.com/attractions/hollywood/
Dinner Back Downtown
After all that walking, settle in for dinner at The Original Pantry Cafe. This 24-hour spot serves up giant portions of American classics and has been a local favorite since 1924.
Helpful Links
- https://www.pantrycafe.com/
- https://www.thebroad.org/
Friday: Science, Puzzles, and Downtown Fun
Morning at the Natural History Museum
Visit NHM Los Angeles to see dinosaur skeletons, sparkling gem displays, and live animal habitats. The museum is a great way to mix learning with play, especially for kids curious about natural science.
Helpful Links
- https://nhm.org/
Afternoon Escape Room at The Escape Revolution
If your kids love puzzles, teamwork, and immersive storytelling, this will be a trip highlight. The Escape Revolution is located right in LA and features themed rooms designed for small groups. Each session lasts about an hour and lets your family tackle missions like Detention or The Elevator by solving clues together.
Helpful Links
- https://theescaperevolution.com/
Dinner at LA Live or Smorgasburg Pop-Up
Depending on the season, you might find Smorgasburg LA running evening food markets with vendors offering tacos, sliders, and desserts. If it’s not active during your stay, head to LA Live, which has plenty of family-friendly options within walking distance.
Helpful Links
- https://la.smorgasburg.com/
- https://www.lalive.com/
Saturday: Sand, Surf, and Pacific Sunsets
Morning Surf Lessons at Huntington Beach
Get out of the city for a surf lesson your family won’t forget. Learn to Surf in Huntington Beach offers beginner-friendly classes with wetsuits, boards, and expert instructors included. Kids and adults can share the session, and the instructors do a great job making it accessible and safe for all levels.
Helpful Links
- https://learntosurfhb.com/
Midday at Santa Monica Pier
After your morning surf adventure, head back toward the city and spend a relaxed afternoon at Santa Monica Pier. Ride the Ferris wheel, play arcade games, or just take in the ocean views. If the family has energy left, rent bikes and cruise down to Venice Beach.
Helpful Links
- https://santamonicapier.org/
- https://pacpark.com/
Lunch at The Albright
For lunch by the water, stop in at The Albright, a seafood shack on the pier with picnic tables and fast service. It’s casual, breezy, and easy to customize meals for kids or picky eaters.
Helpful Links
- https://www.thealbright.com/
Evening Sunset + Movie
End your day with a sunset at Mulholland Drive Overlook or a short walk in Runyon Canyon, both of which offer fantastic views. Later, enjoy dinner and a movie at Alamo Drafthouse DTLA, where you can order food straight to your seat.
Helpful Links
- https://drafthouse.com/los-angeles
Sunday: A Final Adventure and Brunch
Morning at the California Science Center
Wrap up your trip with a visit to the California Science Center, where kids can check out the Space Shuttle Endeavour, explore hands-on tech exhibits, and experience an IMAX movie if time allows. General admission is free.
Helpful Links
- https://californiasciencecenter.org/
Brunch at Poppy + Rose
Finish with a cheerful brunch at Poppy + Rose, located in the Flower District. Known for chicken and waffles, fresh biscuits, and great coffee, it’s a cozy family-friendly choice with fast service and generous portions.
Helpful Links
- https://www.poppyandrosela.com/
Ready to Escape Into Real-World Fun?
Los Angeles has no shortage of entertainment for families, but the real magic comes from balancing classic sights with one-of-a-kind activities. Whether it’s your first time catching waves, watching the sunset from a canyon trail, or solving puzzles inside a locked room, you’ll walk away with stories that stick.
Safe travels and enjoy every moment of your LA family getaway!
