Los Angeles has a reputation for being expensive, and sure, a lot of it is. But the city also offers a surprising number of free family activities in Los Angeles that don’t cost a dime and still deliver a genuinely great day out. From world-class parks and beaches to museums with no admission fee, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained without draining your wallet.
At Another Side Tours, we’ve spent years guiding families through LA and learning what actually holds kids’ attention (and what doesn’t). Our local guides know this city block by block, and that perspective shaped this list. These aren’t filler suggestions, they’re spots families consistently love, places we’ve seen light up kids’ faces on our own tours. Whether you’re visiting LA for the first time or you’re a local looking for something new this weekend, here are 11 free activities worth your family’s time.
1. Find free family events happening today
One of the most overlooked free family activities in Los Angeles is the rotating calendar of events the city runs year-round. Parks, libraries, museums, and community organizations regularly schedule free performances, festivals, and workshops that rarely show up in typical tourist guides. These events are worth tracking down before your trip so you can build your day around them.
Best places to check for free kid events in LA
Your best starting points are the LA County Parks website and the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks pages, both of which list upcoming free programs by date and location. The Los Angeles Public Library also runs regular free children’s programs, including storytimes and craft sessions. Check these a few days before your visit to see what lines up with your schedule and your kids’ ages.
Searching these sources midweek gives you time to plan around timing, location, and your kids’ interests before the weekend arrives.
What kinds of free events you can expect
LA’s free event calendar is broader than most visitors expect. You’ll find outdoor movie screenings, live music in parks, cultural festivals, and free family craft workshops spread across the city throughout the year. Some events are one-time and some repeat monthly, so it pays to check more than once. Neighborhoods like Leimert Park and Echo Park host community events that give families a genuine taste of local life without spending anything at the door.
What to bring so the day stays low-stress and low-cost
Pack reusable water bottles and snacks before you leave home. This single step eliminates the most common on-the-spot spending. Bring a compact blanket or portable chairs for outdoor events, along with sunscreen and hats for daytime outings. A small backpack keeps everything organized without slowing you down.
- Reusable water bottles (one per person)
- Snacks and simple sandwiches
- Sunscreen and hats
- Blanket or portable chairs
- Small amount of cash for parking meters if needed
Hidden costs to watch for like parking and food
Free events still carry real costs attached. Parking near popular event venues in LA regularly runs $15 to $25, and food vendor stalls at festivals add up quickly once kids spot them. When possible, use public transit or a rideshare to skip the parking fee entirely. If you drive, look for street parking a few blocks from the venue rather than paying for a lot right at the entrance.
2. Visit the California Science Center
The California Science Center in Exposition Park is one of the best free family activities in Los Angeles for kids of almost any age. General admission to the main exhibit halls costs nothing, making it a reliable option whether you’re working with a tight budget or just want a full day indoors without standing in a ticket line.
What you can do for free inside the museum
Inside the permanent exhibits, you’ll find hands-on displays covering ecosystems, air and space, and the human body that kids can actively engage with rather than just look at. Exhibits like World of Life and Ecosystems walk families through biology and environmental science in ways that hold younger kids’ attention for well over an hour.
How to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour for free
Viewing the retired Space Shuttle Endeavour is included with free general admission to the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. Seeing a full-scale space shuttle up close is impressive for kids, and the surrounding exhibits add helpful context about human spaceflight history.
Reserve your free timed-entry pass in advance on the California Science Center’s official website, especially on weekends, since slots fill up faster than most families expect.
Best ages and how long to plan for
Kids between 5 and 14 tend to get the most from this visit, though toddlers engage well with interactive displays too. A comfortable visit runs:
- Two hours for a focused highlights-only loop
- Three or more hours if your kids want to dig deeper into specific exhibits
What it really costs to visit with parking and transit
Parking in the Exposition Park structure runs about $12 per vehicle, but you can skip that entirely by taking the Metro Expo Line to the Expo Park/USC station, which puts you within a short walk of the entrance.
3. Explore Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory sits on the south slope of Mount Hollywood and ranks among the most consistent free family activities in Los Angeles. Admission to the building is completely free, and the views of the city below rival anything you’d pay for elsewhere in LA.
What you can do for free at the observatory
Inside, you’ll find interactive astronomy exhibits, Tesla coils, and large-scale models of the solar system that keep kids engaged without any ticket required. The rooftop terrace gives you sweeping views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown skyline, and the Pacific on clear days, all at no cost.
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows inside the building are ticketed, but the rest of the facility, including the roof and all exhibits, remains free throughout the day.
Best times for views, exhibits, and avoiding crowds
Arriving on a weekday morning before noon gives you lighter crowds and better access to exhibits without waiting. Sunset visits are popular but draw large numbers, so expect tighter parking and busier walkways. Overcast mornings typically clear by midday, which makes a late-morning arrival a practical option for families.
How to handle parking, shuttles, and stroller logistics
Parking near the observatory is limited and fills quickly, especially on weekends. The DASH Observatory shuttle runs from the Los Feliz area and costs just 50 cents per rider, making it a budget-friendly alternative for most families. Strollers work well on the main paved paths and rooftop terraces, though the surrounding trails are not stroller-friendly.
Optional add-ons that cost extra
The planetarium shows run around $7 to $10 per person depending on age and program. Older kids usually find them worthwhile, but younger children sometimes struggle with sitting still in the dark for the full runtime.
4. Spend a day in Griffith Park
Griffith Park covers over 4,200 acres of trails, open fields, and family attractions, making it one of the most versatile free family activities in Los Angeles. You can fill an entire day here without spending a single dollar on admission anywhere.
Easy family hikes with big payoffs
The park’s trail network includes several short, beginner-friendly routes that reward families with great views without demanding serious hiking fitness. The Fern Dell Nature Walk is flat, shaded, and works well for young kids, while the trail to the Bird Sanctuary offers a quiet detour that older children genuinely enjoy. Most popular loops run between one and two miles.
Stick to paved or wide dirt paths if you have younger kids, as steeper single-track trails can tire them out faster than the distance suggests.
Free kid favorites like playgrounds and train-themed spots
The park contains multiple free playgrounds spread across different areas, so you can break up walking time with unstructured play. The Griffith Park and Southern Railroad, a miniature train ride, does charge a small fee, but kids still love watching the trains from the fence line at no cost.
Safety and comfort tips for heat, wildlife, and restrooms
Bring more water than you think you need, especially between May and September when temperatures climb quickly. Restroom facilities are available near the main trailheads and picnic areas, so plan your route around those stops.
How to plan the day around nap times and energy levels
Start with the hike first while energy is high, then move to playground time and shaded picnic areas as the afternoon settles in. This sequence keeps younger kids engaged and reduces the chance of a meltdown before lunch.
5. Do a classic Santa Monica beach day
A Santa Monica beach day is one of the most reliable free family activities in Los Angeles, and it delivers more than just sand and water. The beach stretches for miles, the weather cooperates most of the year, and families can fill several hours here without spending a dollar on admission anywhere.
Free things to do beyond swimming
Beyond the water, Santa Monica State Beach gives families access to free volleyball courts, wide open sand for games, and a paved path perfect for watching cyclists and skaters pass by. The pier is free to walk, and watching street performers there costs nothing either.
Best family-friendly spots for bathrooms and shade
Restroom facilities and shaded picnic areas are available at multiple access points along the beach, with the spots near the pier being the most accessible for families with strollers or young children. Parking structures closest to the pier fill up first, so arriving before 10 a.m. gives your family better options for both parking and sand space.
Getting there before 10 a.m. on weekends also means your kids get first pick of the best sand spots before the beach fills up.
How to keep it fun for toddlers and older kids
Toddlers enjoy the shallow shore break, while older kids can explore the pier, play in the sand, or rent bikes along the path if your budget allows. Bringing a bucket and shovel from home costs nothing extra and can easily fill an hour of independent play.
What you might still pay for like parking and snacks
Parking at the beach structures runs $8 to $15 depending on how long you stay. Pack your own food and drinks to avoid the markup at nearby vendors, which adds up fast once kids spot the ice cream carts.
6. Walk Venice Beach and the Venice Canals
Venice Beach is one of the most distinctive free family activities in Los Angeles, and it works best when you treat it as two separate stops rather than one. The boardwalk and the canals sit just minutes apart but feel like completely different worlds, which helps hold kids’ attention across a longer outing.
What families should see on the boardwalk
The Venice Boardwalk runs along the sand and gives families free access to street performers, murals, outdoor basketball courts, and Muscle Beach, the famous outdoor gym that kids find genuinely fascinating to watch. You can walk the length of the boardwalk and back in about 30 minutes, or slow down and let younger kids spend time near the water’s edge.
A calmer reset at the Venice Canals
A five-minute walk inland from the boardwalk brings you to the Venice Canals, a quiet residential neighborhood built on a series of connected waterways. Kids enjoy spotting ducks, looking at the houseboats, and crossing the small foot bridges that connect the canal paths. This stop typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and provides a natural break from the louder boardwalk energy.
How to talk to kids about what they might see
The boardwalk draws a wide variety of people, and some scenes may prompt questions from younger children. Treat it as a straightforward conversation rather than something to avoid, and keep the tone matter-of-fact.
Timing tips to avoid crowds and get better photos
Arriving before 10 a.m. gives you quieter paths and better light for photos, especially along the canals where morning reflections look their best.
7. Tour the Getty Center gardens and views
The Getty Center sits high above Brentwood and ranks among the most visually impressive free family activities in Los Angeles. Admission to the museum is completely free, and the architecture, gardens, and panoramic views alone justify the trip even before your family steps inside a single gallery.
What’s free at the Getty Center and what needs planning
General admission to the Getty Center costs nothing, but timed-entry reservations are required and must be booked in advance on the Getty’s official website. Without a reservation, you risk turning around at the gate. The good news is that reservations are free and straightforward to secure a few days before your visit.
Booking your timed-entry slot midweek for a weekday visit gives you better time options and noticeably lighter crowds than weekend slots.
How timed entry works and what to do if it sells out
You select a specific arrival window during the reservation process, and the system holds your spot. If your preferred time sells out, check back the morning of your visit since cancellations open up slots regularly. Walk-in availability sometimes exists for early morning arrivals on weekdays.
The best kid-friendly stops inside and outside
The Central Garden is a standout for kids, with its winding paths, flowing water features, and sculptural plantings that children can explore freely. Inside, the Family Room offers hands-on art activities designed specifically for younger visitors, and the rooftop terraces provide clear views stretching toward the ocean.
What it costs to park and how to reduce that cost
Parking runs $20 per vehicle, but you can cut that cost significantly by arriving via Metro Bus Line 761, which drops you near the tram entrance at no parking charge.
8. Take a free downtown LA art and architecture loop
Downtown LA is one of the most rewarding free family activities in Los Angeles that mixes outdoor exploration with genuine cultural stops. A loose walking loop connecting several blocks gives you access to public art, striking architecture, and free museums without paying admission at any of them.
A simple walking route that hits the best free stops
Start near Grand Park, which anchors the civic center and connects naturally to several other stops on foot. Walk south along Grand Avenue toward the Music Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall, then loop back through Bunker Hill depending on your family’s energy level. The route runs roughly two miles and takes about two hours at a relaxed pace with kids.
Free museums and art you can visit with kids
Grand Park functions as an open-air venue with rotating public art installations that kids can walk around and interact with directly. The park also has a fountain splash pad area that younger children gravitate toward immediately, making it a natural first stop before you continue the loop.
Arriving at Grand Park early on a weekday morning gives your family room to explore the art installations without navigating weekend crowds.
Iconic buildings you can see without buying a ticket
Walt Disney Concert Hall costs nothing to photograph and walk around, and its curved stainless steel exterior genuinely impresses kids of most ages. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is free to enter and sparks real questions about architecture and history from curious children.
Transit, parking, and safety tips for families
Taking the Metro Rail to Civic Center/Grand Park station eliminates parking costs entirely and drops you steps from the park entrance. If you drive, metered street parking on Hope Street or Flower Street is consistently cheaper than paying for a downtown garage.
9. Visit Olvera Street and Union Station
Olvera Street and Union Station sit within walking distance of each other in downtown LA and together make one of the most historically rich free family activities in Los Angeles. Both stops are easy to reach by Metro, and the combination gives families a natural two-hour loop without backtracking.
What to do for free at Olvera Street
Olvera Street is the oldest section of Los Angeles, and walking its short brick path costs nothing at all. Kids can explore outdoor vendor stalls, colorful murals, and an open plaza that regularly hosts musicians and dancers. The street itself is a living piece of LA history, and simply walking through it gives families a grounded sense of where the city began.
The Plaza at the north end of Olvera Street is a natural stopping point where kids can run around while you take in the surrounding architecture.
Quick kid-friendly history stops nearby
Union Station, a short walk away, is free to enter and worth seeing on its own. The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and original waiting hall make an impression on older kids, and the building remains an active transit hub, so trains and commuters add real energy to the visit.
Best times to go for performances and lighter crowds
Weekday mornings give you the most relaxed experience on Olvera Street, with fewer crowds and easier access to the plaza. Performances and cultural events happen most often on weekends and around Mexican holidays, so check the schedule before you go if that’s a priority.
What you might spend money on if you choose to
Food vendors and craft stalls line Olvera Street, and kids notice them immediately. Budget $10 to $20 if your family wants to grab a snack or pick up a small souvenir, but neither is required to enjoy the visit.
10. See the La Brea Tar Pits and LACMA outdoor art
The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum area on Wilshire Boulevard gives families two distinct free experiences within a short walk of each other, making it one of the more compact free family activities in Los Angeles that punches well above its footprint.
What you can see for free at the tar pits
The outdoor tar pit grounds are free to walk through at any time, and kids find the bubbling asphalt genuinely strange and exciting. You can see active excavation pits, life-size mammoth statues, and informational signage throughout the grounds without paying the museum admission fee. The pit viewing areas along the perimeter path are accessible with strollers and hold younger children’s attention for about 20 to 30 minutes on their own.
The must-see outdoor art spots nearby
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) sits directly adjacent to the tar pits, and its outdoor areas are free to access without a ticket. The Urban Light installation, a grid of restored vintage streetlamps at the museum’s entrance, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and makes an impression on kids and adults alike.
Walking the full perimeter of both sites together takes about 45 minutes and gives your family a genuinely full experience without entering either building.
Best ages and how long this stop takes
Kids between 4 and 12 respond best here. Plan for 45 to 75 minutes total if you stick to the outdoor areas.
Parking strategies and what to skip if you feel rushed
Street parking on Sixth Street or Ogden Drive typically runs cheaper than the Tar Pits parking structure. If time is short, skip the indoor museum and focus entirely on the grounds and Urban Light, which together deliver the best of both stops for free.
11. Explore UCLA and the free museums nearby
UCLA’s Westwood campus gives families one of the more underrated free family activities in Los Angeles, combining open green space, public art, and free museums within a compact, walkable area. You can pull together a genuinely varied outing here without paying a single admission fee.
Easy, free things to do on campus that kids enjoy
The campus itself rewards slow exploration. Dickson Court and the surrounding quad areas give kids room to run while you take in the stone buildings and fountain. The outdoor sculpture garden near the Broad Art Center features large-scale works that children engage with physically, making it a natural first stop before you head inside anywhere.
Free museums and outdoor art you can pair together
Two free museums sit within easy walking distance of each other on campus. The Fowler Museum covers world arts and cultures with rotating exhibits that often include objects kids find genuinely interesting. Right nearby, the Murphy Sculpture Garden is entirely outdoors and free at all times, with over 70 works spread across a shaded lawn that families can explore at their own pace.
Pairing the Murphy Sculpture Garden with the Fowler Museum gives your family a natural indoor-outdoor rhythm that keeps younger kids from losing interest.
A simple plan for a two-hour visit versus a half-day
A two-hour visit covers the sculpture garden and one museum comfortably. A half-day lets you add Dickson Court, the outdoor art near Royce Hall, and a longer walk through the central campus paths.
Practical tips for parking, walking distance, and food
Campus parking structures charge by the hour, so using the Metro E Line to Westwood/Rancho Park station keeps your costs down. Food options near Ackerman Union require payment, so pack snacks to avoid on-site spending.
Your next free day in LA
Los Angeles rewards families who know where to look, and this list gives you 11 solid starting points that won’t cost you admission anywhere. From the tar pits to the Getty gardens to a beach morning in Santa Monica, the city has more free family activities in Los Angeles than most visitors ever discover on their own.
Pick two or three stops that match your kids’ ages and energy levels, then build your day around those. Arriving early, packing your own food, and using public transit where possible keeps the day genuinely low-cost from start to finish. When you’re ready to go deeper and see parts of LA that most tourists miss, our local guides can show you the city with real context behind every stop. Check out our Los Angeles sightseeing tours and find a tour that fits your family’s next visit.
