Whether you are looking for lots of physical activity or something to engage your kids intellectually, you can find it in Los Angeles. The city and county of Los Angeles offer numerous kinds of recreational areas for families. The State of California maintains beaches and parks in the area. Los Angeles is home to Universal Studios, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain. The activities below are just a sample of what you can find at the beach and in the hills and mountains around Los Angeles.
Franklin Canyon Park
Start out your trip to Franklin Canyon Park with an easy hike that is a little over a quarter mile. Take the kids to the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom and Sooky Goldman Nature Center where they can learn about the canyon wildlife that surrounds them. Before you leave the park, take in the duck pond and grasslands. If the kids still have some energy, take a second, more strenuous hike on the two mile canyon path.
Griffith Park
Most famous for the iconic hillside Griffith Park Observatory, the park is actually one of the United States' biggest public parks. More than 4,000 acres of public space cover the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains. Within the park you can hike or cycle the mountain trails and plan a picnic in one of the many groves. The park also houses the Los Angeles Zoo.
The California Science Center
Located near the campus of the University of Southern California, the California Science Center is a hands-on science museum. The center's permanent and temporary exhibits are designed for curious people of all ages. Take in an IMAX film experience while there, or take kids under 7 years of age to the learning center. If the kids still have energy and curiosity to burn, take in the California African American Museum, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles or the Exposition Park Rose Garden. Each are located in Exposition Park across the street from the Science Center.
The Hollywood Sign
Although it is illegal to climb around the Hollywood Sign or to drive up to it, the Hollywood Sign Trust has mapped out several places to get the perfect shot with the sign in the background. While at the photo location near Lake Hollywood, take the kids for a walk around the Hollywood dog walk.
Beaches
The beaches of Los Angeles are as famous as some of its citizens. For a quieter, more relaxing family time at the beach, take the kids to Zuma Beach or Point Dume, both just north of Malibu. These are usually less populated than other beaches. For a California beach experience you won't forget, take the kids anywhere on the stretch from Venice Beach to the Santa Monica Pier. Along with shops, restaurants and some of the most interesting people watching in town, you can take the kids on a seaside roller coaster. These areas can be very crowded, especially on weekends, and thus may be too much for very small children.
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