If you’re planning a family trip and searching for the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids, you’re in for a treat—and no, not just the overpriced churros at Disneyland (though those are pretty great).
Top Family Things to Do in Los Angeles With Kids
While Disneyland is, of course, magical, there’s SO much more to explore in LA that can be just as fun, and sometimes even more accessible for kids with neurodiverse needs. So, let’s take a little detour from the mouse ears and check out some must-visit spots that are sensory-friendly, fun, and perfect for families with kiddos who might need a little extra care.
1. Universal Studios Hollywood & CityWalk
- Rider Switch Program – For families with kiddos who might not be able to go on certain rides. No need to split up the family—just swap out!
- Guest Assistance Pass – Helps reduce wait times for those who need it, making the day easier to navigate.
- CityWalk – A quieter area for shopping, dining, and exploring, if the theme park feels too overwhelming.
- Pro Tip: The giant escalator ride up to CityWalk is a fun experience all by itself for little adventurers!
- Learn more: https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
2. Santa Monica Pier
- Gentle Rides – Ferris wheel, carousel, and small rides that are sensory-friendly and great for younger kids.
- Spacious Areas – The wooden plank flooring may pose some difficulties for strollers, may be best for kiddos who are ambulatory.
- Aquarium Under the Pier – A peaceful, small spot to check out marine life without overwhelming noise or crowds.
- Beach & Park – If you need a break from the action, the beachside park is a calm place to relax and play. The strand along the beach is more stroller-friendly!
- Learn more: https://www.santamonicapier.org/
3. La Brea Tar Pits & Museum Row
- La Brea Tar Pits – Watch the tar bubble up as you explore the fossilized remains of ancient creatures. It’s like stepping into a giant prehistoric sandbox!
- Museum Row – Home to L.A. County Museum of Art, Craft Contemporary Museum, and The Petersen Automotive Museum.
- Petersen Automotive Museum – They offer Touch Tours for blind or partially sighted visitors, which you can arrange by contacting their Group Tours Department two weeks in advance.
- Learn more: https://tarpits.org/
4. Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena
- Hands-On Activities – From water play and climbing walls to music-making and building structures, this is a wonderland of fun!
- Indoor & Outdoor Fun – With plenty of space to explore, it’s perfect for kids who need to move around.
- Sensory-Friendly – Great for neurodiverse kids who thrive on tactile and interactive play.
- Learn more: https://kidspacemuseum.org/
5. California Science Center
- Interactive Exhibits – Check out the Endeavour Space Shuttle and fun ecosystems exhibits.
- Sensory-Friendly Programs – Quiet spaces and activities designed for children with varying sensory needs.
- Accessible – The center is easy to navigate with strollers and wheelchairs, and perfect for kids who love to explore through touch and movement.
- Learn more: https://californiasciencecenter.org/
6. Star Eco Station
- Rescued Exotic Wildlife – See animals up close in a fun, interactive way, while learning about conservation efforts.
- Sensory Exploration – The animals provide great opportunities for sensory engagement in a calming environment.
- Learn more: https://www.ecostation.org/
7. Shane’s Inspiration Park
- Fully Accessible Playground – Designed for kids of all abilities, with adaptive swings, slides, and climbing equipment.
- Sensory-Rich Play – Interactive features designed to engage kids in a hands-on, inclusive environment.
- Great for Social Play – A perfect spot for neurodiverse kids to play alongside others in a supportive environment.
- Learn more: https://www.laparks.org/playgrounds/griffithUAPk
8. Natural History Museum
- Sensory-Friendly Dinosaur Encounters – The second Saturday of each month at 11:30 am. Perfect for neurodiverse kids who are dino-obsessed.
- Large Dinosaur Exhibits – An exciting experience with tons of space to explore. Plus, the museum is spacious and easy to navigate with sensory breaks.
- Spacious Quiet Corners – If your child needs a breather, you’ll find quiet areas to relax and regroup.
- Learn more: https://nhmlac.org/
Find Family-Friendly Events in LA During Your Trip
Before heading out, be sure to check out Kids Out and About for the latest events and activities in Los Angeles. This site lists tons of family-friendly options, including those with sensory-friendly activities, accessibility features, and more. It’s an awesome resource for planning ahead!
Bonus Family Things to Do in Los Angeles:
- Griffith Observatory – Free programs and star-gazing with a calm, educational vibe.
- Los Angeles Public Library – Many libraries offer sensory-friendly storytimes and kid programs.
- Los Angeles Zoo – Plenty of accessible paths, shaded areas, and quiet spaces for breaks. Great for animal lovers of all abilities!
- Mother’s Beach – The playground at Mother’s Beach, located in Long Beach area, has adaptive swings and you can order food from The Cheesecake Factory!
So, while Disneyland will always be a classic, there’s so much more to explore in Los Angeles that’s accessible, sensory-friendly, and fun for neurodiverse families. Whether you’re hitting a museum, a park, or a quiet spot to relax, LA has something for every kind of kid (and every kind of parent!). Just remember to plan ahead, take breaks when needed, and most importantly—enjoy the adventure. And hey, if you end up with a churro in hand, you’re doing it right.
About the Author
Serena Patel is a pediatric physical therapist at NAPA Center Los Angeles who received her DPT from Duke University. Outside of her love for kiddos, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her friends and family, reading or baking delicious goodies. Having been trained in dance, she also appreciates sharing her passion with other kids through teaching occasional classes at her old studio!
About NAPA Center
NAPA Center is a global leader in pediatric therapy with clinics across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Our flagship location in Los Angeles is where it all began and continues to lead the way in delivering innovative, compassionate care for children with a wide range of developmental needs. Whether you’re local to LA or traveling from out of town, our team works closely with families to create personalized therapy programs tailored to each child’s unique goals. We specialize in 3-week intensive therapy programs, which families travel from around the world to attend, as well as weekly sessions integrating physical, occupational, speech, and feeding therapy.
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