Chances are that when you think of Hollywood, stars fill your eyes and thoughts of elegant nights fill your mind. What many people don’t realize is that Hollywood is actually a fantastic destination to travel to with your family – kids and all.
There are so many awesome things to do in Hollywood with family, that it will be difficult to leave at the end of your trip. The Los Angeles neighborhood is dynamic, diverse and full of fun. It’s even better than in the movies.
From exploring Universal Studios to sipping milkshakes at Mel’s Drive-In – your kids will be begging for more before crashing into bed at the end of the day.
If you’re planning a trip to the popular California area and are looking for fun things for kids to do, you can start with this list and see where the city takes you.
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The Land of the Stars
Hollywood, the famed neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, isn’t always the top choice for a family trip – but it should be. Its reputation for being larger-than-life is well-deserved. Known as the home of the U.S film industry, there are countless opportunities for picture-perfect fun.
The summer destination’s climate is warm (to hot) all year-round. As a result, there is no shortage of outdoor, exciting and entertaining things for kids to do in Hollywood. While many travelers bee-line for crowded (and somewhat disappointing) attractions such as Hollywood Boulevard, there are plenty of other entertaining spots to enjoy.
Activities in Hollywood for Kids
Without further ado, here’s a list of what to do in Hollywood with kids for an unforgettable family adventure.
1. Universal Studios
Can you even say that you’ve been to Hollywood if you haven’t gone to Universal Studios? Considered the ultimate movie-magic experience, Universal Studios combines movie studios with theme parks to create a thrilling experience for the whole family.
While it’s no secret that a visit to Hollywood is on the pricier side, there are so many different tickets and even VIP tours to choose from that you’re sure to find one that suits your budget. The giant theme park makes all of your favorite movies come to life in a fun and engaging way.
2. Universal CityWalk
A great alternative to Universal Studios is the Universal CityWalk. You can expect a similar experience in a different setting. From innovative dining experiences at the Hard Rock Cafe, to live karaoke and mini-golf. End off your experience by selecting a unique desert at Voodoo Doughnuts – MnM-covered doughnuts anyone?
Universal CityWalk is known as the gateway to the likes of Universal’s Islands of Adventure but without the hefty price. Admission is free and you only need to pay for your food and activities of choice.
The entertainment hub is located on a small harbor, with a great route to walk along the water’s edge. Once you’ve had your fill of the stars on the big screen, you can head on over to one of the many incredible restaurants for a treat.
3. El Capitan Theatre
Loved as “Disney’s home on Hollywood Boulevard”, El Capitan Theatre is one of the best Hollywood activities for kids. The six-story building was built in the 1920s and exudes a mood of nostalgic history. The fully-restored movie palace hosts most of Walt Disney Studios’ film premiers and is an iconic spot in both design and experience.
Booking a movie (and dinner) experience at El Capitan Theatre is one way to make your kid feel like a king and bring a smile to their face. As the epicenter of kid-orientated stardom in Hollywood, the theatre promises an experience of a lifetime.
Make sure that you head down to the small exhibit space below the theatre which displays various props from iconic films.
4. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
We all know how curious kids can be. If you want to blow your child’s mind with the bizarre possibilities and oddities of the world, then a visit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a must. From the world’s tallest man to shrunken heads, the museum is filled with strange sightings.
The museum underwent a makeover a few years back to make it more family-friendly. As a result, there are over 300 experiences for kids to ‘wow’ themselves with.
Exploring the two floors of unbelievable exhibits is one of the best Hollywood activities for families and will have your kids chattering for hours after the experience.
5. Museum of Illusions
Visiting Hollywood is largely about enjoying a surreal experience. One of the best ways to do so is with their multitude of unbelievable and mind-boggling attractions – including the Museum of Illusions.
Tickets for the mind-bending museum can be purchased online and promises to evoke gasps from the whole family. Expect to encounter 3D illusions and an upside-down house among other interactive illusions.
Make sure you arrive with your camera fully charged!
6. Griffith Observatory 
Located on the slope of Mount Hollywood, a visit to Griffith Observatory is one for the books. As one of the best Hollywood activities for kids with an interest in science, the observatory boasts an amazing view of both the land and the sky.
Not only are there telescopes, exhibits and live shows in the planetarium, but a lot of these features are child-orientated. Give your children the opportunity to see the stars through a telescope and discover the cosmos through a live show.
Admission to the grounds and building is free, you only need to pay for the shows and experiences. The Griffith Observatory is a fantastic choice of activity if you want your child to be both educated and entertained at the same time.
7. West Hollywood Library
A library? While on vacation? Yes! The West Hollywood Library is a unique experience to enjoy with your kid in Hollywood. Add an educational twist to your itinerary and sign up to join one of the many different interactive and entertaining workshops hosted by the library.
Expect group storytelling, clay building workshops, and writing workshops. The West Hollywood Library isn’t only a resource for locals but can be enjoyed by all who pass through. This is a particularly good choice of activity on days when the weather is stormy or too hot to handle.
8. Mel’s Drive-In
The original uploader was R.123 at CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)
After all of the energetic adventures in Hollywood, it’s time to refuel! Hollywood is home to some of the most innovative and tasty family-friendly spots to snack and dine. One of these popular spots is Mel’s Drive-In.
The restaurant chain can be found around the state. However, the one in Hollywood has a very special ambiance that perfectly captures the essence of a traditional American diner. Their kid’s menu is out of this world, with special care and attention being paid to the presentation of the meals.
Make sure that you leave some room for their devilishly decadent milkshakes.
9. Hollywood Farmers Market
Renowned as LA’s best farmer’s market for kids and families, Hollywood Farmers Market will keep you (and your kids) entertained for hours. The market features a diversity of food vendors, live music shows, and a specially-dedicated kid’s section.
Whether you’re craving Thai coconut cakes or a good ol’ American hot dog, you’re sure to find it here. There’s no better way to introduce your child to a wide variety of food and get them to try new flavors.
The market is only open on Sundays and it’s highly recommended that you head on over earlier rather than later.
10. Hollywood Sign
The famed Hollywood sign is known as an American landmark and cultural icon around the world, but it is also one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles. The bold letters stand out from afar and will stand out in your mind forever.
Take your kids to see the dazzling symbol in a variety of different ways depending on how enthusiastic your children are (and their age). You can choose to hike to the sign, marvel from a viewpoint (such as Griffith Observatory) or take a bus.
This is also an activity you’ll want to have your camera on standby for.
Final Thoughts on Best Hollywood Attractions for Families
As you can see, Hollywood offers a wealth of fun for you and your little (or big) ones. Many of these activities can be enjoyed as a family. Others offer you an opportunity to kick back and relax while your children run rampant.
Have we left any awesome family things to do in Hollywood off of the list? Let us know in the comments!
