Planning for Thematic Photo Days in 2026

Venice Beach in Los Angeles (Photo credit: oneinchpunch,) The second greatest city in the United States is filled with family-friendly activities. Los Angeles is home to over 90 museums, and the city boasts around 15,000 dining establishments. Not surprising that L.A. is one of the best locations to visit in California with kids! Los Angeles likewise offers 24 miles (38.5 km) of sandy beaches along the California Coast.

Take in its unique SoCal ambiance, an extensive skate park, and an outdoor health club with musclebound locals raising weights under the California sun. Olvera Street in Los Angeles (Image credit: Colleen Lanin) The Getty Center is amongst the most popular destinations in the Los Angeles location. The museum is filled with art work by such artists as Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne.

, likewise understood as El Pueblo Historic Monolith. This is the birth place of Los Angeles. It includes 27 historic structures and a main Mexican plaza.

Kids may question if they have actually gotten in Jurassic Park as they look at life-sized statues of woolly mammoths, enormous sloths, and other extinct animals in swimming pools of gooey asphalt bubbling from the earth.

Best Local Youth-Focused Neighborhood Events Near You

Kids particularly take pleasure in Helen and Peter Bing Kid's Garden, which includes spirited, hands-on components such as tunnels, splash areas, fairy doors, and more. Cover a great deal of ground with a Los Angeles Go City All-Inclusive Pass for 40+ Attractions, consisting of the Los Angeles Zoo, Knott's Berry Farm in neighboring Buena Park, and a lot more.

A residential area of Los Angeles, Burbank has hundreds of significant film and tv studios. Of course, you will likewise desire to view the renowned Hollywood Sign and walk along the famous Hollywood Stroll of Fame.

Yosemite National Park Valley landscape (Photo credit: haveseen,) Resplendent with hiking routes, waterfalls, and towering trees, Yosemite is a place of natural marvel. In 2024, a record-breaking 4.1 million guests visited this beloved national park. It spans nearly 750,000 acres (3,035 sq km) and is home to wildlife like foxes, deer, cougars, and black bears.

Must-See Parenting Guides for New Families

Yosemite opened in 1890 and stays one of the country's finest examples of land preservation. Households seeking to explore California's natural charm will like going to Yosemite.

While in this desert sanctuary, do not miss a crave-worthy date shake made with fruits from the area's numerous palm trees. Households are enamored with The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. This excellent zoo and botanical garden provides innovative play areas for kids and a fun model train exhibit. Giant spinning wind turbines in the Palm Springs area produce an electrifying 1.5 million megawatt-hours.

Soar from the desert valley to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains by means of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The car's flooring turns throughout the ride, so passengers get a 360-degree view of the Coachella Valley. Fascinated? Discover more things to do in Palm Springs with kids. The Channel Islands in Ventura County (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin) For a distinct array of household activities, consider a Ventura County getaway.

Households also take pleasure in strolling Ventura Harbor Village for ice cream and waterfront views, or investing an unwinded afternoon on the wide, uncrowded beaches that define this coastal region. Discover more distinct things to do in Ventura County with kids. Santa Monica Beach & Pier (Photo credit: oneinchpunch,) Santa Monica exemplifies Southern California with its surfable waves, beachy downtown, and seaside amusements.

Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier features a dozen trips, including the 130-foot-tall Pacific Wheel and a full-sized roller coaster. You'll likewise find every treat your sweet teeth could crave and a plethora of game games with prizes. Families also enjoy strolling the Third Street Boardwalk for shopping, street performers, and simple dining simply a couple of blocks from the beach.

Transforming Special Moments Into Magical Family Art

Grownups and kids of all ages can't assist however feel awestruck by the enormous sequoias in the Giant Forest. This national forest boasts the world's biggest tree, General Sherman. You can even drive through another outstanding huge sequoia called the Tunnel Log. This lovely location supplies a variety of terrific things to do in nature, like hiking, mountain biking, outdoor camping, and horseback riding.

Understood for its glacial-carved canyon, Kings Canyon, is among the deepest in North America. This park provides remarkable rock developments, rugged wilderness, and remote hiking tracks. Find out more about Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and other national forests in California, like Death Valley and Channel Islands, in my list of the finest national parks in the U.S. Joshua Tree National Park (Photo credit: lunamarina,) Located about an hour from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National forest is necessary for households who wish to explore natural wonders in California.

Calico Mine Ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, a suburb of Los Angeles (Picture credit: Colleen Lanin) Simply a brief drive from Los Angeles, Buena Park is a dream for households who like amusement parks, themed experiences, and simple vacation enjoyable.

Creating Timeless Heirlooms of Your Kids

Summer visitors can cool down at Soak City Water Park, while yearround home entertainment includes Medieval Times and Pirates Supper Adventure. It's an easy addon to any Southern California journey and an excellent home base for checking out close-by beaches, Orange County, and LA. Explore more in my guide to Buena Park with kids.

Discover SoCal's best-kept secret (shh!) with my La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club evaluation. Learn more about a hidden gem desert holiday spot with these things to do in Borrego Springs. For even more California pail list concepts, take a look at this California journey schedule, a list of nationwide parks in California, and my substantial brochure of California getaways and tips.