Exciting Free or Low-Cost Activities for Toddlers in and Around Los Angeles, Part 1

Discover a wealth of fun and free activities to enjoy with your toddler in and around Los Angeles. From beach explorations to museum visits, there's something for every little adventurer. Here are some top picks:

Beach Activities

Explore Marine Life During Low Tide.

• Head to the beach during low tide to explore tide pools, climb rocks, play in the sand, and swim. Beaches like El Matador State Beach and Leo Carrillo State Park are perfect for these activities.
• Tide Forecast

Playgrounds

Los Angeles is home to numerous playgrounds both along the beautiful beaches and within the bustling city. Families can enjoy beachfront playgrounds with stunning ocean views, such as those at Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach, where toddlers can play in the sand and surf. Within the city, parks like Griffith Park and Echo Park offer expansive play areas equipped with modern, safe playground equipment, providing endless fun for little ones amidst the urban landscape. Whether by the beach or in the heart of the city, LA's playgrounds are perfect spots for toddlers to explore and enjoy.

Shane's Inspiration Playground in Griffith Park is an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities.

Tongva Park is a beautiful park in Santa Monica with playgrounds, splash pads, and walking paths. It's a great spot for a picnic and outdoor play.

Woodand Hills Recreation Center is a family-friendly facility located in Woodland Hills, California. It offers a variety of recreational activities and amenities including sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and indoor community spaces. The center hosts various programs and events for all ages, such as youth sports leagues, fitness classes, and seasonal festivals, making it a vibrant community hub for residents and visitors alike.

Hiking Adventures

Easy Hikes Suitable for Toddlers

• Eaton Canyon Falls (Pasadena): A gentle hike leading to a beautiful waterfall, perfect for a family adventure.

• Paradise Falls (Thousand Oaks): An easy trail that leads to a stunning waterfall, great for little explorers.

• Malibu Creek State Park – Rock Pool via Crags Road Loop: Accessible with a stroller, this scenic hike requires a small car entrance fee but offers beautiful views and easy trails.

Echo Park

• It is a fantastic destination for toddlers, featuring a large playground with modern equipment and plenty of space for little ones to run around. The park also offers paddle boats and a serene lake, making it a perfect spot for family outings and picnics amidst lush greenery.

Gloria Molina Grand Park

• In downtown Los Angeles is a vibrant urban oasis offering expansive lawns, beautiful gardens, and interactive fountains. It's an ideal spot for families and toddlers, featuring plenty of open space for play, shaded areas for picnics, and frequent free community events and concerts. This park serves as a lively gathering place where the community can come together to enjoy the outdoors amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park

A Nature Escape in the City

• Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park in Van Nuys is a scenic recreational area perfect for families and children. The park features a large lake with paddle boats, expansive green spaces, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Toddlers can enjoy the playgrounds while older kids might like the bike paths and fishing opportunities. With its beautiful cherry blossom trees, jogging trails, and abundant wildlife, Lake Balboa offers a serene and enjoyable outdoor experience for visitors of all ages.
• This park features a lake where you can observe ducks, geese, and other birds. It also has two playgrounds and spacious grassy areas for relaxation and play.

Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve

Wildlife Watching and Nature Walks

• Adjacent to Lake Balboa, this wildlife reserve offers walking paths, bird watching, and a chance to see native flora and fauna. It's a peaceful spot for a leisurely stroll with your toddler.

Airplane Watching

Exciting Views for Little Aviators

• Airplane Landing View Point: Watch planes take off and land, providing endless excitement for toddlers.

• Santa Monica Airport Observation Deck: Combine your visit with a trip to the Museum of Flying for a small fee (Adults: $10, Seniors/Students: $8, Children 3-12: $6, Children 2 and under: Free).

California Science Center

Interactive Learning and Play

• The California Science Center in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, is an exciting destination for children and families, offering hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that make learning about science fun. Highlights include a range of permanent exhibits covering topics like ecosystems, human biology, and engineering, and the immersive IMAX theater. The center also features the Discovery Room, where young children can engage in tactile activities and experiments. With its engaging educational programs and dynamic exhibits, the California Science Center provides a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
• This free museum offers interactive exhibits that are perfect for toddlers. Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby rose garden.

Griffith Park

Griffith Observatory

Stargazing and Scenic Views

• Visit the observatory for free (excluding the Planetarium). You can hike Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory or drive and pay for parking. Enjoy stunning views of the city and the night sky.

Travel Town Museum:

• Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, is a delightful destination for children and families who love trains and transportation history. The museum features a collection of historic railroad locomotives, passenger cars, and other vintage transportation vehicles. Kids can explore the restored trains, learn about the history of rail travel, and enjoy interactive exhibits. The highlight for many young visitors is the miniature train ride that circles the museum grounds, offering a fun and engaging way to experience the exhibits. Travel Town Museum provides an educational and entertaining outing for train enthusiasts of all ages.
• A free outdoor museum featuring historic trains and vehicles. Kids can explore and even climb on some of the trains.

Getty Center

• The Getty Center in Los Angeles is a fantastic destination for families with toddlers and older children. The museum offers a variety of engaging activities designed to inspire young minds and make art appreciation fun and accessible.
• Offers free admission (parking fee applies) and has beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces that are perfect for exploring with toddlers. The Family Room provides hands-on activities and exhibits designed for young children.

The Getty Villa

• Offers free admission (parking fee applies) and boasts beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces ideal for exploring with toddlers. The Villa's unique setting replicates an ancient Roman country house, providing a rich cultural experience. The Family Forum provides hands-on activities and exhibits designed specifically for young children, making it a great family-friendly destination.

SRF Lake Shrine

• Discover the tranquil beauty of the Shrine Lake, where lush gardens, serene water features, and elegant landscapes create a peaceful retreat. The carefully designed surroundings provide a perfect blend of nature and architecture, offering a picturesque setting for relaxation and reflection. Kids get the opportunity to feed the swans, turtles and fish with the food provided in a park.

Reservation required.

Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens

Free on the First Thursday of Every Month

• Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino offer an enchanting experience for children, with 120 acres of themed gardens to explore. Kids can delight in the interactive Children's Garden, which features hands-on exhibits and water play areas designed to inspire curiosity and learning. The gardens also include the whimsical Rose Garden, the serene Japanese Garden, and the lush Jungle Garden, providing diverse natural settings for discovery. Educational programs, family-friendly events, and seasonal activities make the Huntington Botanical Gardens a wonderful destination for children to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor adventures.
• Advance reservation required. Tickets are released online the last Thursday of each month at 9 AM.

Los Angeles County Arboretum

Free on the Third Tuesday of Each Month

• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia is a 127-acre botanical garden offering a variety of activities and experiences for children. Kids can explore themed gardens, encounter peacocks roaming the grounds, and enjoy interactive exhibits such as the Children's Garden and the Peacock Discovery Garden. The Arboretum also offers educational programs, nature walks, and seasonal events designed to inspire a love of nature and gardening. With its beautiful landscapes and engaging activities, the Arboretum provides a fun and enriching outdoor experience for families and young nature enthusiasts.
• Advance reservation required. Tickets are released on the first day of each month at 9 AM.

Descanso Gardens

Free on the Third Tuesday of Each Month

• Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge is a beautiful 150-acre botanical garden offering a serene escape into nature. It features a variety of themed gardens, including a Japanese Garden, a Rose Garden, and an Oak Forest. The gardens are perfect for families, with winding paths, tranquil ponds, and vibrant seasonal displays. Children can enjoy the Enchanted Railroad, a miniature train ride, and interactive exhibits in the Nature’s Table and Harvest Garden. Descanso Gardens provides a peaceful and educational experience, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers of all ages.
• Advance reservation required. Tickets are released on the first day of each month at 10 AM.

Kidspace Children’s Museum

Free on First Fridays of Every Month

• Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena is a dynamic and interactive museum designed specifically for children. It features a wide array of exhibits that encourage hands-on learning and exploration, including water play areas, outdoor climbing structures, and creative arts stations. With its engaging activities and educational programs, Kidspace provides a fun and enriching environment for children of all ages to discover and learn through play. The museum is a popular destination for families seeking an enjoyable and educational outing in the Los Angeles area.
• Tickets are released approximately two weeks before the date of the visit. Check the website often for updates.

Los Angeles Zoo

Family Fun with Membership Options

• Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park and is home to over 1,400 animals representing more than 270 species from around the world. The zoo features a variety of exhibits that replicate natural habitats, providing an immersive experience for visitors. Highlights include the Rainforest of the Americas, the Elephants of Asia exhibit, and the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles) habitat. The LA Zoo offers educational programs, special events, and interactive experiences, making it a fantastic destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts to explore and learn about animal conservation.
• Consider a membership for year-round access. The zoo offers various interactive exhibits and animal encounters.

Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach)

Free for toddlers under 3years of age

• Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, is a renowned marine life institution featuring a diverse collection of over 11,000 animals representing more than 500 species. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the vibrant ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean, from the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific to the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. The aquarium offers interactive displays, touch tanks, and educational programs, making it a perfect destination for families and marine enthusiasts to learn about ocean conservation and marine biology in an engaging and immersive environment.
• Occasionally offers free admission days. Check their website for the latest information on memberships and special offers.

Los Angeles Public Library

Endless Free Options for Kids

• Libraries offer storytimes, puppet shows, and various activities such as LEGO Days for toddlers and young children. It's a great place to explore books and enjoy free programs.

Noah’s Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center

Free on Thursdays from 12 PM to 5 PM

• Noah's Ark at the Skirball is a unique, interactive exhibit located at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. This hands-on experience invites children and families to climb aboard a life-sized ark filled with whimsical, handcrafted animals. Through play and exploration, visitors can learn the story of Noah's Ark, participate in collaborative activities, and engage in creative problem-solving. The exhibit emphasizes themes of community, teamwork, and caring for the environment, making it an inspiring and educational destination for families.
• This interactive exhibit allows children to explore a life-sized ark filled with whimsical animals.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Free Admission on the Second Tuesday of Each Month

• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) offers a rich and engaging experience for children and adults. The museum features interactive exhibits, art-making activities, and special family-friendly events designed to inspire creativity and curiosity. With a vast collection of artworks spanning various cultures and time periods, LACMA offers children a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate art in an inviting and educational environment. The museum's outdoor installations and spacious galleries make it an ideal destination for families looking to combine fun and learning.
• Obtain a NexGenLA membership for children (17 and younger) for free admission. Don't miss Metropolis II, a must-see exhibit for toddlers.

The Original Farmers Market

• Stroll around the market, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and sample some of the delicious food. There are often free events and live music performances suitable for kids.

Conclusion

Los Angeles offers a wide array of free and low-cost activities that are perfect for toddlers. Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, visiting a museum, or playing at a park, there's always something exciting to do with your little one. Plan your next family outing and create unforgettable memories together!