Explore Free or Low-Cost Activities for Toddlers in or near Los Angeles, Part 2
Discover the best free and low-cost activities for toddlers in Los Angeles. From educational open houses and interactive museum visits to outdoor adventures like camping and whale watching, this guide ensures endless fun and learning opportunities without breaking the bank.
Los Angeles offers a plethora of free or low-cost activities that are perfect for toddlers. From educational open houses to engaging museum visits, the city is packed with options that provide fun and learning opportunities for young children. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best activities you can enjoy with your toddler without breaking the bank.
Garbage Station Open House/ LASAN
There are 6 Open Houses each year. The free event will showcase trash trucks and equipment demonstrations. Attendees can enjoy facility tours, visit information booths, participate in recycling games, and enjoy refreshments. The toddlers will even have an opportunity to sit inside the favorite track. These events often include tours of the facility, demonstrations of how garbage is processed, and interactive activities for kids.
Families and children enjoyed an educational and fun-filled day at the Sanitation Open House, exploring the impressive sanitation trucks and interacting with local law enforcement and sanitation workers. The event provided hands-on learning experiences and activities, making it an exciting outing for everyone.
Fire Station Open House/LAFD
Fire station open houses are thrilling adventures for young children. In Los Angeles, these events take place on the second Saturday of each May, designated as "Fire Service Day." For a small fee, toddlers and older kids have the opportunity to meet firefighters, explore fire trucks, and learn about fire safety. Many fire stations in Los Angeles celebrate this day with special open house events.
Children and families have a thrilling opportunity to explore the impressive fire engines of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Blacksmith Shop in Encino for Kids
Visiting a blacksmith can be an exciting experience for kids. The blacksmith in Los Encinos State Historic Park offers demonstrations and hands-on activities where children can observe the work and learn about metalworking. Demonstrations of blacksmithing occur the third Sunday of the month from 1 pm to 3 pm
Exploring the rich history and natural beauty of Los Encinos State Historic Park: Enjoy a stroll by the tranquil pond and witness the traditional craftsmanship of the blacksmith at work, offering a captivating experience for visitors of all ages.
Cayton Children’s Museum
The Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica offers a wide range of interactive exhibits designed for young children. Families that experience financial hardship can apply for PLAY4ALL pass and visit the the place for free with their toddler.
Exploring interactive exhibits at the Cayton Children's Museum, where toddlers can immerse themselves in imaginative landscapes.
Camping with Toddlers
Camping is a wonderful way to introduce toddlers to nature. Several campgrounds near Los Angeles offer family-friendly amenities and activities. Sites like Malibu Creek State Park and Leo Carrillo State Park provide excellent options for a weekend getaway. Remember to bring essential gear and plan activities suitable for young children to ensure a memorable experience.
Enjoying the great outdoors: From tent camping to RV adventures, there's something for every family at Los Angeles' scenic campgrounds, offering plenty of space for kids to explore and play.
Supercar Sunday at Pierce College
For toddlers and young children who love cars, Super Car Sunday at Pierce College is a must-visit event. This weekly gathering showcases a variety of exotic and classic cars. The event is free and offers plenty of opportunities for kids to marvel at the vehicles and even meet some car owners.
Airshows Near Los Angeles for 2025
Airshows are spectacular events that captivate children of all ages. These shows feature thrilling aerial performances and static displays of various aircraft. The upcoming annual Air show "Wings Over Camarillo" will take place on August 17-18, 2024. For more locations and ticket information:
Experiencing the excitement of the Camarillo Airshow: From classic car displays and military vehicle parades to up-close encounters with aircraft and breathtaking aerial performances, this event offers thrilling activities for all ages.
Free or Low-Cost Car Racing in or Near Los Angeles in 2024
Car racing events provide an exhilarating experience for toddlers. Venues like the Irwindale Speedway often host free or low-cost events. These family-friendly races offer a chance for kids to enjoy the excitement of motorsports in a safe environment.
Monster Jam Visiting with a Toddler
Monster Jam events are a hit with young children. The show features massive trucks performing jumps, flips, and other stunts. While not always free, tickets can often be found at a low cost. Ensure to check event schedules and book in advance to get the best deals.
Ensure to get noise cancelling headphones to protect ears of your little one as the event is loud. Sensory bags can be provided at no cost by leaving an ID at Crypto.com Arena at Guest Services to better enjoy the event.
Thrilling moments at Monster Jam: Witness the incredible stunts and powerful performances of iconic monster trucks like Megalodon, Grave Digger, and El Toro Loco, providing an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.
Home Depot and Lowe's Kids Workshops
Home Depot and Lowe's offer free workshops for kids, providing a fantastic opportunity for hands-on learning. These workshops are held monthly and teach children how to build simple projects. Pre-registration is usually required, so check the stores' websites for upcoming dates and registration details.
Festivals for Toddlers
Los Angeles hosts numerous festivals throughout the year that are perfect for toddlers. Some notable festivals include:
- Pirate Invasion Festival in Long Beach: Features pirate-themed activities, shows, and parades. The event will take place at Long Beach's Shoreline Aquatic Park on June 29th(11am-10pm) & 30th (11am-8pm), 2024
- Adult ticket $20.00
- Child ticket $10.00 (ages 5 and under are free)
- Fuel Fest: Showcases a variety of cars with family-friendly entertainment.
- Pasadena Chalk Festival: Displays amazing chalk art and provides activities for kids. The annual free event will return to the Plaza at the Pasadena Convention Center on June 22nd &2 3rd, 2024
- California Watermelon Festival: Celebrates everything watermelon with games and contests. It will take place at Hansen Dam Soccer Fields
11480 Foothill Blvd, Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342 on June 22nd & 23rd, 2024 (10am-10pm)- Adult ticket $20.00
- Child ticket (ages 5-12) $16.00
- Parking Ticket $10.00
Santa Monica Pier/Aquarium
At Santa Monica Pier, toddlers can enjoy gentle rides at Pacific Park, explore marine life at the Santa Monica's Pier Heal the Bay Aquarium (Kids 12 and under can enter for free with an adult ticket purchase), and play on the nearby beach. They can also delight in watching street performers, grabbing a snack, and browsing the shops for souvenir. The pier offers a variety of activities to ensure a fun and engaging experience for the whole family.
Wildlife Learning Center at Sylmar
The Wildlife Learning Center in Sylmar offers an up-close look at a variety of animals. Admission is low-cost, and the center provides educational programs and interactive experiences suitable for toddlers.
Experience the wonders of the Wildlife Learning Center: From meeting tortoises and prairie dogs to admiring colorful macaws, this center offers an engaging and educational adventure for the whole family.
Whale Watching Tour
Whale watching tours offer a magnificent experience for toddlers and their families. Several companies in Los Angeles provide affordable tours where you can see whales, dolphins, and other marine life in their natural habitat. This adventure is not only exciting but also educational, offering insights into marine biology and conservation.
Davey's Locker Whale Watching & Sportfishing: Newport Beach
Harbor Breeze: Long Beach
Dana Wharf Whale Watching and Dolphin Tours: Dana Point
Exploring marine life with Davey's Locker whale watching tour: Spotting playful dolphins, lounging sea lions, and the stunning coastal scenery makes for an unforgettable family adventure.
Conclusion
Exploring Los Angeles with your toddler doesn't have to be expensive. With a little planning, you can find numerous free or low-cost activities that are both fun and educational. From open houses and workshops to festivals and nature excursions, there’s always something exciting to do in this vibrant city.
This guide aims to help you create lasting memories with your little ones without straining your budget. Enjoy your adventures in Los Angeles!