Los Angeles · Los Angeles County, CA
Family things to do in Los Angeles
Scout analyzed 159 Los Angeles places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
159
Matches
24
Typical spend
$15
Typical visit
1.6 hr
Best neighborhoods for family
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Arts District
Urth Caffe
Urth Caffe is a bustling spot for a casual breakfast or lunch with friends or family, often involving a wait. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for coffee and a meal, with visits lasting about an hour.
Financial District
Bottega Louie
Bottega Louie is good for a bustling, upscale meal with friends or a date, and their pastry shop offers great grab-and-go treats. Expect to spend $30-75 per person for a 1.5-hour dining experience in a lively atmosphere.
Arts District
Manuela
Manuela is a good choice for a relaxed yet upscale meal with cocktails, suitable for a date or group outing. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for an experience lasting 1.5 to 2 hours, potentially pairing with a visit to the nearby arts complex.
Historic Core
Maccheroni Republic
This Italian restaurant with handmade pasta is good for a casual but delicious meal, taking about 1-1.5 hours and costing around $30-60 per person. It pairs well with an exploration of Downtown LA or a show nearby.
Hollywood Hills West
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon is a popular spot for a 1.5-2 hour urban hike with sweeping city views and many dogs. It's free to enter, but expect difficult parking and large crowds, especially on weekends.
Outdoors
Solstice Canyon
Solstice Canyon offers a free outdoor experience with hiking trails to a waterfall and historical ruins, taking 2-3 hours. It's a good standalone activity or can be paired with a drive along the coast.
Hollywood Hills
Yamashiro Hollywood
Yamashiro is a scenic choice for an upscale dinner with a view, typically lasting 1.5 hours. Expect to spend $100-$250 per person on Japanese and Cal-Asian cuisine and drinks.
Historic South-Central
Holbox
Holbox is a casual spot for Yucatan-style seafood like ceviche and tacos, suitable for a quick meal or a relaxed lunch. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for a visit lasting about an hour.
Hollywood Hills
Bronson Caves
Visit Bronson Caves for an hour-long outdoor walk through famous filming locations, offering views of the Hollywood Sign. It's a free activity that pairs well with other nearby Griffith Park attractions.
Griffith Park
Charlie Turner Trailhead
This trailhead offers a free, scenic outdoor activity for families or solo adventurers, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours. It's a good standalone activity for a clear day, but parking can be difficult.
Exposition Park
California Science Center
Admission's free to permanent exhibits at this kid-friendly spot, also boasting IMAX & the Endeavor.
Griffith Park
Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory
This is a 1.3-mile unmade trail that can be done as a solo or family adventure to reach the Griffith Observatory. It takes about 1.5 hours round trip, offers great views, and is free, though parking can be a challenge.
Outdoors
Angeles National Forest
This is a great destination for a half-day to full-day outdoor escape, offering hiking and scenic drives. It can be a very inexpensive outing, costing mostly for gas and an Adventure Pass if needed.
Outdoors
Trail Canyon Falls
Trail Canyon Falls is a natural hiking destination good for a few hours of outdoor exercise and scenic views, making it a good standalone cheap day out, especially on a weekend morning. Expect to spend 3-4 hours hiking to and from the falls.
Miracle Mile
Urban Light
Iconic, solar-powered light installation created in 2008 using 202 restored, cast iron street lamps.
Pacific Palisades
Temescal Canyon Park
Recreational area with hiking trails (with ocean views), a native garden, playground & BBQ pits.
Outdoors
Malibu Creek State Park
Spend a few hours or a full day hiking rugged trails, enjoying scenic views, and swimming at the rock pool. Expect to pay a parking fee and bring your own food and water.
Griffith Park
Griffith Park
Griffith Park is ideal for a full day of outdoor activities, including hiking, visiting the zoo, or enjoying city views. It can be a free outing or cost up to $50 per person if including attractions like the zoo or observatory.
Little Tokyo
Gloria Molina Grand Park
Gathering place featuring an intimate performance area, memorial fountain & wade-able membrane pool.
Northwest San Pedro
Averill Park
Walkways traverse this scenic, tree-filled park featuring a gazebo & man-made pond with ducks.
Hollywood Hills
Ferndell Nature Trail
Ferndell Nature Trail is a short, scenic walk suitable for families or a solo escape into nature, ideal for pairing with a visit to Griffith Park nearby. Expect to spend about an hour here at no cost.
Beverly Grove
Oste
Oste is a relaxed Italian spot suitable for a casual dinner or drinks with friends, typically taking 1.5 hours and costing around $20-50 per person. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Echo Park
Elysian Park Trail
Elysian Park Trail is a free, easy-going outdoor activity good for a solo walk or family outing, typically lasting 1.5 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or exploring other nearby parks.
Hollywood Hills
Wonder View Trailhead
This trailhead offers a moderate hike with good views of the Hollywood sign, making it suitable for a couple of hours outdoors. It's a free activity and can be paired with a meal or coffee in the nearby Hollywood area.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 159 analyzed Los Angeles places fit family.
- 53% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 10% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Adventurous, Social, Upscale, Playful.
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