Experience · Los Angeles

Family Zoo Day & Griffith Park Exploration

Dive into an engaging afternoon at the Los Angeles Zoo, where kids can discover animals from around the world. Afterward, enjoy a casual meal at Tam O'Shanter, a local favorite known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Finish the day with a gentle stroll through the scenic Ferndell Nature Trail, a perfect way for everyone to unwind.

A 5-hour Los Angeles afternoon plan for families — Los Angeles Zoo, Tam O'Shanter, Ferndell Nature Trail.

Duration: 5 hrs
Cost: $75–$150
Stops: 3 stops
Area: Griffith Park + 2 more
Walking: Light walking · Total 4.8-mile driving route
Best time: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for: Families · Kids

Start Plan

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The plan

1Los Angeles Zoo(3 hrs)→
2Tam O'Shanter(1 hr)→
3Ferndell Nature Trail(1 hr)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 4.8 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Los Angeles instead of crossing town between them. Los Angeles Zoo is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Ferndell Nature Trail — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families and families with kids who want a planned Los Angeles outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
3 hrs
Los Angeles Zoo
Family · Griffith Park
Zoo & botanical gardens open since 1966 containing more than 270 animal species & 800 plant species.
What to do — Explore the various habitats, watch animal feedings, and let the kids enjoy the children's areas. There's plenty to see!
Scout Side Quest
Spot the animal that looks the most like it just woke up from a three-day nap.
Book it · Los Angeles Zoo
G'day LA by Luxury E-Bike: Griffith Park, Observatory to LA River
5.0 (59)3.3 hrFrom $1750.9 mi away
Check availability
Los Angeles Private Tour
5.0 (21)4 hrFrom $3652.1 mi away
Check availability
2.1 mi · 8 min drive
Then A very short drive will take you to a nearby family-friendly restaurant.
2
1 hr
Tam O'Shanter
Food & Drink · Atwater Village
Scottish pub, housed in a Tudor-style building, with plaid-clad waiters serving prime rib & drinks.
What to do — Enjoy a casual, homestyle meal at a historic Scottish pub known for its family-friendly atmosphere and comfort food.
2.7 mi · 9 min drive
Then A short walk brings you to a tranquil nature trail for a leisurely end to the day.
3
Optional 1 hr
Ferndell Nature Trail
Outdoors · Hollywood Hills
Quarter-mile footpath along a man-made stream, shaded by tropical foliage & sycamore trees.
What to do — Enjoy a peaceful walk along the man-made stream, letting the kids explore the lush surroundings before heading home.
Scout Side Quest
Find the plant that looks the most like a gourmet snack for a hungry dinosaur.

Scout Stories

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The route

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Los Angeles itinerary for families?: Yes. It's built for families and families with kids and runs about 5 hrs across 3 stops, starting at Los Angeles Zoo.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 5 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Los Angeles itinerary cost?: Roughly $75–$150 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Not entirely. The stops cover about 4.8 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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