Is the weather outside frightful? Its been chilly! Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered (no pun intended!) with these 5 ideas for indoor activities in downtown Los Angeles and Exposition Park with kids:
Location: California Science Museum
Cost: Free (IMAX and special exhibits cost extra)
Hours: 10 am - 5 pm
Why my kids like it: There is so much to do! From separate learning rooms for babies and toddlers, to a variety of different hands on experiences. My kid can easily get distracted on one activity for 30 mins. The IMAX movies are always
Why I like it: Always a great learning experience. The museum grows with your child. Every new visit you see your child engaging with something different and learning more about science. The space shuttle is awesome! (I also love the exhibit of photos of the space shuttle being transported through all Los Angeles, showing the different neighborhoods and people's excitement).
Location: Natural History Museum
Cost: $14 (adult), $11 (student, senior, youth 13-17), $11 (Child 3-12) 3D movies and special exhibits cost extra. Discounted packages are available
Hours: 9:30 am - 5 pm
Why my kids like it: The recent addition of 3D movies is a huge hit. The seasonal butterfly and spider pavilions are a very fun immersive experience. The gardens are great in the summer.
Why I like it: This was my favorite place to bring my kid when she was an active toddler, she could run and run in the great halls and look at all the dioramas. It was a great way to shelter from unpleasant weather. Very educational museum, well organized and never feels overwhelming. Love the dinosaurs, watching the paleontologists and the nature and bug demos. Great playground across the street.
Location: Central Library - Los Angeles Public library
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 10 am - 8 pm, Friday - Saturday: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, Sunday: 1 pm - 5 pm
Why my kids like it: Fabulous storytime with puppet shows.
Why I like it: The children's library is stunning. It was one of the only surviving areas of the old library (most of it burned down and then was remodeled). Beautiful place to relax and read books. The library has a very active calendar with storytimes, crafts and class. Click here for more information.
Location: Lemon Tree Kids and Family Restaurant
Cost: $9 per child for two hours of play. $2 for each additional half hour. Free admission for children under 12 months. Free admission for adults but must order meal
Hours: Sunday - Friday: 11am - 9 pm, Saturday: 10:30 am - 9 pm
Why my kids like it: The train, the play structure, legos. Kids are constantly playing.
Why I like it: you can eat whilst your kids play! Why aren't there places like this in every corner? Food is pretty decent and they have espresso coffee so I'm happy!
Location: Shatto Lanes
Cost: Shoes rentals $3, lanes start at $4
Hours: Friday-Saturday: 10 am -3 am, Sunday - Thursday: 10 am - 2 am
Why my kids like it: Kids love bowling. You can only get better!
Why I like it: Great for family bonding with older kids. Fun bar food. Thirty-nine lanes, billiards and an arcade.
Location: The Last Bookstore
Cost: Free to enter and explore
Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 10am -10pm, Friday - Saturday: 10 am - 11 pm
Why my kids like it: Lots of nook and crannies to explore, its like a adventure treasure hunt.
Why I like it: It's the largest used and new bookstore in California. Its beautiful with plenty of seating. Lots of restaurants nearby.
Don’t forget to check Macaroni Kid Downtown Los Angeles’ events calendar here for even more ideas for indoor (and outdoor!) family fun in Los Angeles. We keep the calendar updated with things to do in downtown Los Angeles, Exposition Park, Koreatown and Boyle Heights with kids so that you can spend less time looking for something to do and more quality time with your kids!
