71 Free Things To Do in Los Angeles This Summer with Kids
Free things to do in Los Angeles are sprawling across Southern California, providing complimentary settings for summer fun. The water parks are open, camps are starting, and your wallet is draining faster than a contaminated kiddie pool— but never fear because there are so many free things to do in Los Angeles with kids in the summer. There are plenty of amusement parks and attractions that allow kids in for free. You can also take advantage of all the city's free museum days. Then, look at the list below and create your bucket list of free fun for kids in LA.
Want some ideas for free summer fun at home? Check out our Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas: 100 (Mostly) Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids.
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Best Free Things To Do in Los Angeles This Summer with Kids
1. Travel Town - Griffith Park
Take your train-obsessed tot over to Travel Town in Griffith Park. While a ride on the train isn't free, entrance to the grounds where you can see all the trains (and even see some ongoing preservation work taking place) is always free, seven days a week.
2. Grunion Runs - San Pedro
These slippery little fish light up the beaches on summer evenings.
3. Concerts on Canon - Beverly Hills
Bring your picnic baskets and blankets for a relaxing evening packed with excellent music on the lawn at the Beverly Canon Gardens, adjacent to the Montage Hotel. These concerts put on by the City of Beverly Hills span a wide variety of musica genres from rock to pop, to Persian, to Caribbean and more.
4. Friday Movie Nights at Ovation - Hollywood
Nothing is better on a warm summer night than an outdoor movie—especially when it's free. Ovation Hollywood screens blockbusters on the last Friday night of each month from March through November.
5. Grand Park Splash Pad - DTLA
There are splash pads all across the city, the perfect way to beat the heat for free! One of our favorites is the epic splash pad at Grand Park- which is as "grand" as the rest of the park is.
RELATED: Beach Playgrounds in LA & OC
Zuma Beach is a great beach for kids. Photo by Ben and Rachel Apps/Flickr
6. Mother's Beach - Long Beach
The coast is packed with excellent beaches that are free to visit, though sometimes parking for free can be a challenge. Mother's Beach provides a gentle seaside spot for toddlers with lapping waves and a sandy shore.
7. Wattles Garden Park - Hollywood
Discover this hidden park in the Hollywood Hills.
8. Broad Museum - DTLA
Learn about modern art at this DTLA museum on Bunker Hill. Free museum tickets go fast, so be sure to register online well in advance of the date you'd like to visit, especially if you're hoping to take a peek in Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room.
9. Newport Dunes Movies on the Beach - Newport Beach
Catch a family-friendly film on the sand this summer at Newport Dunes Resort, for free. Just bring blankets and snacks.
10. Sand Sledding - Point Mugu
The giant sand hill is a Malibu icon and a right of passage for any Southern California kid. This one isn't built just for sledding in the winter—kids can sled here in the summer, too.
11. Los Angeles Audubon Society Bird Tours - Various Locations
The organization leads guided walks in parks all over the city. Space is limited so sign up in advance!
12. California Science Center - Exposition Park
While tickets to the IMAX are not free, entrance to the museum is. You never have to pay a cent to see the sharks that live in the Kelp Forest, play in the touch tanks, and discover the magic of the science center's new exhibit: Goosebumps! The Science of Fear.
13.Grand Central Market - DTLA
The food isn't free, but the sights, sounds, and smells sure are. And while some of the trendier lunch places are a little pricier, there are still spots where you can get cheap candy or fruits to snack on. Grand Central Market is also steps away from Angel's Flight, an iconic LA attraction that isn't free, but it is only $2 per ticket.
14. Malibu Bluffs Park - Malibu
This stunning park has a zip-line, a playground, and stunning views of the coastline where you can sometimes spot dolphins and whales.
RELATED: Best Botanical Gardens for Los Angeles Kids, Plus Cool Hidden Oases
Stroll the grounds and take in Hollywood history. Photo courtesy of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
15. Hollywood Forever Cemetery - Hollywood
See the last resting places of film and music stars, and visit more than 50 peacocks, and 70+ cats that call the cemetery home.
16. Painted Stairways - Silver Lake
Painted stairs are hiding in plain sight in the hills of Silver Lake- perfect for photos and excercise.
17. Venice Canals - Venice Beach
These man-made wetland canals by Venice Beach, built in 1905 by the developer Abbot Kinney, make for a fun walk with kids where they can look for boats and birds before swinging by the popular Abbot Kinney Boulevard for a snack.
18. Venice Electric Light Parade - Venice Beach
Every Sunday, Venice locals hop on their bikes in neon outfits to promote bike safety and ride through the streets. Kids (and parents) can join the ride with their own brightly decorated bikes, or watch from the sidewalks.
19. Pacific Marine Mammal Center - Laguna Beach
Seeing the sea lions at the Laguna Beach rescue center is free (though donations are appreciated). The center is open daily from 10am to 4pm, and reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.
20. Marine Mammal Care Center - San Pedro
This is another free place to see rescued marine life. Reserve your spot online to visit Friday to Monday from 10am to 4pm. A donation of $5 per person is suggested, but not required.
RELATED: Best Dance Classes for Kids in Los Angeles: Ballet, Hip Hop, Toddler
Dance under the stars in DTLA. Photo courtesy of the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles
21. Dance DTLA - DTLA
Swing, samba, or dance as the sun sets on Friday evenings in DTLA this summer.
22. LA Arboretum - Arcadia
The third Tuesday of every month is a free day. Just remember that tickets for free days must be booked in advance.
23. Hammer Museum - Mid-Wilshire
The Hammer Museum in Westwood is home to eclectic artwork, from the classics to groundbreaking modern works. Best of all, it's always free.
24. Mural Mile - Van Nuys
Check out the city's vibrant street art scene. This giant mural in Van Nuys is over 300 feet wide. Looking for more street art? We know just where to find it.
25. Jimmy Kimmel LIVE - Hollywood
Catch a taping of Kimmel for free. There are several ticket distributors so be sure to check all of the sites to find your favorite show. Pay attention to age requirements, as some shows are 16 or 18 and up.
26. Annenberg Beach House - Santa Monica
The splash pad, playground, and beach area are all free and open to the public year-round. The pool area has more limited hours and charges an entry fee.
RELATED: The Best Playgrounds with Shade in Los Angeles
Entertainment awaits at Universal CityWalk. Photo courtesy of Universal Studios
27. Universal CityWalk - Universal City
The lights, the sounds, and the music provide hours of entertainment. While you may have to put up a penny or two for parking, there are plenty of free photo ops, shops to browse, and live performers to admire without having to pony up too much cash.
28. Leo Carrillo State Park Tidepools - Malibu
From crabs to tiny octopuses, you never know what you'll find lurking in these pools.
29. MOCA Geffen Contemporary - Little Tokyo
Explore modern art for free. The MOCA happens to have two location- the MOCA Grand is located on Bunker Hill. Free tickets are available online.
30. The Strand - Pacific Palisades to Palos Verdes
This seaside bike path is the perfect way to catch some rays and get some excercise in at the same time. We love to bust out our scooters, skates, or wheels and take a spin by the ocean.
31. Avila Adobe - DTLA
Yes, Los Angeles is actually a historic city! Learn more about the early days of the Pueblo at the Avila Adobe on a free tour.
32. Ferndell - Griffith Park
This perfect grotto in Griffith Park has easy walking trails for little legs. Nestled in the trees is a whimsical playground, with a cafe across the road.
RELATED: Insider's Guide to Griffith Park: More Things to do Than Most Angelenos Know
Welcome to my mansion! Greystone Mansion is a great place for outdoor hide-and-seek. Photo by Meghan Rose
33. Greystone Mansion - Beverly Hills
Greystone is open to the public and you can tour the grounds seven days a week, though check the website for daily closures as it's a frequent filming location. The whole family can relax at this gorgeous public park in Beverly Hills with rolling green hills, turtle ponds, and just a great atmosphere for pretending that you're a knight defending a castle.
34. Wende Museum
Beat the heat indoors while learning about the Cold War at this little-known Culver City museum. Admission is always free and the museum is open Friday to Sunday.
35. Nothin' but Sand Beach Clean Up - Santa Monica
Heal the Bay hosts Nothin' But Sand beach cleanups at a different LA County beach each month. We all use these gorgeous beaches, so we all should help keep them clean.
36. La Brea Tar Pits - Mid-Wilshire
The grounds are always free and LA County residents receive free admission to the museum Monday to Friday from 3-5pm, or you can get in for free through the Discover & Go Los Angeles Public Library program.
37. Balboa Island - Newport Beach
Stroll about, window shop, look at all the boats, and don't forget to stop by the free Balboa Island Museum. Ask about the Kids Scavenger Hunt!
RELATED: Kid-Friendly Always-Free Museums in Los Angeles
Let the little ones interpret their version of art. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins
38. The Getty Center - Crestwood Hills
Ok, we said art, but you're a parent. What we meant was, ride up and down the tram about 100 times with your kids. They just adore it. Take a break in the middle to chase them around the garden. And maybe see a little art.
39. Point Vincente Interpretive Center - Rancho Palos Verdes
No need to pay for a boat ride, when you can search from shore with the experts at Point Vicente Interpretive Center.
40. ** Shakespeare by the Sea
Performances of Hamlet and Twelfth Night are performed Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for most of the summer.
41. Experience the rich history of Olvera Street
Step back into history, as this is the oldest part of downtown LA. And while you're here, don't forget to grab a snack at Mr. Churro.
RELATED: Hiking in Los Angeles: The Best Hiking Trails for Families
Hike up Mt. Lee to see the Hollywood sign up close. Photo by David Fulmer/CC BY 2.0
42. Hike up to the Hollywood sign
You can't get quite all the way to the letters anymore, but you can come pretty darn close! And every kid growing up in LA needs to do this once.
43. Attend a Star Party at the Griffith Observatory
Once a month, the Griffith Observatory hosts a free Star Party. Amateur astronomers are on hand to answer any questions you have about the cosmos.
44. Window shop at Westfield Century City
Who says you have to buy anything at the mall? Stroll around the gorgeous outdoor Westfield Century City, and take the kids to the first floor play space after you peruse the shops.
45. See where your favorite TV show (or movie) was filmed
See the Brady Bunch house, the Bat Cave, and some other famous filming locations that don't begin with "B."
46. Explore the Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Can you tell we just love these little-known free museums? Not only is admission free, but parking is free, too.
47. Hike to a waterfall
After the rainstorms this winter, waterfalls are gushing all over LA. See them in all their glory this summer.
RELATED: Wonderful Wildlife Hikes for Kids in Los Angeles
Dive into ocean exploration. Photo courtesy of the Roundhouse Aquarium
48. Visit The Roundhouse Aquarium
The Roundhouse Aquarium welcomes families to the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier to meet the animals and learn about the ocean. Admission is free, though donations are always appreciated.
49. Take advantage of free admission days
Loads of museums and other venues have free days in LA and OC.
50. Read and browse at your local library (or check out a new one)
Not only is it free to borrow books (and take part in storytime and other activities), you can earn free treats by reading! We can't recommend the Cerritos Library enough.
51. Stomp the divots at Will Rogers State Park
Free guided tours are offered of the house and grounds, and all summer long you can catch a free polo match on Saturday or Sunday.
52. Pay a visit to the historic Point Fermin Lighthouse
Historic Point Fermin Lighthouse near San Pedro is free, though a donation is suggested. There are also free guided tours in the afternoon!
RELATED: The Best Playgrounds in Los Angeles: They're Even Worth Crossing the 405
Picnic in the park. Clover Park, photo courtesy of santamonica.gov
53. Pack lunch and head for a summery picnic spot
Some of our favorite locations include Lake Balboa, Polliwog Park, Brookside Park, and Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area (though note that you have to pay an entrance fee on weekends and holidays).
54. Build a campfire at Dockweiler Beach
Visit one of LA County's most underrated beaches where there are 40 fire pits. Make sure to bring your chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows.
55. Let kids play on the giant whale on the rooftop of Santa Monica Place
While you can't shop for free at the beach-adjacent mall, kids can have a blast playing on the rooftop. Then you can walk down to the Santa Monica Pier afterward.
56. Sling arrows at one of LA's free archery clubs
Teach your kids a unique new skill at one of the city's many free archery clubs.
57. Enjoy an evening of astronomy at the Garvey Ranch Observatory
The Garvey Ranch location of the LA Astronomical Society hosts free public viewings every Wednesday night.
58. Soak in some jazz at LACMA
LACMA offers free jazz concerts by some of the greatest musicians in the city on Friday nights in June.
59. Search for posh pooches on Rodeo Drive
Strolling Rodeo is as iconically LA as hiking to the Hollywood Sign. And just as free. There's always a few sweater-clad poodles strolling down boulevards in Beverly Hills.
60. Put your hands in the cement at Mann's Chinese Theatre
You can soak in some classic Hollywood, and stand where legends stood in front of Mann's Chinese Theatre. Then, stroll the Walk of Fame and look for your favorite celebrities.
61. Browse records at Amoeba
While you'll have to pay if you fall in love with a vinyl, you can browse Amoeba for free, and take in a slice of the Hollywood music scene.
It's all about the trucks. Photo courtesy of LA Sanitation & Environment
62. Ride in a real trash truck at an LA Sanitation & Environment Open House
If you have a toddler who can't wait for trash day, then he or she will love these special open houses at LA Sanitation and Environment Yards in different Los Angeles locations.
63. Visit the Getty Villa in Malibu
We mentioned the Getty Center earlier, but this smaller Getty venue in Malibu is a sight to behold, and offers free family workshops throughout the summer.
64. Attend a Summer Parks After Dark event
From sports challenges to back to school bashes, these free events at 37 local parks are hosted by the LA County Parks and Rec department and are completely free.
65. Taste fresh produce at a local farmers market
Whether you check out the Original Farmers Market in Mid-City, or choose a local market near your home, there are plenty of places with fresh fruits and veggies, along with a host of free samples all throughout LA.
66. All aboard for a free train ride in Wilson Park
The Southern California Live Steamers offers free rides on their miniature train on the first Sunday, and the third Saturday of every month.
Enjoy Hawaii without leaving the mainland. Photo courtesy of the Pacific Islander Festival
67. Pretend you are in Hawaii at a Pacific Islander festival
There are several pacific islander festivals in LA this summer, including the Alondra Park Ho'olau'e'a and the Pacific Islander Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
68. Celebrate Asian heritage at the Lotus Festival
This free festival at Echo Park Lake highlights a different Asian culture every year.
69. Give babies some culture at OCMA
Orange County's newest art museum hosts special events for babies and toddlers on weekday mornings.
70. Enjoy fireworks on the 4th of July at several free spots
We update our fireworks guide annually, and note which shows are free to watch. Grand Park is the most popular event of them all, and both the block party and fireworks show are free every year.
71. Climb Aboard Noah's Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center
Noah's Ark (and the rest of the Skirball) is free on Thursdays, though we suggest you reserve a visitation time in advance on their website.
And don't forget there are always more free things to do in Los Angeles in our daily events calendar. Stay cool, and have (free) fun!