Preparing for Thematic Photo Days in 2026

Venice Beach in Los Angeles (Picture credit: oneinchpunch,) The 2nd biggest city in the United States is filled with family-friendly activities. Los Angeles is home to over 90 museums, and the cosmopolitan area boasts around 15,000 dining establishments. Not surprising that L.A. is one of the best locations to check out in California with kids! Los Angeles also uses 24 miles (38.5 km) of sandy beaches along the California Coast.

Take in its special SoCal vibe, an extensive skate park, and an outside health club with musclebound locals raising weights under the California sun. Olvera Street in Los Angeles (Image credit: Colleen Lanin) The Getty Center is amongst the most popular tourist attractions in the Los Angeles location. The museum is filled with artwork by such artists as Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne.

Located on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory wows visitors with its planetarium, high-powered telescopes for public usage, and space exhibits. Families feel like they've crossed the border into Mexico on Olvera Street, likewise known as El Pueblo Historic Monument. This is the birthplace of Los Angeles. It features 27 historical structures and a central Mexican plaza.

Then, step way back in time at La Brea Tar Pits and Nature Museum. Kids might wonder if they've gone into Jurassic Park as they gaze at life-sized statues of woolly mammoths, huge sloths, and other extinct animals in pools of gooey asphalt bubbling from the earth. Positioning at The Huntington (Image credit: Phil Journeys In between) An individual favorite, The Huntington Botanical Gardens stretches across 130 visitable acres (half a square kilometer).

Comparing Thematic Family Art for Your Family

Kids especially take pleasure in Helen and Peter Bing Children's Garden, which features spirited, hands-on aspects such as tunnels, splash areas, fairy doors, and more. Cover a great deal of ground with a Los Angeles Go City All-Inclusive Pass for 40+ Destinations, consisting of the Los Angeles Zoo, Knott's Berry Farm in close-by Buena Park, and far more.

A residential area of Los Angeles, Burbank has hundreds of significant movie and tv studios. Burbank is home to around 100,00 locals and three powerhouse studios: Walt Disney Studios, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Warner Bros Studio. For an immersive take a look at sets and souvenirs from preferred programs and movies, book a Warner Bros.

For a tasty serving of movies and TV programs with a side of roller coasters and live shows, Universal Studios Hollywood is a must. This is particularly real for Harry Potter fans, who will love the Wizarding World at this theme park. Of course, you will also desire to see the iconic Hollywood Sign and stroll along the popular Hollywood Stroll of Popularity.

Yosemite National forest Valley landscape (Picture credit: haveseen,) Resplendent with hiking tracks, waterfalls, and towering trees, Yosemite is a place of natural wonder. In 2024, a record-breaking 4.1 million visitors visited this cherished national forest. It covers almost 750,000 acres (3,035 sq km) and is home to wildlife like foxes, deer, cougars, and black bears.

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Yosemite opened in 1890 and stays among the nation's finest examples of land preservation. Sculpted by glaciers over tens of countless years, Yosemite Valley features granite giants El Capitan and Half Dome. Families looking for to explore California's natural charm will love checking out Yosemite. Plan your journey with these Yosemite National forest pointers.

While in this desert sanctuary, don't miss out on a crave-worthy date shake made with fruits from the location's abundant palm trees. Families are captivated with The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. This impressive zoo and botanical garden offers ingenious play areas for kids and a fun design train display. Giant spinning wind turbines in the Palm Springs location produce an electrifying 1.5 million megawatt-hours.

Soar from the desert valley to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains by means of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The cars and truck's floor turns throughout the ride, so guests get a 360-degree view of the Coachella Valley. Captivated? Discover more things to do in Palm Springs with kids. The Channel Islands in Ventura County (Image credit: Colleen Lanin) For an unique selection of household activities, consider a Ventura County trip.

Families likewise enjoy walking Ventura Harbor Town for ice cream and waterfront views, or spending a relaxed afternoon on the wide, uncrowded beaches that specify this coastal region.

Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier includes a lots rides, including the 130-foot-tall Pacific Wheel and a full-sized roller coaster. You'll also discover every reward your cravings for sweets might long for and a huge selection of game games with rewards. Households likewise enjoy strolling the Third Street Promenade for shopping, street performers, and easy dining simply a few blocks from the beach.

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Adults and kids of all ages can't help however feel awestruck by the massive sequoias in the Giant Forest. This nationwide park boasts the world's biggest tree, General Sherman.

Known for its glacial-carved canyon, Kings Canyon, is among the deepest in North America. This park uses dramatic rock formations, rugged wilderness, and remote hiking trails. Discover more about Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and other national forests in California, like Death Valley and Channel Islands, in my list of the best national forests in the U.S. Joshua Tree National Forest (Photo credit: lunamarina,) Located about an hour from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National forest is necessary for households who wish to check out natural marvels in California.

Calico Mine Ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, a residential area of Los Angeles (Image credit: Colleen Lanin) Simply a short drive from Los Angeles, Buena Park is a dream for families who enjoy amusement parks, themed adventures, and easy trip fun.

Must-See Neighborhood Resources for New Families

Summer season visitors can cool off at Soak City Water Park, while yearround home entertainment includes Medieval Times and Pirates Supper Experience. It's a simple addon to any Southern California journey and a great home for exploring close-by beaches, Orange County, and LA. Explore more in my guide to Buena Park with kids.

Discover SoCal's best-kept trick (shh!) with my La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club review. Find out about a surprise gem desert trip area with these things to do in Borrego Springs. For much more California bucket list concepts, take a look at this California trip travel plan, a list of national forests in California, and my comprehensive brochure of California getaways and suggestions.