Los Angeles with Kids: A Doable 5-Day Family Itinerary

My 10-year-old had been asking to go to Los Angeles for a couple of years. I think he just wanted to see what all the hype was about. I kept telling him that we’d get there eventually.

Then this spring, Allegiant Airlines added a nonstop flight from Des Moines to Burbank Airport. When I saw the ticket prices, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to finally make it happen.

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about planning a family trip to Los Angeles.

I had visited LA several times before having kids, and the one thing I remembered most was the traffic.

I worried we’d spend half of our vacation sitting in the car while everyone got cranky.

I was also unsure if we’d find enough activities that would appeal to all four of our boys.

As it turns out, I didn’t need to worry.

By being strategic about where we stayed and grouping attractions by area, we were able to avoid spending most of our trip in traffic.

In fact, there was really only one day where we spent a significant amount of time in the car.

I was also pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly Los Angeles felt. From Universal Studios Hollywood and the Hollywood Walk of Fame to Santa Monica Beach and Griffith Observatory, there was never a shortage of things for our boys to do.

In fact, even after five days, we still didn’t get to everything on our list.

If you’re planning a family trip to Los Angeles, here’s exactly how we spent five days in LA with kids.

Our Los Angeles Trip at a Glance

Airport: Hollywood Burbank Airport

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Glendale

Rental Car: Minivan from Enterprise

Length of Trip: 5 Days

Kids Ages: 12, 10, 6, and 4

Highlights of Our Trip

• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Hollywood Boulevard
• Celebrity Homes Tour
• Funko Hollywood
• Lake Hollywood Park
• Santa Monica Beach
• Griffith Observatory
• The Grove and Original Farmers Market

Why We Chose Glendale

One of the biggest decisions when planning a Los Angeles trip is deciding where to stay.

Because Los Angeles is so spread out, I spent a lot of time researching the areas we wanted to visit before booking our hotel.

I knew Universal Studios Hollywood was one of our top priorities, and I also knew we wanted to spend time exploring Hollywood.

Glendale ended up being a great fit for our family.

It was close to Universal Studios Hollywood, close to Hollywood Boulevard, and less than a mile from both the Americana at Brand and Glendale Galleria.

It also gave us easy access to the Burbank Airport.

Most importantly, it helped reduce some of the driving we would have otherwise done.

No matter where you stay in Los Angeles, you’re going to encounter traffic. However, choosing a location close to your top attractions can make a huge difference.

Day 1: Arrival Day and Americana at Brand

We flew Allegiant from Des Moines into Burbank and picked up our rental minivan at the airport.

By the time we got checked into our hotel and settled into our room, it was already early evening.

We were excited to be in California, but we were also a little tired from traveling, so we decided to keep our first night simple.

For dinner, we headed to Shake Shack at the Americana at Brand.

The Americana at Brand is an outdoor shopping and entertainment district in Glendale that quickly became one of our favorite spots during the trip.

After dinner, we wandered around the shops and watched the fountain show.

It was a relaxing way to start our vacation without feeling rushed.

Day 2: Universal Studios Hollywood

Our first full day was spent at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Visiting Super Nintendo World was high on our boys’ wish lists, so we knew Universal Studios Hollywood needed to be part of our itinerary.

We were most excited about visiting Super Nintendo World, so I purchased Early Access tickets that allowed us to enter the land at 9:00 a.m. before the general crowds arrived.

The Early Access pass cost an additional $20 per person, and for our family, it was absolutely worth it.

Super Nintendo World is located at the far end of the park, and it takes a little time to get there.

Having that head start allowed us to beat the biggest crowds and enjoy the area before it became busy.

We were able to get photos with multiple characters and ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge before the general admission crowd even entered the land.

It made for a great start to the day.

From there, we spent the rest of the day exploring the park.

Highlights for our family included Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the famous Studio Tour. We arrived early and stayed until evening, making the most of our day.

If Universal Studios Hollywood is on your itinerary, I highly recommend dedicating an entire day to it.

After a full day at the park, we headed back to Glendale to relax for the evening.

Day 3: Hollywood Day

Our third day was what I affectionately call our Hollywood Day.

Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Celebrity Homes Tour

We started the morning with a two-hour Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Celebrity Homes Tour with Hollywood Bus Tours.

I wasn’t sure how the boys would feel about a bus tour, but it ended up being one of our favorite things we did in Los Angeles.

Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and interactive, which kept everyone engaged throughout the tour.

We drove by current and former homes of celebrities including Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, and many others.

Personally, I was pretty excited to drive by the gates of the Bachelor Mansion!

The tour was also the perfect length for families. It was long enough to see a lot of the area but short enough that the kids never got bored.

We even made a stop at the Beverly Hills sign where everyone could stretch their legs, take pictures, and use the restroom.

If you’re looking for a fun way to see Hollywood and Beverly Hills without spending hours in the car, I thought this tour was a great option for families.

Hollywood Boulevard

After the tour, we spent time exploring Hollywood Boulevard.

The boys loved searching for celebrities they recognized along the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

We also stopped at the TCL Chinese Theatre to see the famous handprints and footprints.

It’s one thing to see these landmarks on television and another to stand there in person. It’s incredible!

Lunch at Raising Cane’s

For lunch, we kept things simple and grabbed food at Raising Cane’s.

Sometimes vacation lunches don’t need to be fancy. It was quick, convenient, and kept us moving.

Dolby Theatre and Ovation Hollywood

After lunch, we walked through Ovation Hollywood and checked out the Dolby Theatre area.

The kids enjoyed running around the grassy courtyard while I snuck a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign in the distance.

We also spent some time souvenir shopping along Hollywood Boulevard.

Funko Hollywood

Our next stop was Funko Hollywood.

This was easily one of the boys’ favorite stops of the trip.

The store is packed with themed displays, photo opportunities, and collectibles.

Even if you’re not a huge Funko collector, it’s worth visiting just to see the incredible displays.

We took so many fun photos of the boys throughout the store. The best way I can describe it is that it’s a little like a Hollywood Wax Museum, but with Funko Pops, and it’s completely free to visit.

Of course, each of our boys ended up choosing a Funko Pop to bring home.

Lake Hollywood Park

Next, we drove to Lake Hollywood Park.

This ended up being one of my favorite places to see the Hollywood Sign.

The boys loved the playground and wide-open grassy field, while I simply enjoyed taking in the incredible view.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to see the Hollywood Sign up close, I highly recommend adding Lake Hollywood Park to your itinerary.

One thing to know before you go is that parking is free along the street, but it can be very busy.

We visited later in the afternoon and were still able to find a spot, although it took a little patience. I imagine evenings and weekends are likely even busier.

The combination of a fun playground, open space for kids to run around, and one of the best views of the Hollywood Sign made this a stop our entire family enjoyed.

Dinner at Americana at Brand

After a little downtime back at the hotel, we headed to BJ’s Restaurant at the Americana at Brand for dinner.

Being so close to the Americana made it an easy and convenient dinner option throughout our trip.

Day 4: Santa Monica Beach and Pier

Our fourth day was beach day.

This was a must-do for us because the older boys wanted to see the famous Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier.

While Santa Monica may not be the most scenic beach in Southern California, it is one of the most iconic.

The boys wanted to experience the pier and beach because it is such a recognizable Los Angeles landmark, and they enjoyed every minute of it.

We arrived around 10:00 a.m. and parked in a beach lot right next to the Santa Monica Pier. From there, we headed straight for the sand.

The boys had brought baseball gloves, so we spent time playing catch on the beach.

They chased birds, played in the sand, and eventually found their way into the ocean.

Even though we hadn’t planned on swimming, they still managed to get wet.

Mom tip: Bring towels and a change of clothes even if you don’t think your kids will be swimming.

After spending time on the beach, we headed onto the Santa Monica Pier for lunch and sightseeing.

We grabbed burgers and hot dogs at Pier Burger before exploring the pier.

There is so much to see and do. Between the rides, games, street performers, restaurants, and ocean views, it is easy to spend several hours there.

The iconic Ferris wheel was everything the boys hoped it would be, and simply walking the pier was fun. We enjoyed people watching, taking in the views, and soaking up the atmosphere.

The Santa Monica Pier is also home to the End of the Trail sign for Historic Route 66, which makes for a fun photo opportunity.

We could have easily spent an entire day between the beach and the pier.

Traffic Reality Check

One thing worth mentioning is the traffic.

It took us close to an hour to get to Santa Monica Beach and about an hour and a half to get back to Glendale. Yikes!

Thankfully, we knew going into the trip that traffic would simply be part of the Los Angeles experience. That’s one of the reasons I spent so much time planning our itinerary beforehand.

My biggest recommendation is to group attractions by area whenever possible.

We dedicated one day to Universal Studios Hollywood, one day to Hollywood attractions, and one day to the beach. Doing this helped us avoid driving back and forth across the city multiple times.

And one more practical tip: make sure everyone uses the restroom before getting in the car. Trust me on this one.

That evening, we kept dinner easy and ate at the Glendale Galleria food court.

Day 5: Griffith Observatory, The Grove, and Departure

On our final day, we still had a few hours before our flight home.

We got up early and headed to Griffith Observatory.

Arriving early allowed us to park in one of the closest lots, which made the visit much easier.

The views from Griffith Observatory are incredible. We spent time walking around, exploring the grounds, and doing a little hiking before heading to our next stop.

The Grove and Original Farmers Market

Before heading to the airport, we visited The Grove and the Original Farmers Market.

The Grove is an upscale outdoor shopping center with shops, restaurants, fountains, and beautifully landscaped walkways.

One of our favorite stops was the three-story Barnes & Noble, which was fun to explore before our flight home.

Right next door is the Original Farmers Market, which ended up being a great lunch spot for our family.

The market is made up of dozens of small shops and eateries, so everyone was able to find exactly what they wanted to eat.

The best way I can describe it is that it’s similar to a food court, but instead of chain restaurants, you’ll find local businesses and unique food vendors.

The food was excellent, although I will say it was on the expensive side. Then again, we found that to be true of most dining in Los Angeles.

After lunch, we spent a little time wandering through the market and walking around The Grove before making our way to Burbank Airport.

It ended up being the perfect way to wrap up the trip and enjoy one final taste of Los Angeles before heading home.

What We Didn’t Get to This Time

Even with five days in Los Angeles, we didn’t come close to seeing everything.

A few places that were on my wish list but didn’t make the final itinerary included the La Brea Tar Pits, the museums nearby, and the famous Urban Light sculpture at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I had hoped to see the tar pits before they close for renovations, but we’ll have to save that for another trip.

Other places we considered included the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, a Dodgers game, and exploring more Southern California beaches.

One of my biggest takeaways from this trip is that Los Angeles is not a destination you need to conquer in one visit.

Pick a handful of priorities, enjoy them, and save the rest for another trip. There will still be plenty left to see the next time you visit.

Tips for Visiting Los Angeles with Kids

Expect Traffic

No matter how carefully you plan, you’re going to encounter traffic in Los Angeles.

Build extra time into your schedule and try not to overbook your days.

Group Activities by Area

This was one of the best decisions we made.

We grouped Universal Studios into its own day, Hollywood attractions into one day, and beach activities into another day.

Doing this minimized unnecessary driving.

Choose Your Hotel Carefully

Where you stay matters in Los Angeles.

Before booking accommodations, think about the attractions that matter most to your family and choose a location accordingly.

Schedule Downtime

Not every minute of the day needs to be filled.

Several afternoons, we returned to the hotel for a little downtime before dinner, and everyone benefited from it.

Consider Flying into Burbank

We loved using Burbank Airport.

The airport felt smaller, easier to navigate, and more manageable than many major airports.

For our family, it was a great option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Los Angeles with Kids

Is Los Angeles worth visiting with kids?

Absolutely.

Before this trip, I wasn’t entirely sure how family-friendly Los Angeles would feel. After spending five days there with our four boys, I can confidently say it is worth visiting with kids.

There is so much to do for all ages and interests.

My boys are spread across several age groups and have very different personalities, yet every one of them found something they loved.

Between Universal Studios Hollywood, Santa Monica Beach, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Funko Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, and countless other attractions, there was never a shortage of things to do.

How many days do you need in Los Angeles?

For most families, I think five days is the sweet spot.

We were able to visit many of the attractions on our list without feeling completely rushed, but we still left with plenty of things we didn’t get to see.

Could you spend more time in Los Angeles? Absolutely.

However, because there is so much stimulation, driving, and activity, I think five days is a great balance for most families.

If you prefer a slower pace or want to include additional attractions, adding a couple more days would be worthwhile.

Is Glendale a good place to stay in Los Angeles?

For our family, Glendale was an excellent home base.

We loved being close to Universal Studios Hollywood, Hollywood Boulevard, and Burbank Airport. We also appreciated having easy access to restaurants, the Americana at Brand, Glendale Galleria, and even Target.

Most importantly, staying in Glendale helped reduce some of the driving we would have otherwise done.

Do you need a rental car in Los Angeles?

I would recommend renting a car.

Los Angeles is incredibly spread out, and many of the attractions families want to visit are located in different parts of the city.

While public transportation and rideshares are available, having a rental car gave us the flexibility to move around on our own schedule and maximize our time. For a family of six, it was definitely the most convenient option.

Is Burbank Airport better than LAX for families?

I think either airport can work well for families.

We chose Burbank Airport because Allegiant offered a nonstop flight from Des Moines, and it worked perfectly for us. The airport felt smaller, easier to navigate, and less overwhelming than many major airports.

That said, I wouldn’t rule out LAX if it offers better flight times or pricing for your family.

What are the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids?

Our family’s favorite activities included:

• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Super Nintendo World
• Hollywood Boulevard
• Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Celebrity Homes Tour
• Funko Hollywood
• Lake Hollywood Park
• Santa Monica Beach and Pier
• Griffith Observatory
• The Grove and Original Farmers Market

The best activities for your family will depend on your kids’ ages and interests, but these attractions gave us a great mix of entertainment, sightseeing, outdoor time, and iconic Los Angeles experiences.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Los Angeles with Kids

When we booked this trip, I was worried we’d spend most of our time sitting in traffic and wondering if Los Angeles was really a good fit for our family.

Instead, we came home talking about Super Nintendo World, searching for celebrity homes, seeing the Hollywood Sign, playing catch on Santa Monica Beach, and all of the other memories we made along the way.

What surprised me most was how much variety Los Angeles offers. With four boys spanning several ages and interests, everyone found something they genuinely enjoyed.

We didn’t see everything and that’s okay. In fact, we already have a list started for a future visit. My 10 year old is already asking to go back.

If you’re planning a family trip to Los Angeles, I hope this itinerary helps make the process feel a little more doable.

Planning Your Own Los Angeles Trip?

Planning a Los Angeles vacation involves a lot of moving pieces—from flights and hotel reservations to attraction tickets, rental cars, and daily itineraries.

That’s exactly why I created my Ultimate Travel Itinerary Planner.

Inside you’ll find:

✔️ Trip overview pages
✔️ Daily itinerary sheets
✔️ Reservation trackers
✔️ Transportation planning pages
✔️ Budget trackers
✔️ Meal planning pages

It’s the same system I use to organize our family vacations and keep all of our plans in one place.

👉 Grab the Ultimate Travel Itinerary Planner below

May you love your adventure! KW