The Ultimate Family Guide to Los Angeles

Welcome to Los Angeles — a huge, sun-soaked (and sometimes traffic-filled!) city that we weren’t quite sure how we’d tackle with small kids… but ended up really enjoying in surprising pockets.

From iconic stops like Santa Monica Pier and the Griffith Observatory, to beach days in Venice, Hollywood sights, and of course Disneyland just outside the city, Los Angeles is packed with big, memorable moments for families—if you’re happy to do it at a slower, more flexible pace.

We visited LA as part of our wider California road trip with a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, and it was our first time experiencing the city through their eyes. Think a mix of excitement, naps in the car, snack stops, and learning very quickly that you can’t “do it all” in LA—and you don’t need to.

This guide covers everything we got up to in a few days in Los Angeles with kids, including our Disneyland experience, must-see sights, beach stops, and how we managed the distances and downtime with little ones.

Whether you’re adding LA to a California road trip or planning a family Disney break with a bit of city exploring on the side, here’s how to make the most of Los Angeles with kids—without the overwhelm.