Just booking a family vacation can be tough enough—but planning it? That’s a parent’s worst nightmare. Take some of the stress out of your next trip by booking one of these kid-friendly tours in Los Angeles. Rather than getting all worried about the parking, traffic and other logistics, you can just relax as an expert tour guide shows you the city. Whether your family wants to check out all the top Los Angeles attractions or veg out on the best beaches, there’s something for everyone on this list. Round out your itinerary with a stay at one of the best family-friendly hotels and dinner at some of the fabulous kid-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles, and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable family vacation.
For families who don’t have a whole lot of time in L.A., this whirlwind five-hour tour might be the ideal solution. The small group tour starts in Downtown L.A. with visits to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, then it’s off to Griffith Observatory for views of the Hollywood Sign. You’ll stop by the Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive before ending the day at the Original Farmers Market. Adults $69; children ages 3–11 $59
Though everyone older than 7 is welcome on this excursion, only strong cyclists should sign up for the 32-mile, six-hour bike tour. You’ll hit all the big L.A. attractions, from the Sunset Strip to Venice Beach to Route 66. The fact that you get to avoid the gridlock is an added bonus. $162
All you need for this self-guided scavenger hunt is a smartphone, a pair of comfortable shoes and plenty of curiosity. Over two hours, the app will send you 15 clues that lead you on a wild goose chase around Santa Monica. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is finishing the hunt as quickly as possible while still learning everything you can about this seaside neighborhood. $11
Afraid of getting stuck in the infamous L.A. traffic? Avoid it entirely by taking the Metro, Los Angeles’ above-and-below-ground train system. You’ll learn how to navigate the system at the beginning of this walking tour. Then, check out several Downtown L.A. landmarks including the Last Bookstore, Bradbury Building and Grand Central Market before concluding the tour with a ride on Angels Flight. Adults $35; children ages 4–12 $30
The giant white letters of the Hollywood Sign are one of the city’s most iconic sights. Give the whole family a chance to get up close and personal with the sign on this guided hike into Griffith Park. Your adrenaline will be pumping as you climb up the trail and take in sweeping views of Los Angeles. And since bottled water, sunscreen and healthy snacks are included, you don’t even have to tote around a bag full of supplies. $41.97 per person; kids under 4 free
Marvel at California’s majestic marine life on a whale-watching cruise from Newport Beach. The protected waters of the Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area provide a safe environment for giant blue whales, humpback whales, gray whales, finback whales, several types of dolphin and countless seals. While you keep your eyes peeled for spouts on the horizon, an on-board naturalist will tell you fun facts about these ocean creatures. Adults $21.99; children 3–12 $19.99; children under 2 $2.55
With its quaint shops and classic architecture, Old Pasadena might be one of the region’s most family-friendly neighborhoods. Explore the main thoroughfare on this food tasting tour. You’ll snack on kid-approved bites like gelato and falafel in addition to more adventurous Asian fusion fare and authentic Peruvian stew. Adults $75; children ages 5–12 $50
Kids of all ages will get a kick out of this tour that takes you behind the velvet curtain at a few of Hollywood’s most famous landmarks. Though you’ll still visit the Walk of Fame and Dolby Theater, this is one of the few tours that goes beyond the touristy side of Hollywood. Visit Disney’s El Capitan Theater, the Egyptian Theater, the site of the first Academy Awards ceremony and a one-time hangout for Old Hollywood’s biggest stars. Adults $24.95; children ages 9–15 $15; children under 8 free
Photograph: Nan Palmero/Flickr
If the traditional museum experience doesn’t really excite your family, try something more novel at the Getty Center. This Amazing Race–style scavenger hunt will give you a series of clues to solve as you walk through the museum and grounds. You’ll still see all the important works of art along the way, just in a little more lively way. $15
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Nick Webb
This tour concentrates on two of the city’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods: Olvera Street and Little Tokyo. First, you’ll visit some of Olvera Street’s oldest houses at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument and check out historic Union Station. Then, it’s off to Little Tokyo to discover the Home is Little Tokyo mural and Japanese Village Plaza. Might we suggest stopping here for a mochi snack? Adults $85; children under 17 $51
When you’re visiting a city as vast as Los Angeles, tours are the best way to explore as many neighborhoods as possible during a short time
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