Best Fun For Kids In Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles may seem like an uninviting place for kids, but there are actually lots of places to take your children and plenty of fun things to do there. Plus, there are fountains all over downtown, a sure bet for entertaining kids

The Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 763-3466
www.nhm.org

With exhibits galore, The Natural History Museum is a favorite for kids to explore, inspire wonder, and to discover. The museum offers permanent exhibits such as their 'African Mammals' or 'Age of Mammals' exhibits as well as special exhibits which come and go like 'Mummies,' which gives visitors a rare and up-close look at a selection of 20 mummies. Add to that the rest of what the museum has to offer, like the great halls of mammals, the butterfly pavilion, and the kids' Discovery Center, and you've got a full day for the kids right there. Prices to enter the museum are very reasonable and allow you access to all of the permanent exhibits like encountering dinosaurs, as well as special exhibits, the Butterfly Pavilion and much more. Kids will love it!

Exposition Park
900 Exposition Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 763-3466
www.expositionpark.org

Located in the heart of Downtown LA just south of USC's college campus, Exposition Park is brimming with educational opportunities and great outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful but also fun for kids. In the park itself, there's an enormous rose garden and huge arching fountain, which is lovely to look at and fun for the kids to run around, especially after lunch. Aside from the rose garden, the park boasts huge outdoor spaces for kids to explore, but also playgrounds.

California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90037
(323) 724-3623‎
www.californiasciencecenter.org

Located within Exposition Park, The California Science Museum is another kid-friendly attraction that kids will not fight you on visiting. While most museums might seem dull to kids, at this, there's plenty to discover, including special exhibitions and permanent exhibitions. Remember the space shuttle Endeavor? The shuttle itself that spent countless days in space and enjoyed a fan-fare parade when it came back to earth now sits within the museum. The "Museum 26: The Big Endeavor" exhibit houses the shuttle and gives kids and adults alike an up close view of a real piece of history. Other exhibits include the "World of Life" which examines how people, plants and animals all perform the same life processes to survive, as well as "Creative World" which explores inventions and the environments humans create.

Bowling At Lucky Strike
800 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 542-4880
www.bowlluckystrike.com

Most kids love a good outing that keeps them busy. And, that's exactly what Lucky Strike does. The great part about Lucky Strike bowling lanes is that it's no ordinary bowling alley. Complete with 18 state of the art lanes in a sleek and sophisticated setting, Lucky Strike offers great food, and an alley that puts others to shame. Kids will love it!

Grand Central Market
317 South Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 624-2378
www.grandcentralmarket.com

Grand Central Market is Los Angeles' oldest and largest open air market, which is just 1 block northeast on Hill street. The Market offers a bevy of options that kids will love aside from the bustling venue. From Wexler's Deli, which offers delicious eats like pastrami sandwiches, bagels, and more deli favorites to McConnell's Fine Ice Cream where kids can grab a scoop, it's no doubt any kid will love a visit here.

Olvera Street
www.olvera-street.com

Located nearby to the skyscrapers, Olvera Street is a LA historical gem. The marketplace features restaurants and shops, and many festivals are celebrated here throughout the year. Kids will love discovering all of the shops selling all types of goods.