Best Mother-Daughter Activities In Los Angeles
When a mother and her daughter get a rare day alone together, the sky is the limit, and it's not all manicures and shopping. In a big city like Los Angeles, there aren't enough hours in the day to enjoy the treasure-trove of exhilarating things to do. These are some of the best mother/daughter activities to help narrow down the plethora of choices.
The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-7300
www.getty.edu
Price: Free. Parking $15 per day.
Hours: Tues to Fri, Sun – 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Mon – closed
Click here for a calendar of events
Embrace your daughter's inner artist. A landmark gracing the hillside, the Getty Center is sure to amaze both mother and daughter. Visitors of all ages can appreciate the bounty of art on display, and head outside for the breathtaking views of the city, mountains and beaches. Friendly staff will take you on a journey with any number of tours for learning about the center's architecture, collections and garden. Beautiful statuary and views make exceptional backdrops for photo shoots, so don't forget your camera.
Related: LA's Best Craft Shops
The Griffith Observatory
2800 E. Observatory Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 473-0800
www.griffithobs.org
Price: free
Hours: Wed to Fri – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat and Sun – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Click here for a calendar of events
Known as one of the most famous icons of LA, the Griffith Observatory has mesmerized visitors for years with cosmic wonders. Volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, and there are several interactive booths waiting to unleash nuggets of wisdom. For a $5 fee, students may enjoy the cosmos in the planetarium. Views surround the observatory for 360 degrees, so it's best to come on a clear day. Monthly public star parties outside promise views of the sun, moon, planets and other objects through telescopes. Sunset is only the beginning of the fun.
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
(818) 622-3801
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Price: $77 ages 3 and older
Hours: daily – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Click here for a schedule of hours of operation
Mother and daughter will surely be tickled at the non-stop celebrity-inspired entertainment beyond Universal's gates. Rides based on popular movies will thrill the ladies, while an abundance of shops and restaurants will ease the nerves and keep bellies. Laughter and smiles await with rides, shows and live interaction from the studio's actors. Options include tours with lively guides, and musicians filming videos while the park is in operation. It's a perfect place for teenagers to hang with mom, and enjoy Hollywood movie magic. With the Universal City Walk adjacent to the park, both mother and daughter will have their fix of shopping centers, celebrities and trendy eateries.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M. White Dr.
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-7562
www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org
Price: donation of $5 for adults/$1 for children and seniors
Hours: Tues to Fri – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat and Sun – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon – closed
Click here for a calendar of events.
The ladies of the family will love spending a day at the beach discovering the mysteries of life beyond the shore. Live creatures on exhibit offer up-close and sometimes touchable opportunities to encounter nature first hand. Guided walks teach about nature and conservation, and art classes are available for families of all ages. Wade through tide pools or hop on a whale-watching adventure for the perfect day with your budding marine biologist.
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4200
www.lazoo.org
Price: $16 ages 13 to 61; $11 ages 2 to 12
Hours: daily – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for a calendar of events
If your kid loves animals, then the L.A. Zoo will be the perfect place to see, hear, smell and feel the world's critters. The Conservation Carousel will delight visitors of all ages, as will the artwork and plant life. Mother and daughter may channel their inner Dorothy with lions, tigers and bears, or just get a good dose of awe with hippos, snakes, alligators and flamingos. Bring out your daughter's future wildlife expert while you feed exotic birds nectar and explore an ever-changing array of biological exhibits.
Related: Five Great Ideas for Big Girl Parties
Sheila Szabo is a born cheerleader, and recovering love addict. Passionate about love, art, cooking, storytelling, and inspiring others, she is currently a freelance creative writer from her home in Northern San Diego. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
