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Hollywood's Best Fun For Kids

610 header park Griffith_Observatory_entrance_lawn_with_Hollywood_sign1
(credit: Wikipedia/Serouj)

Flocking to Hollywood from all over the world, tourists come to Hollywood to celebrate the movie industry year-round! Local families can get into the spirit of Hollywood too by exploring the many attractions that draw visitors to Tinseltown. Explore Hollywood's famous Walk of Fame or fill up the schedule with "selfies" with celebs at Madame Tussauds. Stargazing at Griffith Park or visiting the delicious farmer's market for some tasty kettle corn and fresh fruit should also be on your schedule. Kids will have a blast!

What are your favorite places in Hollywood? Share in the comments below!
George Lopez Wax Figure Unveiled At Madame Tussauds Hollywood
(credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Madame Toussauds
6933 Hollywood Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 461-0534
www.madametussauds.com

If you've ever had the desire to get up close and personal to the likes of Shrek, Iron Man and Justin Bieber, you're in luck. Those are just three of 115 wax figures located at Madame Toussauds Hollywood. Have you wondered what it be like to stand next to Brad Pitt or how the President? Each figure was modeled from the celebrity and are their exact height giving visitors an idea of what the famous person looks up close. You will mingle with actors, singers and sports legends from past and present, so make sure to bring a camera and capture their realistic features! Guests are encouraged to jump into it great moments from some of the best movies, such as that infamous shower scene in Psycho or grab a red hooded sweater and pose with Elliot as you reenact the flight scene from E.T. The bottom floor of the museum will give you a behind the scenes look at how the wax figures are created, then wrap up your visit at the Marvel 4D theater located for a multi-sensory show with shaking seats, water and smoke featuring Marvel's finest superheros. It's a definite must visit for kids.

el capitan
(credit: Shelby Barone)

El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(818) 845-3110
www.elcapitantickets.com

Kids will rejoice as they can enjoy a Disney film at the fully restored El Capitan Theatre located adjacent to Hollywood and Highland. Numerous celebrities have walked their way across the red carpet to the entrance of the El Capitan Theatre for an exceptional movie-experience too. Shows include exhibits, movie props and preshow appearances. El Capitan's "Mighty Wurlitzer" (pipe organ) has played for numerous guests and it truly is a unique performance. Three daily showings of a featured film include a Tiny Tot Tuesday for families to watch films with dimmed lights and a reduced sound level. Mover-goers can purchase a VIP ticket that includes assigned seating, popcorn and a drink for each guest. Validation is available for accessible at Hollywood & Highland. Follow up the movie at neighboring Ghirardelli Soda Fountain Shop for a delicious sundae or Disney-themed souvenir.

griffith obs
(credit: Griffith Observatory)

Griffith Park Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd,
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 473-0800
www.griffithobservatory.org

A popular destination for stargazing, The Griffith Observatory sits high atop Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park and offers sweeping views of the city along with numerous activities for your kids to take part in. With free admission, the museum is budget-friendly too. Kids and adults can learn more about space and science through the "magic" of telescopes, explore exhibits and learn about the Periodic table. Downstairs, venture to the Cosmic Connection exhibit, and view the decorated 2,200 pieces of donated stellar jewelry, featuring a timeline of the Big Bang Theory. From there, step into the solar system, or gaze into the Gunther Depths of Space, and then step onto scales. This checks the gravitational pull to see how much you would weigh on Mars vs Earth.
 
Round out the day with an education show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat at the cafeteria, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign as you enjoy your snack. If you're feeling adventurous, take a walk along one of the many nearby hiking paths. There's nothing like the wonderful sights of Griffith Observatory.

Shadows of tourists look at handprints on Hollywood walk of fame
(credit: Axiom Photographic Agency/Getty Images)

Foot Prints at TCL Chinese Theaters Forecourt and Walk of Fame
6925 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 461-3331
www.tclchinesetheatres.com

Millions of tourists have gathered at the TCL Chinese (originally Grauman's Chinese Theater) Theater showcasing cement blocks of signatures, foot prints and handprints of nearly 200 celebrities. Compare your foot and hand size to Marilyn Monroe, as well as personalities from Harry Potter and Twilight or the late Robin Williams. If you're lucky enough you may even witness a traditional handprint ceremony of the next star to be immortalized in cement! Are you looking for a particular star? Visit the TCL website for a map of the stars' locations. This attraction is free and never closes.

Hollywood Walk of Fame
(credit: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Hollywood Walk of Fame
7018 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-469-8311
www.walkoffame.com

It's not unusual to find Spiderman or Captain Jack Sparrow congregating on Hollywood Boulevard, ready to pose for a photo opp (make sure to tip the performers), but the real stars to see are on the sidewalks. Fifteen blocks of brass stars commemorate entertainment greats including actors, producers, musicians and more. The Walk of Fame was created in the 1950s with Jennifer Lopez receiving the 2,500th star in June 2013. Each member of the family can search their favorite stars on www.walkoffame.com, and then map out your walking tour of Hollywood. Quick guide: Tinker Bell and Winnie the Pooh's stars are located in front of the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain Shop while Elvis and the Beatles are located under the silver gazebo on the corners of Hollywood Blvd and La Brea Avenue.

Hollywood Farmers Market
(credit: Sebastian Artz/Getty Images)

Hollywood Farmers Market
1600 Ivar Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 463-3171
www.hollywoodfarmersmarket.net

Looking to taste the fare Hollywood has to offer? The Hollywood Farmer's Market sets up at the intersection of Ivar and Selma Avenues, between Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards every Sunday from 8am-1pm where you can sample fruits, cheeses, kettle corn, breads and more from local farmers and vendors. Kids can drum along with street musicians, receive a cool balloon animal from the balloon man or pick out your own produce to take home and snack on throughout the week. The sights, smells and sounds make for a happy Family Sunday outing.

What are your favorite places in Hollywood? Share in the comments below!
Tee blogs about the coolest things to do, see and play at www.thatsitmommy.com and at Twitter.
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