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Los Angeles's Best Attractions For Kids

hollywood sign
(credit: Su-E Tan/CBS)

When it comes to the best attractions in LA for kids, we headed straight to the source and asked 13-year-old Paris Morris, whose name is the inspiration behind a series of travel-related children's books that have become quite popular in the twins community. In the third book, 'Paris Goes to Los Angeles,' Paris and her twin sister explore some of the best attractions in LA while visiting their cousins for a family event. Paris Morris gives CBS the scoop on some of the best attractions in Los Angeles for kids.

Hollywood Sign
(credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

The Hollywood Sign
3204 Canyon Lake Dr.
Hollywood, CA 90068
(323) 258-4338
www.hollywoodsign.org

"Most people have seen the Hollywood Sign but don't know that there is a viewing platform that has the most amazing close-up view," says the children's author. The best view of the world-famous landmark can be found at Lake Hollywood Park near a low-key dog park, which is about as close as you can get by car. You can also see the Hollywood Sign from the Hollywood & Highland Center, though from a further distance. The Chinese Theater is nearby with plenty of street performers and superhero impersonators that will be sure to attract the kids.

Angels Flight Railway
(credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

Angels Flight
351 S. Hill St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 626-1901
www.angelsflight.com

"One of my favorite places [to visit] is Angels Flight," Morris said. "It is a train in downtown L.A. and only goes one block up/down the hill." Angels Flight is another historical landmark in Los Angeles and is actually said to be the world's shortest railway. The tracks only run from the cross streets of 4th Street and Hill Street to California Plaza. The railway is open every day with train rides for only 50 cents.

Farmers Market
(credit: LA Farmer's Market)

The Original Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-9211
www.farmersmarketla.com

Long before there was a farmers market, the area that has now become home to The Original Farmers Market started off as a dairy farm where a group of farmers sold produce from the vacant lot to local housewives in the early 1930s. By 1960, it had become a hot spot tourist attraction that saw the likes of the President Eisenhower and the Beatles. Since its early days, the Farmers Market has grown from 18 vendors to over 118 vendors. "The 3rd Street Farmers Market is so much fun and we always get ice cream at Bennetts," says the "Paris Goes to Los Angeles" author. Now, it's a popular gathering place with plenty of restaurants, stores, produce shopping and the occasional event.

Related: Best of LA's Original Farmers Market

Griffith Observatory Re-Opens After $93 Million Renovation
Photo Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

Griffith Observatory
2800 E. Observatory Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 473-0800
www.griffithobs.org

Griffith Observatory is another one of LA's iconic tourist attractions. "Driving through Griffith Park and seeing the Observatory is always fun, and there is a lot of space to run around up there," says Morris. Kids can look up at the sun, moon, stars or even planets from the public-access telescopes located throughout the facility. The Observatory hosts regular events which can be found on its website calendar. The best part about the Observatory is that admission is usually free.

venice beach station
(credit: Danielle F./Yelp)

Venice Beach Station
100 Venice Way.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-1499
www.venicebeachstation.com

Venice Beach is an extremely interesting place to visit with more than a handful of attractions for the kids to enjoy. This two-mile stretch of oceanfront features drum circles, sidewalk performers, gift shops, artists, fortune tellers and much, much more. The best way to enjoy this popular tourist gathering spot is by renting bikes and riding along the coast while you soak up the rays. At the Venice Beach Station, you can rent Segways, skateboards and bicycles for one, two or even four riders.

Related: Where to Work Out With Your Kids

View Los Angeles's Best Attractions For Kids in a full screen map

Niki Payne is a freelance writer covering all things Entertainment in Los Angeles. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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