Looking for things to do with kids that won’t break the bank? We found six free things to do in Los Angeles on your next weekend getaway or family vacation.
Marvel at Works of Art
The $1.3-million Getty Center is a work of art in itself, but inside holds one of the largest collections of art in the country. Both the Getty Center and its Getty Villa, focused on ancient Greek and Roman art, are free for visitors, although you will have to pay $15 to park.
Follow in the Footsteps of Greats
It doesn’t cost a dime to visit the famous stars of Los Angeles along the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. Start at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, now the TCL Chinese Theatre, and head on down Hollywood Boulevard to find your favorite stars’ stars, handprints and footprints.
Find Legends Beneath the Palms
You can visit the final resting place of Hollywood’s biggest stars, such as Rudolph Valentino and Judy Garland at Los Angeles’ oldest cemetery. Not only are the film stars of yesteryear here, but modern-day artists, musicians and moviemakers. In the summer months, the cemetery features outdoor movies, often free.
Gaze at All Stars
For the best views of Los Angeles, day or night, visit the Griffith Observatory, which offers free stargazing as well as a great view of the Hollywood sign. The observatory rests on more than 3 acres of hillside land, which lends to its ideal darkened skies for the best views.
Take a Page from Natural History
The first Tuesday of every month, save for July and August, are free for visitors to Los Angele’s Natural History Museum, showcasing dinosaurs and mammals. The nearby Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits is also free at the same time, as well as every Tuesday in September.
Play Together
Kids are free to play at the interactive Kidspace Children’s Museum that opened in Pasadena in 2004, aimed at younger kids who learn through exploratory play. It’s free the first Tuesday of every month from 4 to 8 p.m.
Written by Lissa Poirot