Take the lingering light of the day by storm with these easy and incredibly fun night games to play
There’s something undeniably magical about that time just after the sun sets but before dark settles in—and it’s not just because the mosquitos aren’t out in full force yet. Take advantage of the lingering light of day (hint: you’ll tire the kids out before bedtime!) with these games to play in the dark. From spooky games like Ghost in the Graveyard to tamer night games like Limbo and Charades, there’s something for everyone.
1. Sardines
Like hide-and-seek, but in the opposite direction, if you’re playing with little kids, consider sending them out in pairs of two to hide. Then, have the rest of the players count to 50, then let them loose. As kids find the hiding players, they squeeze into the same hiding spot, until all the players are squished together like a can of sardines! The kids who discovered the pair first get to hide during the next round, and so on.
2. Spotlight Charades
Your favorite party game is fun at dusk, too. Grab a flashlight, and a group of kids, and have them act out their favorite movies, characters, TV shows, or book.
3. Flashlight Limbo
Don’t put that flashlight away! Use it for another fun game to play in the dark. Simply grab a speaker, and stream your family’s favorite tunes as the “limbo stick” holder lowers the beam of light lower, lower, low!
4. Ghost In the Graveyard
This classic summertime game adds a little extra thrill to the average round of hide-and-seek. Here’s how to play this fun night game:
Choose your players and your boundaries: This one is best for a group of at least 3 neighborhood kids or friends. More is better. Pick front or backyards, a park field, etc. Just be sure everyone knows and agrees on the borders. Be sure and designate a spot as a home base, where you need to get when the ghost is discovered. It should be large enough that the whole group can touch it, stand on it, etc.
Get It: Choose an “it” to be the first ghost. (The next round’s “it” is designated as the last person to reach the safe zone of the home base.) While everyone but the ghost stays at home base and counts without looking, the ghost hides. The rest of the group counts—One o’clock, two o’clock, three o’clock, etc. up to 11 o’clock. When you reach midnight, chant: “Midnight!/The time is right/All ghosts come out tonight!”
Hunt your ghost: Now all the players except the hiding ghost venture away from “home” while looking for the ghost. Split up, and scan as much space as you can. As soon as someone spots the ghost, they shout as loud as they can, “Ghost in the graveyard!” Now everyone must get back to the safe zone before the ghost tags them.
5. Statue & Tourist
Perfect for a forested glen or even indoors as the light is fading (or in a dark room). One player is the “tourist” who is viewing the amazing statue garden. They get a flashlight. All the other players must stay as still as a statue: they are allowed to move when the light is off, but as soon as the tourist turns the flashlight on they must stay still. When the flashlight is on the statue, the tourist tries to make the statue giggle or wiggle. If they do, they join the tourist’s team and go tour the next statue.
6. Flashlight Tag
This is your basic game of tag, but instead of having to touch the person to make them “it,” you use your flashlight to try and “catch” them.
7. Twilight Treasure Hunt
In the fading light, an ordinary scavenger hunt takes on an exciting new dimension. Create clues and riddles for the players to solve together along the way, leaving each one at the sight of the last riddle’s solution. Give the group a flashlight to help spot tricky hidden clues. This one is great because you can set it up during daylight hours while the kids are splashing around and won’t notice your stealthy moves.
8. Glow Big
Use glowsticks to illuminate plastic water bottles for this game to play in the dark. Now line ’em up and try to strike them down with a small kickball, rubber ball, or tennis ball. Use bottles with water (or add after you’ve rinsed and placed glow sticks in). You can adjust how much water you put in to make it easier (or harder) to knock them over. You can also try glow ring toss. Just set up a stick on the ground and toss glow bracelets or necklaces around it. Like horseshoes, but with glowsticks!
9. Glow-in-the-dark ring toss
All you need for this simple, all-ages game is a glow stick and necklaces. Separate into teams and the first to 10 points wins! For an added level of difficulty, try it with glow bracelets. Here are a few other glow-in-the-dark games.
10. Nighttime “Marco Polo”
Just like the popular pool game, except this version keeps kids dry. Determine the space they’ll play in, and make sure there’s nothing they can trip over since they’ll be blindfolded, then you’re good to go!
If you don’t give a toddler something to do they’ll find their own source of entertainment—and that can be a terrifying prospect (you know the feeling if you’ve suddenly noticed the house is too quiet only to find that they’ve somehow given themselves bangs). To keep them out of trouble and thoroughly entertained, we’ve rounded up some awesome games for toddlers that are sure to be a hit at any time, whether you’re indoors or outdoors. The best part? Your kiddo won’t know it, but they offer ample opportunities for hands-on learning. Ready for endless fun? On your mark. Get set. Go find your tot’s new fave!
Give your jumping bean something to jump about—letters! We love that this outdoor game from The Imagination Tree combines alphabet awareness with the chance to get those wiggles out. Simply write letters in sidewalk chalk and have your little one hop from one to another as you call them out. And all you need to get started is a set of sidewalk chalk. Read all about it and check out the phonics and math variations over at The Imagination Tree.
Simon Says
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Let your toddler be your boss with a few rounds of Simon Says. Toddlers love the chance to be in charge! Then, you can give the commands for a bit. It's silly, active, and engaging—that's why it's an early childhood classic. Plus, it gives little ones a chance to practice following instructions, taking turns, and building listening skills. Simon Says go play!
We love the Easy Boat Activity from Toddler Approved because it's budget-friendly, and it uses supplies you've already got in the house, like plastic containers, tape, and straws. Kids love it because it offers indoor water fun and the chance to capsize a fleet of tiny ships. Sail down to Toddler Approved to find out how you can set up your own version. Don't miss Kristina's ideas about what to talk about with your little one as you play to turn this game into a toddler-friendly science experiment.
Sing a Song
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Whether it's Five Little Monkeys or Ram Sam Sam, toddlers dig a good tune. Plus, rhymes and songs like these are more than just fun. They build toddlers' vocabulary and pre-literacy skills. Find new ones to add to your repertoire at Storyblocks, a site created by Colorado librarians to share rhymes and songs for toddlers and preschoolers.
Toddlers go gaga over games that give them a chance to put stuff in a container and then dump it out, so this Oatmeal Container Straw Game from Merriment Designs is bound to be a hit. We love that this game made out of recycled materials packs a big dose of fun on a budget. Round up straws and an empty oats container, then head over to Merriment Designs to find out how to make your own.
If your toddler is anything like ours, Mama Papa Bubba's DIY Felt Board is bound to be a big hit because it's all about ice cream. Felt ice cream, that is. Little ones can practice fine motor skills and learn about colors as they match each colorful scoop and dot. Plus, when you've had your fill of ice cream, the board makes a perfect background for felt animals or people that can be used for storytelling fun. The possibilities are endless! Find the step-by-step instructions to create your own felt board at Mama Puppa Bubba.
Yoga Time
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Stretch it out and play a game of animal yoga with your little one. You can pick up a set of soft yoga blocks that toddlers can toss up in the air before diving into a downward-facing dog. Or try out these five animal yoga poses and pretend to be stretching tigers and rolling bears.
Make a Match
Amazon
eeBoo's Life on Earth has everything we look for in a memory game: sturdy pieces, beautiful eye-catching images, and the chance for game-playing fun. If your kiddo isn't quite ready to play a full game, pull out a smaller set of matching cards for mini-memory fun. Plus, talking about the pictures on the cards is a guaranteed vocabulary builder.
Try the dress-up challenge: give your toddler a scenario or career, like summertime, rainy day, forest animal friends, sports star, or construction worker, and send them off to create an outfit that meets that challenge. They can use their own clothes or dig things out of the dress-up bin. Then, put on a tune that goes along with the scenario you've picked and put on a fashion show. We guarantee that you'll get lots of fantastic photos out of this game! It's also great to play after dinner to encourage little ones to put on their PJs. Last challenge: bedtime!
Most board games are still a little tricky for young toddlers—but Where's Bear from Peaceable Kingdom is just right. Little ones get to play hide-and-seek with little bear, stack the sturdy cardboard blocks, and learn new words as they play.
Toddlers love climbing under, over, and on top of all sorts of things. Obstacle courses let you take that natural climbing instinct and make it a game. Build an indoor obstacle course with painters' tape, making lines for your little one to walk on top of and jump over. Or take the fun outside and challenge them to stay off of the grass in the yard or the wood chips at the playground. Ready for a bonus round? Turn the obstacle course game into follow-the-leader and take turns being the leader. Check out this post for even more obstacle course fun.
Even if it's raining cats and dogs, your toddler can play Melissa and Doug's bowling game for hours. The weighted bottoms on the six soft animal pins make them easy to stand up, and the set comes with a carrying case for on-the-go fun and storage. Kiddos will build their gross motor skills and can also practice counting the pins one by one. Strike!
Kids of all ages love a good scavenger hunt. Send your toddler on a hunt through the house for four red things or two things with wheels. If you have a little more time or an older toddler ready for a challenge, print out a scavenger hunt like these. Good news: they're all free!
Guess Who?
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Caught waiting in line or at a restaurant without a stocked bag of goodies? Then pull out the animal guessing game, a game we love because it requires no gear. Think of an animal and ask questions until your game playing buddy guesses it. Does it have legs? Does it live in a tree? Older twos and three-year-olds love this game. When you're playing with younger toddlers, change it to the animal sounds game: make a sound (MOOO!) and have the toddler guess what kind of animal makes that noise. Then switch it up and have them make the sound.
Your toddler will spend lots of time spelling their name and piecing together words with this Magnetic Rainbow Busy Box from Mama.Papa.Bubba. It can be an art project just to create the box and they'll have endless fun learning and spelling once it's finished.
Holiday party season is here and these family Christmas games bring all the cheer
Make your next family game night extra special with fun family Christmas games that are sure to keep the kids (and grown-ups!) entertained. Those who enjoy minute-to-win-it games will get a real kick out of the Gingerbread Shuffle, and those who want a good laugh should go for Christmas Mad Libs or Christmas Scattergories. This list has a game for every day leading up to Christmas so get ready for some family fun!
We love the holiday flair that has been added to our favorite game of Scattergories by @michelletripple. Head over to her profile to print off the cards for a fun night filled with laughs.
Elf Monopoly
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Buy, sell, and trade your way to Christmas cheer in this Elf-inspired version of Monopoly. The game tokens include fun figurines like maple syrup, a mailroom coffee cup, Santa's sleigh, and more. Buy it here.
Who’s the smart cookie of the bunch? We love this holiday game because all you need is cookies and no hands. Head over to Not Consumed for the details on how to play this game with the half-pints.
Smells good! Grab your Santa hats, it’s time to play the Christmas smell guessing game. Using seasonal scents like peppermint, pinecones, gingerbread, and cinnamon sticks, your little elves will love this. Head over to Kid Friendly Things to Do for a tutorial on how to play.
Let the games begin! We love this Christmas version of tic-tac-toe you can snag from SCATTERCRAFTED. It's perfect for a quick moment with grandparents or when you're just trying to keep the littles from bouncing off the walls.
Hide-and-seek! If the littles need a game to spice up the holiday magic, Toddler Approved has the perfect Christmas game idea. We love it because kids practice matching numbers, adding, and spelling, while having fun.
Run, run, as fast you can, you can't stop now—it's the gingerbread man relay! The materials for this Christmas game for kids are easy to pull together (think gingerbread cutouts and spatulas), and it's sure to inspire a ton of giggles. Learn more over at Teaching Heart Blog.
Give your holiday party an extra dose of silliness with this Mad Libs game from Happiness is Homemade! The kids will love coming up with a kooky story—and it's a built-in vocab-builder too.
Look no further for a fun Christmas party game! This activity from Play Party Plan involves dice, a wrapped gift from each guest, and a whole lot of laughter. Get started with the free printable, and then see what surprise you end up with!
Charades are always a party hit, which is why we love that A Girl and a Glue Gun whipped up a Christmas-y version. Grab the free printable and get ready to act your heart out!
This Christmas party game from Chanele at Good Life of a Housewife is extra brilliant because it takes a classic game that your kids are probably familiar with (Spoons!), and gives it a peppermint twist.
Does this game ring a bell? Gather your guests around and try this fun idea from I Can Teach My Child. The best part is that this game uses Hershey's Kisses—so no matter your memory, you'll end up with a treat!
Name That Holiday Tune
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Who can hum the best? Give your holiday party a musical upgrade by having everyone hum—and identify—popular holiday songs. Can't carry a tune? Play a game of musical chairs (holiday edition) instead. Head over to Play Party Plan for the perfect playlist!
We love this simple and sweet game. It’s festive, easy, and teaches motor skills, too! Even better: You don’t need a ton of supplies. Find out how to stage your own over at There’s Just One Mommy.
Ring in the holidays with a party game that guarantees a jingle-jangle good time! This obstacle course idea is sensory, active and only requires a little bit of DIY-ability. Learn more at Childhood 101.
Grab a few dozen candy canes and a timer, and host your own candy cane hunt! You can hide your peppermint treats in newly fallen snow or around the house and see how many kids find in 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc. You can even award a prize for the “golden” candy cane—a simple bow or ribbon around the special cane results in an extra special treat.
Turn your house into Whoville and celebrate the day that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes. Using a cut-out heart as a marker, spin your party guests around and let them match the ticker to the Grinch. Head over to Mom’s Tot School for more info.
Three cheers for a fun Minute to Win It game! With this idea, you’ll race the clock in a silly “snow” shoveling activity. It’s a guarantee for giggles and super simple to put together, too. Get the how-to at Housing a Forest.
You may remember a version of this game from your last Halloween party. Here, the mummy wrap with toilet paper gets a Frosty-style twist. Don’t forget the hat, black paper buttons, and orange carrot nose for an extra-special touch. Find out more at Party Wishes.
Do you like warm hugs and party games? This genius idea combines everyone’s fave Frozen sidekick and an easy-to-set-up bowling activity. Best of all, the materials can be found around your house or at your local Dollar Store. Find out more at The Crumby Mummy.
Hold a gift-opening relay race that adds a silly oven mitt challenge. The frenzy to unwrap boxes will be even more fun when the kids are slowed down by mitts. Find out more at Karen’s Ideas Galore.
Want to get in the snowy spirit? This holiday-themed game for kids has all the fun of a snowball fight, without any of the drippy-dirty mess. Make your own snowballs or grab some at your local craft store! Get all the info you need at Just Make Stuff.
Blindfolded Coloring
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Put a twist on a classic childhood activity. Coloring was never so much fun as when you try it blindfolded! The folks over at A Subtle Revelry break it down.
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Parents deserve a pint more than anyone, so bring the family to one of these kid-friendly breweries throughout San Diego
Parents deserve a little something for themselves, particularly amid a summer spent corralling kids. If you’re looking for something stronger than a leftover juice box, chill out this summer with a trip to one of these kid-friendly breweries that welcome families. Most offer food options and some even have dog-friendly patios. If you’re craving a pint, you can’t go wrong with the selections that top this list. After all, San Diego is the craft beer capital of California and breweries across the city invite you to enjoy a superb ale with your half-pints. Let’s toast to these family-friendly brew spots!
Pure Project Balboa Park is an upscale taproom located conveniently adjacent to the world-famous Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo in the bustling Bankers Hill neighborhood. Filled with smiling faces, cold beer, reclaimed Torrey Pine, plants at every turn, and unmistakable Pure Project vibes, this location ticks all the boxes. Not to mention the 1000 sq. ft. sun-drenched outdoor patio with cozy furniture, west-facing views, and a cool breeze coming up off San Diego Bay.
This taproom features 20 taps from 2 sides of the unique bar. This location also features a full selection of merchandise, beer to go (bottles/cans), and crowlers on demand.
Click here for info on each Pure Project location in San Diego, all of which have outdoor dining areas, are kid and family-friendly, and are located in Balboa Park, Carlsbad, and Miramar.
Located in the arts district of Solana Beach this brewery is great for kids, dogs, and general people-watching. This is a local's favorite spot and there are seats on the back patio where food trucks rotate daily. Enjoy the IPAs, seltzers, or ales all crafted in-house.
Bay City Brewing Company, one of the fastest-growing breweries in the U.S., is opening a new location this month in San Diego's East Village. Located in one of the city's oldest buildings, this brewery features a restaurant, taproom, outdoor patio, and rooftop event space. There's a spacious rooftop bar––a 4,735 square foot indoor-outdoor space with plenty of seating, fire pits, a video wall, games, and downtown views. You'll love the craft beers on tap––a seasonal selection of Bay City's finest ales, including favorites like 72 and Hoppy, Bay City IPA, Jucci Gang, and more. Order food from the delicious menu featuring specialty pizzas, wings, fresh salads, and breadsticks. The front patio is dog and kid-friendly.
You'll love the gluten-free beer, your kids will love the card and board games, and the cute little dog wandering around the brewery. Food is not served regularly but check their website for special events, including food trucks and live music.
8920 Kenamar Dr. Suite #210 San Diego, CA Online:duckfootbeer.com
Mission Brewery
The award-winning Mission Brewery prides itself on being a family-friendly environment that extends a warm welcome to kids. Located in the old Wonderbread factory in the East Village, this gem is located one block from Petco Park. The interior boasts high ceilings and a ton of open space with plenty of tables available for families. Mission Brewery is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry family member to enjoy the outing. They host fun events yearly, including their "bring your dog night." Mission Brewery also provides activities for kids, including board games, coloring kits, and arcade games.
Insider Tip: Mission Brewery doesn't have a menu or kitchen for food in-house, but you're welcome to bring outside food to pair with your beer.
My Yard Live is an indoor/outdoor family-style restaurant that is part kids park, part upscale beer garden. The brewery features live entertainment, a treehouse for kiddos, a playground with stump jumpers and a log climb-through, lawn games, air hockey, an 80's combo arcade, and entertainment for the whole crew. Even Fido is welcome on the scene, reminiscent of a fantasy backyard oasis.
My Yard Live offers an array of beer styles via their 10 BBL brewery system, including West Coast IPAs, Amber, American Brown Ale, Dry Irish Stout, and a Belgian Dubbel. In addition, they offer a variety of light drinking beers ideal for enjoying music in SoCal weather, including Saisons, Pilsners, and Blondes.
Hit up this laid-back brewery with indoor-outdoor rooms that allow plenty of space for the tots, and little ones will even have their own cute green picnic tables. Food-wise, half-pints like the mac n' cheese, and grown-ups enjoy fish tacos, and there are also vegan food options. The beer flight is always an excellent way to taste the different brews. Beer-lovers and foodies alike will relish a visit to this Oceanside eatery, as their dishes are crafted in a nearly all-from-scratch kitchen with locally sourced ingredients. There are plenty of rotating craft beers to choose from, and each pairs perfectly with the suggested dishes on the menu.
601 S. Coast Hwy. Oceanside, CA Online:bagbybeer.com
619 Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room, North Park
619 Spirits, founded by San Diego local Nick Apostolopoulos, is one of only a handful of distillers operating in the city of San Diego. The 4,200 square-foot distillery and tasting room has taken up residence in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood and features 619’s line-up of award-winning vodkas and a full food and cocktail menu. Housing a custom-made two-column 1,000L still along with a dog-friendly outdoor patio, the tasting room is for all ages and has board games along with Connect 4. 619 has a menu just for dogs and is currently working on a kids menu.
Pair unique craft beer choices with a relaxed outdoor patio that's family (and dog!) friendly and you have a date night with your whole pack. Half-pints can chow down on food like chicken strips and then run around playing hide and seek. Grown-ups have over 60 craft beer options and grub choices like giant pretzels, fish tacos, and veggie flatbread. Even more, you'll find cornhole and bocce ball.
Is this a dream? Nope, it's real. Brew with the crew on the San Dieguito Lagoon. First, there is a full-service menu with fabulous food items like beer-battered shrimp and truffle fries. Secondly, the view of the water is great, and you'll find an outdoor grass area with corn hole and cool swings to sit on. Even more, the beer choice is optimal with 20 taps. We recommend the "Raccoon in the Lagoon."
You can bring your kiddos to this local brewery in Miramar and find a relaxing vibe and games to play. Try the beer flight or Guava beer with the delicious food. From the Philly cheesesteak sandwich and soft pretzels to the pork belly fries.
We know the name is Mother Earth, but Dads also dig the flavored brews here. Known for their adventurous beers like vanilla cream and peanut butter and a laid-back atmosphere, we give two thumbs up to this local pub. There are large tables and open space for the littles. When it’s time to eat, patrons order from the pizza place or Mexican spot next door.
A large open room with an industrial-modern vibe, beer barrel tables, and a play area with chalkboard, books, and crayons make this craft brewery full of fun. Dogs are allowed at the outside picnic tables too! Food trucks rotate to serve the whole crew. You'll find super service and a cool Tony Gwynn museum to check out.
Miramar 9990 AleSmith Ct. San Diego, CA Online:alesmith.com
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
Rock one of the two local Stone Brewery locations this summer. Head out to Escondido for a natural feel with large boulders, ponds, and plenty of greenery. Or reserve at the centrally located Liberty Station bistro with an urban feel, bocce ball courts, and a spacious patio. Either way, the whole crew is welcome.
Escondido 1999 Citracado Pkwy. Escondido, CA
Liberty Station 2816 Historic Decatur Rd., #116 San Diego, CA
If you like pub food with an expansive craft brew selection, then Plan 9 Alehouse is your brewery. You'll find great bar food from vegetarian chili to coffee-encrusted steak bites. The kiddo's corner has a chalkboard, table, chairs, and toys. They up the cool factor with beer cap inlaid wood tables, mood lighting, and an industrial vibe.
Second Chance Beer Company is a brewpub that supports local animal rescue organizations. Test your throwing arm playing corn hole or your stacking skills at the jumbo Jenga game. Then, quench that thirst with a craft brew from this pub's large selection. Here you'll find games, events, and rotating food trucks the whole clan will love. Keep in mind: No minors are allowed after 8 p.m.
Carmel Mountain Ranch 15378 Avenue of Science, #222 San Diego, CA Online:secondchancebeer.com
If you’re near Little Italy, this brewery and eatery is a perfect pit stop. Sit outside, and littles will get an up-close view of the belly of the planes coming in for a landing. Dads will love the large craft brew selection and the good-sized food portions, like blue cheese crispy duck nachos or a bar burger with truffle oil fries. Littles can dive into pretzel bites or a sizeable lemon-glazed sugar cookie. This family-friendly brewery has quick service (you order at the bar) to boot.
Good to know: Due to its prime location in Little Italy, this brewery is usually packed, so be prepared to wait for a table, which is seated on a first-come, first-served basis.
What better location than the City Farm Nursery? This brewery-grill is the perfect place for good eats and craft brew. Dads will love the beer choices from twenty-one featured taps and three nitro taps to bottles and home-brewed sodas. The crew will dig the local organic seasonal food, and (yes!) there’s a menu for the kiddos too. When done eating, there’s a small playground and animals next door.
If you are looking for a brewpub made with families in mind, this is your spot. It’s loud and fun with yummy pizza and craft beer. The atmosphere is laid-back, with surfboards hanging from the ceiling, picnic-style seating, and pinball machines for the kiddos to play. Your clan can sit inside or out. Hang out at the beach or park, then head to Pizza Port for growlers and grub.
135 N. Hwy 101 Solana Beach, CA Online:pizzaport.com
Station Tavern
Want pub food with your craft brew? You can devour a burger full of toppings, garlic french fries, and craft beer. Local favorite labels like Station 'Pail' Ale and Swamis IPA make this a fave lunch spot, and outside picnic tables and cool kids' play area will make it a day to remember.
Check out our ultimate guide to daily adventures and gallons of giggles
Summer is in full swing, and you’re going to need an arsenal of activities for kids to fill the long days or open afternoons after camp. This is why it’s the perfect time to make a family summer bucket list. To help you make that happen, we collected 73 ideas that fit the bill for summer 2023. From having a Yes Day to putting together a new LEGO set, here are all the best things to do with kids in the summer.
It’s time to drop the phone, drag the kids away from the tablets, and send them out the back door to play enough of the classic schoolyard games listed below to make them break a sweat and earn that popsicle. Sure, “Green Light, Red Light” and “Mother May I” are on the list, but we’re betting there are a few you haven’t played in years.
1. Steal the Bacon
Divide your group into two teams and make sure each player gets a number. Set up a boundary line for each team and place the “bacon” in the middle (this could be a ball or some other toy. Call out a number, and the player for each team with that number will make a dash for the bacon. The first player who gets back over their boundary line wins that round.
2. Blind Man’s Bluff
This classic schoolyard game is like the thinking man’s tag or a slow-mo version of it anyway. All you need is a blindfold and three players to start. Put the blindfold on the Seeker; then spin him or her around a few times while the other players scatter. Now it’s time to seek. Using her keen other senses, the Seeker tries to tag the scattered players who are rooted in place. Sure, they can duck and dodge her outstretched arms, but they can’t move their feet. It’s a giggle-worthy game everyone can play!
3. Capture the Flag
This game requires a few players, so it’s a great one for larger families. Each team attempts to capture the other team’s flag, which is located at the other end of the playing field, at the “home base.” Players can tag members of the other team when on their side, sending them to jail. Get your teammates out of jail by crossing into enemy territory and tagging each one. The first team to capture the flag wins!
4. Sly Fox
Fun fact: in France, this game is called, “One, Two, Three, Piano!” To play, one person is chosen to be the “fox” and faces away from the other players, standing by a wall or an imaginary line. The other players must stand in a line at a distance. When the fox isn’t looking, the other children must run or walk to get closer to the fox. If the fox turns around, however, the other children must freeze. If the fox sees someone moving, that child must go back to his/her starting place. The first child who tags the fox without being seen moving wins that round and becomes the fox for the next round!
5. Hopscotch
Using chalk, draw a hopscotch design on asphalt or concrete (see here for an example). The first child takes a turn throwing a small stone or similar object (i.e. a bean bag, shell, small toy) onto the first square. (The child loses his/her turn if the stone lands on a line or outside the square, and passes the stone to the next child in line.) The child hops on one foot into the first empty square (i.e. skipping square one) and every subsequent square, jumping with both feet at the pairs (4-5 and 7-8). When the child reaches square 10, he/she hops with both feet, turns around, and heads back to the beginning. When he/she reaches the marked square, the child picks up the stone while still standing on one foot and completes the course. If the child completes the whole course without falling or missing a square, he/she throws the stone to the subsequent square (i.e. square two) on his/her next turn. The first child to get all the way to square ten wins!
6. Simon Says
Give your bossiest cherub a permissible outlet! One child is designated “Simon” and stands in front of the rest of the group. Simon then issues commands to the players, i.e. “Simon says pat your belly three times with your left hand.” The children must only follow commands preceded by the phrase, “Simon says.” If Simon simply says, “Touch your nose,” any players who follow the command are out of the game. The objective is to stay in the game as long as possible.
7. Mother May I
One child is chosen to be the “mother” “father” or “captain.” The other children stand in a line at a distance. Each child takes a turn asking the mother if they may make a certain movement, always preceding their request with, “Mother may I …” (i.e. “Mother may I take five bunny hops?”). If the child forgets to say, “Mother may I …” before the request, he/she must return to the starting line. The mother either says, “Yes, you may,” or “No, you may not, but you may… instead.” The first person to reach the mother wins and becomes the mother in the next round.
8. Jump Rope Rhymes
There are too many songs to count: Bubble Gum, Cinderella Dressed in Yella, Down in the Valley, and Grace Dressed in Lace. And these energy burners boast an assortment of educational perks: coordination, memory, balance, and teamwork, to name a few!
9. Red Light, Green Light
In this classic schoolyard game, one child is designated the “stop light” and stands at a distance from the other children, who are in a line. When the stoplight says, “Green light!” everyone moves toward the stoplight. All children must immediately stop when the stoplight says, “Red light!” (or the child must return to the starting point). Start a new round when one child reaches the stoplight.
10. Hide and Seek
Let your kids entertain themselves with endless rounds of what might be the most classic game of all time. Even older kids who may have outgrown this game will be up for it, and you can play it inside, too.
This is a simple and delicious recipe the kids can help make
30-minute meals are the best. This recipe comes together quickly, which means you can spend your evenings doing things that matter like building forts and playing hide-and-seek. In fact, we found that the longest part of the prep work for this pasta dish was getting our water to boil. Tell us below what you think of this pasta with peas and bacon dish!
Ingredients for Pasta with Peas and Bacon:
16 ounces fettuccine (or whatever pasta you prefer)
3 strips of thick-cut bacon
1/2 onion, chopped
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lemon, juiced
Method:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Meanwhile, saute bacon in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and break up into small pieces.
3. In the same pan, saute onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add peas and garlic and saute for 3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, pasta, and bacon.
4. Moisten pasta with some of the reserved pasta water. Toss to incorporate, season with salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve, sprinkled with lemon juice.
Tickle your tot’s funny bone with silly jokes Seattle kids (and parents) will totally get
Need a little levity in your life? These Seattle jokes for kids are a great way to kick your day off in the right direction. Scroll down for silly jokes, corny jokes, and quite a few rain jokes. Share them with your little ones to get the laughs rolling!
Kate Loweth
1. Can a kid jump higher than the Space Needle?
Of course! Because the Space Needle can’t jump.
2. What did the Giant Octopus under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge eat for lunch?
Fish and ships.
3. What do you call monkeys who live in Seattle?
Amazon Prime-ates.
4. What do you call three orcas in Elliott Bay?
A tripod.
5. Why is Santa thinking about moving to Seattle?
Because of all the rain, dear.
6. What do you call a week without rain in Seattle?
Summer.
7. What did the geoduck say to the clam?
Can you dig it?
8. How do you make a SeaFair pirate angry?
Take away the “p.”
9. Heard any good jokes about the Cascades?
Yes, they are hill areas.
10. Why can’t Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker play hide and seek?
These family-favorite museums are some of the best in the world and lucky for us, they’re all in Los Angeles
Let’s face it, not every museum you love as an adult is going to thrill your kids in the same way. And while some museums may feel like a total snooze-fest to your pint-size counterparts, that’s not the case in LA thanks to curating some of the world’s best that will not only expose your kids to incredible culture, science, art, and unforgettable learning experiences, but also, dare we say, show them a good time? So whether you have dino fans, train-loving kids, acad, car lovers, or pint-sized Warhols at home, we’ve put together a list of the best museums to explore in LA with kids.
Drivers, start your engines and zoom over to the Petersen Automotive Museum for a day of revved up fun! Families will love seeing some of the most famous cars from TV and film, including the 1981 DMC-12 Deloreon from Back to the Future, as well as the Batmobile and other faves. There are other amazing exhibits to check out as well, including Inside Tesla: Supercharging the Electric Revolution, Andy Warhol Cars—Works From the Mercedes Benz Art Collection, and Hypercars 2: The Allure of the Extreme, among others.
Why We Love It: You don't have to be total gearhead to fall in love with the Petersen. The automobiles and innovative design on display are incredibly impressive, no matter what your interests are.
Don't Miss Exhibits: Make sure to bring the kids by the Cars Mechanical Institute (a super cool interactive experience inspired by the Disney/Pixar animated film) that immerses visitors in a variety of fun activities and displays where they can learn about the science and design of cars.
Insider Tip: If you have a die-hard car fan (age 10 and up) in the house, we highly recommend including a trip to the Vault on your itinerary. This area includes some of the museums's most rare pieces and houses more than 250 cars at a time. It requires a separate entrance fee, but gets you a discount at the gift shop and on parking.
When Is the Petersen Museum Free? Unfortunately, the Petersen does not have any special free days, but kids under age 4 and educators are always free.
Kidspace is designed to delight and engage children through joyful kid-driven experiences where they can play, create, and explore the world with curiosity and kindness. Situated on a sprawling 3.5 acre campus, the museum features over 40 hands-on exhibits with many of them outdoors. Whether littles want to check out the massive climbing structures, splash in the interpretive Arroyo Stream, play with mud and clay, perform investigations in science and nature, or express their artistic sides – there's something for everyone.
Why We Love It: Kids tend to stay engaged longer when they can get their hands dirty (so to speak) doing activities. Kidspace is an expert when it comes to interactive discovery and it shows by the excitement and smiles on kids' faces.
Don't Miss Exhibits: Make a beeline for the Physics Forest where kids put science into motion with 12 hands-on, interactive exhibits that explore concepts such as levers and pulleys, trajectory, and momentum. As an added bonus for your pint-sized Issac Newtons and Albert Einsteins—the forest is outdoors so they're getting fresh air!
Insider Tip: Butterfly Season at Kidspace is an annual favorite filled with lots of activities, programs and new exhibits that celebrate the habitat and life cycle of our winged friends.
When Is Kidspace Free? The museum is free on the first Friday of every month. Advance reservations are required and tickets are released around two weeks prior to the date of your visit.
All aboard! Griffith Park's beloved Travel Town Museum is on a mission to preserve and celebrate LA's rich railroad heritage. Train fans will oooh and ahhh over the magnificent selection of locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, cabooses and artifacts on display. Also, during your visit, be sure to ride the rails on the museum's miniature train that circles the complex.
Why We Love It: Who doesn't want to explore choo-choos all afternoon?! Kids can scamper around freely and let their imaginations run wild while they play conductor for the day. Lunch is also a snap with access to on-site picnic tables. And since you're already in the park, be sure to check out the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round as well if you're there on a weekend.
Don't Miss Exhibits: Currently, the museum is featuring the exhibit, Fred Harvey: Civilizer of the West, which explores how Harvey served railroad travelers by shaping the hospitality industry and tourism throughout the American Southwest.
Insider Tip: On certain Saturdays once a month, visitors are invited to participate in docent-lead tours through the historic Pullman Sleeping Cars. Be sure to check the website for dates.
When Is Travel Town Free? Admission is always free to visitors, but donations are gratefully accepted. Train rides, however, cost $3 for kids age 11 and under and adults are $4.
As the largest museum in the U.S. dedicated to the arts, sciences, and artists of movie making, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has quickly become a beloved spot for film buffs of all ages. Current exhibitions include Stories of Cinema—three floors of exhibits that explore the diverse, international and complex stories of moviemakers and the stories they create; Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971 that delves into the rich history of Black participation in cinema; and Backdrop: An Invisible Art, among others.
Why We Love It: LA kids grow up with the movie industry right in their backyards, so it's exciting to finally have a museum that celebrates everything we love about film. With such an in-depth look behind the magic of moviemaking, the museum may very well inspire the next generation of Spielbergs, Scorceses and DuVernays.
Don't Miss Exhibits: The Oscars Experience costs extra, but it's super fun—especially if this is your first visit to the museum. The experience invites visitors to step up to the podium and accept an Oscar in front of bright TV lights and a virtual audience while a soaring music score plays. The entire thing is captured on video to share on social media with friends. Also, be sure to stop by the Encounters room where kids can get up close and personal with iconic movie characters like C-3PO, R2-D2, E.T., Edward Scissorhands and Okoye's uniform from Black Panther.
Insider Tip: Every Saturday morning at 11 a.m., the museum features kid-friendly family matinees in their state-of-the-art theater. Films rotate weekly, so be sure to check the website for a schedule of upcoming screenings.
When Is the Academy Museum Free? While adult tickets cost $25, children age 17 and under are always free.
The California Science Center is a favorite of kids because there's always something new and exciting to see! From the Space Shuttle Endeavour and flight simulators to riveting exhibits about air and space, ecosystems and even Covid, this is the place to visit when you want your kids to stay engaged.
Why We Love It: You can spend an entire day here—no problem. And the first level food court is filled with tons of delicious and healthy dining options.
Don't Miss Exhibits:The Fire! Science & Safety interactive exhibition invites kids to play fire danger detective as they seek out burn hazards that one might find at home. Kids can also safely experiment with fire and practice their fire fighting skills with an extinguisher. We also love the Life! Beginnings exhibit that explores how humans and all living creatures reproduce, develop, and pass on their genes to bring new life into the world. Might make that birds and bees talk a little easier down the road—wink-wink.
Insider Tip: Avoid visits on USC game days since they share parking with the Coliseum and traffic is heavy. Or you can spare yourself the headache and take the Metro which stops right across the street—easy peasy!
When Is the California Science Center Free? General admission is always free, including the Space Shuttle Endeavor. The only extra cost might be if you want to check out one of the simulators or catch an IMAX film—that requires reservations.
High above the 405 Fwy is one of the leading cultural institutions in LA, the Skirball Cultural Center. The center is known as a place of meeting guided by the Jewish tradition of welcoming the stranger and inspired by the American democratic ideals of freedom and equality. With their mission of fostering human connections and building a more just society—we believe the Skirball's role is more important than ever. Current exhibitions include Fabric of a Nation: America Quilt Stories, Quilting for Good: Caron Tabb and the Quilting Corner, Chloe Bass: Wayfinding, Noah's Ark, a Discovery Center, and so much more.
Why We Love It: The Skirball brings together people from every community of LA, and this hands-on experience for kids is truly one-of-a-kind.
Don't Miss Exhibits: Award-winning Noah's Ark invites kids to play, climb, build, and make-believe while exploring an 8,000 sq. ft. wooden ark filled with over 400 exotic animals—all handcrafted from recycled materials and everyday objects. Little ones can even conduct their own storms with thunder, wind and lightning! Noah's Ark requires its own ticket and advance reservations are highly recommended. We're also huge fans of the museum's archaeology dig (Saturdays and Sundays only) where kids can sift and sort through sand to find replicas of ancient artifacts.
Insider Tip: Be sure to check out the numerous programs that Skirball offers to families as well—everything from story times and outdoor art making to the center's annual Hanukkah Festival.
When Is the Skirball Free? The Skirball is free to all on Thursdays.
LA’s Natural History Museum is a dino-mite way to spend an afternoon with your kiddos! Dinosaur Hall’s awe-inspiring exhibition filled with fossils and dinosaur skeletons transports visitors back 65 million years in the past. Other museum highlights include the engaging live show, Dinosaur Encounters, featuring life-size dinosaur puppets that will blow your mind. Also, be sure to visit the animal diorama halls from all over the world, the Nature Gardens, the Dino Lab and one of the newest exhibits, L.A. Underwater—an immersive and multi-media rich experience that explores our city’s prehistoric past beneath the Pacific Ocean.
Why We Love It: It’s a stunning space that invites pint-sized paleontologists to romp, roam and witness creatures beyond their wildest imaginations.
Don't Miss Exhibits: Spring and summertime mean spending time at the beautiful Butterfly Pavilion, where you can visit with your favorite butterflies and witness each stage of their lives first hand. Fall delivers eight-legged fun with a rare glimpse into the secret lives of spiders at the museum’s seasonal Spider Pavillion. Insider Tip: The Nature Garden is the perfect place to let kids get some fresh air and run around. You can take a breather with a cup of coffee from NHM Grill and watch them splash in the Urban Waterfall, hunt for earthworms in the compost bins, and play hide-and-seek in a giant willow house.
When Is the Natural History Museum Free? L.A. County residents receive free museum admission Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.—tickets are available at any museum ticketing desk.
Just blocks from the Pacific in downtown Santa Monica, Cayton Children's Museum offers 21,000 sq. ft. of discovery based exhibitions and immersive play for kids. The museum consists of five core wings filled with incredible hands-on exhibits. From a real-life helicopter, a play animal hospital and miniature marketplace to art studios, a colorful climbing structure, and a gigantic ball pit, littles will have more than enough to stay entertained.
Why We Love it: This brightly colored space is warm, welcoming and inclusive from the moment you enter, and with so many hands-on activities, kiddos will never get bored.
Don't Miss Exhibits: In the spirit of raising kind and empathetic kids, we love the fire truck and veterinarian office where kids can take on imaginative and caring responder roles. Like Mr. Rogers once said, "Always look for the helpers."
Insider Tip: Reservations are encouraged to guarantee entry, but are not required. However, if you're stopping by on a weekend when it's crowded, we highly recommend reserving ahead of time to make your visit easier. Also, the first Thursday of every month is only open to members all day.
When Is the Cayton Free? The Cayton Children's Museum does not offer free admission days, but children under age 1 are always free.
The Autry Museum explores the art, history, cultures and stories of the American West and its people. This impressive collection of more than 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts includes the Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection—one of the largest and most significant collections of Native American material in the U.S.
Why We Love It: The Autry tends to be less crowded than other museums in the area, and its convenient location right across from the LA Zoo can't be beat—you can explore both in one day!
Don't Miss Exhibits: Stop by Imagined West Studios, the Autry's kid-friendly movie studio where children can act in and film their own cinematic visions of the American West using creative props on a western-themed set.
Insider Tip: On Saturday, Sunday, and on free Tuesday, visit the Autry's family play space for tons of kid-friendly activities that teach kids about the American West. Also, coming in May 2023, the Autry will feature the exhibition, Imagined Wests, where visitors of all ages can explore the ways we tell stories about the American West through pop culture, clothing, toys, art, archives, and other media.
When Is the Autry Free? Every second Tuesday of the month is free to visitors.
4700 Western Heritage Way Griffith Park Online:theautry.org
Come for the art and stay for the mind-blowing views of LA! High in the hills, the Getty Center features modern architecture, world-class exhibitions, a Central Garden filled with stunning water features and colorful plants that change seasonally, and delicious dining options at the restaurant on site or Garden Terrace Cafe.
Why We Love It: Getting there is part of the thrill! A tram takes you for a steep ride up the hill from the parking lot to the museum.
Don't Miss Exhibitions: Kids will enjoy getting to see some of the artists they're likely learning about in school with works on display from masters like Monet and Van Gogh. But the real draw for little ones is the incredible view and breathtaking gardens outside.
Insider's Tip: Once you pay for parking at The Getty Center, you’ll also score free parking at The Getty Villa in Malibu for the same day—just make reservations at both sites on the same date.
When Is the Getty Free? The Getty Center offers free admission year round, you just need to reserve a time for your visit in advance. However, parking costs $20 per car.
Sepulveda Blvd. & Getty Center Dr. Los Angeles Online:getty.edu
The Broad is filled with an extremely impressive selection of contemporary art from the 1950s—the present. Once you arrive, we highly recommend downloading the museum’s mobile guide on your phone that provides a map to the museum and family recommendations of what to see while you’re there. One of the first highlights of The Broad isn’t the artwork at all—it’s the extremely long escalator that takes visitors to the 3rd floor galleries. On this floor, you can explore artwork by Jeff Koons, including his famous Balloon Dog, as well as works by Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Robert Therrien’s Under the Table.
Why We Love It: Filled with bright color and whimsical wonder, this is the perfect place to get your kids excited about art and the world’s most incredible artists.
Don’t Miss Exhibits: If you're lucky enough to score tickets, we highly recommend a visit to Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of a Million Light Years Away located on the first floor. This extra special exhibit requires a separate timed-entry ticket. Tickets are released on the last Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. for admission the following month. Also, a special exhibition, Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody, is coming to The Broad in May 2023.
Insider Tip: The mobile museum guide on your phone has a free kid’s audio tour featuring LeVar Burton of Reading Rainbow.
When Is The Broad Free? Timed-entry tickets for general admission to the museum are always free and are released the last Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. Some last-minute tickets are also released daily, so be sure to check the website the evening before you’d like to go.
This world-class art museum is a fantastic intro to art – whether you're a novice or connoisseur. From impressionism and Egyptian art to furniture collections and rad contemporary exhibits, the collections run the gambit and will give your littles a taste of everything.
Why We Love It: There’s always something happening here for families: from story times to fun activities at the Boone Family Gallery and more. And it’s always free for kids who live in LA County!
Don't Miss Exhibits: Before you leave for the day, make sure to check out one of the museum's newest exhibits, Language of the Birds—stark, abstract bronze sculptures suspended from the north side of Resnick Pavilion outside. It will remain on display until June 2023.
Insider Tip: If you can't find street parking, it's worth it to pay $20 to park in the underground lot so you don't have to circle the area for hours. Also, after your museum adventure, grab a drink and a bite at Ray's & Stark Bar or C+M Grab & Go, and kick back while your kiddos play hide-and-seek in the Urban Light installation nearby.
When Is LACMA Free? Hit the museum membership desk and sign up for the NexGen program. Kids under age 18 and one accompanying adult (per child) get into LACMA for free with a NexGenLA pass.
Travel back in time during your visit to the La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum—one of the richest depositories of Ice Age fossils in the world. Inside the museum, explore incredible fossils on display from over 650 different species like ground sloths, dire wolves, and saber-tooth cats. Outside, stroll the beautiful park grounds and witness life-size statues of mammoths and American Mastodon standing in bubbling asphalt, or swing by Project 23 and Pit 91 to watch scientists perform live excavations of fossil deposits on site. For an extra $6 per person, we also recommend the Ice Age Encounters live stage show or the Titans of of the Ice Age 3D movie.
Why We Love It: We totally dig (pun intended) the indoor/outdoor vibe of the experience.
Don't Miss Exhibits: One of our favorite things to do is visit the Fossil Lab where kiddos can observe paleontologists hard at work right in front of their eyes—cleaning and prepping Ice Age fossils for study and exhibition.
Insider Tip: Bring a picnic to eat on the grounds outside and let kids burn off some extra energy by rolling down the steep grassy hills.
When Is the Page Museum Free? The park area is always free, but the Page Museum gives LA County residents free admission from 3 p.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday at any museum ticketing desk or kiosk. Children 2 and under are always free.
The Discovery Cube LA is a children’s museum that brings STEM education to life with a wide range of immersive and interactive science activities. With a mission to inspire and educate young minds, the museum features over 50 hands-on activities, including the LA Kings Hockey exhibit where you can pretend to be a hockey player and train like a pro, a wind exhibit where you can hop inside a wind simulator to see what’s happening to our climate, a grocery store where you can scan items, and a physics area where kids can play with various pulleys.
Why We Love It: This museum is completely interactive which is always more entertaining for kids. And if they’re into science on top of that—it just can’t be beat!
Don’t Miss Exhibits: With the environment top of mind for everyone these days, we love the Recycling Plant exhibit where littles can sort various items correctly to race to zero waste. Also, if you’re at the museum before Jan. 16, check out the Thomas and Friends Explore the Rails exhibit where kids can play with a gigantic wooden train set and partake in tons of fun activities with Thomas and his crew.
Insider Tip: There’s a giant park located right next door if you kids have any gas left on the tank after your day at the museum.
When Is the Discovery Cube Free? Children age 2 and under are always free.
At the top of Griffith Park, you are met with sweeping views of the city, where on a clear day you can see from the San Gabriel Mountains to the beach. See if kids can spot your neighborhood far below. Then head inside and learn all about our planets and universe. What would we weigh on Jupiter? How is a comet made? What can you see through the giant telescopes? Don’t miss a visit to the planetarium for one of their amazing shows. Public Star Parties are held once a month, where you can go look at the sun, moon, and planets and try out a variety of telescopes. Check out our in-depth article on the Griffith Observatory and why it's a favorite place to visit with the kids.
Need to Know: Parking is notoriously difficult, so on a weekend expect a long walk. The good news is the walk will be gorgeous, with the best views in the city of the Hollywood Sign. The bad news is that it’s all uphill so bring strollers or carriers for wee ones.
Good to Know: Avoid the parking dilemma altogether and take the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station.
When Is the Griffith Observatory Free? The Griffith Observatory is free but shows in the planetarium do have a small fee. Kids under 5 are only admitted to the first show each day and must sit on an adult's lap.
If you have music lovers at home, we highly recommend a visit to the GRAMMY Museum which aims to educate visitors about the history and cultural significance of American music and inspire the next generation of musicians. The space is made up of four levels and guests start at the top and work their way through various exhibits until they reach the bottom. Exhibitions give visitors a chance to pose On the Red Carpet, explore the Mono Immersive Experience Room that takes you on a visual and audible journey of the evolution of recorded sound, or check out the recording booths, costumes, and other interactive exhibits on display.
Why We Love It: This museum provides a master class in music history. If you have aspiring singers and musicians at home, this is a rare opportunity to see all the hard work that goes into making some of the most memorable music of all time.
Don’t Miss Exhibits: On display through Spring 2023, check out the exhibition, Marley: A Family Legacy that explores why Bob Marley was one of the greatest performers the world has ever known. Guests are also invited to take a seat at the kit for an interactive drum lesson by reggae drumming icon, Santa Davis.
Insider's Tip: The GRAMMY Museum isn't that large and won't take up your whole day, so you'll have plenty of time to grab a bite, see a movie, or go bowling at LA Live too.
When Is the GRAMMY Museum Free? Children age 4 and under are always free.
Already exhausted the ones on our list? Keep scrolling for five more kid-friendly museums we love in LA.
Fowler Museum at UCLA:Located on the sprawling UCLA campus, this museum explores global arts and cultures primarily from Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas. Check out their Fowler Families programs, which include art workshops, yoga and more. The museum is also a short walk from the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, a lush 7.5 acre "natural museum" that kids can explore.
Los Angeles Fire Department Hollywood Museum:On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can visit Fire Station 27, which was established in 1930. The space features equipment dating back to the early 1900s, along with fire-fighting artifacts and equipment from the 1880s through the present day.
Museums near LA Worth the Drive
Now that you've check all the LA museums off your list, here are some more within an hour or two of the city.
Go inside a guitar, create a wind, sun, and human-powered symphony with the Weather Orchestra and more at Santa Barbara's hands-on MOXI Museum.
Indoor or out, there are plenty of activities to keep your family busy in the new year!
A new year and a new month are just around the corner. If you’ve resolved to find amazing new adventures with your kids, we’ve got ideas—one for each day of the month, in fact. In between your snowy sledding adventures and your busy back-to-school schedules, try one of these family activities that’s anything but boring.
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1. Celebrate the New Year at a National Park (psst…entrance fees are waived on January 16 because it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day). These popular parks have the outdoor bells and whistles families love or try a little-known park for a change of scenery.
2. Looking for other ways to celebrate 2023’s arrival with the kids? We’ve got family friendly ideas you can do at home.
3. Ditch your family’s New Year’s resolutions for new routines, instead. It’s a great way for kids (and parents!) to set and keep goals all year long.
4. Break out winter activity sheets for a quick family activity during the witching hour.
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5. Get your kiddos ready to head back to the classroom after a long winter break with memory games they’ll love.
18. Whether you’ve got enough snow on the ground to build a whole snow family (or you’re just dreaming of winter’s favorite frozen stuff), these snowman snacks will make kids smile.
