There are so many awesome things to do in our city! And now that I have an adorable sidekick with me just about 24/7, I've become even more creative about how to spend our time. It can be expensive to live in a tourist destination, but I've found lots of ways to have free fun with our little guy. All you need to pay for at the following activities is parking!
The most important thing is that you're getting to do something fun for both of you...not just your babe. That said, here are my favorite free activities that my son and I have done together the past 11 months:
Play at Kids Club 15225 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Wednesdays | 10AM & 11AM This is a free weekly class at the glamorous Palisades Village in Pacific Palisades! There's live music, storytelling, puppet shows and even creative exhibitions from Wild Child Gym. I've loved meeting other caregivers and getting the kids' rendition of The Beatles' hit Yellow Submarine stuck in my head.
2. Enjoy Story Time at The Brentwood Branch Library
11820 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Wednesdays | 10:30AM and 11:30AM
This is a free weekly story time in the kids room at the Brentwood Library. We love the sweet librarians here! There's even a little book shop where you can buy gently loved children's books for as little as 50 cents.
3. Experience World Class Art at The Getty
1200 Getty Center Drive Los Angeles, CA 90049
Tuesday–Friday & Sunday |10AM – 5:30PM (closed Mondays)
Don't think you need to wait to bring your little to a "real" museum! If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even forgo the tram and take the pleasant walk up the hill via stroller. This is a marvelous way to spend time with your little one. There is so much to see and do. The city views are spectacular. It's free to come, but costs $20 for parking.
4. Walk the Grounds of The Getty Villa 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Monday - Sunday | 10:00AM - 5:00PM (closed Tuesdays) This was the first "real" museum we ever visited together when he was 3 months old! They have an adorable kids' section here where they can draw on ancient artifacts and do other little crafts. It's a beautiful place to stroll around. It's free to visit, but costs $20 for parking.
5. Visit The 50 Foot Woman at California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Monday - Sunday | 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Your infant will love seeing the bizarre 50 Foot Woman light up and move around! This is a great place to bring baby for an indoor stroll to see the various exhibits and watch big kids run around. It's free to visit, but costs $15 for parking.
6. Crawl around The Last Bookstore 453 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013 Monday - Sunday | 10:00AM - 6:00PM There's a super cute children's book nook at this iconic bookstore. There are board books, picture books and chapter books starting at just $1, but free to look. They even hide a lion in this area for the little ones to discover...roar!
7. Visit the earthy shops at Topanga Canyon
120 South Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Topanga, CA 9029
Monday - Sunday | 10:00AM - 6:00PM
A super chill place to pop into stores, grab a coffee and take in the relaxed mountain atmosphere. I enjoy coming up here for a change in scenery!
8. Discover the Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Monday - Sunday | 10:00AM - 6:00PM
It can be really fun to walk around the Pier and see the city through tourist's eyes. There are exciting amusement park rides, shiny arcade games and incredible oceanic views. Lots of sights and smells for a little babe to take in!
9. Visit the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, California 90291
Monday - Sunday | 10:00AM - 6:00PM
What won't you see down on Venice Beach?! There are wild t-shirts, wild people and wild activities to behold. Highly recommend a weekday morning or a Saturday afternoon!
10. Wander on Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90291
Saturdays | 11:00AM - 7:00PM
Pop your little one in a front-facing carrier and let them experience the bougier side of Venice Beach with a stroll down Abbot Kinney. There are tons of interesting shops, food trucks and businesses to check out. Highly recommend a Saturday afternoon!
11. Savor The Brentwood Farmers Market
741 Gretna Green Way, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Sundays | 9:00AM - 2:00PM
This is a weekly favorite of mine. There's typically live music for baby to enjoy, free fruit samples, lots of food truck smells and tons of people. It's such a happy place to spend the day!
12. Walk on Montana Avenue
Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Monday - Sunday | 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Your little one will love strolling around one of Santa Monica's cutest neighborhood streets! There are lots of little coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants. Highly recommend the new children's consignment shop Sparkle Kidz where you can pick up clothing, accessories and more from this adorable woman-owned shop. There are sometimes even free events with snacks here!
13. Walk at Century City Mall 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Monday - Sunday | 10:00AM - 6:00PM Who doesn't love a beautiful outdoor shopping center?! This is a beautifully maintained area for your little one to window shop and watch your enjoy your coffee. There are excellent mother's rooms for changing, nursing and more.
415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA 90402
All the time!
Well, obviously!! Who needs a backyard when you have this as the most glorious giant sand pit. There are lots of fun playgrounds, stroller-friendly paths and lots of natural (and unnatural) beauty for baby to experience. There are 3.5 miles of free space to enjoy. I've included information for Annenberg Community Beach Club, which often has free events for locals.
What are your favorite activities and free places to visit in Los Angeles?!