Where: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Lucky for LA families, Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, is right at the bottom of the Santa Monica Mountains. Visitors can hike or go biking on the nature trails or check out one of the many attractions throughout the park. There’s so much to do in the “Central Park” of Los Angeles that you couldn’t possibly accomplish it all in one day. Here are seven things to put on your must-do list for your family’s next few visits to Griffith Park.
1. Be wowed at Griffith Observatory
Where: 2800 East Observatory Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
The Griffith Observatory gives visitors a glimpse into the vastness of the universe. Be sure to catch a show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium (tickets range from $3 to $7), home to one of the largest planetarium domes in the world. Pack some food and enjoy a picnic lunch on their grounds and enjoy the views from far above the city.
2. Spend time at the Travel Town Museum
Where: 5200 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA
The free Travel Town Museum is an interactive delight, where visitors can board trains and explore their inner workings. The exhibits include displays on the mechanics of trains and the role the railroad played in our country’s history. For less than $4 per person, you can also ride the Travel Town Railroad, a train that circles the perimeter of the museum grounds. You can even rent out entire train cars for parties!
3. Play at Shane’s Inspiration
Where: 5400 Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Shane’s Inspiration is an enormous playground that caters to children of all ages and abilities. This universally accessible playground has two acres of grass and equipment. There are sand pits, bridges, sensory equipment, slides and climbing walls. Be sure to stop at the iconic merry-go-round at the top of the hill overlooking Shane’s Inspiration for a fun ride.
4. See trains at Walt Disney’s Barn
The Carolwood Foundations bought Walt Disney’s barn and relocated it, fully intact, to Griffith Park. Walt Disney himself was a railroad buff who loved to work on small-scale trains in his backyard barn. These trains, along with other Walt treasures like handmade benches and personal Disney memorabilia, are on display. The barn is only open the third Sunday of each month, so make sure you plan ahead. This is a must-visit for hardcore Disney fans!
5. Go hiking
Griffith Park’s mountainous location gives hikers over 53 miles of trails. There are dozens of hiking paths available so you can choose one that’s right for your family. The Old Zoo is one of the easiest paths to try, with plenty of caves and enclosures to explore. The Bronson Canyon Trail will take you past the bat cave and eventually, to the famous Hollywood sign. The Griffith Observatory hike is difficult (so best for older kids), but the view can’t be beat.
6. Take a spin on the merry-go-round
The Griffith carousel, located in Park Center between the LA Zoo and the Los Feliz entrance, has been a fan favorite for more than five generations. You’ll find 68 horses—each one a jumper (a definite plus for the kiddos!). There’s also a Stinson 165 Military Band Organ, which is rumored to be the largest band organ accompanying a carousel on the West Coast. It plays more than 1,500 selections of marches and waltz music. Rides are only a few dollars each.
7. Visit the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Where: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Where: The
133-acre zoo is home to approximately 1,100 mammals, birds, amphibians and
reptiles representing more than 250 different species. In addition, the
botanical collection has 800 different plant species! Don’t miss the Elephants of Asia exhibit, The LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates and Reptiles) and the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo.,
