Heading to LA and wondering what the best things to do in Hollywood with kids are? No doubt you’ve heard of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the famous Hollywood sign – but there are plenty of more fun things to do on the Hollywood strip with kids and the good thing is they’re generally all in close proximity to each other.
Hollywood is just one of the many neighbourhoods in Los Angeles – although thanks to the big screen – it’s the most famous one! Many families visiting LA though, myself included, may very well be surprised at just how unglamorous Hollywood actually is.
However, despite not being the most “pretty” area of Los Angeles, it’s certainly a good central base for exploring all of the attractions around LA. And like I’ve said there are plenty of fun things to do around Hollywood itself with the kids too.
So if you’re basing yourself in Tinseltown for your LA trip and wondering what the best things to see in Hollywood for kids are, then this guide is perfect for you. In this guide, we cover all the super fun things to do near Hollywood for families including the best things to do near Hollywood Walk of Fame, fun things to do in Hollywood during the day, fun things to do in Hollywood at night with the kids and even the best fun free things to do in Hollywood.
In addition to the top things to do in Hollywood with kids, we also provide tips on where to stay.
So let’s get started and find you the top things to do with kids in Hollywood.
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Best Things to do in Hollywood with Kids Map
Before we get started, to help you decide what order to do all the things to do and see in Hollywood, I’ve provided this handy map, which shows the location of all the different attractions.
Zoom in and out for a better view.
Top Things to do in Hollywood for Kids
Below in this guide, I’ve provided a comprehensive list of all the best tourist things to do in Hollywood with family. I’ve included locations, opening hours and ticket prices to help with planning. All information was correct at the time of publishing.
Please also note that all pricing is in USD.
Guinness World Records Museum
When it comes to Hollywood things to do with kids who love their facts and perhaps even a bit of a challenge themselves – a visit to the Guinness World Records Museum is highly recommended. The kids will love attempting records of their own and comparing themselves against the world’s tallest man or perhaps their weight against the world’s heaviest person.
The Guinness World Records Musuem is extremely hands on and there are lots of things the kids can have a go at. So if you’re after kids’ activities Hollywood has that is both interactive and educational, the Guinness World Records Museum is a great one for your list!
Location: 6764 Hollywood Blvd
Opening Hours: Daily 9 am to midnight
Price: From $29.99 per adult | $19.99 per child (4-11) | Under 3s are free
Madame Tussauds
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Hollywood with kids, check out Madame Tussauds and get your picture taken with your favourite celebrity. The kids will love walking around and taking selfies and marvelling at the meticulous, realistic work on display, meeting over 125 incredibly life-like figures from the celebrity worlds of film, television and more!
At Madame Tussaud’s it’s not just about taking photos with your favourite celebrities; there are lots of props for you to use or clothes to wear to really put in the scene. We found it really good fun and were snapping photos left right and centre.
While you could get lucky in LA and spot a real life celebrity while out and about – if you want to guarantee a photo with your favourite celeb then Madame Tussauds in Los Angeles for kids is the best place!
Location: 6933 Hollywood Blvd – right next door to the TCL Chinese Theatre on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday 11 am to 6 pm | Thursday to Sunday 11 am to 8 pm
Price: $34.99 per person | Under 2s are free – Click here to book discounted tickets online.
Funko Hollywood Store
One of the top things to do Hollywood has for pop culture fans is a visit to the Funko Hollywood Store!
This Hollywood store is the second Funko bricks-and-mortar location, located on Hollywood Blvd around a 20 minute walk from Hollywood/Highland.
The store is filled with immersive sets and larger than life photo opportunities – all inspired by characters from movies and TV shows.
The themed zones make it easy to navigate the 40,000 square feet of store fun. Just head straight to whichever zone you want your photo opp; Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Marvel, Disney and more!
And one of the best things… this is one of the free things in Hollywood! (if you don’t purchase any of the items for sale!) If you want to put a smile on the kids’ faces, head to Funko, this is definitely one of the things to do in Hollywood with teens toddlers and all ages in between. The kids can even make a pop that looks just like them.
On a side note, while this is one of the cool things to do in Hollywood… the lines aren’t cool and can sometimes take up to a couple of hours. So try to get there at opening or before closing when the lines are shorter.
Location: 6201 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 12pm to 6pm | Saturday & Sundays 10am – 6pm
Price: Free entry
Hollywood Walk of Fame
What to do in LA with kids which is free? Let them find their favourite movie star’s plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Possibly one of the most popular Los Angeles tourist spots, this famous stretch of Hollywood Boulevard comprises more than 2,700 brass stars embedded in the sidewalks. These stars contain a mixture of famous people’s names, marking their achievements in the entertainment industry.
What many people don’t know is that this ‘Walk of Fame’ is quite a walk – over 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood to be precise. However, I found most of the “bigger” stars around the area where all the main Hollywood Tourist Attractions are. To find out a particular celebrity’s star check out the star search on the official website; this will save you heaps of time.
Kids will love finding some of their favourite characters, from Shrek to Mickey Mouse to Tinker Bell, while adults can spot plaques for their favourite actors or directors. Such a fun activity for everyone! We would recommend this as one of the top 10 things to do in Hollywood for families.
While the Walk of Fame is one of the touristy things to do in Hollywood, there are also loads of attractions and things to do on the Hollywood Walk of Fame… that you’re essentially exploring the whole time! It is also one of the things to do in Hollywood at night for free, so if you’re short on time – come back in the evening.
If this is your first time in Hollywood – you have to take the kids to the Hollywood Walk of Fame – it’s one of the must do things in Hollywood.
Location: N Highland Ave & Hollywood Blvd
Opening Hours: Anytime
Price: Free
Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
Kim Kardashian brought Ripley’s Believe it or Not! back into the global spotlight when she wore the original “Happy Birthday Mr President” Marilyn Monroe dress to the Met Gala.
Not only is there Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, there is a shrunken head, a Star Wars gallery, a prehistoric cave bear… and a whole heap more bizarre and unusual exhibits. In fact, there are over 300 exhibits housed within the Odditorium over 2 floors.
Centrally located across the road from Ovation Hollywood and open 7 days a week until late, so if you’re after fun things to do at night in Hollywood – then put Ripley’s Believe it or Not! on your list.
Location: 6780 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10 am to midnight | Friday & Saturday 10 am to 1 am
Price: $25.99 per person | Under 4s are free
See the Hollywood Sign from Hollywood and Highland
When it comes to things for kids to do in Hollywood, you can’t leave town without at least a glimpse of the Hollywood sign. A trip to LA would not be complete without a photo with the famed Hollywood Sign. Though it is visible from all over the city from its high up position on Mt. Lee, it can be hard to get a good angled and un-obstructed shot.
If you don’t have time to leave Hollywood to see the sign, then a great spot to see it is from Ovation (formerly Hollywood and Highland Shopping Mall). The best vantage point is from the corner of Hollywood Boulevard – walk north onto Highland Avenue and take the first left hand turn. This is the entrance to the driveway of the shopping centre car park – labelled “Johnny Grant Way”. Turn left into Johnny Grant and then an immediate left up the stairs to the patio level above.
The Hollywood Sign is one of the must see things in Hollywood, and even better, it is also one of the things to do for free in Hollywood!
Opening Hours: Anytime
Price: Free
Hollywood Wax Museum
If you’re in Hollywood and want to do some celeb-spotting, well the Hollywood Wax Museum has all your favourites ready and waiting!
But this isn’t your ordinary wax museum, here, you’ll be part of a ‘scene’, joining your favourite celeb at a party, or singing alongside a pop diva… or taking it to the next level and marrying a star! Remember to take pics and then tell everyone it was the real deal!
The Wax Museum is one of the things to do around Hollywood Walk of Fame, so if you don’t get your celeb-fix from the museum, simply step outside and spot your favourite stars in the brass-stars on the Walk.
And if you’re looking for Hollywood things to do at night, you’re in luck, with the Wax Museum open until midnight, 365 days of the year!
If you’re weighing up going to the wax museum or Madame Tussauds – then I recommend Madame Tussauds – the wax celebs are much more life like there.
Location: 6767 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to midnight
Price: From $29.99 per adult | $19.99 per child (4-11) | Under 4s are free
World of Illusions
The World of Illusions is another one of the fun Hollywood activities for kids! In fact, there are four unique experiences to choose from here… or do them all! There’s the Museum of Illusions, Giant’s House, Upside Down House and Smash It.
The Museum of Illusions has over 30 3D Illusions producing eye-popping pics. From walking along the edge of a skyscraper to going on an African Safari… taking family photos to the next level.
The Giant’s House, as the name suggests, skews perception to look as though you are in a giant’s house! If you’re looking for things to do in Hollywood with teenagers – they will love filling their insta feeds with donuts the size of wheels, pizza the same size as themselves and giant burgers!
The Upside Down House is flipped, upside down. And ‘Smash It’ lets you smash to your heart’s content and relieve all your frustrations.
This interactive museum is one of the fun Hollywood attractions for families that lets you look and touch, truly immersing the whole family in art.
Location: 6751 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Price: Each of the attractions is $30 per adult | $20 per child (6-12) | Under 5s are free or buy passes to multiple attractions to save.
Hollywood Museum
This museum is housed in the historic Max Factor Building and is home to a collection of memorabilia from the history of American motion pictures and television. The most extensive collection of authentic Hollywood memorabilia in the world is on display here, over four floors of magnificent exhibits. With more than 10,000 authentic treasures from favourite movies and TV shows, the whole family will be entertained.
This is one of the things you can do in Hollywood that the whole family will love! There are costumes from Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, Beyoncé, and Leonardo DiCaprio – a level devoted to cult horror films plus loads of props, scripts and more!
While the Hollywood Museum is one of the kids friendly things to do in Hollywood, at $12 per child for entry, it is also one of the cheap things to do in Hollywood.
Location: 1660 N Highland Ave. on Hollywood Boulevard
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Price: $15 per adult | $12 per student | $5 per child (0-5)
Celebrity Stars Tour
Let’s be honest, celebs are one of the cool things in Hollywood, and celeb-spotting can be quite fun! On this tour you can see the homes of all your favourite Hollywood celebrities. This 2 hour bus tour takes you down the iconic Rodeo Drive, Bel Air, and Sunset Strip where celebrities frequently visit to shop and eat.
Drive by the mansions, and homes of celebs past and present while hearing facts and insider gossip from your professional tour guide. Take selfies and family photos with the iconic Beverly Hills and Hollywood signs. Drive by the major Hollywood attractions and see some historic studios and film locations.
This is one of the kids activities in Hollywood, that while younger kids might not be that interested, they will be content to rest their little legs. Although the teens will no doubt be interested in seeing where all their fav celebs frequent.
Location: The departure and return point for this tour is at the Starline Kiosk office, click here to see map and directions.
Opening Hours: Tours depart regularly throughout the day – click on the ticket link below for timings.
Price: $55 per adult | $45 per child (3-11) | Under 3s are free – Click here to book tickets online.
Startrack Night Tour
There are loads of Hollywood day tours, but why not take a different perspective and jump on the Startrack Night Tour. The stars come out at night, after all.
This night tour is one of the things to see and do in Hollywood if you’ve been to all the tourist traps, why? Because each night is different, who knows what event is on and which celebs are out and about.
You’ll also get to coast past the homes of the biggest stars in the world, including Tom Cruise, Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, Elton John, Bruno Mars, and more!
However, it’s not all to do with celebs, you’ll also get stunning night views of LA from the top of Mulholland Drive, a ride down Rodeo Drive with sparkling lights and heaving music clubs on the Sunset Strip.
This is one of the fun things in Hollywood that is also a great way to maximise your sightseeing.
Location: 6735 Hollywood Blvd
Opening Hours: Tour starts at 7pm with duration of 1.5 hours
Price: $39 per adult | $30 per child (4-9) | $15 per infant (0-3)
Dolby Theatre Guided Tour
Visiting LA after the infamous Oscars ‘slap’ and want to see where it all happened? Head to the Dolby Theatre for a guided tour. While it might not be one of the most interesting things for kids in Hollywood, parents will no doubt enjoy walking through the Dolby Theatre. Although the tweens and teens will no doubt want to see where the “slap” took place.
Take the 30 minute tour through one of the world’s biggest entertainment venues. See this huge 3,400-seat theatre in all its glory as you walk through listening to interesting and entertaining facts and stories from your engaging tour guides.
As the theatre is used for productions, the guided tours are on days when no shows are scheduled.
Location: N Highland Ave &, Hollywood Blvd – adjacent to the world-famous TCL Chinese Theatre.
Opening Hours: Varies pending what productions are on, check website for schedule
Price: $25 per adult | $19 per child (4-17) | $80 per family (2A+2C) | Under 3s are free – Click here to book discounted tickets online.
TCL Chinese Theatre Tour
One of the popular things to do in Hollywood is to visit the famed forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre where you can see the hand and footprints of all the families favourite stars!
To learn more about the theatre you can join a guided tour. On this tour you will learn the history of this cinema palace from inside and out and discover stories and amazing facts past and present.
This is one of the great family things to do in Hollywood, kids will love placing their hands and feet in the celeb imprints and parents will get a kick from hearing stories about Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Location: 6925 Hollywood Blvd – on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Opening Hours: Daily excluding special events
Price: $18 per adult | $8 per child (3-12) – Click here to book discounted tickets online.
Where to Stay in Hollywood with Kids
Now you know all the fun Hollywood things to do for kids, you’re probably wondering where to stay in Hollywood with kids?
Well, below we’ve covered our top three picks when it comes to the best places to stay in Hollywood with kids. Each of these hotels offers great value for money and are in an excellent Hollywood area for visiting all the local attractions.
Click here for our more comprehensive guide on the best hotels to stay in Hollywood with kids.
The Magic Castle
The Magic Castle Hotel is conveniently located around a 10 minute stroll to the Walk of Fame and around 5 minutes to reach the Ovation Hollywood – packed full of shops and eateries. It is also across the road from the ‘Dorothy & Benjamin Smith Park’ which is great if kids need to run off the last of their energy for the day.
Accommodation is apartment style, sleeping families of up to six in double beds and sofas. All apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen, which we all know is a huge bonus when travelling with kids – meal prep saves money!
Meal prep isn’t the only way to save money at the Magic Castle Hotel… there are loads of complimentary services on offer including; Popsicle hotline – simply lift the phone handset by the pool and the ‘popsicle hotline’ will take your order and deliver to you poolside. Or what about the free snacks available at reception 24/7 including chocolate, candy, cookies and popcorn. There is a free continental breakfast with performances by a magician on the weekends. And have you ever heard of this… free laundry! Yep, the hotel wash, fold and deliver to your room!
The hotel also has a heated pool and courtyard dining – where local restaurants will deliver meals directly to the courtyard.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
The Adler a Hollywood Hotel
The eclectic Adler a Hollywood Hotel is a 4 minute drive from the Dolby Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame, or a 13 minute bus ride to Hollywood/Highland. And if you’re after some traditional American fare nearby, there are pizza, burger and donut eateries only a minute’s walk away.
Rooms accommodate families of four in two double beds and the in-room amenities are great when travelling with kids. A kitchenette including a microwave, fridge and tea/coffee facilities are perfect for prepping and storing simple meals.
Alternatively, if you want to eat out there is an onsite restaurant; Clarks Street Diner with reasonably priced meals available for breakfast and lunch – along with bar service. It’s not only food your eyes will devour, with the Diner also frequented by celebrities and used as a backdrop for movies, TV shows and music videos… so keep those eyes peeled.
The outdoor pool has a sun deck and loungers to relax (if the kids let you), there is free parking onsite, free WiFi and a fitness centre.
All in all a decent hotel, reasonably priced with some cost-saving amenities available.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Hollywood Celebrity Hotel
The Hollywood Celebrity Hotel is in a great spot; only 5 minutes’ walk to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. It is also close to numerous restaurants and shops.
This best hotel in Los Angeles for families has several room types to choose from. The standard hotel rooms come with two large double beds and a microwave, fridge, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities.
For families that prefer additional space, you can book into a suite that comes with two large double beds and a fully equipped kitchen.
For even more space, book into the two-bedroom apartment, which comes with two large double beds, a separate living area, a fully equipped kitchen with an eating area, TV with cable and HBO and air-conditioning throughout.
The hotel also provides WiFi, parking, free breakfast and self-serve laundry facilities. Parking is available onsite for a fee.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
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We hope this guide has got you excited to visit Hollywood! Click here for even more things to do around Los Angeles. We also have guides on things to do in Santa Mona with Kids and things to do in Anaheim with kids.