L.A. is a great place for a holiday with kids, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make the most of your single parent city trip. So, buckle up and take a moment to see how we get things done here in the Sunny State!
What you need to know before you go:
1. How to get around
L.A.’s public transport system is excellent, and there is no better way to avoid traffic and get around without renting a car. Plus, it’s a great way to explore different parts of the city that you might not otherwise see. Last but not least, many of the city’s attractions are located near public transportation stops, so it’s easy to get to them that way.
2. Attractions off the beaten path
There are so many iconic L.A. landmarks that everyone wants to see, but there are also plenty of hidden gems that are worth seeking out. Take some time to explore some of the lesser-known attractions the city has to offer. From unique museums such as Lighthouse Los Angeles to hidden parks and quirky attractions, including The Last Bookstore or The Bridge to Nowhere, there are plenty of places to explore that are well off the beaten bath.
3. Eat your way through LA
One of the best ways to experience a new city is through its food, and L.A. doesn’t disappoint here. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s something for every taste, budget, and age. Start with a bagel from one of the many famous bagel trucks, a breakfast burrito, or if you are on the West side, check out Sunny Spot in Venice Beach. For lunch, you could head East side and try to decide between the many authentic Asian dishes on offer – from lamb falafels to Taiwanese beef rolls – the choice is huge. For dinner, you could continue your journey around the world’s cuisine by choosing between the many excellent Italian and Japanese restaurants L.A. has to offer. Finally, don’t forget to try a classic In-N-Out burger while you’re here. The kids will love you for it.
4. Prepare for the weather
Average temperatures in Los Angeles are much higher than in the UK – on average around 10 degrees – so be prepared for some intense heat, which can be uncomfortable on a city trip with kids. And although it doesn’t rain often, when it does rain, it can come down quite hard, so take some good quality waterproof clothes for everyone.
5. Watch your holiday spending
From accommodation to food and drink, everything in L.A. is expensive. If you live in London, those prices might not faze you, but for the majority of Brits and many single parents, L.A, will seem a rather expensive holiday spot. Make sure you budget accordingly and don’t overspend while you’re here!
6. Have an agenda
L.A. is the most densely populated city in the United States, but it’s smaller than London with less than half the population. So, depending on where in the UK are from, you may find the population density and size more or less intimidating. The fact is, there is so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming and making a plan to focus on what interests you and the kids most, is a good idea. After all, you don’t miss out on anything during your stay.
Do make sure your schedule leaves room for flexibility, because sometimes it’s fun to go with the flow. After all, you never know what amazing adventure awaits you around the corner!
Here are some ideas that we think are must-sees when you are travelling with little ones:
Best places to visit in L.A. with kids
If you’re in LA with your little ones, check out these great places and things to do with kids in LA:
1. The Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a classic LA landmark and a must-visit for any family. There’s an old-fashioned carousel, an arcade, and plenty of fun shops and restaurants to explore. Make sure you take a ride on the Ferris wheel!
2. Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is a great place to learn about astronomy and enjoy amazing views of Los Angeles. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits, and both adults and kids will enjoy the stunning planetarium shows.
3. Kidspace Children’s Museum
This is a great place for kids from 1 to 10 with lots of things to do both indoors and outdoors. Here you can climb a giant ant hill, learn about different ecosystems, play in a mud kitchen, and build a dam.
4. LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is another great option for a family day out. With over 150,000 works of art on display, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And if you get hungry, there are several cafés on site where you can refuel. Make sure you check out their free general admission days and story time on Fridays.
5. The Getty Center
The Getty Center is one of the most popular tourist destinations in LA, and for good reason. The museum is world-renowned, and the grounds are absolutely beautiful and there are lots of educational and fun activities for kids and families here, including The Family Room, which is actually several rooms with interactive display allowing kids to explore and create art. Make sure to allow plenty of time to explore everything this amazing place has to offer.
6. Disneyland
No trip to LA with kids is complete without going to Disneyland! This magical theme park is half an hour southeast of LA so schedule your visit at the start or end of your trip. Disneyland is sure to delight your children as much as you, so don’t miss out on the fun. Beware that it’s an expensive outing, so make sure you have budgeted for a visit with your kids before mentioning it to them!
Have fun!
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to have fun and make memories whether you are on a solo holiday for the over 50s or travelling as a single parent family. So go exploring, try new things, and enjoy every minute of your city break in L.A. And that’s a wrap! We hope you enjoyed our guide to holidays as a single parent in LA with kids. Remember to have fun and make lots of memories!
