Super Fun Things to Do in Griffith Park

February 25, 2022
Fun Things to Do in Griffith Park - Aerial View of the Griffith Observatory

Griffith Park is one of LA's top attractions. You can see the city's skyline, go on a hike, or explore California's history and culture. Massive Griffith Park might be hard to see all in one day, but you can return again and again and experience something new each time.

Top Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Griffith Park

Griffith Park is the perfect family destination and offers a variety of activities and educational opportunities. Kids can burn off steam at the playground, explore two different train museums, meet exotic animals, explore the skies, and admire the skyline.

Visit Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is one of the most-visited observatories in the world. The Griffith Observatory first opened in 1935 and is a great place to watch stars, enjoy views of LA's skyline, or catch a presentation at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. In addition, the Observatory has free telescopes set up and is a great place to watch comets or meteor showers.

The Observatory also has over 60 exhibits focused on astronomy. It's an excellent place for the whole family to learn about the universe's secrets.

Explore Travel Town Museum

Travel Town Museum is a free museum that focuses on the history of railroad transport in the western United States. The museum has 43 full-scale railroad engines and cars and offers popular rides on a miniature railroad.

Visit Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum and Walt Disney's Barn

Santa Fe - Railroad Museum

Check out the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum if you’ve caught railroad fever. Families can tour the grounds and see different rail tracks, types of engines, tunnels, bridges, and miniature buildings. The museum has historical exhibits such as classic cabooses and sleeper cars.

The museum is also home to Walt Disney's barn. Disney was a Los Angeles Live Steamers member and built a home railroad in this barn. Disney's home railroad had 2,615 feet of track, a trestle, and a tunnel.

Disney's barn was moved from Disney's former home to the museum's grounds for future generations to enjoy. The barn is open on the third Sunday of every month.

Be Inspired at Shane's Inspiration

Shane's Inspiration is a massive, two-acre playground filled with equipment and open play areas. Shane's Inspiration is the first Universally Accessible Playground in the area and the largest in America. Kids can play in sandpits, explore Ronald's Shop of Dreams, and enjoy climbing walls.

Take a Turn on the Merry-Go-Round

The Merry-Go-Round is one of Griffith Park's most iconic attractions. It was initially built in 1926 and has been at Griffith Park since 1937. The carousel has 68 beautifully crafted horses. The classic band organ features over 1,500 music selections.

Explore the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Los Angeles Zoo - Flamingos

The Los Angeles Zoo is always a favorite stop for families. The zoo is home to over 1,000 creatures, each with unique stories to tell. Kids love exploring the LAIR with Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles. Whether your favorite animal is a Flamingo or an Elephant, you'll find it at the Los Angeles Zoo. The Botanical Gardens feature native, ancient, and rare plants.

Explore Hollywood's Highlights

Griffith Park offers a variety of ways to explore the area's history and culture. Kids can expand their horizons and enjoy plenty of outdoor time at this family-friendly park.

If you're hungry after an adventurous day at the park, here’s where to grab the best pizza near Hollywood Hotel. Then, relax and plan tomorrow's adventure at one of the best hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood.