The Best Ways to Enjoy the Hollywood Summer With Kids

By Jodi Hunter /May 24, 2021

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Tag: Entertainment

Lights, camera, action. You may not see many lights or movie cameras during your visit to Hollywood, but you’ll find plenty of action. Tinseltown is a magnet for movie lovers, but it's just as captivating for kids. Whether they're into stargazing or hiking up to the Hollywood sign, there's always plenty to do. Make the most out of your summer vacation by visiting these fun places in Hollywood this summer.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Adventure awaits on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Photo by Howard Wise)

No trip to the city is complete without taking a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This 15-block strip features hundreds of brass stars along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. The Walk of Fame Star Directory lists the celebrities and their locations, for you to visit your favorites. Younger children will enjoy the stars of Kermit, Bugs Bunny, and Mickey Mouse. The best thing about the Walk of Fame? It’s free.

Tip: Bring along snacks and water for the kids and have the Walk of Fame website on your phone to access info about each star.

If virtual reality is your thing, there are three exciting experiences waiting for you along the Walk of Fame! The recently-opened Anvio VR is located in the Hollywood & Highland center is Hollywood's newest attraction. Further down the boulevard you'll find the Virtual Room and the Virtual Reality Arcade Hollywood, both offering unique gaming experiences.

Garden Oasis

There’s plenty of nature to check out near Hollywood. Griffith Park, which is home to the world-famous Hollywood Sign, is just northeast of central Hollywood, and offers spectacular hiking and recreation opportunities. Take a sunset horse ride through the park at Sunset Ranch, or visit the  Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, one of seven beautiful gardens in the area.  At the corner of Griffith Park and Golden State Ventura freeways, the garden’s beautiful flowers attract butterflies. You’re bound to see a few hummingbirds, orioles, and woodpeckers among the Chilean wine palm trees that shelter the paths. You won’t need to convince the kids to stick around and check out the zoo or aquarium.

The Hollywood Sign Hike allows the adventures amazing view of Los Angeles from behind the famous sign. (Photo by Howard Wise)

Taking a few days off to enjoy the sites and sights of Hollywood with the children does not have to break the bank. You can’t visit Hollywood without taking the iconic Hollywood sign hike. Pack a picnic lunch and spend a few hours making your way up Mt. Lee. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles and yes, Hollywood.

Nearby Runyon Canyon is also a favorite for locals and visitors not only as a destination for hiking to some of the best views of Hollywood, but also for celebrity spotting!

Touristy Stuff

Folks who live in and around the Hollywood area never seem to find time to enjoy tourist attractions. Take a day or two off to visit these Hollywood standards.

The fun sets with props at the Hollywood Wax Museum will have you guffawing and give you the chance to impress your friends with your stunning pics. (Courtesy photo)

Hollywood Wax Museum. Check out this longest-running wax museum in the United States. (You can be sure the inside air will be as cool as the wax figures of your favorite celebrities).

Disney's El Capitan Theatre, opened in 1926, is a 1,550 seat theatre, dubbed "Hollywood's First Home of Spoken Drama." It was converted to a movie theater in 1941. (Photo by Howard Wise)

El Capitan Theatre. From animated features to classic movies, the El Capitan Hollywood (on Hollywood Boulevard) is a grand venue to see a flick.

Guinness World Records Museum. Located on Hollywood Boulevard in a building that once featured silent movies (and is now a National Register landmark), the Guinness Book of Records Museum has some amazing exhibits for adults and children.

World of Illusions. This museum on Hollywood Boulevard will test your perception of reality. Kids will be fascinated by the Giant’s House and the 3D experience inside the House of Illusions.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium takes your quest for the unusual a little further. Explore the strange and see the weird.

Nearby Universal Studios includes entertainment and dining destination City Walk, plus theme park rides, shows, exhibits, tours, and more… it's all at Universal Studios in Hollywood. Children can take pictures with some of their favorite studio characters. They'll also enjoy a visit to Super Silly Fun Land -- it has more than 80 water play features for all ages.

The Hollywood Museum is housed in the historic Max Factor building. (Courtesy photo)

The Hollywood Museum on Highland Avenue features more than 10,000 props, costumes, and other treasures from movies and TV shows throughout the decades.

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