Winter break is here, and Los Angeles is buzzing with excitement! If you're on the hunt for fun yet budget-friendly activities to keep your little ones entertained, look no further. Our '20 Free and Cheap Things To Do With Kids in LA Over The Winter Break' has got you covered. From exploring the city's sunny beaches to discovering its hidden urban treasures, we've compiled a list of the most thrilling and affordable adventures. Get ready to make this winter break in LA an extraordinary experience for your family, without stretching your wallet!
1. Go to Museums
Many LA Museums offer free admission. Check our list of Museums for all the museums that offer free admission.
2. Go to the Movies
See old-time favorite family movies such as "The Muppet Christmas Carol," "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation," and more at Beverly Cinemas for only $13 per person.
3. Visit a Public Library
Public libraries often offer free workshops, movies, shows, and more. Most also have winter reading challenges. Log your kids' progress and earn points for reading, attending a library event, or writing a book review. It’s fun and free. Click here to find a library near you.
4. Check out the Holiday lights
Go see some of the wonderful Christmas displays lighting up the city. Click here to find the list of holiday lights.
5. Visit California Science Center
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults, and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring films. Admission to the California Science Center is always free.
6. Make Crafts at Michael's Stores
Michael's stores offer free or cheap craft classes during the winter break. Click here to find a virtual or in-person class.
7. Participate in a workshop at Home Depot
Home Depot offers free workshops for kids ages 5-12 on the first Saturday of every month between 9 am-12 pm. You can also find virutal classes for free. Find a workshop here.
8. Visit The Grove
Each day throughout the holiday season, you can enjoy performances at The Grove. Also see "snowfall" every night at 7 pm & 8 pm.
9. Visit The Boone Children's Gallery
The Boone Children’s Gallery is a free, creative space where your kids can explore the art of East Asian brush painting. Friendly and helpful staff introduce painting techniques and offer tips.
10. Visit Noah's Ark
Visit Noah’s Ark at the Skirball for Free on Thursdays. Free Thursdays are first-come, first-served only, subject to availability Free Tickets are available at the admissions desk starting at 11:45 a.m.
11. Go to a Farmer's Market
Farmer's Markets are great places for social time, and opportunities to teach kids about healthy eating. You can also try samples at most Farmer's Markets, and maybe able to catch Santa during the last week of December at some locations. Find a Farmer's Market near you here. We also highly suggest visiting The Original Farmer's Market during winter break.
12. Go to Travel Town
Explore dozens of old-time railroad locomotives and cars and ride a mini train. There is no admission fee to Travel Town, and you can ride a mini train at a very minimal fee.
13. Visit a Fire Station
Take a tour of your local fire station. Your kids can sit in the big fire engines, take pictures, and learn about fire engines. Find a Fire Station near you here.
14. Explore the Greystone Mansion
Explore this beautiful old mansion with distinctive English gardens in Beverly Hills on a 16-acre land. Greystone Mansion is free and open to the public every day.
15. Visit Santa Monica Aquarium
See over 100 local species on exhibit at Santa Monica Aquarium, enjoy hands-on activities, and daily educational programs. Kids under 13 are free.
16. Take a trip to a Dollar Store
Take the kids to a dollar store for a little math lesson. Tell them how much they can spend, and let them find items that don't exceed that amount. Find a store near you here.
17. Visit Cabrillo Aquarium
Explore the conservation of Southern California marine life at Cabrillo Aquarium. Admission is only $7 for adults and $3 for children.
18. Go on a Tidepool Walk
December is the best time of the year for a tidepool walk to see animals in their natural habitat. Click here for the calendar of events at Cabrillo Aquarium to find the best time for a tidepool walk.
19. Attend a Free Class at Apple
An adventure awaits each week as kids create fun, hands-on projects at the Apple store or online. Designed to spark imagination and creativity, kids will explore coding, storytelling, illustration, movie making, music, and more, all for free. Find an Apple Store near you here.
20. Go to Westfield Century City for the Holidays
Enjoy a variety of live performances of holiday favorites and experience magical moments of snowfall in the Holiday Village.
See our event calendar to find more events during the winter break, and every day of the week. Also, find more FREE ACTIVITIES on our "Places To Go" page.
