If you need to entertain your kids without spending a lot of money, we have the best list of free and cheap things to do with kids in Los Angeles. You can also check our event calendar to find more free events. Type "Free" under the search and you will get a list of all the events that are offered for free.
1. Go to Museums
Take Advantage of Free Museum Days and teach your kids about fascinating exhibits offered for free.
2. Visit a Public Library
Public libraries often offer free workshops, movies, shows and more. Most also have reading challenge. 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.
3. Make Crafts at Michaels Stores
Michaels stores offer free or cheap craft classes on the weekends. Find a store near you here.
4. 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. Find a Home Depot near you here.
5. Kids Club at The Grove
Join for a weekly dose of fun at the kids club, including music, entertainment and more every Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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. Find a Farmer's Market near you here.
9. Visit a Fire Station
Take a tour at 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.
10. 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, and adults and kids 13+ are only $5.
11. 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.
12. Visit Cabrillo Aquarium
Explore conservation of Southern California marine life at Cabrillo Aquarium. The admission is only $5 for adults and $1 for children.
13. Go on a Tidepool Walk
See animals in their natural habitat at the tide-pools. Click here for calendar of events at Cabrillo Aquarium to find the best time for a tidepool walk or free public tours.
14. Attend a Free Class at an Apple Store
An adventure awaits each week as kids create fun, hands-on projects at the Apple store. 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.
15. Explore the Graystone Mansion
Walk through the property, take beautiful pictures, stroll down the paths to the flower gardens, or relax to the sound of the splashing fountain in the inner courtyard at the Graystone Mansion.
16. Hang Out at the Old Los Angeles Zoo
The old Los Angeles Zoo at the Griffith Park is absolutely free and open to the public.
17. Make s'mores at Dockweiler State Beach
Make s’mores at Dockweiler State Beach which is the only Los Angeles beache that allows bonfires, and has built-in fire pits.
18. Visit the Travel Town
Explore dozens of old time railroad locomotives and cars, and ride a mini train at Travel Town.
