List of venues and places that are open in and near LA
(Updated November 2022) Here is a big list of places that are open in and near LA that you can enjoy with your family on weekends, holidays, and every day of the week. Also, see our events calendar for so many fun things to do in and near Los Angeles.
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Imagine the magical, retro summer camp of your dreams: CAMP has built that! Only better and with no bugs! CAMP is where kids and grown-ups get to play at summer camp, all year long. You can climb up bunk beds, zoom down slides, explore areas full of toys and ways to play, dance in a disco cabin, go full Jackson Pollock in the splatter art room, and much more!
From now till the end of April, enjoy a discounted rate at Universal Studio Hollywood. Get a real, behind-the-scenes look at moviemaking secrets and experience the award-winning King Kong 360 3D on the world-famous Studio Tour. Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts Castle and visit the shops of Hogsmeade at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and much much more.
Top Off Rides offers an unforgettable driving experience for all ages. Kids are really intrigued by the design and style of the vehicles and always enjoy themselves when riding in one. Top Off Rides provides rentals for the (Polaris SlingShot) which is a 3 wheeled motorcycle that can be driven both on the streets and freeways.
Funko Hollywood is like a Disneyland for Funko Pops. There are lots of places where you can take pictures with Funko pops on Display and find all different types of Funko Pops.
Visit the American Girl pop-up shop at Westfield Century City for all the iconic fun and inspiration— plus the items your kids would love! Located on the 2nd floor near California Pizza Kitchen. The pop-up shop will be at Westfield Mall from now through December 2022.
Explore the underwater realm of ancient Los Angeles when much of the L.A. area was submerged beneath the waves of the prehistoric Pacific Ocean at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. This spring, dive into the newest multimedia-rich, immersive exhibition L.A. Underwater. Discover L.A.’s prehistoric past through the stories of nearly 40 fossils uncovering the secrets of our submerged prehistory. This Exhibit is now open to the public.
The seven-story, 300,000-square-foot museum features various exhibits focusing on the history and art of movie-making. The museum offers ongoing education and family programs such as Family Studio Activities, Teen Programs, and School Field Trips throughout the museum, in exhibition galleries, and in the Shirley Temple Education Studio.
Battleship Iowa is a retired United States warship. Launched in 1942 and finally struck in 2006, USS Iowa served in World War Two and the Korean War and was the lead ship in its class. Since 2011, the world-famous ship has been on exhibit of the Pacific Battleship Center in Los Angeles. During your visit and tour, you will follow in the footsteps of sailors and mischievous mascot Vicky the Dog, and experience firsthand why she is known as the “Battleship of Presidents”, “The Grey Ghost”, and “The Big Stick”
At this Las Vegas Attraction, you can delve into the history, science, engineering, genetics, technology, and profiles of Captain America, Hulk, Thor, and Iron Man. Take a step into the Marvel Cinematic Universe at Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. An extensive range of Avengers operational equipment is displayed, such as Captain America’s uniform and shield, Bruce Banner’s laboratory, Vision’s birth cradle, Hawkeye and Black Widow uniforms and weapons, and Iron Man’s MK 45 suit and The Hulkbuster suit. This event is happening now through December 31st. Discounted tickets are $28 for children and $38 for adults.
Encounter the Ice Age and dig into the past to uncover the mysteries of some of the extinct creatures who roamed Ice Age Los Angeles over 10,000 years ago. Experience this dynamic, 15-minute show featuring a life-size adult Saber-toothed Cat puppet, a live performance, and film projections that bring the distant past to life. Shows are on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm.
The internationally acclaimed Lightscape is the must-see holiday event for 2022. Wander through the magnificent Winter Cathedral, view the mesmerizing water fountains, experience the breathtaking Fire Garden and more. Lightscape transforms the Arboretum into a night of wonder and light for an unforgettable holiday event for family and friends. Lightscape at the La Arboretum will be happening between November 11, 2022 through January 8, 2023.
South Coast Botanic Garden presents GLOW, a visually stunning art installation that will transform the lush botanic oasis into an oceanic experience for the Garden Lights & Ocean Waters theme using thousands of lights. GLOW has not yet announced its 2022-2023 dates. Please come back for more information.
Enchanted: Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience from Nov 20, 2022 through Jan 8, 2023. The event route is about 1 mile long and takes most visitors about one hour to complete. We recommend allowing one and a half hours to experience Enchanted. It is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility assistance devices. Tickets are not sold on-site and must be purchased in advance. Closed Nov. 24, Dec. 24 & 25. Tickets start at $22 for members and $34 for non-members.
L.A.'s brightest holiday tradition returns between November 18, 2022 and January 22, 2023 with a wild wonderland of light featuring hand-crafted and high-tech attractions. All your favorite attractions like the Animated Elephants, Luminous LAIR, Disco Ball Forest, and more are back, along with scrumptious holiday goodies every night and entertainment and full bars (adults only) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Skate under the stars at the only 8,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink on the Westside. No timed sessions, and no limits. The all-day skate pass lets you skate to your heart's content and includes re-entry. Ice at Santa Monica is open from November 10, 2022 through January 16, 2023, from 12 pm to 10 pm. Skate Rental and all day admission is $20 per person.
Participate in one of SoCal’s largest gingerbread building contests at Discovery Cube’s signature winter event – Science of Gingerbread. Get your family, classroom, sports team, or organization involved in the holiday fun. All contestants will be invited to a private holiday awards party at the Cube. Download the application to see the rules to enter.
You’ll find holiday decorations all around the Disneyland Resort. from Nov 11, 2022, to Jan 8, 2023. The Main Street and Toontown characters are all dressed up in their holiday attire for special seasonal photo opportunities. Holiday music will entertain you, and certain attractions will be especially festive or even covered in snow! Meet the jolly old elf himself and participate in a flurry of fun holiday activities! Certain rides receive a festive makeover to really get your family into the spirit of the season!
Famous for its iconic dual white towers, and sweeping views of the coast, the Malibu Pier® is a favorite destination and Malibu’s most recognizable landmark. With a storied history dating back to 1905, the Pier is now as famous for its exceptional restaurants and shopping as it is for its views of surfers and dolphins.
Discovery Cube is a discovery center with hands-on science education that delights, challenges, and encourages kids. Discovery Cube offers permanent exhibits such as Planetary Research Station, Science of Hockey, 3D Theater, Helicopter Tour, Discovery Market, Race to Zero Waste, Aquavator, Inspector Training Course, and park-science, and new interactive exhibits that change every few months. Advanced Ticket Purchase is Preferred but not required.
The Beverly Hills Farmers' Market is a weekly outdoor certified market that provides the finest California-grown, fresh, and seasonal fruits and vegetables, juices, bread, specialty items, and more in a festive outdoor setting. There is also a petting zone and pony rides for the kids. The Market is happening every Sunday. (Free)
Sherman Oaks Castle Miniature Golf, Batting Cages, and Arcade are open. No Reservations are needed.
Adventure City is open. Adventure City is a little theme park with attractions, games, fun, food, and more, and is great for kids of all ages. Ticket sales will be limited only to those who reside in California. Visitors are required to purchase tickets in advance and make reservations for visits. Tickets are $21.95 per person for all-day play. Kids under one-year-old are free.
Take the family to Beverly Cinema for some classic movies on the big screen for only $10 per person.
Peterson Automotive Museum has reopened with three new exhibits. Tickets to the museum must now be pre-purchased at petersen.org/tickets.
Located in Sylmar, California, Poverty Encounter is a 16,000 square foot exhibit that takes you into four immersive environments in the developing world. After boarding an airplane and taking a simulated flight, you will visit a dump in Guatemala City, walk the earthquake-damaged streets in Haiti, go inside a brickyard in Nepal, and enter an underground sewer in Romania. Each environment highlights the story of a real child living in these circumstances. Each tour includes a service activity, allowing you to provide both help and hope to those in need.
The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) is open. To celebrate, the museum is offering free tickets for a limited time. You need to reserve your tickets online.
Wende Museum is open. Wende Museum in Culver City is a collections-based research and education institute that preserves Cold War artifacts and history, making resources available to scholars and applying historical lessons of the past to the present.
Go behind the lens and discover the secrets of movie-making magic. The Tours bring you closer than ever to the entertainment you love. You’ll explore one of the busiest working studios in Los Angeles with one of the expert Tour Guides who will take you behind the scenes of the studio that has been entertaining the world for over 95 years. Studio Tours are held on weekends from 9am – 3:30pm.
A longtime favorite of children and adults, Sesame Street, is now at Sesame Place San Diego. Sesame Place is a new theme park in San Diego that brings all your favorite Sesame Street characters to life. From your child's first roller coaster to exciting water slides, there will be plenty of whirls, twirls, and splashes to experience at Sesame Place San Diego.
What is open in Los Angeles? Here are more places that are open!
The Museum of Flying is a private non-profit aerospace museum in Santa Monica, California. The museum features a display and exhibit area of nearly 22,000 square feet. The museum provides displays and interpretive exhibits on the history of flight and the development and growth of the aviation and aerospace industry in Southern California and places heavy emphasis on the Douglas Aircraft Company and the history of the Santa Monica Airport.
El Capitan Theatre is open. Check the website for movie titles and movie times.
The Thrill is Calling you to the Thrill Capital of the World! New rides at Magic Mountain are West Coast Racers, the world’s first single track quadruple launch racing coaster! Unlike traditional coasters, this first of its kind racing coaster features two side-by-side tracks with four individual high-speed launches. A highlight of the ride is an immersive real-time “pit stop” designed and produced by world-famous West Coast Customs that will provide you with a racing experience unlike any other.
Sender One is open for indoor climbing, yoga, and youth programs. Discovers the joys of climbing, self-discovery, and connection with others through climbing.
SkyZone is open in Cerritos, Torrance and Van Nuys. They are also ready to host your birthday party.
Join LEGOLAND for the Holidays. The Resort is bursting with holiday cheer and festive décor! Your favorite holiday characters Santa and the Toy Solider are back and ready for socially distanced meet-and-greets. Head over to Fun Town where there’s a 30-foot, fully decorated LEGO Christmas tree with over 400 LEGO ornaments. And as the day winds down, the tree gets a-twinklin’ to holiday tunes at the Holiday Light Show. There will be seasonal treats and live music performances, and more. November 25-27, & December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 22-31, 2022.
La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park is open. Admission to La Brea Tar Pits is free for Los Angeles County residents between the hours of 3 and 5 p.m. on all days that the Museums are open.
The Museum of Dream Space in Beverly Hills is open. MODS is a new immersive, magical and unique art appreciative experience. The uniqueness of MODS is to break the limitation of physical media, extend the art by digital technology, and to provide the largest freedom for visitors experiencing the arts, which realize the physical extension of the arts. Use code ‘BOGO’ during the checkout to buy one and get one free. Tickets are $13 for kids, $42 for adults, and $36 for students.
Enjoy an hour-long PetSpace Experience that includes a behind-the-scenes presentation of the workings of Annenberg PetSpace, activities for kids, a visit to the all-new Critter Corner, and a live Pet Encounter!
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films.
Gold n Stuff Ventura is open for miniature golf. Try 2 Hour Unlimited Miniature Golf pass for $18.00 per person! This pass gives you a birds-eye view of both the famous Castle and Western Scene.
Autry is open to the general public. Visitor hours will be 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is always free for Autry members. Advance reservations for both members and visitors are required.
What is open in Los Angeles? Here are more places that are open!
Each Wednesday and Saturday, at 10:00 am and 11:00 am, you are invited to attend a free outdoor creative arts program. The program is geared for children ages 3-7. Pre-registration is required.
Pacific Park amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier has re-opened its rides, including the world-famous Ferris wheel.
Go Kart World is open at 10:00 am. They have 6 tracks for Go Karts, catering to all different Go Karting ages and skill levels. The Go-Karts and varied Go Kart track layouts provide a fun, exciting way to experience Go-Kart racing.
Explore Los Angeles behind the wheel of a 2 person Scoot as you smile and laugh as you enjoy this 15-minute ride! The rides are $65 per vehicle and must be reserved online.
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America with attracting 50,000 people each weekend to eat from a hundred local vendors. Smorgsburg LA is open every Sunday from 10am-4pm at ROW DTLA. The entry is free and is family-friendly.
Amy's Farm is a real, working poly-cultural farm focusing on sustainable, organic methods to farming. They provide fresh produce to the local community, and offer education with hands-on, guided tours to visitors of all ages. Thousands of students, parents and individuals visit the farm each year through these tours.
The Orange County Zoo is a small friendly zoo in the middle of Irvine Park. The zoo focuses on animals and plants from the southwestern United States.
San Diego and San Diego Zoo Safari are open. Click here for more details.
Santa Barbara Zoo is open. Click here for more details.
SeaWorld San Diego is open. Stroll through over 100 acres of beautiful outdoor grounds filled with lively animal exhibits including dolphins, sea lions, bat rays, sea otters, turtles, and more. Recapture the wonder of SeaWorld’s renowned live educational presentations with physically distanced seating including the park’s newest presentation, Rescue Tails! With plenty of outdoor seating you can enjoy the chef-crafted culinary items. While the park has reopened, the rides and indoor exhibits are still closed.
Take a guided family nature walk in Eaton Canyon. Meet in front of the building at 1750 N. Altadena Dr. in Pasadena. Tours run every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
A variety of shopping and dining experiences is open at the Downtown Disney District, including the World of Disney store.
The Original Farmers Market is open daily from 10 am-7 pm. Many Market grocers and restaurants provide home delivery through Mercato.com and various delivery platforms including Doordash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, Postmates and ChowNow.
Enjoy a beautiful family-friendly round-trip train adventure through the Heritage Valley on scheduled Saturdays & Sundays. Ride on historic train cars used in several well-known movies and TV shows. A Weekend Scenic Adventure includes 2 fun stops to explore along the route. Please note, trains run on select Saturdays & Sundays.
Fly Rogue and see Orange County, Long Beach, the Pacific Coastline and other famous spots in California like never before. From the beautiful coast of Laguna Beach to the incredible homes of Newport Coast and all over the amazing Orange County landmarks, this will be your chance to see it all from a new perspective with Rogue Aviation!
Take bike tours through vineyards in the mountains of Malibu. An easy course through this tableau will be explored at a leisurely pace, stopping at the most picturesque points along the way. Refreshments will accentuate the truly refreshing nature of this ride through the outdoors at its best. (This event is for adults only).
Drive-in Movies at Santa Monica Airport
Watch a movie with your family right from your own vehicle. Movies are projected onto a 52-foot screen, and audio is broadcast through the FM transmitter radio in your car. This Rooftop Cinema is entirely contactless. Click here for the schedule of the movies.
Los Angeles State Historic Park provides an extraordinary opportunity for recreation in the heart of Los Angeles. Within its 32 acres of open space directly adjacent to Chinatown, you can wander pathways and enjoy a view of downtown, as well as discover and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Los Angeles.
What is open in Los Angeles? Here are more places that are open!
The Santa Monica Pier is fully open now. You should enter the Pier from Ocean Front Walk.
Underwood Family Farms is open for pick-your-own fruits and veggies. Celebrate the holidays at the underwood family farms from November 25, 2022 through December 24, 2022, and enjoy holiday photo-ops, animal center, tractor-drawn wagon rides, pick your own fruits and veggies, visits with Santa and more! California Sleigh Rides with Draft Horses and The Holiday Train are available on weekends only for an additional fee and can be purchased at admissions.
The 4x4 Adventure tour is a 2 hour guided Adventure around the Saddlerock Ranch Vineyards. You will get to explore the vineyards and natural areas on the property. Stops may include visits to Chumash Native American archaeological site, organic vegetable garden, mountain top overlooks, and many more. This is a private tour and accommodates 1-5 guests.
Graham Garden at Halo
Graham Garden at Halo in DTLA is open. Graham Garden integrates Fountain Figures I-IV, a collection of graceful sculptures created by late Los Angeles artist Robert Graham, in a newly designed outdoor plaza at Halo.
What is open in Los Angeles? Here are more places that are open!
The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens and art galleries are open.
Meet, feed and ride camels and other animals on our the Oasis Camel Dairy Farm.
Experience Ocean Institute with an interactive tour of the entire facility that houses 1,000 marine animals. This tour explores the food chain from top to bottom and offers a hands-on experience with the new horn shark and tidepool touch tank. Weekend Tour Times are 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.
The Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in the Baldwin Hills area is open, including its parking lot. The vehicle entrance fee is $6 on weekends and holidays, free on weekdays. Playgrounds and picnic areas in the park remain closed.
What is open in Los Angeles? Here are more places that are open!
See giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales, and many more in their natural habitat at a whale-watching cruise! With one of the largest marine protected parks just outside of Newport Bay, whales and dolphins of all types can be viewed as soon as you leave the bay.
Burton Chase Park
Burton Chase Park is open and you can enjoy the 10 acres of lush lawn and trees extended into the marina's main channel offering magnificent boat and ocean vistas.
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Pirates Dinner Adventure has a new spectacle in their world-renowned interactive theater. Secrets of the Deep is an action-packed evening of fun and adventure. You will be entertained with an astonishing display of special effects, death-defying stunts, beautiful aerial artistry, swashbuckling swordplay, and a classic story of good vs. evil.
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What is open near Los Angeles? Here are more places that are open!
Arlington Garden is a three-acre garden on Caltrans-owned land. The garden is open every day except on Tuesdays.
What is open near Los Angeles? Here are more places that are open!
The Garden is open from sunrise to sunset.
Lake Casitas Recreation is open for fishing, camping, bird watching, hiking, and bike riding. Lake Casitas is one of the premier fishing lakes in the region and is known for its "world-class" bass fishing.
The train and Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park including bike and paddleboat rentals are open now. Visitors are required to social distance and wear face masks in line and for the train ride. Restrooms will be open as well with hand sanitizer stations. Pony rides and horse rentals will be open as well. Playgrounds remain closed and group areas and picnic benches are taped off and may not be used.
Orange County’s Sportfishing, Whale Watching & Charters are open. Take a boat ride with Santa this holiday season around Dana Point Harbor! Tickets are $5 per person. Reservations are required. Click here for rules and restrictions.
What is open near Los Angeles? Here are more places that are open!
Rentals in the Newport Dunes are open for taking out kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddleboats, and Duffy boats.
Heritage Square is open on Friday, Saturday & Sunday for Self Guided Walking Tours. View the lovely historic buildings from the outside, stroll through the beautiful grounds and take a look at the garden in progress. Tickets are available online.
The 3.1-mile loop trail near Pasadena is open to the public for hiking. Everyone need to practice social distancing and wear facial coverings while on the trials.
Catalina Express continues to operate for essential travel to and from Catalina Island twice a day. All passengers and employees are required to wear a face-covering on board or mask when in the terminals or on board the vessels.
Ride a jet-ski from Long Beach to Catalina Island and experience all the wonder that exists in the offshore playground. This adventure puts you "face to face" with hundreds of pacific ocean dolphins. This is an all-day open water jet-ski adventure and includes a jet-ski ride across the ocean to Catalina Island, riding with the dolphins, swimming thru caverns, and snorkeling in crystal clear waters.
Oasis Camel Dairy Farm is open now! They are booking private tours where you can meet and feed camels and other animals.
Considered a Central Coast landmark, OstrichLand USA near Solvang, California is a popular destination for families. Watch, feed, and get to know amazing ostriches and emus. The highlight of a visit is feeding the ostriches and emus. You cam get close and personal with these big birds and be safe at the same time. Tickets are $5 per adults and $2 for children. You can also buy food for the birds for $1.
Be sure to check with the venues for their COVID guidelines and requirements before heading out to any event. Many places in LA now require visitors ages 12 & up to show either proof of vaccination or a negative test; some events are getting canceled or postponed at the last minute due to the latest COVID surge.
For more places to go with your kids, click here.
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