Los Angeles with teens? Get ready for a mix of thrill, culture, and Instagram-worthy moments. Whether they’re into movies, skate parks, or exploring the city’s coolest spots, LA delivers. Imagine walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, biking through Venice Beach, or catching the city skyline from Griffith Observatory. And if they’re up for an adventure, there’s roller coasters at Universal Studios and secret staircases with epic views. From classic attractions to hidden gems, here are 12 experiences in LA that’ll keep both you and your teen entertained!
Top Must-See Places in Los Angeles With Teens
Visiting Los Angeles with teens? Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood, enjoy the rides and arcade at Santa Monica Pier, or catch a live show at the Hollywood Bowl. Take in breathtaking views at the Griffith Observatory, explore famous filming locations, or indulge in delicious eats around the city. Whether you’re into entertainment, outdoor adventures, or iconic landmarks, Los Angeles has plenty to offer!
1. Discover the Magic of Movie Making at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is where blockbuster movies meet adrenaline-pumping rides, and teens won’t stop talking about it after the visit. Between the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World – The Ride, and Transformers: The Ride 3D, there’s no shortage of action-packed moments. I spent nearly an hour in line for the Studio Tour—and it was worth every second. Rolling past real sets from Fast & Furious and War of the Worlds gave us a behind-the-scenes peek that felt like VIP access.
Beyond the rides, the Special Effects Show and themed restaurants like Krusty Burger add to the full-day experience. Go early to beat the crowds and make sure your teen has the app downloaded—it helps with wait times and mobile food orders. Whether your teen is into movies, theme parks, or just snapping cool photos, Universal packs it all into one unforgettable LA day.
2. Watch the Sun Set at Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is classic LA and still manages to wow teens with its beachside arcade, thrill rides, and sunset views. We went just before golden hour and rode the Pacific Wheel, which gave us stunning views over the ocean and the city. The West Coaster is fun, fast, and perfect for that quick adrenaline fix, while the arcade has everything from air hockey to retro racing games.
After rides and games, we grabbed funnel cakes and found a spot to watch the sunset paint the sky. If you’re lucky, there might be a street performer playing nearby, adding a cool live soundtrack to your evening. It’s best to go late afternoon to avoid crowds and stay through sunset. For teens who like a little action with their chill time, Santa Monica Pier is the perfect mix of both.
- Read Next: Best Beach Towns in California
3. Catch a Show at the Hollywood Bowl
Seeing a show at the Hollywood Bowl is an unbeatable way to introduce teens to LA’s music scene—with a side of city views. This open-air venue hosts everything from film symphonies and pop concerts to major cultural performances. I watched a live orchestra perform the Star Wars score here once, and the crowd (teens included) went wild during the lightsaber battle scenes.
The vibe is super relaxed—you can pack a picnic or grab food from one of the on-site vendors. If your teen’s into music, check the Bowl’s seasonal schedule ahead of time; shows can range from Billie Eilish to the LA Philharmonic. Parking is a bit hectic, so rideshares or shuttles are your best bet. From the electric crowd to the open night sky, the Hollywood Bowl turns a regular concert into a full-on experience.
4. Tour the Griffith Observatory
If your teen’s even slightly curious about space or photography, a visit to the Griffith Observatory is a solid win. Perched on Mount Hollywood, it’s not just about telescopes—it’s the view that gets you. On a clear day, you’ll see everything from the Hollywood Sign to the Pacific. We arrived late afternoon, checked out the exhibits, and ended up staying for the free telescope viewing at night.
Inside, the exhibits are hands-on and easy to follow—things like moon phases, planetary weight comparisons, and real meteorites. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium offers ticketed shows that are great for visual learners and space-curious teens. Bring water and maybe a hoodie—it gets chilly after sundown. Between the science, city lights, and photo ops, the Griffith Observatory nails it for teens who like their adventures with a side of stars.
5. Experience Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach Boardwalk is chaotic, colorful, and absolutely unforgettable for teens. It’s one of those places where something is always happening—whether it’s a guy juggling knives on a unicycle or a pop-up drum circle near Muscle Beach Gym. When I visited, we ended up chatting with a street artist who made custom sketches on the spot.
The skate park is a highlight for teens who love action sports, while the beach itself is great for sunbathing or trying surf lessons from vendors like Jay’s Rentals nearby. Walk or bike the path toward Santa Monica, or just hang out with a smoothie from The Waterfront Venice and people-watch. It’s gritty in parts but packed with character. For families with teens, Venice Beach is where LA’s offbeat charm shines loudest—don’t forget sunscreen and a sense of adventure.
6. Hike Runyon Canyon Park
If your teen needs to burn some energy, hit the trails at Runyon Canyon Park near Hollywood. The hike is steep in spots but manageable—and the payoff is those panoramic views over downtown LA, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign. I remember spotting two celebrities and a dozen tiny dogs the last time I climbed it.
There are three main trails of varying difficulty, so you can adjust based on time and stamina. Bring water, wear grippy shoes, and aim for early morning or golden hour to avoid the heat. Teens who like fitness, selfies, or a little bit of both will love the vibe here. It’s also a dog-lover’s paradise. Whether you’re in it for the cardio or the city views, Runyon delivers a fresh-air escape that feels right in the middle of the action.
7. Take Instagram-Worthy Pics at The Getty Center
For an unexpectedly teen-friendly mix of art and aesthetics, plan a visit to The Getty Center. Perched above Brentwood, it’s got sweeping views, cool architecture, and rotating art exhibits that range from classical to modern. I visited just to see the gardens—and ended up staying for hours snapping pics of everything from marble sculptures to city skylines.
The tram ride up the hill feels like part of the experience, and the well-maintained Central Garden is a favorite spot for photos or chill time. Inside, there are interactive touch screens and well-designed galleries that make the art accessible, even for those new to it. Bonus: admission is free, though parking is $20. It’s an easy win if you’re looking for something that’s cultural but also fun for teens who love visuals and vibe.
8. Admire Artworks at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Art meets interactivity at LACMA, and teens are likely to recognize it even before they walk in—thanks to the Urban Light sculpture made of restored street lamps. We visited in the evening, and the whole place lit up like a movie set. It’s one of the most Instagrammed places in LA for a reason.
Inside, the museum’s sprawling galleries include everything from pop art and photography to ancient Egyptian and Korean artifacts. Teens can join drop-in art-making activities or wander through multimedia installations that feel more like immersive games than stuffy exhibits. For LA County teens, admission is even free with ID. If you’re already exploring Museum Row, it’s easy to pair this with a stop at La Brea Tar Pits next door. Whether you’re there for the selfies or the culture, LACMA makes art feel current and cool.
9. Explore The Broad Museum
If your teen is into bold colors, big names, and interactive exhibits, The Broad in Downtown LA will hit the mark. This free contemporary art museum features iconic works by Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, and Jeff Koons. When I visited, I spent more time than I expected inside the Infinity Mirrored Room—totally worth the online reservation.
The layout is teen-friendly, too—open spaces, striking installations, and short text blurbs that get straight to the point. Even if they’re not into museums, The Broad has enough “wow” moments to hold their interest. Plus, it’s right across from Grand Park and a short walk from spots like Angels Flight and Otium (great for lunch). Entry is free, but book timed tickets ahead of time for popular exhibits. This is the kind of place where teens won’t just look—they’ll engage.
10. Stroll Through the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Yes, it’s touristy, but the Hollywood Walk of Fame still gets teens hyped to spot names they know from film, music, and even YouTube. Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard, it’s fun to hunt for stars from BTS to Marvel icons. I remember laughing as we tried to guess which stars were real and which were TikTok impersonators.
The area also includes the TCL Chinese Theatre, where handprints from legends like Marilyn Monroe sit right next to modern celebrities. For a little extra, consider the Hollywood Museum inside the Max Factor Building, or snap a shot at the Dolby Theatre. It’s walkable and packed with souvenir shops, but keep expectations realistic—this is more about pop culture fun than glamor. Still, for teens, it’s a must for the photo ops and the “I’ve been there” bragging rights.
11. Experience Indoor Skydiving at iFly
If you’ve got a thrill-seeker in the family, iFly Hollywood at Universal CityWalk is where teens can “skydive” without jumping out of a plane. You’ll float inside a vertical wind tunnel guided by a pro instructor. I did it with zero experience and felt like a superhero for 60 seconds straight.
The experience includes a short training session, flight gear, and two one-minute flights, which feel longer than you’d think. It’s loud, windblown, and hilarious—in the best way. Parents can watch from a glass viewing area while teens get airborne.
Book online ahead of time because it fills up fast, especially on weekends. It’s not cheap, but the adrenaline rush and high-def video clips you get afterward make it memorable. For teens craving something more exciting than sightseeing, iFly adds a legit “wow” factor to your LA itinerary.
- Read Next: 17 Beautiful West Coast Destinations
12. Kayak at Marina del Rey
Swap the traffic for tranquil water by renting a kayak in Marina del Rey, one of LA’s most laid-back coastal gems. Teens can paddle through calm harbor channels, spot sea lions lounging on docks, and soak up sunshine without the crowds of Venice Beach. I rented from Pro SUP Shop and found the staff super helpful with a quick tutorial before launching.
Double kayaks are a good choice if you’ve got younger teens or want to pair up. The water here is flat, so no big waves—just an easy cruise past yachts and waterfront homes. Morning is best for fewer boats and less wind. Rentals usually include a life vest and dry bag, and there are also SUP boards if your teen wants to try something different. Whether you’re paddling solo or tagging along, it’s a chill, photo-friendly adventure.
