Free Things To Do Indoors for Kids in Los Angeles

Fun Spots Kids Can Play Indoors for Free in LA

The Last Bookstore — DTLA
Wander the aisles and check out the new and used books, as well as the sizable collection of vinyl records. In addition to picking up a book (the books aren't free, but the used books come close!), check out the book sculptures and tunnels. Have books you don't want anymore? Bring them along and donate or sell them to the store. Parking can be a bit tricky; you'll want to grab a spot in a paid lot nearby (unless you get really lucky and snag street parking). Combine your The Last Bookstore outing with a trip to Bottega Louie for an afternoon macaron.

Annenberg PetSpace — Playa Vista
Playa Vista has a place for animal lovers to hang out and get furry cuddles while learning about animal care and getting tempted to bring home a rescue kitten or puppy. Adoption is not necessary to enjoy the facility. Enjoy programs like Paws & Pages, where kids read to animals, or Puppy Yoga. Admission is always free; some special programs or activities may have an associated program fee.

Griffith Observatory — Griffith Park
On a (rare) rainy day in LA, you'll have to enjoy the views from Griffith Observatory another time and instead step inside. Interactive science exhibits are some of the free things you can do at the Griffith Observatory. The planetarium and shows cost money, though, and there's a parking fee. It's also a bit of a hike from the parking lot to the observatory, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes and a stroller or carrier for any littles.

Toyota Sports Center — Multiple Locations
The Toyota Sports Center has five different ice rinks with constant action, and some are observable from a heated cafe area above the rinks. Check the schedules for each arena; if you time it right, one rink could have an action-packed hockey game while the other has top-level figure skaters in a freestyle practice session. You can watch both for free or spend a few coins on hot chocolate and arcade games while you watch.

Central Library — DTLA
The Central Library in DTLA is an LA landmark famous for its remarkable art, architecture, children, and family programming. Keep in mind that the library has also become a haven for the community's homeless population and can feel a bit crowded. The Beverly Hills Library is another LA library worth checking out, which has a fantastic children's section, weekly story times, and a playroom for infants and tots. The Cerritos Library is worth adding to your list, which has larger-than-life book displays and a saltwater aquarium tank.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium — San Pedro
This cozy aquarium is worth a visit. After checking out the simulated tide pool touch tank, enjoy the aquatic babies exhibit and the giant whale skeleton hanging above. The aquarium has a donation suggestion of $7 for adults and $3 for kids and seniors, but no one will be turned away. The main exhibit hall is currently closed, but the rest of the aquarium is open for exploration. It is expected to reopen in spring 2026.

The Natural History Museum — Exposition Park
Dino enthusiasts will get a kick out of the massive dinosaur skeletons, while animal lovers will enjoy gazing at the dioramas. On weekdays, LA County residents get free admission from 3-5pm. You can also get free tickets through the Discover & Go Program with your LA County library card. Additional admission fees may be required for the butterfly and spider pavilions, IMAX shows, and other special exhibits.

The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits — Hancock Park
The iconic outdoor exhibits probably come to mind when thinking about the La Brea Tar Pits, but on a rainy day, it's all about going inside The Page Museum. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, step back in time with dioramas and displays of Ice Age fossils, and watch paleontologists at work. LA County residents receive free admission on weekdays from 3-5pm. You can also receive tickets with your LA County library card through the Discover & Go program.

Vroman's Bookstore — Pasadena
This fantastic bookstore has an expansive children's section packed with bestsellers and unique options, but the free part is the weekly "Story Time with Mr. Steve" on Wednesdays (and Saturdays at the Hastings Ranch location). We love pairing this adventure with a stroll down Colorado Blvd. or a lunch at Prince Street Pizza.

The Roundhouse Aquarium — Manhattan Beach
There's a free aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach pier. While donations are suggested, no one will be turned away. If the weather is temperate enough to brave the walk down the pier, kids and adults can enjoy the afternoon gazing at aquatic life.

Best Free Museums and Cultural Spots for Kids in Los Angeles

The Hammer Museum — Westwood
The Hammer Museum has a remarkable collection of modern art (including a piece with live honeybees) for free, but be prepared to pay a few bucks for the first three hours of parking under the building if you can't find street parking. This museum is on UCLA's campus, so combine it with a walk around the grounds or a trip to Diddy Riese for a cheap but delicious ice cream cookie sandwich.

The Broad — DTLA
Not only is this contemporary art museum free, but there's also a kids' scavenger hunt, and kids' audio tours are narrated by LeVar Burton. All visitors must reserve museum tickets, which you can do online. Kids will especially enjoy the temporary exhibit, Robert Therrien: This is a Story, where common household items are larger than life. You typically have to pay to enter, but on Thursdays from 5pm-8pm, the exhibit is free.

LACMA — Miracle Mile
In case you haven't heard, all LA County residents get free admission to LACMA on any weekday after 3pm. Best of all, LA County kids ages 2-17 are always free, and with a NexGenLA membership, they can even bring along an adult. NexGen is the nation's only free youth membership program, offering free admission to anyone 17 and under, along with one accompanying adult. LACMA is close to a host of other museums, and minutes from The Original Farmer's Market at The Grove- it's a great place to explore before lunch or after naptime.

ASU FIDM Museum — DTLA
This free museum often features exhibits with costumes from popular recent movies. Exhibits rotate, and there are seasons when there are no exhibits on display. Make sure to check the website or call before heading out to confirm that the museum is open.

Fowler Museum — Westwood
This free museum is part of the UCLA campus and showcases exhibits from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It's a great spot to introduce pint-sized minds to global arts and culture.

Torrance Art Museum — Torrance
Want to introduce your kids to contemporary and modern artwork for free? This lovely little spot is the perfect place. Check the museum website to confirm it's open, as it will sometimes close when rotating exhibits. For 2026, the museum will open on January 10th. This museum is better for the older set.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley — Northridge
No matter how you feel about the valley, it has tons of history. That history is on display in this sweet, small, and free museum. There are tons of intriguing items packed in here- including a lot of neon signs and some old-school arcade games.

The Grammy Museum — DTLA
Learn about the artistry and creativity of music production at this museum. Exhibits rotate regularly, so there's always something new to see, hear, and learn. Starting at the end of January 2025, kids 17 and under receive free admission. Adults still need to pay to enter.

MOCA Museums — Multiple Locations
There are three different MOCA museums in the LA area: one in Grand Park, one in Little Tokyo, and one in West Hollywood. All three include unique modern art exhibits, great for teens and tweens who are curious about artistic expression.

The Wende Museum — Culver City
Young history buffs will be fascinated by this free museum dedicated to the Cold War in Culver City. This one is best for teens and tweens, as it requires a lot of reading and lingering.

Orange County Museum of Art — Costa Mesa
This always-free museum in Orange County has diverse contemporary art exhibits to explore. There are many family-friendly programs, like Art+Play, and a Bring Your Baby tour that even comes with complimentary tea.

Free Indoor Places to Burn Energy in LA

IKEA Smaland — Multiple Locations
We can't guarantee you won't leave this furniture superstore without spending a dollar or two, but your kids can romp and play in the Smaland play area at IKEA free of charge. Kids must be potty-trained, able to use the restroom without assistance, and be between 37" and 54" to play. Typically, IKEA allows kids to play in 30-minute blocks, though the timing may vary per store. The Burbank, Covina, Carson, and Costa Mesa locations all have Smaland areas.

Travel Town - Griffith Park
Most of Travel Town is outside, but they do have a section of the museum that is indoors- and it has a great train table for kids to play with, if you remember to bring your own Brio-style trains from home. Pop in for a rainy day of imaginative train play, and maybe if the weather lets up, you can hop on the tiny train and go for a ride. Strollers are welcome, and Travel Town has free parking. Kids can also marvel at the model railroad display housed inside the museum- it had my kids mesmerized.

The Skirball Cultural Center — Brentwood
You have to time this one right to make it free, but it's worth it. I took my kids to the Skirball Cultural Center for free on Thursday (every Thursday) and was very impressed by Noah's Ark. It is one of the best indoor play spaces in Los Angeles. Book your time in advance as the exhibit quickly gets crowded on free days, and play is limited to 90 minutes. The kids can climb, roam, care for pretend animals, and imagine to their heart's content at this creative space.

California Science Center — Exposition Park
There is so much to do at the Science Center— start with picks at the California Science Center for preschoolers and California Science Center features for tweens and teens. The Science Center appreciates contributions at the door when you can afford to make them, but when you can't, you're just as welcome, with no questions asked, as the "admission" price is a suggestion only. Special exhibits often carry a ticket price. Strollers are welcome in the science center, and there are exhibits for every age.

Keep in mind that the Endeavour is currently off display as it's getting ready to "go for stack" in its new spot at the Samuel Oshin Air and Space Center.

Getty Center or Getty Villa — Brentwood & Pacific Palisades
The key to either Getty Museums is that the seemingly hefty price is only for parking. This means that if you can get a ride, carpool, or take the bus, a day at the Getty can be totally free—and there are so many things going on at both locations that it's easy to fill a lot more than a day.

The tram ride alone (at the Getty Center) will have your kids giddy with excitement as they gaze down at the 405. You won't be able to enjoy the beautiful outdoor areas at either museum on a rainy day, but the indoor galleries are full of impressive artwork and artifacts, and both museums have Art Detective scavenger hunts. The family forum at the Getty Villa is particularly fun on a rainy day, with plenty of activities for the kids. Tickets need to be reserved in advance for both museums.

Storytime with Mr. Steve - Pasadena
Vroman's in Pasadena runs a weekly Storytime with Mr. Steve that is not to be missed on a rainy day. Browse the incredible kids' section in the bookstore, and grab a warm drink at the cafe downstairs.

Family Workshops at The Getty Villa - Malibu
If you're looking for some rainy day educational fun in LA, look no further than The Getty Villa, where kids and adults can learn more about ancient cultures and art with hands-on activities. The workshops don't cost extra, and all materials are provided.

Home Depot Kids Workhops - Various Locations
Once a month, Home Depot creates a fun little STEM class for free for kids ages 5-12. All materials are provided, but arrive early to guarantee your spot at your local branch. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.