The Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,500 stars, making it a fun treasure hunt and a great thing to do with kids in Hollywood. This famous landmark is just one of many attractions that make Hollywood such a magical place for families.
Warner Bros. studio tours showcase exciting Harry Potter exhibits. Kids as young as 8 can attend live TV show tapings. Hollywood has plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Universal Studios’ thrilling rides, Disney films with live shows at El Capitan Theater, and the Space Shuttle Endeavor at the California Science Center are popular attractions.
This complete guide groups the best Hollywood attractions by age group. You’ll find perfect activities that match your children’s ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Let us help you plan a family adventure that everyone in your group will love.
Hollywood Attractions Perfect for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Your little explorers need attractions that fascinate their developing minds and keep frustration away. Hollywood has several magical experiences that suit toddlers and preschoolers perfectly. These experiences will create memories your family will treasure forever.
Interactive exhibits at the Hollywood Museum
The Hollywood Museum stands out as one of the best things to do in Hollywood for kids. This iconic place houses 10,000 authentic showbiz treasures that span a century of entertainment history. Many parents worry about keeping toddlers entertained in museums. Yet this institution has several exhibits that amaze even the youngest visitors.
The Harry Potter exhibit proves especially enchanting to families with preschoolers. It features authentic robes and wands from the beloved films. Kids’ faces light up as they spot familiar items from movies they’ve watched at home. The museum keeps the experience fresh with rotating displays of props and costumes from popular franchises.
Parents should note that some areas like the “Dungeon of Doom” contain Hannibal Lecter’s actual movie prison cell and other intense displays unsuitable for little ones. The best approach is to plan your route through the more whimsical exhibits that celebrate Hollywood’s magic rather than its monsters.
Kid-friendly shows at El Capitan Theater
El Capitan Theater offers a delightful introduction to movies for young children. This magnificent 998-seat venue showcases beautifully preserved 1926 decor. Each showing starts with a spectacular Wurlitzer organ performance. The organ has four keyboards and over 2,500 pipes that rise from below the stage, playing Disney tunes that mesmerize children.
“Tiny Tots Tuesday” makes this venue perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. These early morning screenings start at 10am with dimmed lights instead of complete darkness. Sound levels stay lower to protect sensitive little ears. Sound levels can vary, so bringing noise-canceling headphones helps children with sensory sensitivities.
Live stage shows often precede Disney movies, and the lobby displays props and costumes from the featured film. The upcoming family lineup includes classics like Snow White and newer favorites like A Goofy Movie, which celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Gentle sightseeing via Hollywood Boulevard bus tours
Hollywood Boulevard bus tours provide the perfect solution for tired little legs. The Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard serves as the starting point for tours that delight adults and children alike.
Our open-top double-decker busses let toddlers and preschoolers experience Hollywood’s excitement safely and comfortably. Small sightseers get clear views of iconic landmarks and celebrity homes throughout Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Sunset Strip from elevated seats.
Air-conditioned vehicles keep your family comfortable whatever the temperature. The hop-on, hop-off format works great for families with young children. You can take bathroom breaks, grab snacks, or handle impromptu naps without missing the tour experience.
The bus ride itself becomes an attraction for vehicle-loving toddlers. The gentle movement often helps tired little ones sleep while parents enjoy the sights. Our guides bring Hollywood’s story alive with kid-friendly commentary that keeps everyone interested throughout the experience.
Elementary School Kids’ Hollywood Adventure Guide
Elementary school kids bring endless energy and curiosity to Hollywood’s famous attractions. Their growing reading skills and interest in pop culture make them ready to enjoy interactive experiences in Tinseltown. Let me show you how to make the best of Hollywood’s family-friendly spots with your grade-schoolers.
Walk of Fame scavenger hunt ideas
The Hollywood Walk of Fame runs along Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Vine Street. It has over 2,500 stars that honor celebrities from entertainment history. This famous sidewalk turns into a perfect playground for grade-school explorers ready for fun.
You can turn your visit into an exciting game instead of just walking the boulevard. Make a list of your kids’ favorite actors, musicians, or cartoon characters before you head out. The Walk of Fame’s website has a helpful StarFinder feature to help you spot specific stars ahead of time.
Our Hollywood Boulevard tour package is a great way to get a well-laid-out experience. It has a kid-friendly scavenger hunt guide. From The Hollywood Visitor Center (7046 Hollywood Boulevard), our guides share fun facts about celebrities that kids love. Your children will enjoy looking for stars like Shrek or finding Snow White’s favorite coffee shop.
Tip for parents: Head out early in the morning when the boulevard isn’t crowded. Your kids can spot stars and take photos easily without pushing through crowds of tourists.
TCL Chinese Theater handprint comparisons
The famous TCL Chinese Theater gives kids a unique hands-on experience they’ll love. The forecourt has cement hand and footprints of major movie stars old and new. Kids can’t resist comparing their hands to these imprints.
Your children will love putting their hands inside their favorite stars’ prints and seeing how much they need to grow to match an adult’s handspan. Beyond regular handprints, they’ll find cool imprints that get them excited:
- Harry Potter stars Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe left their wands’ marks
- Roy Rogers left his revolver print next to his horse Trigger’s hoofprints
- R2D2’s tread marks and Groucho Marx’s cigar make unusual impressions
Our bus tours leave regularly from The Hollywood Visitor Center after you check out the handprints. We stop at the TCL Chinese Theater so families can take their time exploring before moving on to other spots.
Hollywood Sign viewing spots
A family trip to Hollywood wouldn’t be complete without seeing the famous Hollywood Sign. Grade-school kids who’ve seen this landmark in movies or books will be thrilled to see it in person.
Griffith Observatory gives families one of the best viewing spots with kids. You’ll get great views from the parking lot and nearby areas without having to hike. Our Hollywood bus tours also give you perfect photo chances of the sign from different spots around the city.
Lake Hollywood Park is perfect for families who want more adventure. Kids can run around on the grass while getting clear views of the sign. This park gives you the right mix of play time and sightseeing – just what elementary school kids need between attractions.
The Ovation Hollywood shopping center (previously Hollywood & Highland) might be your best bet for sign viewing. It has viewing platforms built just for looking at the Hollywood Sign. Our bus tours make regular stops here so your family can get perfect photos before moving on with your Hollywood adventure.
Tween-Approved Hollywood Experiences
Tweens looking beyond typical kid attractions find Hollywood’s glitz and glamor irresistible. These young adventurers want exclusive access and photo spots that match their growing social media interests. Hollywood delivers experiences that blend educational value with what tweens consider “cool.”
Behind-the-scenes studio tours
Studio tours top the list of things to do in Hollywood for kids at the tween age. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour stands as a crowd favorite with its iconic sets from Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Harry Potter. Tweens can experience the thrill of sitting on the actual Central Perk couch from the Friends opening credits and discover amazing soundstage experiences.
Marvel enthusiasts love the DC Universe exhibit where they can see real props and take pictures with the Batmobile. Universal Studios’ Studio Tour takes visitors through 13 city blocks across 400+ acres of historic studio grounds. The tour features exciting encounters with movie legends such as the star of Jaws.
The Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard serves as the pickup point for our Hollywood Boulevard tours. We handle the transportation to these studio destinations so families can skip parking hassles and enjoy the experience.
Celebrity home sightseeing routes
The Celebrity Homes Tour captivates tweens who love celebrity culture. This Los Angeles landmark tour started in 1935 and remains the city’s most popular attraction. Expert guides take you through Beverly Hills to see luxurious estates where stars live and spend their time.
Your tweens might spot homes belonging to their favorite celebrities:
- Katy Perry and Bruno Mars
- Justin Timberlake and Rihanna
- Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Cruise
Parents value our commitment to safety while their tweens create Instagram-worthy moments. These tours let young visitors share their star-spotting adventures with friends back home.
Interactive wax museums and photo opportunities
Madame Tussauds Hollywood sits next to the TCL Chinese Theater and houses more than 125 celebrity figures. This museum breaks from tradition by encouraging visitors to interact with exhibits. Young guests can take pictures with realistic figures of Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Taylor Swift.
The Hollywood Wax Museum creates amazing photo opportunities. Tweens can pretend to “mingle at an A-list cocktail party” and “dance with divas”. These interactive features create the social media content tweens love to share.
Both wax museums feature in our Hollywood Boulevard tours. Families get plenty of time to capture special moments. Even Los Angeles locals often miss these iconic spots, making them must-see additions to your family’s Hollywood adventure.
Teenage Hollywood Bucket List Activities
Teens add their own special buzz to Hollywood trips. They want independence, real experiences, and amazing spots to fill their social feeds. Our teen tours hit all these marks and give parents peace of mind about their kids’ adventures.
Movie filming locations tour
Movie-loving teens can’t get enough of real Hollywood production spaces. The Paramount Studio Tour lets them step behind the scenes at famous filming spots like the New York Backlot, Bronson Gate, and live soundstages. They might even catch industry pros in action. This insider access shows them a side of Hollywood that regular tourists never see.
Our Hollywood Boulevard tours take care of getting to these studios with regular pickups from The Hollywood Visitor Center. Teens love the freedom to check things out while parents don’t have to deal with LA traffic – it’s the sweet spot between independence and safety.
Hollywood nighttime experiences
Hollywood really shines after dark, right when teens have the most energy! Night tours along the Hollywood Walk of Fame create amazing moments as the stars light up under city lights. The evening setting lets teens snap dramatic photos they just can’t get during the day.
Movie buffs will love watching a film at the historic TCL Chinese Theater. It’s a perfect mix of new blockbusters and old Hollywood charm. Most teens say watching a movie where so many famous premieres happened becomes one of their best Hollywood memories.
Social media-worthy photo spots
Modern teens want the best backdrops for their social feeds, and Hollywood has tons of options. Our tours stop at these picture-perfect spots:
- The Jerome C. Daniel Overlook with sweeping views that reach Catalina Island on clear days
- The Hollywood Sign from different spots that show off unique angles
- The bright murals along Hollywood Boulevard, especially the eye-catching art near Argyle Ave and Yucca St
From The Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard, our guides help teens find these Instagram-worthy locations. They’ll head home with an amazing collection of photos their friends will love.
Family-Friendly Hollywood Dining and Breaks
Your family will be hungry after an exciting morning in Hollywood! The good news is that eating here can be just as fun as the attractions, with restaurants that keep the Hollywood magic alive.
Theme restaurants kids will love
Hollywood turns regular meals into unforgettable experiences. Miceli’s, Hollywood’s oldest Italian restaurant, has singing waiters who perform everything from Disney classics to opera while serving pizza and pasta. The Magic Castle gives families a special treat with brunch shows where kids can watch amazing magic tricks in an exclusive clubhouse. Medieval Times in nearby Buena Park lets you eat a four-course feast without utensils while knights battle in thrilling jousting tournaments—kids absolutely love it.
Our tour guides at the Hollywood Visitor Center on 7046 Hollywood Boulevard can point you to Mel’s Drive-In, a fun 1950s diner. Your kids will stay busy with vintage comics and classic board games between bites.
Best spots for quick snacks between attractions
Hollywood has plenty of great places to grab a quick bite during your sightseeing. Pink’s Hot Dogs, a local landmark since 1939, serves amazing hot dogs that are worth the wait—don’t worry, the line moves quickly. Your sweet tooth will thank you for stopping at Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts, where actor Danny Trejo’s shop serves creative treats and excellent coffee.
Mashti Malone’s brings unique ice cream flavors like ginger rosewater to an unexpected strip mall location. In-N-Out serves wallet-friendly burgers with a “secret menu” that kids love to explore.
Where to rest tired feet during a day of exploring
Smart breaks make Hollywood touring better. Look for a clean Family Lounge and Nursing Area between MAC and Vissla stores—it’s perfect to feed or change babies. The renovated Ovation Mall (previously Hollywood & Highland) has comfortable seating and Dave & Buster’s games where your family can take a breather.
Our Hollywood Boulevard bus tours give you the best way to rest. Jump on at our Visitor Center whenever you’re tired and enjoy the sights from an air-conditioned seat while we show you around Hollywood!
Conclusion
Children’s eyes light up with the magic of Hollywood. Families with toddlers will love the organ performances at El Capitan Theater. Elementary schoolers can’t wait to compare their handprints at TCL Chinese Theater, while teenagers search for the perfect Instagram spots. This entertainment capital has countless ways to make family memories.
The Hollywood Visitor Center at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard makes planning your adventure easy. It’s your starting point to find the best kid-friendly activities in Hollywood. Our bus tours connect you to all major attractions and give you comfortable breaks between stops.
Your visit becomes even more special with family restaurants that turn meals into shows. Singing waiters, magic shows, and themed spaces keep the excitement going while you take a break. These spots are a great way to get some rest without losing any of Hollywood’s magic.
Hollywood’s real charm comes from sharing its famous landmarks as a family. Every age group connects with this iconic place differently and creates memories that spark stories for years to come.
