Get outdoors and explore: Griffith Observatory
Address: 2800 E. Observatory Rd., Los Angeles
Hours: 12 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Cost: Admission to the Observatory building, grounds, telescopes is FREE. Parking near the Observatory is limited and costs $4 during open building hours. DASH Observatory public low-cost bus service is available. There are fees associated with the Planetarium—$7 adults, $5 seniors and students with I.D., $3 children ages 5 through 12. Children under age 5 are only admitted to the first show of the day and must lap sit. Tickets may be purchased in person, the day of the show.
A visit to Griffith Observatory should be on everyone’s L.A. bucket list, and is truly a great option for all fitness levels. Many people hike up the mountain for this spectacular view of the city and Hollywood sign alone. You can bus up to the Observatory if you’re looking to sweat a little less. Admission is always free. This was such a fun experience with my son, who was just starting to learn about planets and the solar system. We loved exploring the building and of course taking in the view. Word to the wise: Don’t forget your camera like I did. Hashtag duh.
Address: 19237 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana
Hours: Open Studio takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. All ages are welcome and drop off is available for children ages 5 and up.
Cost: $20 per child.
This is the best 20 bucks you’ll spend to entertain your kiddo in Los Angeles. It was worth the traffic we had to sit in to and from where we stayed in Glendale. Two hours may not sound like a lot of time but it was plenty for Benjamin to create several works of art. I wrote all about this magical art studio for kids on Mommy Nearest. Check it out, here!
