Top 50 Family-friendly Attractions in California
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Top 50 Family-friendly Attractions in California

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  • Universal Studios Hollywoodtop_1
    󰺂10
    3004
    Los Angeles.Universal City>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Thrilling roller coaster & movie scenes
    󱓊Explore Hogwarts Castle and experience the magical world
    󱨠Saved by 3590 users󱨠3895 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    caroline0108caroline0108

    Having visited Universal Studios in Osaka, Beijing, and Singapore, I'd say Universal California is a bit dated and too small, lacking the immersive experience of Universal Studios Osaka. The themed areas are too close together, making it easy to get lost in the crowd. A 2-day pass isn't necessary outside of peak season. There are practically no lines, the longest being 5-10 minutes. With the buy-one-get-one-free tickets, I only got in around noon each day, making it a bit of a waste to spend an extra night at Universal Studios. Also, although I went during Halloween, Halloween tickets had to be bought separately, and without them, you had to leave the park by 6 PM. Next time, I'll try Universal Orlando.

  • Disneyland Park Californiatop_2
    󰺂10
    4637
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Iconic Sleeping Beauty fireworks show
    󱓊Family-friendly parks & activities
    󱨠Saved by 2330 users󱨠1081 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    ARIEL ALCANTARAARIEL ALCANTARA

    Visited both attractions and definite the happiest place in the planet

  • USS Midway Museumtop_3
    󰺂8.6
    1226
    San Diego.Downtown San Diego>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    󱨠Saved by 212 users󱨠879 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    It's worth a visit. Parking is charged at $10 for two hours. The second floor, the flight deck, and the hangar are open to the public. Many veteran volunteers are available for conversation and photo opportunities. Various retired fighter jets are parked on the first floor, some of which you can board and experience. Free headsets are available for tour guidance, but please specify in advance that you want a Chinese-language tour. After disembarking, walk about 10 minutes to the other side to see the Kiss of the Century.

  • SeaWorld San Diego
    4
    󰺂8.2
    2636
    San Diego.Misson Bay / Loma Heights>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Dolphin & sea lion show
    See Shamu's amazing 2-ton show
    󱨠Saved by 259 users󱨠322 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    182***09182***09

    Overall, this place is pretty good. But compared to Hang Lung, it might be a little different. Generally speaking, there are fewer people on weekends or holidays, and there are fewer performances. Some facilities will not be open when it rains or the weather is bad. In short, it's up to you to choose.

  • Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
    5
    󰺂8.1
    567
    Los Angeles.South Los Angeles>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰌌Interactive puzzles for kids
    󰌌Dinosaur light show at night
    󱨠Saved by 431 users󱨠109 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    We arrive around 12:00noon so the main parking area is already full. They told us to park in the science center building which you need to walk around 5-10mins which is not a problem for us. Its a 3 floor building and we really enjoyed checking each artifacts.

  • Santa Monica State Beach
    6
    󰺂7.9
    Santa Monica>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    󱨠Saved by 772 users󱨠278 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    学校🏫学校🏫

    Key highlights: 1. The legendary Santa Monica Pier: Pacific Park is a seaside playground located on the pier! The colorful solar-powered Ferris wheel is an absolute landmark. When it rises to its highest point, you can see the panoramic view of the sea, sky and city, especially at sunset. The romantic value is off the charts. The exciting roller coaster roars over the Pacific Ocean, and screams and the sound of waves are intertwined. History and feelings: The old pier built in 1909 is itself a historical relic, and the creaking wooden boardwalk is full of traces of time. This is the legendary end of Route 66, and the famous "End of the Trail" sign is a must-see. * Street art and performances: Street artists often perform on the pier and pier (music, juggling, performance art), full of unexpected fun. 2. Vibrant seaside atmosphere: Third Street Pedestrian Street: Close to the beach, a world-renowned pedestrian shopping and dining street. Brand stores, specialty shops, restaurants and cafes are lined up, and street performers are constantly performing. The bustling vitality extending from the beach to the city is seamlessly connected. Bicycle Path and Skateboard Culture The wide and flat seaside bicycle path is the best way to experience the coastline (car rental is available). The skateboard park is full of masters, showing California's unique street sports culture. Muscle Beach: Outdoor fitness area on the south side of the pier, watch the strong men and hot girls show their muscles, practice gymnastics, and experience California's healthy and sunny lifestyle. 3. Classic California Seaside Experience Watching the sunset: The pier is a great place to enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The silhouette of the Ferris wheel is set against the sunset sky, and the atmosphere is full. Beach Walk and Leisure: The beach is wide, suitable for walking, sunbathing (bring your own blanket), and watching surfers chasing waves. But the sand is coarse, the sea water is cool and the waves are big, and the pure swimming experience is average

  • California Academy of Sciences
    7
    󰺂7.7
    784
    San Francisco.Sunset District>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do
    󱨠Saved by 278 users󱨠794 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    136***99136***99

    It is a very worthwhile place to visit. I wonder why domestic museums cannot be like this, focusing on knowledge acquisition, without the messy rings, children's electric cars, and "Dad's dad is grandpa"

  • LEGOLAND California
    8
    󰺂7.6
    1711
    Carlsbad>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    7 slides & beach fun
    󰋄Millions of Legos recreate landmarks
    󱨠Saved by 238 users󱨠214 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    _TI***il_TI***il

    LEGOLAND was an unforgettable experience for the whole family! 🧱🎢 Tons of interactive attractions, creative builds, and fun rides for all ages. The park is clean, organized, and very kid-friendly — perfect for making lasting memories.We also stopped at “Everything is Ramen” inside the park 🍜 — I had the Tonkotsu, which was solid (though the pork belly was a bit salty and only half an egg 😅). The kids had orange chicken and noodles and gave it two thumbs up! 👍🍗If you're planning a family trip to SoCal, LEGOLAND is absolutely worth the visit. Just bring comfy shoes, sunscreen, and your inner child! ☀️👟🧒

  • San Diego Zoo
    9
    󰺂7.3
    2263
    San Diego.Balboa Park>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Double-decker bus & vast landscapes
    Explore rare primates & wildlife
    󱨠Saved by 174 users󱨠112 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M27***85M27***85

    Very good zoo. The pandas are quite fat and worth seeing. The other animals are also very lively. The parking lot is free. There are also many things to eat and drink inside. Different shops have different characteristics. You must leave enough time, otherwise you will not be able to finish the tour.

  • Aquarium of the Pacific
    10
    󰺂7.1
    1300
    Long Beach>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰌌Feed lively parrots yourself
    Sea lions, penguins & otters
    󱨠Saved by 412 users󱨠67% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    fokuhilafokuhila

    The environment is good, there are many animals inside, and the popular science education is really great. For me, if I am not in a hurry, I can soak in it for a whole day. You must go to the parrot garden inside. After buying nectar, they will automatically fly over. It is recommended to go in and walk to the middle and cover it with your hand, otherwise the old parrot will eat all your portion in one breath!

What Family-friendly Attractions are there in California?
These are all Family-friendly Attractions in California:Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Park California, USS Midway Museum, SeaWorld San Diego, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
What are some highly-rated Family-friendly Attractions in California?
Some highly-rated Family-friendly Attractions in California include:Universal Studios Hollywood:4.8, Disneyland Park California:4.7, USS Midway Museum:4.8, SeaWorld San Diego:4.6, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County:4.6
At what locations in California can Family-friendly Attractions in California be found?
The Family-friendly Attractions in California are mainly located in:Universal Studios Hollywood:Los Angeles, Disneyland Park California:Anaheim, USS Midway Museum:San Diego, SeaWorld San Diego:San Diego, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County:Los Angeles
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