Los Angeles is a vibrant city, bursting with activities that cater to every type of traveller—including families with teens! If you’re planning a trip to LA with teenagers, there are some must-see spots that will keep them entertained, excited, and maybe even off their phones for a while (well, at least until they want to post about it on social media). In this blog post, we’ll take you through the top 4 things to do in LA with teens, combining fun, adventure, and a little bit of Hollywood glamour: Santa Monica Pier, Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard, and Madame Tussauds.
Santa Monica Pier
Kicking off your LA adventure, head to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. This is not just your average boardwalk—it’s the iconic California beach experience, perfect for teens craving sun, sand, and a little adrenaline.
The Pier has a ton of activities to offer. Start with the Pacific Park amusement park located right on the pier. Whether your teens are into thrilling rides or just want that perfect Instagram shot from the top of the Ferris Wheel, there’s something for everyone. The West Coaster, a rollercoaster that loops around with views of the ocean, is a great mix of fun and scenic vibes. It’s not too extreme, so it’s family-friendly while still giving enough of a thrill for teens who love a little excitement.
After the rides, hit up some classic arcade games inside the Playland Arcade and challenge your teen to a game of skee ball or basketball. For a bit of a workout, consider renting bikes or scooters and taking a ride along the famous Santa Monica Boardwalk. The ocean breeze and beautiful views are the perfect backdrop for some quality family time.
If you’re feeling hungry after all that excitement, there are plenty of food options along the pier—whether it’s grabbing a funnel cake from a food stand or enjoying a seafood meal at one of the restaurants. Teens will love taking in the pier’s energy while indulging in some classic carnival snacks.
Universal Studios Hollywood
No trip to LA is complete without a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, definitely in our list of the top 4 things to do in LA with teens. This isn’t just a theme park; it’s an all-out adventure, especially for movie-loving teens. With thrilling rides, interactive experiences, and behind-the-scenes peeks at how Hollywood blockbusters are made, it’s a day packed with excitement.
The highlight for many teens is likely to be the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Whether they’re Gryffindor or Slytherin fans, this immersive world brings the magic to life. From sipping butterbeer to riding the Forbidden Journey ride, which takes you soaring through Hogwarts, it’s the perfect blend of adventure and fantasy.
Beyond Harry Potter, Universal has plenty of other thrills. The Jurassic World – This ride is another top contender for the best ride in the park, offering a water-soaked adventure through dinosaur-infested jungles. If your teens are more into high-speed action, The Mummy Ride delivers some intense moments that will get their adrenaline pumping.
But Universal is more than just rides.
The Studio Tour is a must-do for anyone visiting for the first time. It’s a unique chance to see actual film sets and learn about movie magic. Your teens will get a kick out of seeing famous locations from their favourite shows and movies up close. And for those who can’t get enough of the thrills, the special effects show Waterworld reveals some of the tricks Hollywood uses to create those jaw-dropping scenes.
When it comes to eating at Universal, the options are just as fun. The park has plenty of themed restaurants, so you can grab a Krusty Burger from the Simpsons-themed area or dig into some delicious fish and chips in the Wizarding World.
Watch our videos on Youtube of our December 2023 visit.
Hollywood Boulevard
If you’ve got teens who are obsessed with celebrities or pop culture, a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard is non-negotiable. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is dotted with stars of the biggest names in entertainment, and chances are your teen will recognise quite a few of them. You might even get lucky and see someone famous while you’re there—although if not, there’s always the next best thing: Madame Tussauds!
Hollywood Boulevard is also a great place to pick up some fun souvenirs. Your teens will have plenty of opportunities to commemorate their trip, whether it’s with a quirky Hollywood T-shirt or a picture alongside street performers dressed as superheroes and movie characters. Be sure to stop by the famous Chinese Mann Theatre, where you can see the immortalized footprints of celebrities like Will Smith and Marilyn Monroe in the concrete.
For movie-loving teens, popping into the El Capitan Theatre is another highlight. It’s an iconic place to catch a Disney film, and it’s often home to special screenings and events.
Madame Tussauds
After soaking up the sights on Hollywood Boulevard, you can’t miss a visit to Madame Tussauds, one of the top 4 things to do in LA with teens. This world-famous wax museum isn’t your average museum experience; this one is full of life-like replicas of the biggest names in movies, music, sports, and even history. And, of course, teens will love the chance to pose for selfies with their favourite stars!
Inside, your teens can walk among wax figures of celebrities like Taylor Swift, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and even iconic Marvel superheroes. The interactive nature of the museum makes it particularly fun for families—there’s something satisfying about taking a selfie with an eerily accurate figure of a celebrity. Plus, it’s a great way to engage teens who may otherwise roll their eyes at a traditional museum.
Madame Tussauds also offers unique experiences, such as Marvel 4D Film, which brings superheroes to life with 3D visuals and some extra sensory effects. It’s a hit with Marvel fans and is a cool way to wrap up your visit.
Making the Most of Your Trip
A trip to Los Angeles with teens can be a perfect blend of fun, adventure, and a bit of culture. When planning your visit, mix high-energy stops like Universal Studios with more relaxed experiences, such as walking along Santa Monica Pier. Incorporating the top 4 things to do in LA with teens into your itinerary will ensure a well-rounded trip that everyone can enjoy. Don’t forget to snap lots of pictures—there will be plenty of opportunities for great family memories and Instagram-worthy moments!
If you’re visiting during peak tourist season, consider planning ahead and booking tickets for Universal Studios and Madame Tussauds online to avoid long lines. Also, budget some extra time to explore Hollywood Boulevard, as there’s always something new happening on this bustling street.
By the end of your LA adventure, your teens will likely have a newfound appreciation for both classic California fun and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. And who knows, maybe they’ll even be a little inspired by the magic of the movies to start creating some California dreams of their own!
