Family Attractions Near Los Angeles Convention Center

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Photo by Jamie Pham via LA Zoo

Exposition Park
Hollywood
Griffith Park

For attendees who want to bring their families to Los Angeles for extended visits centered around meetings, we present a round up of family-friendly attractions accessible from the Los Angeles Convention Center and Downtown LA area.



Located just south of Downtown LA, Exposition Park is a 160-acre collection of world-class museums, sport facilities and recreational areas that offers diverse cultural, entertainment and educational activities year round.

California Science Center
The California Science Center is known as the West Coast's largest hands-on science center and offers special and permanent exhibits, LA’s largest IMAX screen and much more. The California Science Center is the future home of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which will go on public display beginning in late 2012. Best of all, admission to the Science Center’s permanent exhibition galleries is free!



California African American Museum
The California African American Museum (CAAM) exists to research, collect, preserve and interpret for public enrichment, the history, art and culture of African Americans. The museum conserves more than 3,500 objects of art, historical artifacts and memorabilia, and maintains a research library with more than 20,000 books and other reference materials available for limited public use.



Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County protects over 35 million specimens, dating back 4.5 billion years. The NHM tracks the Earth's biodiversity, and is home to some of the first, best and only specimens, exhibits and experiences of their kind. The Museum is an authority on the "big picture" of the planet, the natural and the cultural world. The 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur Hall rivals the world’s leading dinosaur halls for the number of individual fossils displayed, as well as the size and spectacular character of the major mounts. The centerpiece of this gallery is the world’s only Tyrannosaurus rex growth series, featuring “Thomas the T. rex,” one of the ten most complete specimens on Earth.



The Hollywood/Highland station of the Metro Rail Red Line drops you off in the heart of Tinseltown, where the Hollywood Bowl, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, the Walk of Fame and many more attractions are all within walking distance. The Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center is the permanent home of IRIS, A Journey through the World of Cinema™ from Cirque du Soleil ®.



Universal Studios
Further along the Red Line, the world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood and the shopping, dining and entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk Hollywood await visitors at the Universal City station of the Red Line. Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood movie studios still in use. Outside the theme park, Universal City includes hotels Universal Hilton & Towers, the Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, the multi-screen Globe Theatre, often used for banquets and receptions, as well as the Gibson Amphitheatre.


Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens opened in 1966 and is located in Griffith Park, at the intersection of the Golden State (5) and Ventura (134) freeways. The 133-acre Zoo is home to more than 1,100 mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles representing more than 250 different species, of which 29 are endangered. In addition, the Zoo’s botanical collection comprises several planted gardens and over 800 different plant species with over 7,400 individual plants. Located high atop Treetops Terrace, the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel features 66 artisan-crafted figures, depicting endangered wildlife and California flora and fauna. The carousel is the only one of its kind in Southern California.



Griffith Park Train Rides
Open every day of the year except for Christmas Day, the Griffith Park Train Rides are two of LA’s most enjoyable and affordable family attractions. On the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, riders travel over one mile of track, across a bridge, through a forest and the Old Western Town. Families can also try the classic simulator ride Kid Coaster, fun for all ages. The Travel Town Railroad takes riders around the Travel Town Museum two times. After riding the miniature train, the whole family can explore dozens of old time railroad locomotives and cars.


Sunset Ranch Hollywood
Sunset Ranch Hollywood is the only horse ranch in greater Los Angeles, centrally located in the beautiful Hollywood Hills, just steps from Griffith Park. Sunset Ranch offers a variety of services and activities from guided trail rides, boarding, and lessons, to its famous Sunset Dinner Rides. In the 1920′s the film industry came to Los Angeles to take advantage of the sunny weather and scenic locations, especially for Westerns. A piece of that Hollywood history is still standing and can be found at Sunset Ranch. Set up a Kid’s Party and Sunset Ranch’s seasoned guides will give the kids a 30 minute group lesson and a 1 hour ride.

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