Searching for indoor activities in Los Angeles? Whether you’re avoiding the weather or planning a fun outing, Los Angeles has a wide range of indoor options. From museums and aquariums to creative classes and escape rooms, here’s a guide to some of the best indoor activities the city has to offer.
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Key Takeaways
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Los Angeles offers a diverse range of indoor activities suitable for all ages, from science centers and museums to creative classes and escape rooms.
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Many attractions, like the California Science Center and Natural History Museum, have free or discounted admission for residents, making education accessible.
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Indoor play areas, arcades, and theater performances provide engaging options for families, ensuring there’s always something entertaining to do in L.A.
Explore the California Science Center
The California Science Center is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in science and technology. Located in Exposition Park, this science center features an array of interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. From simulated earthquakes and volcanoes to hands-on experiments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. A notable highlight is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, a permanent exhibit providing a unique view into space exploration. General admission is free, making it an accessible and educational outing for everyone.
The California Science Center also frequently hosts special exhibits on various scientific topics. Biology, physics, and environmental science enthusiasts will find plenty to explore.
Guided tours offer deeper insights into the exhibits, enriching your visit. For educational and entertaining activities, the California Science Center is a top choice.
Dive into History at the Natural History Museum
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of our planet at the Natural History Museum. As the first museum in Los Angeles, it holds a special place in the city’s cultural landscape. Located adjacent to the California Science Center in Exposition Park, the museum boasts impressive collections that include dinosaur skeletons, mammal fossils, and rare gems. These exhibits provide a fascinating look into the natural and cultural world, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of the Natural History Museum is its extensive collection of archaeological treasures and habitat dioramas. These exhibits offer a window into the past, allowing visitors to explore the history of life on Earth in a tangible way.
Admission is accessible, with free entry available to L.A. County residents during select weekday hours. Avid historians and curious explorers will find a wealth of knowledge and discovery at the Natural History Museum.
Uncover Hollywood’s Glamour at the Academy Museum
For film enthusiasts, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a dream come true. Located in West Hollywood, this museum is the largest in the United States dedicated to the art and science of filmmaking. Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, the museum spans seven floors and includes exhibition spaces, a café, and theaters for screenings. The David Geffen Theater, in particular, is a highlight, hosting a variety of film screenings and related events year-round.
The Academy Museum aims to celebrate and preserve cinema through inclusive exhibitions and programs that engage with diverse communities. From special exhibits that challenge dominant narratives in cinema to guided tours that offer deeper insights into the world of filmmaking, there’s something for every film lover.
Casual moviegoers and dedicated cinephiles alike will find Hollywood’s glamour and history captivating at the Academy Museum.
Art Appreciation at LACMA
Art lovers will find a haven at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Located in downtown Los Angeles, LACMA is known for its extensive collection of modern art and its commitment to promoting diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in all its initiatives. The museum’s exhibits are frequently updated, ensuring that there’s always something new to see and experience.
One of the great perks of visiting LACMA is its free admission programs. Through the NexGenLA program, children under 17 can enter for free and bring one guest along. Additionally, Los Angeles County residents can enjoy free admission after 3 PM on weekdays and on the second Tuesday of each month.
LACMA’s impressive collection and accessible admission options make it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Engage with Marine Life at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Dive into the wonders of the ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. As the largest aquarium in California, it spans over 360,000 square feet and features more than 100 exhibits showcasing 11,000 animals from 500 species. From playful sea otters to colorful jellyfish, the aquarium offers a mesmerizing glimpse into marine life.
The aquarium is known for its interactive exhibits, including touch pools where visitors can get hands-on with marine creatures. Highlights include the Shark Lagoon, home to over 150 sharks and rays, and the Lorikeet Forest, where guests can hand-feed lorikeet birds.
With its diverse marine life and engaging activities, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a fantastic destination for animal lovers and families looking for fun activities.
Family Fun at Bob Baker Marionette Theater
For a whimsical and enchanting experience, head to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Founded in 1963, this theater has been delighting audiences with its colorful marionette shows for decades. Each performance features over 3000 handcrafted marionettes, with around 100 showcased during each show. The interactive puppet experiences engage the audience, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
Tickets are reasonably priced at $25 for adults and children aged 3 and up, and the unique seating options, such as floor cushions, provide a close-up view of the puppets. At the end of each show, a long-standing tradition includes complimentary ice cream for all attendees, adding a sweet touch to the experience.
With workshops and learning opportunities available at the Shirley Temple Education Studio, the fun extends beyond the performances, making it a perfect outing for families and friends.
Creative Classes for All Ages
Unleash your creativity with a variety of classes available for all ages in Los Angeles. Whether you’re interested in pottery, candle making, or neon sign workshops, there’s something to spark creativity in everyone. At the Pottery Studio, students can participate in wheel throwing and hand building classes, which not only improve focus but also reduce stress.
For those interested in crafting custom candles, Stone Candle Bar offers intimate sessions where participants can blend scents and decorate their creations. The Museum of Neon Art provides unique workshops for creating neon signs, allowing participants to leave with their own crafted piece.
Creative classes provide fun and engaging activities for both kids and adults.
Indoor Sports and Games
Stay active and have fun with a range of indoor sports and games available in Los Angeles. Bowling alleys like Round1 at Lakewood Center Mall and Bowlero offer a complete entertainment experience with options for arcade games, karaoke, and billiards. Ice skating rinks in the city host themed events that encourage community involvement and provide a great way to exercise and have fun.
For those seeking a bit more adrenaline, indoor bouldering gyms and go-kart racing venues offer thrilling experiences regardless of the weather. Dance studios also provide classes that improve balance and rhythm while being enjoyable. The variety of indoor activities ensures plenty of ways to stay active and entertained in Los Angeles.
Discover Local History at the La Brea Tar Pits
Unearth the mysteries of prehistoric Los Angeles at the La Brea Tar Pits. This unique site features exhibits that highlight Ice Age specimens, providing a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. The tar pits house one of the richest collections of Ice Age fossils in the world, making it a significant location for paleontological research.
Visitors can observe active excavation sites where paleontologists work on uncovering fossils, adding an interactive element to the experience. The Page Museum, located on-site, offers engaging displays that make learning about paleontology enjoyable for all ages.
Free access to the tar pit area and specific hours for L.A. County residents make it a convenient educational outing.
Relax and Rejuvenate at Korean Spas
For a truly relaxing experience, visit one of the many Korean spas in Los Angeles. These spas offer a variety of treatments, including:
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baths
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massages
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body scrubs
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facials
All designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Primarily located in Koreatown, these spas offer an authentic cultural experience centered on wellness.
Facilities like saunas, steam rooms, and soaking tubs are common, and additional treatments such as seaweed wraps and acupressure may also be available. Admission fees are generally affordable, ranging from $15 to $30, with possible waivers based on booked services.
Korean spas are ideal for unwinding after a busy week or simply treating yourself.
Get Lost in Books at Local Libraries
Local libraries in Los Angeles offer a haven for book lovers and families alike. With hundreds of thousands of titles available for loan, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or interest.
The LAUSD Student Success Card offers students easy access to library resources, and many libraries provide family-friendly programming and activities, making them excellent for community engagement.
Volunteer Opportunities for Animal Lovers
For animal lovers, volunteering at places like Wallis Annenberg PetSpace in Playa Vista is a fulfilling way to spend your time. This facility offers various volunteer opportunities focused on animal care, including the Paws and Pages program, where children can read to animals, encouraging both literacy and interaction.
Most volunteer positions require participants to be at least 18 years old.
Unique Shopping Experiences
Shopping in Los Angeles offers a mix of luxury and eclectic experiences. Rodeo Drive is renowned for its high-end retailers, making it a prime destination for those looking for luxury shopping. On the other hand, Melrose Avenue features trendy boutiques and vintage shops, providing a unique shopping experience for treasure hunters.
The Los Angeles area is also home to various vintage stores, offering everything from exclusive designer outlets to eclectic thrift stores. L.A.’s shopping scene offers something for everyone, from the latest fashion trends to unique vintage finds.
Immersive Escape Rooms
Escape rooms in Los Angeles provide an exciting and immersive experience where participants solve puzzles and complete tasks to escape a themed room. These rooms offer a variety of themed adventures, such as art heists, space exploration, and horror scenarios, making them perfect for groups of friends or family outings.
Notable themes like ‘Pirates of Tortuga’ and ‘The Hex Room’ feature intricate set designs and advanced technology, enhancing the immersive experience. Accommodating groups of 2 to 10 players, escape rooms offer a thrilling indoor activity.
Live Theater Performances
Experience the magic of live theater at venues like the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Known for hosting top Broadway productions, the Pantages is a prominent venue in Los Angeles with a rich history. The theater has undergone significant renovations to restore its 1930s elegance and luxury, making it one of the highest-grossing theaters in the city.
The Pantages has hosted numerous acclaimed musicals, including Tony Award-winning productions, offering a variety of shows that appeal to different tastes. Fans of classic musicals and contemporary plays will find live theater performances in Los Angeles captivating.
Cozy Cafes and Coffee Shops
Los Angeles is home to many cozy cafes and coffee shops, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. These establishments offer a welcoming atmosphere that encourages conversation and community. Many cafes provide light meals and pastries along with their coffee, making them ideal for casual dining.
Additionally, some coffee shops have loyalty programs, rewarding frequent customers with free drinks. These cafes cater to both work and leisure, providing an environment conducive to productivity while offering a place to relax with a cup of coffee.
Museums with Free Admission
Los Angeles offers a plethora of museums with free admission, making cultural outings affordable and accessible. The Getty Center, for instance, features a diverse art collection and provides free entry with a timed ticket, although parking does incur a fee. Similarly, the Hammer Museum focuses on modern art exhibitions and is completely free, often highlighting local artists.
The Broad is another must-visit, requiring a reservation for free entry and featuring two immersive Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama. MOCA Grand Ave also offers free admission with a timed ticket and presents a range of contemporary artworks from 1940 to the present.
These museums offer rich cultural experiences without breaking the bank, making them excellent for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Indoor Play Areas for Kids
Finding safe and engaging indoor play areas for kids is easy in Los Angeles. IKEA’s Smaland play area, available at multiple locations, offers free play for children who meet height and potty training requirements. This allows parents to shop while their kids enjoy a fun and safe environment.
The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks features an indoor soft play area filled with soft play animals, providing a spacious and safe place for kids to expend energy.
Another standout is the Skirball Cultural Center’s Noah’s Ark exhibit, one of the best indoor play spaces in Los Angeles, which requires reservations for free time slots. These play areas give young minds a chance to explore in a controlled and enjoyable setting.
Exciting Arcades and Game Nights
For a lively and entertaining experience, check out the various arcades and game nights in Los Angeles. Two Bit Circus in Downtown LA is a notable arcade known for its vibrant atmosphere and a mix of classic and modern gaming experiences. The Neon Retro Arcade, featuring vintage games from the 80s and 90s, appeals to nostalgic gamers and provides a trip down memory lane.
Virtual reality gaming centers offer immersive experiences that can be enjoyed by groups of friends, adding a futuristic twist to traditional gaming. Activities for virtual game nights can include murder mysteries, escape rooms, and bingo nights, offering a variety of fun activities to choose from.
Arcades and game nights in L.A. offer exciting outings for gamers of all ages.
Summary
Los Angeles is a city brimming with diverse indoor activities that cater to all interests and age groups. Whether you’re exploring the wonders of science at the California Science Center, diving into history at the Natural History Museum, or engaging with marine life at the Aquarium of the Pacific, there’s no shortage of educational and fun activities to enjoy. Art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the impressive collections at LACMA and other free museums, while families can delight in the whimsical performances at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater or the interactive play spaces for kids.
For those seeking relaxation, Korean spas offer a rejuvenating escape, and cozy cafes provide the perfect spot to unwind with a good book from a local library. Add in the thrill of escape rooms, live theater performances, and the bustling arcade and game night scene, and you have a comprehensive guide to making the most of your indoor time in Los Angeles. So, next time you’re looking for something to do indoors, remember this guide and explore the myriad of options that await you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any museums in Los Angeles with free admission?
Absolutely, you can check out the Getty Center, Hammer Museum, The Broad, and MOCA Grand Ave, all of which offer free admission, just be sure to reserve your tickets in advance!
What are some family-friendly indoor activities in Los Angeles?
You’ve got some great options for family fun in Los Angeles! Check out the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum, the Aquarium of the Pacific, or catch a show at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater for a memorable day indoors.
Can I find creative classes for both kids and adults in Los Angeles?
Absolutely! In Los Angeles, you can find a variety of creative classes like pottery and candle making for both kids and adults.
Where can I go for indoor sports and games in Los Angeles?
If you’re looking for indoor sports and games in Los Angeles, you can’t go wrong with bowling at Round1 or Bowlero, ice skating, indoor bouldering, or even go-kart racing. There’s something fun for everyone!
Are there any indoor play areas for kids in Los Angeles?
Absolutely! Places like IKEA’s Smaland, The Oaks Mall soft play area, and the Skirball Cultural Center’s Noah’s Ark are great indoor spots for kids to play and explore.