Explore LA12 things to do in Los Angeles with kids and teens today
Today in Los Angeles · October 8, 2026. Event details and reservation inventory can change; check the official links before leaving.
Extreme heat: The National Weather Service has an Extreme Heat Warning in effect through 8 p.m. today, with temperatures reaching 90–100°F at the coast and up to 106°F in valleys. Most picks below are indoors. The Getty visit includes outdoor paths and tram access, so bring water, minimize time in the sun and never leave children in a parked car. Read the current National Weather Service warning.
Thursday’s guide includes every activity from today’s approved Kids & Tots and Teens & Family graphics exactly once. Six additional verified choices add cooking, seasonal art, youth theater and teen workshops without padding the list.
Top 3 today
Babies + toddlers
Stay & Play
A relaxed play session with toys chosen to support exploration, growth and learning.
- When
- 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Where
- Alhambra Civic Center Library, Story Time Room · 101 S. First St., Alhambra, CA 91801
- Cost
- Free
- Ages / fit
- Ages 2–5 with parents or caregivers
- Booking
- First come, first served; space is limited
Good to know: The official series page confirms the October 8 session and Story Time Room location.
Craft: Spooky Cookie Decorating
Children can decorate cookies with icing, sprinkles and Halloween toppings.
- When
- 4–5 p.m.
- Where
- Van Nuys Branch Library, Community Room · 6250 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401
- Cost
- Free
- Ages / fit
- Babies, toddlers and kids with caregivers
- Booking
- No advance registration is listed
Good to know: The event page does not list ingredients or allergen details; contact the branch before attending if needed.
Kids + family
CrEATive Plate Kids Cooking Class
A hands-on cooking session where children can explore foods and practice kitchen skills.
- When
- 4–5 p.m.
- Where
- Northridge Branch Library, Community Room · 9051 Darby Ave., Northridge, CA 91325
- Cost
- Free
- Ages / fit
- Kids
- Booking
- No advance registration is listed
Good to know: The event page does not list ingredients or allergen details; contact the branch before attending if needed.
Kid's Art Club: Witch's Broomstick
Children make a miniature broomstick with pipe cleaners and beads.
- When
- 3:30–4:30 p.m.
- Where
- San Pedro Regional Branch Library, Community Room · 931 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA 90731
- Cost
- Free
- Ages / fit
- Recommended for ages 5+; an adult must accompany children under 13
- Booking
- No advance registration is listed
Good to know: The age recommendation and adult requirement come directly from the organizer.
Brick-Building Playtime
Creative play with LEGO-style bricks and traditional building blocks.
- When
- 3–4 p.m.
- Where
- Brentwood Branch Library · 11820 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
- Cost
- Free
- Ages / fit
- Kids
- Booking
- No advance registration is listed
Good to know: The official schedule specifically lists the October 8 session from 3 to 4 p.m.
Halloween Canvas Painting for Kids
A seasonal canvas-painting session with materials provided.
- When
- 4–5 p.m.
- Where
- Sylmar Branch Library · 14561 Polk St., Sylmar, CA 91342
- Cost
- Free
- Ages / fit
- Ages 4–12
- Booking
- Space is limited; no advance registration method is listed
Good to know: Arrive early because the official page says space is limited.
Tweens + teens
Classic Movie Club: Frankenstein
A daytime screening of the 1931 classic starring Boris Karloff.
- When
- 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Where
- Alhambra Civic Center Library, Reese Hall · 101 S. First St., Alhambra, CA 91801
- Cost
- Free
- Ages / fit
- Teens and adults; the 1931 film is not rated
- Booking
- No advance registration is listed
Good to know: Families should use the not-rated film information to decide fit for younger viewers.
Getty Center Galleries
A flexible museum visit with galleries, architecture and current exhibitions that can suit older kids and teens.
- When
- 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
- Where
- Getty Center · 1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049
- Cost
- Free admission; parking is $25, or $15 after 3 p.m.
- Ages / fit
- Teens and families
- Booking
- Free timed-entry reservation required; same-day times may be available
Good to know: Several galleries are closed for modernization. Parking is cashless, and the campus includes outdoor paths and tram access.
The Thursday Art and Fiber Circle
Bring a drawing, painting, knitting, crochet or other fiber project for a relaxed creative meetup.
- When
- 4–5:30 p.m.
- Where
- West Valley Regional Branch Library · 19036 Vanowen St., Reseda, CA 91335
- Cost
- Free
- Ages / fit
- Teens and adults
- Booking
- No advance registration is listed
Good to know: The official schedule specifically lists the October 8 session.
When Yuri Met Malcolm
East West Players presents a short Theatre for Youth production about activist Yuri Kochiyama and her friendship with Malcolm X.
- When
- 3–4 p.m.
- Where
- Palisades Branch Library, Green Bungalow · 861 Alma Real Dr., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
- Cost
- Free
- Ages / fit
- Ages 12–17
- Booking
- RSVP requested by email; space is limited
Good to know: Use the RSVP address on the official listing to confirm attendance before traveling.
Learn to Draw Addams Family Characters
A step-by-step drawing workshop featuring characters from the animated Addams Family series.
- When
- 4:30–5:30 p.m.
- Where
- Encino-Tarzana Branch Library · 18231 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, CA 91356
- Cost
- Free
- Ages / fit
- Tweens and teens ages 11–19
- Booking
- No advance registration is listed
Good to know: The organizer says participants may be able to transfer a large drawing to foam board for display.
Haunted Clay Creations
A short seasonal craft session where teens can make their own spooky clay creation.
- When
- 4–4:45 p.m.
- Where
- Granada Hills Branch Library · 10640 Petit Ave., Granada Hills, CA 91344
- Cost
- Free
- Ages / fit
- Teens
- Booking
- No advance registration is listed
Good to know: The current organizer page lists the program for October 8 from 4 to 4:45 p.m.
Free + low-cost snapshot
All eleven scheduled library programs are free. Getty Center admission is free with a timed-entry reservation, but parking is $25 or $15 after 3 p.m. The youth theater requests an RSVP, Stay & Play is first come, first served, and the Halloween canvas session has limited space.
