10 things to do in Los Angeles with kids today

1. Fall Preschool Storytime

A short, close-to-Burbank morning with stories and early-literacy activities for preschoolers and their caregivers.

• When: Monday, September 28, 10:30–11 a.m.
• Where: North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Branch Library, 5211 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601.
• Cost: Free.
• Ages: Recommended for ages 2–5 with a caregiver.
• Planning: No advance registration is listed. The branch has an on-site parking lot and bike rack; arrive a little early for an easy settle-in.

Official event details · Official branch and parking information.

2. Healthy Relationships for Teens

This Haven Hills workshop gives teens a practical, supportive space to learn about healthy friendships, dating and family relationships. Today’s topic is exits and safety plans.

• When: Monday, September 28, 4–5 p.m.
• Where: Northridge Branch Library Community Room, 9051 Darby Avenue, Northridge, CA 91325.
• Cost: Free.
• Ages: Teens.
• Planning: No advance registration is listed. The branch has a parking lot and bike rack.

Official workshop details · Official branch information.

3. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

A movie-centered family outing with film history, costumes and exhibition spaces that can work for older kids, teens and adults.

• When: Monday, September 28, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The Ted Mann Lobby closes at 4 p.m. today.
• Where: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
• Cost: Adults $25; seniors 62+ $19; students 18+ with ID $15; visitors 17 and under and EBT cardholders are free. Paid nearby parking ranges from $10–$40.
• Ages: All ages; the best fit depends on interest in movies and museum galleries.
• Planning: Advance reservations are encouraged. Walk-up tickets are first come, first served. The museum is accessible and wheelchairs are available free on a first-come basis.

Official hours, admission, parking and accessibility · Official September 28 closure notice.

Baby and Toddler Storytime

Stories, songs and movement make this a simple free morning for little ones before the same branch’s teen workshop later in the day.

• When: Monday, September 28, 10:30 a.m.
• Where: Northridge Branch Library, 9051 Darby Avenue, Northridge, CA 91325.
• Cost: Free.
• Ages: Babies and toddlers with caregivers.
• Planning: No registration is listed. The branch has a parking lot and bike rack.

Official LAPL storytime calendar · Official branch information.

Get Ready for Kindergarten

Central Library’s children’s department uses stories, songs and activities to build early-literacy skills in a compact half-hour session.

• When: Monday, September 28, 11–11:30 a.m.
• Where: Central Library, Children’s Literature Department, 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071.
• Cost: Free.
• Ages: Recommended for ages 3–5.
• Planning: No advance registration is listed. Allow extra time for a Downtown arrival and use the library’s official directions page to choose transit or paid parking.

Official event details · Official Central Library information.

Perler Bead Fiesta

Kids can make a Perler-bead calavera or alebrije for Latino Heritage Month; event information is offered in English and Spanish.

• When: Monday, September 28, 4–5 p.m.
• Where: Malabar Branch Library, 2801 Wabash Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033.
• Cost: Free.
• Ages: Kids.
• Planning: No advance registration is listed. Materials are supplied during the program; arrive on time for the full craft hour.

Official event details · Official branch information.

Southern California Children’s Museum

A compact indoor-play option for young children, with hands-on exhibits and a shorter Monday schedule.

• When: Monday, September 28, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Where: Southern California Children’s Museum, 459 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101.
• Cost: $12 for adults and children ages 1+; children under 1 are free; seniors and military $11; Museums for All admission $5 with qualifying ID.
• Ages: Designed for young children and their caregivers.
• Planning: No reservation is required, but admission can pause at capacity. Free parking is behind the museum on Los Robles Avenue. Stroller parking, cubbies and a nursing area are available.

Sensory note: Sensory backpacks are available to rent any day. Today is regular museum play, not a designated Play for All Abilities session.

Official hours, admission, parking and sensory-support details.

California Science Center

Free permanent galleries make this the strongest all-ages budget destination when a family wants several hours indoors.

• When: Monday, September 28, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Where: California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037.
• Cost: General admission is free. IMAX, special exhibits and parking cost extra.
• Ages: All ages.
• Planning: General-admission reservations are encouraged but not required. Parking is paid and can fill; Metro’s E Line Expo Park/USC station is a lower-stress alternative.

Official hours, admission, reservations and accessibility.

The Huntington

Gardens, galleries and wide-open outdoor space make this the full-day splurge, with free parking and a reduced Museums for All rate.

• When: Monday, September 28, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; final check-in is 4:15 p.m.
• Where: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108.
• Cost: Monday–Thursday admission is $29 adults, $24 seniors 65+/military/students ages 12–18 or full-time students, $13 youth ages 4–11 and free for children under 4. Museums for All admission is $5 per person for a SNAP EBT cardholder and up to three guests.
• Ages: All ages.
• Planning: Weekday reservations are encouraged for faster check-in. Parking is free but can fill during busy periods; Oxford Road and Allen Avenue are the two vehicle entrances.

Official hours, admission and reservation details · Official parking information.

Descanso Gardens

A flexible outdoor reset with paved routes, shaded garden areas and enough space to choose a short stroll or a longer visit.

• When: Monday, September 28, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Where: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011.
• Cost: $20 adults, $14 seniors 65+ and students with ID, $8 children ages 3–12, and free for children 2 and under.
• Ages: All ages.
• Planning: Advance tickets are recommended. Parking is free. Most garden paths are accessible, and a limited golf-cart shuttle may be available for guests who need mobility help.

Official hours, admission, parking and accessibility.