Explore LAThis weekend in Los Angeles with kids
Guide dates: 2026-09-25–2026-09-27.
This weekend’s three-day plan mixes music, art and puppetry: a Dolly Parton tribute hike on Friday, an officially supported lower-sensory morning on Saturday and outdoor puppets on Sunday. Choose the outing that fits your family; Griffith Observatory is an optional Friday alternative.
Friday: Dolly Parton Tribute Silent Disco Hike
Dance Quest Events leads a music-filled walk through Griffith Park, starting at the Old Los Angeles Zoo. Provided headphones let the group share a Dolly Parton playlist while walking and dancing.
- When: Friday, September 25, 2026, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
- Where: Old Los Angeles Zoo, 4801 Griffith Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
- Cost: Donation-based tickets; the organizer says all donations benefit Dolly’s Imagination Library.
- Ages: All ages welcome; the organizer recommends ages 6 and older.
- What to expect: Approximately 1.7 miles on a loop trail, described by the organizer as easy to medium difficulty depending on fitness level. Dancing makes this an active outing.
- Planning: Check ticket availability and meeting instructions before leaving. Bring water and comfortable walking shoes. Stroller access and sensory accommodations are not confirmed.
Dolly Parton tribute hike details and donation tickets.
Bonus Friday option: Griffith Observatory
Prefer a flexible visit? Explore the Observatory’s exhibits and Los Angeles views.
- When: Friday, September 25, noon–10 p.m.
- Where: Griffith Observatory, 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
- Cost: Building and grounds admission is free; nearby parking and planetarium shows cost extra.
- Friday closure: The Observatory’s official notice says its roof and Zeiss telescope are closed all day September 25. Do not plan on rooftop telescope viewing.
- Planning: Allow time for busy roads and limited nearby parking. This is an alternative outing, not a scheduled part of the hike.
Official Griffith Observatory visitor information · Directions, parking and closure notice.
Saturday: Calm Morning — Frightfully Fun Movie Poster Designs
The Academy Museum explicitly describes Calm Mornings as a less sensory-stimulating experience. Galleries are open early with reduced crowds, followed by a drop-in family workshop inspired by movie-poster design.
- When: Saturday, September 26. Calm gallery time is 9–10 a.m.; the family workshop runs 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Where: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
- Cost: General admission is $25 for adults, $19 for seniors, $15 for students and free for visitors ages 17 and under and EBT cardholders.
- Ages: Families; the museum does not set a narrow age range for the workshop.
- Planning: Advance museum reservations are encouraged. Nearby parking generally costs $10–$40; check the museum’s current transportation guidance.
- Sensory support: The organizer explicitly labels Calm Morning as a sensory-friendly, less sensory-stimulating experience.
Official Calm Morning program · admission and parking information.
Sunday: Puppets in the Park
Bob Baker Marionette Theater brings two free outdoor performances to the Hollyhock House lawn, with family art between and after the shows.
- When: Sunday, September 27. Gates open at 9 a.m.; performances are 9:30–10 a.m. and 11–11:30 a.m. Family art runs 10–11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Where: Hollyhock House, Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
- Cost: Free.
- Ages: All ages.
- Planning: No RSVP is required. Bring a blanket; lawn capacity is limited. The program is outdoors, pets are not permitted and the Hollyhock House interior is closed during the event.
Official Bob Baker Marionette Theater event details.
One good plan for each day
Choose Friday’s Dolly tribute hike for kids who enjoy an active musical outing, Saturday’s Calm Morning when reduced stimulation matters, or Sunday’s outdoor puppet show for a no-ticket family morning. Griffith Observatory remains a flexible Friday bonus option, with the rooftop closure noted above.
