Spring in Los Angeles arrives with longer days, milder weather, and an irresistible line-up of family fun outings. Whether you’re entertaining a toddler who loves trains or a teen obsessed with space, the city’s museums, gardens, and seaside attractions turn everyday weekends into memory-making adventures. The ten activities below are hand-picked for variety, value, and seasonal appeal, giving you a ready-made itinerary for spring break or any sunny Sunday.
1. Natural History Museum — Butterfly Pavilion
From March through early June, NHM’s open-air Butterfly Pavilion fills with hundreds of free-flying monarchs, swallowtails, and painted ladies—perfect for budding lepidopterists. Timed tickets mean crowd-free strolls among native blooms for spring family fun!
2. Los Angeles Zoo — Spring Fling Weekend
On March 22–23, the Zoo layers crafts, keeper talks, and live music onto its 270-species roster; all activities are included with general admission, making it one of the best-value spring festivals in the city.
3. California Science Center — Space Shuttle Endeavour
Kids who dream big can stand nose-to-nose with NASA’s Endeavour, now displayed in dramatic “ready-to-launch” vertical configuration before moving to its permanent gallery. Admission to permanent exhibits remains free; just reserve timed tickets.
4. Pacific Park, Santa Monica Pier
An all-day wristband grants unlimited spins on 12 rides, including the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel. Enjoy family fun, Earth Day-themed light shows through April.
5. Descanso Gardens — Spring Blooms
camellia forest gives way to cherry-blossom canopies and tulip beds each March. A “What’s in Bloom” guide on the garden’s site helps families plan color-coded photo ops.
6. Kidspace Children’s Museum — Butterfly Season
Pasadena’s hands-on museum transforms its outdoor arroyo into a butterfly habitat every spring; nets, nectar stations, and life-cycle demos turn science class into playtime.
7. Aquarium of the Pacific — Tentacles & Ink
A newly arrived common octopus headlines the Aquarium’s Tentacles & Ink gallery for 2025, adding eight-armed antics to 12,000 existing sea creatures. Check feeding-time schedules to catch the octopus solving puzzles for snacks.
8. Street Food Cinema
This roving series launches in late April with live bands at 6:45 p.m., gourmet food-truck pods, and family fun sunset screenings at parks from Griffith to Pasadena. Families can reserve front-row lawn space or roll up with blankets and dogs in tow.
9. Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
Mini-locomotives puff through oak groves and over miniature bridges daily, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in spring and summer. Pair the ride with a picnic or a hike to the observatory for a full-day adventure.
10. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Older kids can wander Hogwarts sets, pose on the Friends couch, and view Batmobiles during the 90-minute cart tour; stroller-friendly routes and shaded waiting areas keep younger siblings comfortable.
Tips for Seamless Spring Outings
- Reserve early: Timed-entry attractions (NHM, Science Center, Kidspace) sell out quickly during school breaks.
- Arrive at opening: Early slots at the Zoo and Pacific Park beat crowds and midday heat.
- Pack layers: Coastal evenings dip into the 60s even after 80-degree days.
- Hydrate sustainably: Most venues feature touch-free refill stations—bring reusable bottles to cut waste.
From walking among butterflies to watching a classic film beneath the stars, Los Angeles overflows with family-friendly possibilities each spring. Pick one or stitch several together for a multi-stop adventure—you’ll create family fun memories as bright as the season’s first blooms, all without leaving the 323.