Los Angeles with kids

Griffith Park with Kids: Trains, the Zoo, the Observatory and Easy Hikes

Griffith Park is one of the largest city parks in North America, and it's packed with things kids love: real old trains to climb on, a miniature railroad, the Los Angeles Zoo and the famous observatory with views to the Hollywood Sign.

By Play Your Trip · Updated · 3 min read

The Play Your Trip card for Los Angeles

It's huge, so plan by area: trains and the zoo on the north side, the observatory on the south. Check each official website for hours.

A day in Griffith Park

Trains in the morning, animals at midday, the city lights at sunset.

  1. Morning

    Travel Town (opens Google Maps)

    An open-air museum of real locomotives and railcars kids can climb aboard. Free; open Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays. A paid miniature train circles the grounds.

  2. Late morning

    Griffith Park & Southern Railroad (opens Google Maps)

    A small-scale train ride through the park near Los Feliz, a hit with toddlers.

  3. Lunch · Lunch

    Picnic in the park

    Bring a picnic: there are shady lawns and tables near the trains and the zoo.

  4. Afternoon

    Los Angeles Zoo (opens Google Maps)

    Elephants, chimpanzees, condors and a hilly route: bring a stroller or carrier for little legs.

    Official site

  5. Sunset

    Griffith Observatory (opens Google Maps)

    Free exhibits, the Hollywood Sign view and city lights at dusk; free public telescopes on clear evenings. Parking fills up: arrive early or take the DASH bus.

    Official site

Easy walks with kids

  • Fern Dell: a shady, cool trail along a little stream near the Los Feliz entrance. Great for small kids.
  • The observatory trail: a steady uphill walk from Fern Dell to the observatory, about 45 minutes for older kids.
  • Bring water and sun hats: most trails have little shade, and it gets hot in summer.

What's closed right now

  • The merry-go-round: the historic carousel has been closed for several years, waiting for repairs.
  • Pony rides: paused since late 2022, with no reopening date.

Make it a game

A Play Your Trip book turns your park day into an adventure: every stop a quest with a coin to collect, every place one tap from the map. Los Angeles books are coming soon; see how it works.

Questions

What is there to do in Griffith Park with kids?

Climb aboard old trains at Travel Town (free), ride a miniature railroad, visit the Los Angeles Zoo, walk the shady Fern Dell trail and watch the sunset at Griffith Observatory.

Is Travel Town free?

Yes, the museum is free (donations welcome). It's open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays; the miniature train ride on the grounds is paid.

Is the Griffith Park merry-go-round open?

No. The historic carousel has been closed for several years; check for news before you go.