Kelly

Any suggestions of a good plan for seeing LA with a 12 and 9 year old?

xxx

Do your kids have any special interests? Boys? Girls? Or one of each - which one is older?

mare

The zoo is great, and if they're into cars the Petersen Automobile museum is terrific. The Page museum and the La Brea Tar Pits are interesting and Universal Studios tours is fun.

xxx

Since the Getty is free, I'd suggest that you stop by for a few hours to check it out. The architecture and garden actually appeal to all age ranges. And the museum often has some interesting exhibits that are geared to also attracting a younger crowd.

Take them to Venice for the morning for breakfast or lunch and some eye-opening people watching.

Farmer's Market is always a good place for a family meal. And the new shopping center has a great water display.

Take in a Dodger game and plan on the famous Dodger dog for your meal.

And no trip to LA would be complete without In N Out burgers!

patty

In addition to the great suggestions above, you can add horseback riding in Griffith Park, bike riding along the South Bay beach bike path (Hermosa, Manhattan) and Huntington Gardens & Library in Pasadena while walking & eating on Colorado Blvd with maybe a stop at the Norton Simon Museum.

There's also the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and, if your kids would be interested, Queen Mary and the Russian sub there.

You must go to a beach anywhere from Zuma Beach in Malibu to the Orange County beaches of Newport, Huntington, etc. Maybe Santa Monica with a stop at the pier and a walk down the Third Street Promenade.

If your children are mature enough, maybe the Museum of Tolerance in downtown. More ethnic/cultural visits can be made to Olvera Street or Little Tokyo.

nora

Why not try the beach, the pier, amusement parks (Knotts, Disneyland, Univerals Studios, Magic Mountain, etc.) and the Long Beach Aquarium. Also fun is Old Town Pasadena, Universal City Walk (free), and if you want a place to explore try the Huntington Library, the La Brea Tar Pits, or the Arcadia Aboretum. Try all the touristy things like the footprints, or show taping. There are kids museums, and always the standby of movies or pleanty of parks. Go to the famous Pinks Hot Dog stand, even try the Television Museum. Don't forget to go to a Dodger Game (pretty reasonably priced and lots of fun), and try inspiring them with UCLA. Enjoy.

roy

warner brothers tour and nbc studio tour very good just did these last week
your kids if they watch tv will like it.

joesorce

WB Tour isn't open to children, not sure about NBC.

CA Native

You might take the nine year old to the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre. But the twleve year old would just cross his/her arms, roll eyes and look bored.