Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is one of the most remarkable free family attractions in the United States. Perched on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, it offers free admission to its exhibit halls, telescopes, and grounds, with only the planetarium show requiring a ticket. For families, this combination of world-class science education, stunning views, and zero admission cost is nearly impossible to beat.

The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is the centerpiece experience. The 290-seat theater features a state-of-the-art Zeiss star projector and a full-dome digital projection system that creates an immersive journey through space. The show Centered in the Universe traces humanity's understanding of our place in the cosmos and is appropriate for kids ages 5 and up.

Younger children may find the dark theater and loud narration overwhelming. Shows run throughout the day but sell out on weekends, so buy tickets at the box office as soon as you arrive.

The exhibit halls are genuinely excellent and free. The Wilder Hall of the Eye explores how humans have observed the universe, from ancient astronomy to modern telescopes. The Ahmanson Hall of the Sky covers the Sun, Moon, tides, and seasons with interactive displays that let kids manipulate models.

The Cosmic Connection corridor features a 150-foot-long timeline of the universe inlaid in the floor with 2,200 celestial event markers -- walking its length gives a visceral sense of cosmic time.

What makes Griffith Observatory special for families is the combination of indoor science and outdoor wonder. The rooftop and front lawn offer the most photographed view of the Hollywood Sign in existence, plus panoramic views from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean on clear days. On clear nights, volunteers set up public telescopes on the roof for free stargazing -- seeing Saturn's rings or Jupiter's moons through a real telescope is a childhood memory that sticks.

Practical considerations matter here. Parking is the single biggest challenge. The small lot fills by mid-morning on weekends, and the winding road up has limited street parking.

The free DASH shuttle runs from the Greek Theatre parking lot on weekends and holidays and is by far the easiest option. Weekday visits between noon and 3 PM offer the lightest crowds and easiest parking. The observatory is closed on Mondays.