11 Free & Cheap Things to Do With Kids in August

Getty Villa Presents The ODDyssey

Sundays through Aug. 16: The Getty Museum and the Troubadour Theater Company bring you a slapstick, family-friendly, wacky and whimsical retelling of Odysseus's epic adventures in The ODDyssey. Tune in on Sun. at 3p.m. for the 15-20 minute Zoom webisodes, featuring a cast of kooky mythical characters like the cyclops, sirens, angry gods, and more. Event details.

Concerts in Your Car

Fri. & Sat., Aug. 1 & 2: Cruise on up the coast to Ventura County, for a live in-person show at the Fairgrounds. The first weekend in August, the Zoppé Italian Family Circus will deliver a multimedia performance with a light show, video screens and elevated 360 degree stage. Tickets start at $29 per car—you can bring as many people as you have seatbelts. Event details. 

Summer Nights at Home with NHMLA

Fri., Aug. 7: LA's Natural History Museum is bringing its popular summer series to your backyard, with  Museum Staff who’ll be getting to the root of plants from the present day all the way back to the Ice Age. For kids, there's also activities and crafts to keep them entertained. Event details.

Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival: Living Room Edition

Sat., Aug. 8: Although the in-person Shakespeare Festival won't be happening this summer, you can still celebrate 10 years of the bard in Griffith Park with a livestream kickoff. You'll have a chance to revisit the most memorable productions from the past and meet the performers. Event details.

Perseid Meteor Shower

Sun.-Tues., Aug. 9-11: The Perseid Meteor Shower will be active from now until Aug. 26, but the lights will be brightest around mid-month. (The pre-dawn hours on Mon., Aug. 10 is peak viewing time, according to experts.) If you've been looking for a reason to get out of LA, now would be an ideal time to head to Joshua Tree, one of the top viewing spots in SoCal. Closer to home, you can try Malibu Creek State Park or one of the wide turnouts on the Angeles Crest Highway beyond La Canada Flintridge. 

San Fernando Valley Summer Drive-In

Thurs., Aug. 13: Check out The Sandlot on the big screen, from the comfort of your car. The movie will be shown in the parking lot of Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks. The rest of the movies showing over the weekend are already sold out, so act fast if you want to score a spot. Event details.

PCH Movies & Moonlight

Every Fri. in Aug.: 2ndd & PCH in Long Beach is hosting its free PCH Movies & Moonlight experience with marina views every Friday at sunset. Arrive early to claim your spot and enjoy shopping, dining and relaxing at the center until the movie starts. Event details.

Paws & Pages Online

Every Wed. in Aug.: If your little one is over Zoom story times, this version from Annenberg PetSpace might be what you need, with Fido joining in on the fun. Each week, there's a new book to check out, plus a pup to get to know. Kiddos can listen to the story, “meet” one of the center's adoptable pets, and post questions to an animal care specialist. Event details.

Mural Mile

Anytime: Take your own self-guided tour of this inspiring public art display in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley. There are more than 50 vibrant murals along a stretch of Van Nuys Blvd. in Pacoima. See the Mona Lisa as a revolutionary, a young girl soaring with fish flying fish above LA, and more images celebrating the history and culture of the area. Get the map here.

Want to explore more of LA? Check out our citywide scavenger hunt. 

Beach Day

Anytime: Before back to school, get in as much beach play as possible! Explore our favorite tidepools and beaches.