Stay out past bedtime with these fun, family-friendly after-dark activities in LA that are worth a late night
Getting out for family fun after dark just feels extra special somehow. Whether your family is a bunch of night owls or you’re no longer beholden to early bedtimes, night activities for kids open up an entire world of under-the-stars excitement. If you’re looking for things to do at night with kids in Los Angeles, scroll through for fresh ideas of activities in LA best appreciated by moonlight, carnival lights, and even neon lights! Of course if you’re looking for more ideas (both night and day), don’t forget to check out LA’s family-friendly events or our mega list of 100 things every kid in LA should do at least once.
1. Eat & Hang Out at Odd Nights at The Autry
Kick off the weekend with Odd Nights at the Autry in front of the Autry Museum (pets are welcome, too!). At this al fresco rendezvous, you'll find plenty of food trucks, sounds from emerging bands, massive sized inflatables, a full bar, makers and crafters, as well as exclusive gallery access for guests at the museum's discretion.
Insider Tip: Swing by the LA Zoo in the afternoon and then head over here for dinner and a run-around!
Hours: Every 3rd Fri. through Sept.; 5-10 p.m.
Cost: $5 admission (cashless entry); kids under 1 are free
4700 Western Heritage Way
Online: theoddmarket.com/autry
Related: The Best Museums for Kids in Los Angeles
2. Play at Two Bit Circus
Run away with the whole family to Two Bit Circus—a high-tech, micro-amusement park in DTLA. Their ticketed experience gives you access to the whole park, including their Story Rooms (a fresh take on escape rooms), virtual reality play space, and futuristic arcade games. Whether fending off a horde of zombies in the VR arena or navigating the universe in the "Space Squad," there's something for everyone. Young families: Be sure to check out the "Dr. Botchers" Story Room—it's like a life-sized game of Operation! Top off the fun by refueling at their outdoor dining patio.
Insider Tip: Sundays are Family Fun Days, but whenever you book, remember that same-day reservations close one hour prior to opening each day.
Hours: Thurs. 6 p.m.-11 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Sun., 1 p.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: Two Bit Circus offers several packages, including a Single ($35), Duo ($100), and Quad ($200), but the best bet for families of four visiting on the weekends is the Family Fun package ($100).
634 Mateo St.
Online: twobitcircus.com
3. Watch Disneyland Fireworks for Free
Did you know that you can catch an incredible Disney-provided fireworks show, without stepping foot in the park?
Step 1: Go to Anaheim at night.
Step 2: Look up into sky.
Step 3: Ooh and aah with your kids as you watch Disneyland fireworks light up the sky from outside the park!
Make it a "dinner and a show" by dining along Harbor Blvd. near Disneyland or in the trendy Anaheim Packing District. You can also eat at Downtown Disney and walk to the Disneyland Esplanade (the area in between Disneyland Park and California Adventures) for a really up-close view.
Hours: 9:30 p.m. on select nights. Check the Disney calendar for details.
The Packing House
440 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim
Online: anaheimpackingdistrict.com
Downtown Disney
1580 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim
Online: downtowndisney.com
4. Hit the Late-Night Lanes
Strap on your bowling shoes and get ready for epic fun! Whether you go for the neon cosmic bowling or lane-side noshing (crispy chicken sandwiches with cauliflower tots, anyone?), the bowling alleys at Bowlero and Back Alley Bowling are two favorite places for a little family-friendly competition.
Back Alley Bowling
135 S. Glendale Ave.
Glendale
Online: backalleybowling.com
Bowlero
12125 Venice Ave.
Mar Vista
Online: bowlero.com
5. See a Non-Matinee Movie
Plan a movie night at one of our favorite kid-friendly movie theaters! It's the perfect time to splurge on your favorite concession snacks.
Not ready to head indoors for a movie quite yet? Check out Street Food Cinema's outdoor movie line-up where classics like The Karate Kid, Aladdin, and School of Rock will be showing.
6. Roller Skate at Moonlight Rollaway
Go back in time and show your kids how you partied in the '80s by heading to Moonlight Rollaway roller skating rink in Glendale. Expect disco lights, great music, and lots of laughs.
Insider Tip: On-site coaches are available for skating lessons.
5110 San Fernando Rd.
Glendale
Online: moonlightrollerway.com
Related: 10 Awesome Spots to Throw Your Kid’s Birthday Party
7. Dine Al Fresco
Enjoy the great weather and fresh air at your neighborhood eats, or try our favorite outdoor dining spots where kids can run around without stink eyes from other patrons.
8. Play at the Santa Monica Pier
Dazzle the young ones by bringing them to the Santa Monica Pier at night—it's a bustling carnival at the beach! Ride the glowing Ferris wheel, play games, and grab a bite as ocean waves lap the shoreline below you.
Insider Tip: The sea air can get a little chilly at night so be sure to dress everyone in layers.
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica
Online: santamonicapier.org
Related: 30 Fun Activities to Do in Santa Monica With Kids
9. Hit the Links
Windmills and castles and volcanoes—oh my! Pick a putter and challenge your mini-me to some miniature golf at night. Here are the best places to go miniature golfing in LA with the family.
10. Take a Starry Night Starline Tour
Play tourist aboard a Starline Tours double-decker bus. From classic Hollywood haunts to stunning coastal vistas best appreciated post-sunset, get amped about the "City of Angels." Afterward, stop at one of LA's iconic eateries for a late-night treat.
6925 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood
Online: starlinetours.com
11. Floor It in a Go-Kart Race
Indoor go-kart racetracks are the perfect thrill for kids who live life in the fast lane—and stay up late. Getting kids behind the wheel at outdoor tracks like Boomer's Parks, however, has the added perk of racing under the stars with the wind in their faces, not to mention tracks and electric go-karts especially made for little ones under 58 inches tall.
Hours: Open until 9 p.m. Sat.-Thurs.; Fri. until 11 p.m.
17871 Castleton St.
City of Industry
Online: boomersparks.com
Related: Super-Cool LA Playgrounds Kids Will Love
Additional reporting by Mary J. Lim
