If you don’t consider Hollywood kid-friendly, think again. There are plenty of G-rated fun things to see and do with your family in this famous town nicknamed Tinseltown.
When you look beyond the street traffic, crowded sidewalks and neon signs, you’ll discover Hollywood’s glittering history.The main action is around Sunset Strip and Hollywood Boulevard. See street performers dressed as action heroes and browse through shops stuffed with trinkets, posters and T-shirts on Hollywood Boulevard.
Here are seven places fun to explore with kids.
Hollywood and Highland Complex
Park at the Hollywood & Highland structure. You’ll be in the hub of the action. Shop or dine at the complex and get your parking ticket validated. Bowl at Lucky Strike Lanes, a mellow scene by day (and hot spot by night). Walk to the back of the center’s main plaza for views of the Hollywood sign.
Kodak Theatre at Hollywood and Highland
Located at the Hollywood & Highland complex, the Kodak Theatre has been the site of the annual Academy Awards since 2001. The glamorous theater, decked out with a grand spiral staircase, is also a popular venue for live stage shows, concerts and performances. See for yourself where celebrities primp and what Oscar statuettes look like on a 30-minute guided tour. Tickets: $10-$15. 323-308-6300
Hollywood Walk of Fame
You’re in the heart of the city when you stroll along famous Hollywood Boulevard. The Walk of Fame consists of 2,000-plus, five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars bearing celebrity names. The stars adorn both sides of the pavement along Hollywood Boulevard, beginning at La Brea Avenue and continuing 15 blocks down on Vine Street.
El Capitan Theatre
This is a must with kids. Disney’s El Capitan shows first-run Disney movies. The theater, which debuted in 1926 as Hollywood’s First Home of Spoken Drama, also hosts live stage shows. Drop by the adjacent Disney’s Soda Fountain & Studio Store for yummy shakes and sundaes. The diner also serves waffles and sandwiches.
6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
The theatre, which debuted May 18, 1927, continues to be a popular venue for studio premieres. Catch a movie or take a few minutes to admire the stone-carved dragon, temple bells, pagodas and other artifacts. Look for the “Harry Potter” stars’ cement hand, foot and wand prints among the many others in the forecourt.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Here’s your chance to waltz down a red carpet and come face to face with your favorite celebs – albeit the lifelike wax figures of Johnny Depp, Justin Timberlake, Cameron Diaz and Alvin & the Chipmunks. Special effects and audio recordings help bring scenes with figures to life throughout the museum’s 18 themed zones. Find Spiderman in the action heroes area and sing karaoke in the “American Idol” zone.
Tickets: $25 adults, $18 ages 4 – 12.
6933 Hollywood Blvd,.Hollywood.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
Step inside this bizarre museum if you like seeing weird things like a shrunken head, a two-headed calf and a quarter million dollar Marilyn Monroe statue created from $264,000 in worn-out dollar bills (allegedly tossed out by the government)–believe it or not! Two floors and 11 galleries contain an assortment of exhibits and odd artifacts.
Tickets: $14.99 adults, $8.99 ages 5 – 12.
6780 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood. 323-466-6335
It's a Toy, It's a Suitcase, It's a Trunki