6 Best Family-Friendly Activities in the Hollywood Hills

Living in Hollywood Hills offers an unparalleled extravagant lifestyle for those accustomed to the finer things in life. From captivating luxury real estate with sweeping skyline views to quiet winding streets affording the utmost privacy, the exclusive neighborhood is second to none.

Offering some of the best scenic locations in Los Angeles, the idyllic hillside community is home to the Hollywood Bowl, the infamous Hollywood sign, and many other iconic landmarks that make it one of the most prominent places to live in Southern California.

The surrounding areas are bursting with kid-friendly activities, from museums to hiking trails to one-of-a-kind entertainment venues, but the crowds can quickly become overwhelming. As a premier luxury real estate team in Los Angeles, Peter and Cindy Lorimer work exclusively with VIP clients and are familiar with their desire for discretion and security.

The following list includes family-friendly activities in Hollywood Hills that allow residents to avoid the crowds and take a step "inside the velvet rope" to partake in all the City of Angels offers while creating unforgettable memories.

Since 1929, the Sunset Ranch has played a significant role in Hollywood history, providing a backdrop for the many Westerns prevalent in the early days of filmmaking. Today, it is one of the few premier horse ranches in Greater Los Angeles, offering guided trail rides into the Hollywood Hills.

The one-hour Mulholland Trail Tour affords breathtaking views of the Hollywood sign and LA Basin. A two-hour Mount Hollywood day tour heads to the top of the mountain for 360º panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and valleys below. The two-hour evening ride allows an unforgettable vantage point of the LA skyline as you ride into the sunset with your children.

Google Maps | (323) 469-5450) | 3400 N. Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles, CA | Fee: $75 to $175 per person

Almost anyone who has visited Los Angeles has seen the iconic Griffith Observatory dome perched proudly atop the hillside on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. This California treasure, built in 1935, is a unique hybrid of planetarium, observatory, and exhibition space.

The free-admission public facility offers fascinating telescope viewing, live shows, engaging storytelling, educational experiences, and spectacular exhibits. You can schedule an intimate VIP tour to protect your privacy and visit the space at your own pace without the crowds.

Google Maps | (213) 473-0800 | 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA | Admission Free

Your kids will not soon forget their trip to The Last Bookstore, one of the most incredible places to visit in Los Angeles. Housed in a century-old bank building, the unique store features 22,000 square feet of endless intrigue, with something new and exciting around every turn. In addition to more books than you can ever imagine, there is a comic book store, record store, five art studios, an eclectic yarn shop, and the world-famous book tunnel.

The gated Annex features collectibles, first editions, and extremely rare art and photo books. The creative space is available for private event rentals.

Google Maps | (213) 488-0599 | 453 S Spring Street, Ground Floor, Los Angeles, CA | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm daily

The LA River Kayak Safari is an extraordinary adventure that heightens your senses and love for the outdoors by combining biking, kayaking, bird watching, and storytelling. You will follow experienced guides as you bike from Oso Park to the launch spot at Frogtown. After receiving innovative instruction for perfecting your paddling skills, fully trained guides will take you kayaking downriver back to the starting point.

They provide all necessary permits, insurance, transport, logistics, and high-end gear. The tour takes approximately 2.5 hours, is available at sunset or midday, and is suitable for paddlers of all skill levels.

Google Maps | Oso Park, corner of Riverside Drive and Oros Street, Los Angeles, CA | (323) 481-9208

Hollywood Hills is connected by hundreds of hidden staircases that once provided residents with direct access to schools, stores, and other areas in the community. In the early 1920s, when the neighborhood was being designed, granite was removed from nearby Bronson Quarry (aka Batman's Cave) to construct stairs, making it easier for residents to traverse the steep hillside. While no longer used in the same fashion, some staircases are still open to the public. The Beachwood Canyon Stairs are the most accessible and clearly marked, making it easy to get around. It is a great way to get your heart pumping, see breathtaking views of the Hollywood sign, and explore the diversity of the upscale community.

There are also Instagram-worthy painted staircases throughout the city that teens will love getting photos of. The Micheltorena Stairs at 3400 Sunset Blvd. feature a huge heart and 177 rainbow-colored steps, and directly across the street are the Piano Stairs, with each of the 90 steps depicting a black or white piano key.

Google Maps | Start at 2810 Beachwood Drive and work your way through Hollywood Hills

Universal Studios Hollywood is a wonderland for kids, offering a mesmerizing blend of entertainment, excitement, and education. What sets it apart from other Universal Studios locations is the World-Famous Studio Tour, a magical journey into the heart of moviemaking. This behind-the-scenes adventure takes you on a tour through the working film studio’s storied backlot, providing a front-row seat to real movie sets where beloved films were created.

For those that love everything Hogwarts, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ is not to be missed, with two exciting rides – including the downright magical experience of a wand pairing at Ollivander’s Wand Shop. Kids will also love the new Super Nintendo World™, a must-see for Mario Kart fans. The studios are less than 15 minutes from Hollywood Hills, so it is a convenient location for experiencing first-rate attractions.

Google Maps | (800) 864-8377 | 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA | Admission prices vary

Peter and Cindy Lorimer have in-depth knowledge of Hollywood Hills and its surrounding communities and are eager to help you learn more about the exciting opportunities that await you and your family in this upscale section of Los Angeles.

For the past decade, the Lorimers have catered to VIP clientele, establishing one of the most successful real estate brokerages in Los Angeles. They are the "go-to" couple for finding exquisite, one-of-a-kind properties and would be delighted to help you find your dream home. Call today to learn more about Hollywood Hills and see how Peter and Cindy Lorimer can make your real estate goals a reality with the highest degree of guidance and insight.