Los Angeles
Hollywood
One of the most fun things to do in Hollywood with kids is to spot the stars under your feet: bronze plaques on the sidewalks honoring show business celebrities. Don't miss out on watching a movie in one of the great movie theaters here.
Legendary movie theaters -
TCL Chinese Theatre - Walk in the footsteps of the famous at the TCL (formerly Grauman's) Chinese Theatre. Everyone loves comparing feet with Harrison Ford, Star Wars' R2D2, C3PO and Darth Vader. But don't just stay outside: The theater is worth exploring, with its huge dragon winding across the front and two huge Chinese stylized dogs at the entrance. The lobby is wonderfully ornate, Asian murals, statues, gongs and tons of red and gold decor.
El Capitan Theatre - Across the street from TCL Chinese Theatre is the El Capitan Theatre, owned by Disney. The theatre is stunningly beautiful, with hand painted wall murals and incredible detail everywhere. If you only have time to catch one kids' movie, go here. Featuring Disney releases (new and classic), you get a lot more than the movie, before the film, there may be a live show, featuring Disney characters. Tip: El Capitan is very popular with locals and tourists alike, buy your tickets ahead of time.
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain - Next to El Capitan Theatre, stop into the soda fountain with old-fashioned soda, shakes, ice cream floats and sundaes.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood - Rub elbows with the famous at Madame Tussauds wax museum - pop stars, movie characters, famous sports figures, and tons of movie stars. Kids can't touch the figures, but it's set up so that you can pose with your favorite figures. Tip: Free with Go Los Angeles Card.
Walk of Fame - Take a walk among the stars. The sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard near TCL Chinese Theatre are sprinkled with bronze stars in a stretch known as the "Walk of Fame." Where else could you find Snow White and Mickey Mouse (6900 block Hollywood Boulevard), Woody Woodpecker and Bugs Bunny (7000 block) within a few feet of each other? And, don't forget Thomas Edison (6700 block), the inventor of the motion picture camera.
The Guinness World Records Museum - At the Guinness, you'll see displays from awesome to bewildering, and a special section about Hollywood. Mickey Mouse holds the record for receiving the most fan mail of any star.
Hollywood Farmers' Market - On Sunday mornings, local families go to the large open-air street market on Ivar Ave.(one block west of Vine St.). Sample of the bounty of locally grown fruits and vegetables, nuts and dates, cheeses, breads and baked goods, homemade lemonade and bags of popcorn. Stop to listen to street musicians, drumming, fiddling and strumming away. A real neighborhood event, it's a great way to experience the diversity of Los Angeles. The market is located on Ivar and Selma Avenues, between Hollywood and Sunset Blvds. 8:00am -1:00pm.
