Wednesday, 6 August 2025

Lights, Puppets, Action: Family-Friendly Shows and Entertainment in Los Angeles

Skirball Cultural Center
Los Angeles is known for its bright lights and big stages, but behind the Hollywood glam lies a family-friendly world of live performances, interactive music, outdoor movies, and magical puppetry. Whether your kids are toddlers or tweens, there’s no shortage of places where families can laugh, sing, dance, and enjoy a good story together. Here's a look at LA's top entertainment picks for families ready to experience the city’s most fun and creative live shows.

A Classic Puppet Show with a LA Twist

Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Since 1963, this charming marionette theater has been bringing puppets to life with captivating cabaret-style performances. Shows are staged in-the-round, which means kids are never far from the action. The puppeteers' skill, paired with whimsical sets and nostalgic music, makes this a favorite stop for generations of LA families.

Storytelling and Songs at Skirball

Skirball Cultural Center
Inspired by the museum’s Noah's Ark exhibit, the Skirball hosts weekly family programming that brings stories and music to life in a welcoming outdoor amphitheater. Families can enjoy Sunday morning Music Jams, where everyone is invited to play along, or Thursday Story Time, where books come to life with interactive readings and performance.

World-Class Music and Dance Downtown

The Music Center

The Music Center
Downtown’s performing arts hub is home to some of the city’s top cultural institutions, including the LA Phil at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the LA Opera at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. But families should keep an eye on the calendar for all-ages programming like Dance DTLA during summer evenings, and major holiday events such as the July 4th Block Party and the L.A. County Holiday Celebration. These events are festive, free, and full of heart.

Summertime Sounds in Open-Air Venues

The Ford & Hollywood Bowl
Outdoor concerts in LA are a summertime tradition. The Ford’s LA Soundscapes is a popular Sunday morning series designed for families, offering a mix of artmaking, dancing, and musical discovery. Over at the Hollywood Bowl, family-friendly concerts and sing-alongs turn classical music into an accessible and joyous experience for kids and parents alike.

Cinema Under the Stars

Street Food Cinema
Street Food Cinema
Families can take movie night outdoors with Street Food Cinema, which screens family favorites across city parks throughout the summer. Alongside the movies, there are food trucks, music, and space to stretch out on picnic blankets. Kids under five enter free, and many events are pet-friendly for four-legged family members.

Movie Theatres with a Twist

El Capitan Theatre
Owned by Disney and located right on Hollywood Boulevard, this classic theatre offers a movie-going experience like no other. Expect live pre-show performances, themed exhibits, and early screenings of the latest Disney releases.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
For future film buffs, the museum’s Family Matinees every Saturday at 11am offer classic and contemporary family films in a cinematic setting.

New Beverly Cinema
Owned by Quentin Tarantino, this old-school cinema hosts Saturday morning Cartoon Clubs and weekend Family Matinees featuring everything from classic animation to kid-friendly cult favorites.

Alamo Drafthouse
Known for its themed Movie Parties and tasty menu, the Alamo Drafthouse calendar is packed with family series like Tales of Studio Ghibli and weekend Brunch Screenings. Their interactive props and sing-along events add an extra dose of fun to the experience.

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