by Don Simkovich

Created on: February 17, 2009

There are more than expensive theme parks to see in Los Angeles. Traveling in the City of Angels gives families the opportunity to experience natural wonders, forests in the city, and historical landmarks. When traveling by car in and around Los Angeles always allow for traffic delays even on weekends and nighttime hours so pack fun activities kids can also play while driving.

Some of these tips can easily be combined in one day.

An easy way to start a travel adventure in LA with your family is stopping at Griffith Park and discovering the many different attractions in this multi-use park that's less than 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles and only 15 minutes driving time from the heart of Hollyoowd.

GRIFFITH PARK ATTRACTIONS

Los Angeles Zoo

Toddlers to preschoolers and older will enjoy the sights and sounds of animals ranging from sea lions to a gorilla preserve. A state-of-the-art elephant exhibit will soon open. The zoo has a spacious playground, too.

The zoo and the other attractions in Griffith Park, are less than 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles and only a 15 minute drive from the heart of Hollywood.

5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Ph: 323-644-4200

www.lazoo.org

Griffith Park Railroad

A one-mile train ride starting under a water tower, through trees with cut-outs of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs create a pleasant journey. The railroad is accessible at the southern end of Griffith Park off of Los Feliz Drive. The railroad is a 10-minute drive from the zoo.

Ph: 323-664-6903

www.gprah.com

In Griffith Park, there are also two golf courses, the Griffith Park Observatory and Travel Town that includes full-scale locomotives. The Autry Museum is a paradise for fans of western movies and western art.

Audubon Center at Debs Park

Located within a 300 acre park only a few miles north of downtown Los Angeles near Dodger Stadium, the Audubon Center is an exciting environmental center. The park has trails that are covered in walnut-oak woodland, grassland, and coastal sage scrub.

4700 North Griffin Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90031

Ph: 323-221-2255

http://ca.audubon.org/debs_park.php

KIDS' ART

Abrakadoodle

This popular mobile art studio offers classes from North Hollywood to Santa Monica. They accommodate children as young as 20 months old up to 12 years old.

If you're visiting in the Los Angeles area or live there, find classes by visiting the web site for the Los Angeles area.

Ph: 310-398-3131

http://www.abrakadoodle.com/ca02/

Froggy's Art and Music Studio

This unique studio gives young artists

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