Los Angeles Kid's Guide to Having Fun

— -- Ready to time-travel? It’s easy to go back to prehistoric times in Los Angeles at the La Brea Tar Pits, a world-famous ice age fossil excavation.

Four million fossils, some 40,000 years old, have been found here. The animals wandered into sticky asphalt pools that had been softened by the sun and got stuck. Some kids I interviewed for my Kid’s Guide to Los Angeles think this is L.A.’s best kids’ museum.

“I like to walk around and see all the fossils in the tar,” 12-year-old Michaela explained.

When kids think about visiting L.A., perhaps for spring break, they think about Hollywood, beaches and theme park rides. But the kids who live here know there’s a lot of fun to be had in L.A.’s 100-plus museums, many with special programs and activities for kids and teens and some with free admission.

Come face to face with megamouth, the world’s rarest shark at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County that’s in Exposition Park, where the California Science Center and the California African American Museum are located. This museum is also a place to learn some L.A. history. It has an impressive collection of objects from historic L.A., even the animation stand Walt Disney used in his uncle’s garage.

Kids are mesmerized by the size of the shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center, 122 feet long. “You can compare how small you are next to it,” suggested Samantha, 14.

Reach out and touch those huge tires that flew in space and inspect the space potty. Check out the online Fun Lab for games and activities.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (called LACMA) is the largest art museum in the entire western United States with art dating from antiquity to modern times, as well as the Boone Children’s Gallery, which offers hands-on art programs.

“I like being able to compare all the different types of art,” said 15-year-old Christopher. “It’s my favorite museum in L.A.”

Even museums that you wouldn’t think are kid-friendly are encouraging the next generation of museum-goers. Consider the programs at the Getty Center Los Angeles and the Getty Villa Malibu with Art Detective Cards

Los Angeles, of course, is a great bet for Spring Break (Check out the new Taking the Kids Guide to Stupendous Spring Breaks.)

“You never have to worry about the weather ruining your plans,” said Anna, 14.

Savvy traveling parents know the more input kids have in vacation planning, the more fun everyone will have. Here’s the Kids’ Take on Los Angeles:

MUST SEE:

CITYWALK at Universal Studios Hollywood. “Lots of shopping and good music,” said Emily, 13, of Arizona.

The Griffith Observatory “to see all the displays about astronomy,” said Kimberly,15.

The beach to watch the surfers, “go boogie boarding and ride bikes,” said Michelle, 13.

An L.A. Dodgers game. “Dodger Stadium is the best!” Dayne, 11, said.

MUST RIDE

Soarin’ Over California at Disney’s California Adventure Park. “You’ll feel like you are really hang-gliding,” Marie Claire, 13, of Arkansas said.

Jurassic Park-The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. “My favorite attraction,“ said Wyatt, 12.

MUST EAT:

“Fish tacos!” Chloe, 11, said.

IN-N-OUT burgers “because they’re the best!” Genesis, 12, said.

MUST BUY:

“An item from the Team L.A. store,” Adonis, 14, said.

“An L.A. cap because the cool kids wear them.” Charisma, 11, said.

A pin at Disneyland so you “can trade with other people.” Tressa, 12, of Chandler, Arizona, said.

MUST BRING:

Your autograph book. “You get to show everyone at school and it is a keepsake you can keep until you are grown up” said Aubrei, 11, of Decatur, Illinois.

Shorts, “Because it is mostly hot every day, even in winter,” said Olivia, 12.

Perfect!

Eileen Ogintz writes the syndicated column and website Taking the Kids and is the author of the nine Kids Guide books. Follow @TakingtheKids on Twitter and Facebook. This is the ninth in a series looking at major American cities from kids’ perspectives.