Spend the Day with Kids in Downtown Los Angeles

November 25, 2018February 17, 2021 Margalit Sturm Francus

Downtown Los Angeles is a place where there is always something interesting to do. From fascinating architecture to museums and food venues, visitors can enjoy a plethora of fun activities.

Though in the past this part of the city was deemed unsafe, DTLA has undergone an incredible revival in the last few years. Now the area features many spots for families with kids to visit and explore. For those planning a future visit to the City of Angels here is our take on spending the day in Downtown Los Angeles.

9 AM

Union Station acts as Los Angeles’s central transport hub, serving as a connecting station between several railroads and bus routes. Amtrak, Metro Link, and a few Metro Rail and light rail lines all connect to Union Station. Union Station also has a controversial history, especially since the original Chinatown was destroyed to make room for it.

Anyone exploring Los Angeles will likely end up in Union Station at some point. Not only is it a great place to get somewhere, but it’s also the best place to go for those who get lost. Furthermore, Union Station is also a beautiful place to explore and marvel at the art deco architecture on display if you have the time.

10:30 AM

LA’s Grand Central Market offers many fantastic options for dining, and Eggslut is one of the best breakfast choices. Eggslut offers gourmet egg-based dishes. Their selections include breakfast sandwiches with scrambled egg and toppings such as cheese, mayo, and onion.

Eggslut is open every day from eight AM to four PM. Their prices are very affordable, and most items are under ten dollars. They do see long lines frequently, so families should be prepared to wait in line.

11:30 AM

After having an excellent breakfast at Eggslut, visitors to Downtown LA can walk around and see some nearby sights. One great place to start is the Walt Disney Concert Hall at 111 South Grand Avenue.

The Hall houses the famous Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and has been featured in some shows and movies, including 24, Get Smart, and Glee. The building itself displays impressive design, metallic with several rounded converging pieces in an abstract formation.

Another significant landmark is the Olympic Torch, held at City Hall. Many know of the torch as the symbol for the Olympic Games, a part of the torch relay tradition where runners take the fire across the country to the location of the event. The city held the summer Olympics of 1984 in Los Angeles, and they display the torch today in City Hall at 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles.

1 PM

After all, that sightseeing, make sure you stop for lunch at Philippe’s, or Philippe the Original, on 1001 Alameda St. This iconic deli serves French-style sandwiches. Items include dip sandwiches in beef, pork, lamb, turkey, and pastrami.

They also serve other foods, including breakfast items. Philippe’s hours run from six AM to ten PM every day of the week, and they price their items affordably.

2 PM

After lunch, Chinatown with its lively stores and colorful merchandise is the place to explore.
Los Angeles’s Chinatown has been the city’s central location for Chinese businesses since 1938. Chinatown is identifiable by the entrance, over which sit two golden Chinese style dragons.

Had enough of shopping? Head on to the Chinese American Museum located at 425 N Los Angeles St, filled with art and history of Chinese immigrants in the United States exhibits.

5 PM

There’s no better spot to end the perfect DTLA tour day than to attend a game at Dodger Stadium at 1000 Vin Scully Ave. For those who don’t know, Dodger Stadium is the third-oldest ballpark in the world and is known for hosting Major League Baseball games.

On the Fourth of July, Dodger Stadium also puts on a fireworks show after the match. And while at Dodger Stadium, don’t forget to enjoy a Dodger Dog, a delicious hot dog with traditional toppings of mustard or ketchup.

Autism Travel Tips:

Union Station can get crowded during peak hours. Parents should make to limit wandering among crowds.
Both Eggslut and Philippe’s are popular places that often have long lines and get noisy during peak hours so plan to go off hours!
Though Los Angeles has moved toward being more family friendly in recent years, it is still a city with some dangers. Parents should make sure kids stay with them and don’t wander off.