20 Things To Do in North Hollywood with Kids

North Hollywood, better known as NoHo to the locals, is a wonderful place to live, and if you're not lucky enough to live here, it's a great place to bring your kids and explore for a day. I moved to NoHo from Hancock Park a couple of years ago and it didn't take long for me to discover all the wonders this eccentric, vibrant, and charming neighborhood has to offer. My five-year-old and I love exploring new places—below I'll share with you the favorites we've discovered, and why I haven't regretted moving to this side of the hill for a second.

Not only are there tons of things to do in North Hollywood with kids, but its location makes it a great base to also explore nearby towns like Burbank, Toluca Lake, Valley Village, and Studio City. So don't just spend one day exploring these neighborhoods, plan on spending several!

 Need a birthday party location? Kool Kids Play Play is a great spot. Photo courtesy of Yelp

Indoor Activities in North Hollywood for Kids

1. Discover Soft Play LA

Soft Play LA offers music classes and playtime for kids up to 2 years old. Kids get to listen to music, play instruments, and dance. If your little one wants to have a playdate you can rent the space for just that. For your private playdate, the play structures are thoroughly disinfected and hand sanitizers and a HEPA Filter Air purifier are provided.

2. Visit the Kool Kids Play Play

This cute little indoor playground in North Hollywood offers everything kids need for a fun day, with a wide variety of toys and options for kids of all ages. Everything is kept spotlessly clean, and the space follows Covid guidelines quite strictly. There are open play times, you can rent the space for private playdates, and if you're looking for a venue to host your kid's big day, it's my favorite local spot for birthday parties.

3. Get your little one moving at My Gym

My Gym has programs for every kid from 6 months to 10 years with Mommy and Me classes, gymnastics, Ninja Training, Preschool Prep, and more. I have always found that the facilities here are very clean, which is a big plus. You can also book the entire facility to celebrate birthday parties.

4. Take swim lessons at East Valley YMCA

I love the swimming lessons here. We started taking the parent and me classes for infants and toddlers when my daughter was little, and I loved that it gave me a chance to splash around while my kid was being introduced to the basics. Strict covid protocols are in place and I like that the indoor pool area is surrounded by glass windows that can open up for ventilation, which I always ask for them to do.

 
Books! The storefront is actual giant books! Photo courtesy of the Iliad Bookshop

5. Find books and cats at The Iliad Bookshop

This highly acclaimed bookshop is one of the largest and oldest used bookstores in Los Angeles. It's located in the heart of North Hollywood and has been featured in movies, television shows, and many articles. The cool facade is enough of a reason to visit with your kids, but then there are the great books and really reasonable prices. Heaven. We are cat lovers too, so the fact that we can play with their lovely felines while buying some cool books makes this our first stop on pretty much every outing.

 
A pair of snoozing cats at the Iliad Bookshop are waiting to make your acquaintance.

6. Visit the Amelia Earhart Regional Library

North Hollywood's Public Library offers plenty of activities for kids including storytime and theme days. These programs have been virtual for the past year, but are slowly returning to in-person events. The library also has a program called STEAMy Wonderful Wednesdays where they teach kids how to create Science Projects. Check their Children's Newsletter to be notified of upcoming events.

7. Regal Cinema at NoHo West

This new state-of-the-art movie theater in NoHo West is thoroughly modern and has comfortable seats. Because not many people have been venturing to the movies lately, this movie theater looks almost untouched, and it feels like you may be its first visitor!  Watch a movie and then stop to play in the courtyard where there are lounge chairs and tables and a big area where kids can run around while you relax and enjoy the view.

 
Lots of room to run and play at North Hollywood Park.

Outdoor Activities in North Hollywood for Kids

8. Run free at North Hollywood Park

Nestled between Magnolia and Tujunga Avenues, this grandiose open space is inviting for picnics, playing, and just enjoying the native flora and fauna. Shopping stands are often set up in this park, where you can find little unique treasures. It's also an ideal place to host open-air birthday parties where you can socially distance yourself and have fun with friends and family.

9. See the Chandler Murals

The Chandler Murals are located on Chandler Blvd. between Vineland and Cahuenga Avenues. These beautiful murals exhibit the idiosyncrasy of the neighborhood; explore it while you walk alongside the Chandler Bike Path so you can focus on the details of every work of art on display. This beautiful part of town is like an Outdoor Museum, and a great place to show kids what these talented artists have created, and how their art celebrates our community.

 
The playground at the NoHo Recreational Center and a great place to picnic and play.

10. NoHo Recreational Center

Play sports, ride a bike, or play in the cute playground at NoHo Recreational Center. There is something here for everyone in the family, with tennis, racquetball, and basketball courts, as well as a baseball diamond, seasonal swimming pool, and plenty of open space to picnic and enjoy.

 
Chandler Bike Path is 5 miles long and surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees. Bring your favorite wheels!

11. Take your wheels to the Chandler Bike Path

If you're looking for a big, safe path for your kids to ride their bikes or scooters, the Chandler Bike Path is the place to go. This safe bike area joins North Hollywood with Burbank, and there is plenty of parking along the way. It's about 5 miles long and it's surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees, and there are plenty of benches along the way to make a stop and rest. The directional lanes give kids enough space to ride comfortably and safely while they enjoy the beauty of this path. It's never crowded during the week, and feels like our own private path.

 
Take a swing break at the Victory and Vineland playground.

12. Victory and Vineland Recreation Center

This rec center has 2 large playgrounds, one for toddlers and the other one for bigger kids, as well as an auditorium for youth basketball games and a big stage for classes and programs. The facility also has a tennis court, basketball courts, and a large green space where kids can picnic or play.

Bring your kids to Kahuna Tiki to enjoy great food and a live hula show.

North Hollywood Restaurants Kids Love

13. Kahuna Tiki

A sliver of the South Pacific in North Hollywood! Bring your kids to Kahuna Tiki to enjoy its beautiful outdoor space that is adorned with beautiful lights, little cascades, and tiki culture decor—but the real draw is the live hula show. The dancers are dressed in eye-catching island-themed attire. My kid really loves this experience and asks to come here every weekend. (She's the boss of me, so I try to comply.) Enjoy one of their signature cocktails while the kids explore the premises. It's a win-win for the whole family.

14. Pitfire Pizza

Located in the vibrant NoHo Arts District, this is the perfect restaurant for families with kids. Its spacious patio area is ideal for kids to safely play while you enjoy a wood-fired pizza and Sangria. The tables are accommodated far apart from one another ensuring social distancing and there are outdoor games for the kids, which keep them busy so you can catch up with friends.

Right in the heart of NoHo's Art District is El Tejano Tex Mex where kids can dance while parents relax.

15. El Tejano

Right in the heart of NoHo's Art District is El Tejano Tex Mex. It also has an outdoor patio full of yard games for kids to play with while the adults grab a cocktail or two. Enjoy one of the signature nacho platters and sip on a huge Mango Margarita to unwind at the end of a long week. Music is always playing, so kids can get up and dance while parents relax.

16. Urbane Cafe at NoHo West

This is another great option for kids; the spacious outdoor area is so convenient with tables strategically placed to enable social distancing. Order inside, fast and easy, and then bring food outside and find a table. There are plenty of healthy meat or vegan options and the restaurant is brand new, so everything is spotless. The kids' menu is extensive and delicious—my daughter's favorite is "The Ben" which is a barbecued chicken sandwich with mozzarella cheese. 

 
The kids' menu at California Fish Grill offers healthy options and plenty of outdoor seating.

17. California Fish Grill at NoHo West

Like everything else in this shopping center, this spot is brand new and is strictly following Covid protocols. There is plenty of outdoor seating and good ventilation for the indoor seating. It's the perfect place for kids because it's quick to order and to get your food, and the kids' menu offers healthy options like the grilled shrimp, which I can never resist ordering!

18. The Stand

While the menu is every kid's dream (hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and the like) it's all upgraded to the max. The ingredients are high quality and you can taste them in every bite. I like that you can order quickly inside, and then have a seat at the courtyard and the food is brought to you outside, so while you're waiting kids can run around and play, and you may even get to see the fountain in full effect.

19. NoHo West Water Fountain Court

Ah, the fountain! It runs daily from 11am to 9pm in 3-minute intervals. It's a great place to cool off in the summer, and even on chilly days, there's something mesmerizing about watching the dancing water...

20. Creamistry at NoHo West

This spot recently opened, and boy, am I glad it did! Not only do they have so many flavor options, but the process of making it is so much fun to watch. Nitrogen is used to turn the cream base into ice cream instantly, and the smoke from it creates a show for kids. It is quite the experience. Non-dairy options are also available, so there's something for everyone. For chocolate lovers, I recommend the Chocolate Combustion. It might be my favorite ice cream in town.

All photos provided by the author unless otherwise indicated.