Much of larger-than-life L.A. is as appealing to kids as it is to adults. Many of the city's best attractions, like the Venice Ocean Front Walk, Hollywood's Farmers Market, and downtown's Olvera Street (part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic District) have a kid-friendly, carnival-like atmosphere. The novelty of sights such as the Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese Theatre appeals to TV-brainwashed kids as well. Kids who are into dinosaurs will love the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits. Older kids in particular also love to go on studio tours and to TV tapings. Then there's the kid-centric museums. The California Science Center will entertain, stimulate, and even teach (sshhhh) kids about science, technology, biology, and the world around them. The Natural History Museum, the Science Center's neighbor in Exposition Park, has giant dinosaur skeletons, an insect zoo, and a museum shop packed with terrifically fun model kits and other irresistible toys. More cool dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures are on display at the Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits.

Thanks to the new Winnick Family Children's Zoo, the Los Angeles Zoo is an all-day adventure for the kids. This excellent children's zoo has a top-notch petting zoo, exhibition animal care center, "Adventure Theater," and other kid-cool attractions.

Here's one you haven't thought of: The Getty Museum. Deceptively educational programs for kids include exploratory games such as The Getty Art Detective and Perplexing Paintings. There's also a Family Room filled with picture books and games, storytelling sessions, weekend family workshops, and self-guided audio tours made specifically for families.

In addition to these kid-specific attractions, young tourists will also love the wacky Universal CityWalk, the carousel at Santa Monica Pier, and the miniature train ride at the Travel Town Transportation Museum in Griffith Park. And if all this isn't enough, there's always Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags amusement parks, and Santa Monica State Beach.