Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in North Hollywood with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
North Hollywood on the map
📍 Where North Hollywood is
North Hollywood sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~3 mi / 5 km). It's roughly 10 mi (17 km) from Downtown LA and 122 mi (196 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in North Hollywood
Universal CityWalk
Lively three-block pedestrian promenade designed by architect Jon Jerde, opened in 1993 alongside Universal Studios Hollywood. It's grown to more than 30 restaurants, a large multiplex, and dozens of shops — an easy add-on before or after the theme park next door.
Free entry (activities extra)
Universal Studios Hollywood
Major movie-themed amusement park built around the real Universal backlot — its Studio Tour has run since 1964, when guests first rode candy-striped trams past sets like the Psycho house. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opened in 2016, added Hogwarts Castle and the Flight of the Hippogriff family coaster.
~$120+ per person
NoHo Arts District
A walkable square mile of small theaters, murals and restaurants — and the Metro B Line stops here for a rare car-free Valley outing.
Free to strollFarmers markets in North Hollywood
NoHo Arts District Farmers Market
Saturday market in the NoHo Arts District with 20+ farmers and artisans, live music, and a stroll-friendly vibe.
Festivals & annual events in North Hollywood
What North Hollywood is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
NoHo Summer Nights Dia de los Muertos Celebration
A family Dia de los Muertos festival at Victory Vineland Recreation Center with small-business vendors, food trucks, music and family activities. It is presented by Valley Cultural Foundation's NoHo Summer Nights. Tip: it's a small park venue, so street parking gets tight after 2pm.
Free
Local shops in North Hollywood
The Iliad Bookshop
One of SoCal's largest and oldest used bookstores, 150,000+ titles strong in literature and the arts — with two resident shop cats.
Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee
Legendary movie-memorabilia and photo archive packed with film stills, posters, and Hollywood history.
Seasonal & outdoors near North Hollywood
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from North Hollywood.
North Hollywood is part of the North of LA family guide — see the region's best things to do, local eats and events.
More Los Angeles family guides
North Hollywood family FAQ
What are the best things to do in North Hollywood with kids?
Family favorites in and around North Hollywood include Universal CityWalk, Universal Studios Hollywood and NoHo Arts District. Our guide lists 3 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in North Hollywood?
Yes — free family spots near North Hollywood include Universal CityWalk and NoHo Arts District. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
What does the YourSoCal North Hollywood guide cover?
Our North Hollywood family guide includes 3 things to do, 2 local shops and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in North Hollywood
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near North Hollywood on one map — then book on your favorite site.