Free Family Fun in Los Angeles

Taking a family vacation to Los Angeles can be pretty hard on the pocket book. However, there are loads of fun things to do that won't cost a dime if you know where to go. Here are my picks for LA's best free family activities.

The first one is an absolute classic and a must see - Grauman's Chinese Theater. Adults will love all the history behind it, and kids will love to see how their handprints match up to those of the old Hollywood stars. This is also an excellent spot for taking photos with your favorite Hollywood characters, who you will find in front of the theater. Located at 6925 Hollywood Blvd.

Another must see is the Santa Monica Pier. Not only can you stroll the boardwalk and hit the beach, but every Thursday there is a free concert on the Pier. Located at 200 Santa Monica Pier.

Kids of all ages will be delighted to take a ride aboard a model train with the Los Angeles Live Steamers at Griffith Park. Weather permitting, free rides are offered every Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Located at 5202 Zoo Dr, Griffith Park.

Check out the rest of Griffith Park for 4,000 acres of family fun. Besides the model train, the park also features a real locomotive, a wonderful playground and pony rides. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family, and it's absolutely free of charge. Located at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive.

Explore your family's artistic side at the Getty Center. The museum features an activity room where children can try their hand at creating sculptures and masks for free. The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Dr. Take the tram from the underground parking area to get to the entrance.

Another great place for free family fun in Los Angeles is at The Grove, an outdoor mall that has something for everybody. Mom will love strolling through the shops and adjacent farmer's market, and the kids will get a kick out of the fountain that sprays water to the tune of different songs and riding the double decker trolley. Thursdays at 11 am, there is a Free Kid's Club, which offers a wide variety of activities. Located at 189 The Grove Dr.

Another place the whole family will love is the La Brea Tar Pits. Your kids will love actually seeing the Pits that they've studied in school. The first Tuesday of each month you can gain admission to the Pits' Page Museum free of charge. Located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd.

At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, you can immerse the family in art and culture. With so much to see, this museum is sure to please everyone in the family. Kids 17 and under are offered free admission through Arts for NexGen. Located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd.

For something truly unique, check out the Skirball Cultural Center. The Center features wonderful exhibitions, which are free every Thursday. Timed entry is required for many exhibitions, so advanced reservations are recommended. Located at 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd.

For some action, check out the West LA Police Activities League. You and the kids can burn off some energy, get a great workout and learn some new moves at their free martial arts and boxing classes, which are offered at Stoner Park each Monday. Located at 1835 Stone Ave.