Budget Family Nightlife in Hollywood California
Places to Enjoy an All-Ages Evening Out in Hollywood For Less
Jul 31, 2009
Whether with kids or without, one can’t go wrong with adding one or more of these cheap activities to the itinerary.
Catch a Movie in Hollywood’s Legendary Theaters
See first-run movies in some of the most famous theaters in America.
Grauman’s Chinese Theater (6925 Hollywood Blvd), home of the free outdoors celebrity hand and footprint forecourt, is still showing films for an average $13 ticket price.
Early evening shows at the El Capitan (6838 Hollywood Blvd), a Disney-owned theater, are usually a bit more expensive, at around $20 for adults and $15 for children. But the ticket price includes access to a themed playroom for children following the movie or a pre-show performance by live family-friendly entertainment. A visit to the adjoining Disney's Soda Fountain rounds out the family fun.
A few blocks south, one will find the legendary ArcLight Cinemas (6360 W. Sunset Blvd). Tickets are an average $15 a ticket, but this multiplex often has artsy or independent films that are hard to find in regular theaters.
Over at Universal Studios Hollywood CityWalk, a more traditional movie multiplex offers first-run movies and an IMAX theater with prices $15 or less per ticket. Save money on parking and take the Metro from the Hollywood and Highland Center directly to Universal Studios.
Get Lost at Amoeba
One of the last great music stores, it’s easy to spend hours at Amoeba (6400 Sunset Blvd; 323-245-6400) combing through the thousands of new and used music and DVD product. Enjoy free instore appearances by everyone from local musicians to nationally known performers on select nights. Even just the hunt for bargains can be fun for all.
Go Stargazing in the Hollywood Hills
Head up to the Griffith Park Observatory about an hour before sunset and watch the darkness set in as all the lights in L.A. turn on. Then head on in and take a peek at the stars through one of the building’s massive free telescopes. There are also plenty of early evening astronomy-themed shows throughout the year, including the free monthly “star parties” or watch a show at the planetarium for $10 or less.
Parking at the observatory is free, but limited and difficult, so it might be worth splurging on a taxi or one of the park’s many shuttle options.
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Add in any of the above to an already full day of free Hollywood attractions and activities, and it’ll be very easy to stretch any travel budget.
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