One day in LA (with a grumpy preteen)
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Anonymous
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Where would you go? Been to amusement parks and the beach on previous visits. A grumpy homebody preteen - something he won’t hate but I also would enjoy? I am choosing between Santa Monica Pier, Walk of Fame, Hollywood sign, The Getty... maybe combining some of the smaller sights like walk of fame and Hollywood sign. We are both not really into science or nature, so no hikes or science museums and probably not the observatory.
Grateful for any suggestions! |
Anonymous
| The Warner Bros Studio Tour. Visited when my kids were preteens and it was a big hit. |
Anonymous
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I loved the Getty a lot- stop in the gift shop too. Of all you posted, I think that is the most enjoyable activity. I kind of hated Santa Monica pier and so did my 22 yo. It was just meh and there wasn't much to do or see.
Honestly, I'd do Getty, a fou fou lunch or breakfast, and a fou fou coffee on your route. Seek out spots that are a little *extra*. Buy your grumpy homebody teen a cool band tshirt and some sunglasses, bring some earbuds or a book and people watch at aforementioned fou fou food consumption spots that bookend the Gettty. |
Anonymous
22:02 here - if you do this my bookending with fou fou coffee shop / cupcake / lunch breakfast spot is still recommended. I'm just suggesting be intentional about snacks and go somewhere that feels special to bolster the destination. |
Anonymous
OP here: I am puzzled by the term fou fou! But I like the Getty idea and of course we bookend everything with food 
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Anonymous
Thank you! It was off my radar but now will research. He likes the studio tour at Universal! |
Anonymous
+1 |
Anonymous
Warner Bros is so much more of a studio tour than Universal. Working backlot plus huge props warehouse, ending with a building where they can learn about and play around with special effects. |
Anonymous
While both are nice, I prefer the Getty Villa to the Getty Center. While the Getty Center has great views and a great art collection, you get a much more a feel of being at an Italian villa at the Getty Villa. Also a nice drive along the coast to get there. If you have time, I would also recommend the Nethercutt Collection, which has an amazing display of cars, trains, and musical instruments. It's at the north end of the San Fernando Valley, however. |
Anonymous
| If he’s a grumpy preteen who hasn’t had fun there before he’s not going to like anything you choose so just pick what you want to do because he will complain either way |
Anonymous
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I just went to LA for a week this summer with two grumpy preteens. Here’s what I would consider.
We did the WB tour and I agree, it was awesome for all. We also loved Madame Toussauds wax museum. So much more fun than we expected. Then went to In and Out burger nearby. The other great day was the original Hollywood Farmers Market and the La Brea Tar Pits, and the Petersen Automotive Museum. All were amazing. You don’t even have to be really into cars to like the Petersen. |
Anonymous
| If you can wait for a table and like Chinese food in the slightest, Din Tai Fung was the best restaurant for their dumplings but everything on their menu, and the atmosphere is really great. Kill time walking around the Century City mall while you wait. |
Anonymous
| The Getty is nice and the gardens are beautiful but it would not be my first choice with a grumpy preteen. |
Anonymous
This. Definitely LaBrea tar pits. |
Anonymous
Not for a teen. |