The best things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood with kids are the park itself and CityWalk, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the open spaces of Griffith Park, all within about 11 miles. If you want a calm, private place to come back to at the end of each loud, sunny day, we're 4.9 miles from Universal, in a quiet cul-de-sac in Valley Village.
We're a family-run property, and we've watched plenty of guests plan a Los Angeles trip around one big theme-park day and then wonder what to do with the rest of the week. This guide is the one we'd give a friend: where to go, how to group things so you're not sitting in the car, and how to keep children (and parents) from running out of steam.
Start with Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk
It's the obvious anchor, and for good reason. Universal Studios Hollywood combines rides, shows and a working-studio backlot tour in one place, so it works for a wide range of ages. Younger children tend to gravitate to the family-friendly areas, while older kids and teens head for the bigger thrill rides. Height requirements vary from ride to ride, so check them on the park's own website before you promise anything to a very excited seven-year-old.
Just outside the gates, CityWalk is an open-air promenade of restaurants, shops and entertainment. Even if you don't buy a park ticket, it's a lively place for an evening stroll, and it's a good fallback on a day when little legs have had enough of queues. If you're building a full park plan, our Universal Studios Hollywood tips and tricks post covers how we'd pace the day.
See how movies are made at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is 7.4 miles from us, and it's a natural second studio experience if your children are movie-mad. It's a different feel from Universal: more about the craft of making films and television, and what a working lot looks like behind the scenes. Older children who like props, sets and costumes usually get the most from it. As with any attraction, check the current visiting rules and booking requirements before you go.
If you're pairing studios, we'd suggest keeping them on separate days. Both are walking-heavy, and children who've been on their feet all day are happier with something slow the next morning.
Spend a morning at the Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is 8.3 miles from the manor and it's one of the easiest wins for families with younger children. It's outdoors, it's paced at a toddler's speed, and it gives everyone a break from screens, screens and more screens. Go early in the day when animals are usually more active and the sun is gentler, bring water and hats, and leave plenty of time, because the grounds are hilly and children often want to double back to their favourites.
It also pairs well with an unhurried afternoon, since there's very little you need to do afterwards except go home and put your feet up.
Burn off energy in Griffith Park
Griffith Park is about 11 miles away and is one of the largest urban parks in the country. It's a good answer to the question every parent eventually asks: where can they run? There are wide lawns, picnic spots, trails of every difficulty and, in the park, the Griffith Observatory, whose views of the city and the Hollywood Sign are memorable for children and adults alike. Rides and attractions inside the park change over time, so check what's currently open before you set off.
If someone in your group is determined to get a close look at the Hollywood Sign, the hike is more demanding than the postcards suggest. Our guides to how hard the Hollywood Sign hike is and whether it's worth it will help you decide whether your family is up for it, or whether a viewpoint is enough. The sign itself is 7.2 miles from us.
Day trips when you have a few more days
Los Angeles is spread out, and some of the best family days need a bit more driving. From the manor, Santa Monica Beach is 19 miles away and Venice Beach is 19.5, which makes either a good choice for a beach day with sandcastles and a sunset. Six Flags Magic Mountain is 26 miles and is best for families with older, thrill-seeking children, and Disneyland is 37 miles, so plan it as a full day of its own and expect some traffic on the way back.
Our advice is to put no more than one long-distance outing in any three days. Children cope far better with a big day when there's a lazy one on either side.
Why staying near Universal makes the trip easier
The thing nobody tells you about a family trip to Los Angeles is that the driving is the tiring part. Staying close to Universal, to the Warner Bros. lot and to the zoo means a lot less time strapped into a car seat. We're minutes from the 101 and the 405, and easy to reach from Burbank and LAX airports.
We also think children deserve somewhere to play at the end of the day. The Inn at the manor is a private vacation rental set among 18,000+ square feet of grounds, with a saltwater lagoon-style pool (no harsh chemicals) and three waterfalls, a raised Jacuzzi, a lava-rock fire pit and fairy lights in the trees. There's also a children's playhouse, a miniature version of the main house with two twin beds, a fireplace and cable TV. Our guide to vacation rentals near Universal Studios Hollywood goes into more detail on what to look for.
"My kids didn't want to get out of the pool. They loved the secret room behind the book case." Malaya G., guest
That secret room is a finished attic reached by a ladder behind a bookcase, with four twin beds. It's a hit with children, though it isn't suitable for very young kids, elderly guests or very tall adults.
Practical things that make a family stay easier
The Inn has a large living room with a fireplace and two down couches, a queen Murphy bed with a plush mattress, and a full kitchen with a fridge, stove, oven, microwave, blender and coffee maker, plus coffee and tea. For families that matters: you can feed a toddler on their own schedule rather than a restaurant's. The octagonal breakfast room has French windows on all sides and looks onto the pool and outdoor fireplace.
We provide a crib, a high chair, toys and games, and there's Wi-Fi, air conditioning, ceiling fans, premium cable, a DVD library and laundry. The Great Room, with its stone fireplace, adds 1,000 square feet. With the Secret Room and the Great Room both opened up, the Inn sleeps a maximum of six guests.
Some house rules help families plan. Check-in is after 3pm and check-out is 11am. The minimum rental is two nights, the guest minimum age is 21, quiet hours begin at 10pm, and the Jacuzzi is open from 9am to 11pm. Rates are $575 a night Monday to Thursday and $595 Friday to Sunday, with an extra $50 per person per night above two guests, and a $100 per night charge for the Secret Room and Great Room. Cleaning is $185, an admin fee is $190, and there's a refundable $300 deposit. Bookings are non-refundable once made, so it's worth being sure of your dates.
A sample three-day plan
- Day one: Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk. Go back to the Inn for an easy evening by the pool.
- Day two: a slow morning, then the Los Angeles Zoo, and an afternoon at the Inn. Cook dinner in the kitchen or arrange a private chef.
- Day three: Griffith Park and the Observatory, or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour if your children are movie fans.
If you can stretch to a fourth or fifth day, add a beach day in Santa Monica or Venice.
Book a family stay near Universal
If you'd like to base your family trip at the Inn, see the details and availability on our vacation rental page, or call or text us on (213) 999-3050. And if you're planning a family celebration while you're in town, the manor also hosts private events for up to 100 guests, including children's parties. Our host, Georgia, is on the property and happy to answer your questions.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the manor from Universal Studios Hollywood?
The Enchanted Manor is 4.9 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood, in a quiet cul-de-sac in Valley Village minutes from the 101 and 405.
Is the Inn suitable for young children?
Yes, we provide a crib, a high chair, toys and games, and the grounds include a children's playhouse. The Secret Room reached by ladder is not for very young kids.
How many guests can stay at the Inn?
The Inn sleeps a maximum of six guests with the Secret Room and Great Room both opened. The minimum age for the booking guest is 21.
How far is Disneyland from the manor?
Disneyland is 37 miles away, so plan it as a full day of its own. The Los Angeles Zoo is 8.3 miles and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is 7.4 miles.
