14 Best Family Friendly Things to do in Burbank
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When you think of Los Angeles, the first thing that comes to mind is probably movie studios, stars, glam and more! In Burbank that is exactly what you are going to get. Known as the “Media Capital of the World,” Burbank is the perfect location to take a trip through star filled neighborhoods, see how the magic of film comes to life, eat at legendary restaurants, and be right in the center of all things good and fun about LA.
With so much to do, Burbank encompasses the quintessential Southern California lifestyle. Lounge by the pool one day. Tour the backlots of Warner Brother’s Studio the next. Or maybe take a hike in the Hollywood Hills. There are so many options, you are certain to find something for everyone at one fantastic central location!
Warner Brother’s Studio Tour Hollywood:
Highlighting nearly 100 years of Warner Bros. history the tour takes you up close to movie making magic by going behind the scenes of many of your favorite movies and television shows. Including, their all new grand finale where fans of the DC Universe and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts will be thrilled to be part of the action with recreated sets, authentic props, costumes, and memorable photo ops! As a family of magic lovers, we couldn’t have loved this part more! Of course Friends, Big Bang Theory and Gilmore Girl fans will have their fill too! It’s such an interactive tour, it’s quite unlike anything you’ve seen before. And, if you are anything like me and desire to live in Stars Hollow during the holidays, now is the time to jump on the tour as they light up the backlot for the holidays.
“Starting December 22, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood invites fans back to the beloved town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, festively decorated for the holidays. Guests can sip on hot coffee while enjoying Pop-Tarts and other delectable treats for purchase throughout Stars Hollow, all while walking in the familiar footsteps of Lorelai, Rory, Luke, and Sookie. Visitors are also invited to explore the original Gilmore Girls sets and get up close to authentic props and costumes. Many photo opportunities will be available, including in front of the iconic gazebo, the official Stars Hollow town sign, Luke’s Diner, Lorelai’s house, Mrs. Kim’s Antiques, the Bjork Snowman, and Doose’s Market.”
However, if you are looking for something with rides, shows, and more of a theme park feel, then you are simply a hop, skip and jump from the famous Universal Studios Hollywood. Walk the streets of Hogsmeade Village, go on an adventure in Hogwarts, be chased by a T-Rex, or save the planet from decepticons. The holidays at Universal Studios are truly magical! Find out more about what’s new at Universal Studios here.
Burbank Eateries:
Burbank is an ever changing tapestry of delicious places to eat; including restaurants, cafes, and bars. However, some good things never change. Like Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank. This Bob’s restaurant was built in 1949 by local residents Scott MacDonald and Ward Albert, and is the oldest remaining Bob’s Big Boy in America. It has such a cool history and feel. You might even be able to eat at the same booth the Beatles were rumored to have sat at during their 1965 US summer tour. Recently, an exterior patio was added; the tower sign was rehabilitated; the dining room was remodeled; “Car Hop” service was re-introduced on Saturday and Sunday nights; and on Friday nights a “Classic Car Show” reverberates in the parking lot. Basically, this place provides good food and a good time!
*If you’ve never had Porto’s Bakery and Cafe, voted #1 by Yelp as the greatest places to eat, do it now! It really is amazing! Located in Burbank as well.
*The Shake Shack is also a family favorite and one I would recommend.
Downtown Burbank:
The heart of the city, Downtown Burbank, spans San Fernando Blvd. from the Burbank Town Center to North America’s largest IKEA. With over 600 shops, restaurants, and activities you’ll find fun-filled days and nights in this neighborhood. Catch a movie, grab a bite to eat, shop, play, bowl, explore… it’s all here! Do all of this while being looked over by the world’s greatest detective and night time vigilante, Batman! Downtown Burbank is filled with rich Hollywood history, and is home to many fun events that happen all year long! For a list of events coming up head here.
Outdoors:
With the sun shining throughout the year, Burbank is the perfect place to experience SoCal. Take a hike, rent a bike, ride a horse. Go skating, catch a concert under the stars, tee-off at the city’s local golf course. Or enjoy a different kind of urban adventure at Universal CityWalk, where you can eat, explore and shop till you drop. No matter your quest, your interests, or even your athletic abilities, Burbank will keep you entertained all day long.
Recommendation The Stough Canyon Nature Center:
Nestled in the Verdugo Mountains, the Stough Canyon Nature Center provides opportunities to learn more about the Verdugo Mountains. Offering a wide variety of educational activities, hikes, workshops, seasonal camps, and more.
Coolest things: Camps for kids includes activities, nature programs, art classes, etc. AND, take a docent led hike at night to overlook the valley in all it’s lit up glory. From the top of this 1 mile hike, you can see Downtown LA and the ocean from one amazing vista.
Hilton Garden Inn:
When traveling with our family we need safety, space and a good hotel pool. For the kids this is as important as having a bed. The Hilton Garden Inn in Burbank had it all! Just a half-mile from Burbank Town Center, and within 5 miles to Universal Studios Hollywood theme park and the Los Angeles Zoo. The Disney, Warner Bros., NBCUniversal, and Nickelodeon studios are all less than 15 minutes from their door. To say the location is perfect is an understatement. The hotel and surrounding areas are clean, safe and convenient. The hotel also has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and bar. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
Burbank makes it easy to experience the best of Los Angeles. The city offers just about everything you could want to do and it’s just minutes from the Hollywood Bowl, the Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, beaches, and the Rose Bowl Stadium. Whether you are from out of town or even a local looking for an escape from real life with a fun stay; a Burbank day makes for an ideal Southern California adventure.
MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN BURBANK
• LOS ANGELES EQUESTRIAN CENTER: A world-class horse show and banquet facility, with international equestrian events including William Shatner’s annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show.
• WORLD FAMOUS WEST COAST CUSTOMS: Take behind the scenes tours of this luxury automotive restyling center with its own TV show and celebrity clientele.
• LA ZOO: Next door to Burbank is LA’s premiere zoo where you’ll see your favorite animals, learn about wildlife conservation, and enjoy a day in the beautiful outdoors.
• DEBELL GOLF CLUB: Set against a stunning natural backdrop in the hills above Burbank, the Par 71 PGA DeBell Golf Club delivers the most challenging yet affordable 5,600 yards of 18-hole golf in the LA region.
• SNAP SELFIES: with the Caped Crusader when you visit the 7 ft tall bronze Batman statue in Downtown Burbank, tagging #BurbankBatman. Then continue on the Mural Walk of the city.
• VINTAGE SHOPPING IN MAGNOLIA PARK: Peruse the quirky boutiques, antique shops, vintage clothing, and chic eateries that line the streets in Magnolia Park.
• ORBIC AIR HELICOPTER TOURS: For the most unforgettable helicopter experiences over LA, book a private helicopter tour with Orbic Air at the Hollywood Burbank Airport.
• TV SHOW TAPINGS: Witness a piece of television history in the making by becoming a member of a live TV show audience.
• DAYTRIPS: Check out cool day trips you can make from Burbank here.
More fun ideas of things to do in LA HERE
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