A Magical Stay in Hollywood

Hollywood is one of those places that can feel completely different when you experience it with kids. There are movie stars, famous landmarks, larger-than-life characters, and plenty of opportunities to turn an ordinary day in Los Angeles into an adventure.

For our Hollywood adventure, we wanted to experience something a little different than simply walking the Walk of Fame. We stayed at the Magic Castle Hotel, which gave us access to one of Hollywood’s most unique experiences—the legendary Magic Castle. We also visited Madame Tussauds Hollywood and spent time exploring the heart of Hollywood.

If you’re planning a bigger Los Angeles family adventure, you can also check out our Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids guide for another kid-friendly day in the area.

What made this trip especially memorable was that the hotel itself became part of the adventure. Between the magic, the popsicle hotline, unlimited snacks, and an incredible location just off Hollywood Boulevard, it turned into one of those family trips where even the hotel had something exciting waiting for us.

🪄 The Magic Castle

A Hollywood Experience Kids Won’t Forget

If your kids love magic, this is one of those places that feels like you’ve stepped into a movie.

The Magic Castle is a famous private magic club housed in a beautiful historic mansion in the heart of Hollywood. Inside, you’ll find magicians performing close-up magic, sleight-of-hand, illusions, and other performances throughout the evening. It’s not your typical tourist attraction—and that’s part of what makes it so special.

But There’s a Catch…

You can’t simply buy a ticket and walk in.

The Magic Castle is a private club, so generally, you need to be a member or be invited by a member to visit.

So how did we get in?

The Magic Castle Hotel Connection

We stayed at the Magic Castle Hotel, which is located right next door to the Magic Castle.

The hotel occasionally runs promotions that can include Magic Castle access as part of a hotel stay, which is how families who don’t already know a magician or Magic Castle member can potentially experience it.

This is something you’ll want to plan ahead for. Promotions and access arrangements can change, so check directly with the hotel before booking and confirm exactly what is included with your stay.

And one important clarification: the Magic Castle Hotel and The Magic Castle are separate businesses. The hotel is not owned by or affiliated with The Magic Castle, even though they’re next door to each other and the hotel has a special connection that can provide guests with access when applicable.

👉 Check out the Magic Castle Hotel

👗 Don’t Forget the Dress Code

This is important!

The Magic Castle has a strict dress code, including for brunch. Casual clothing, shorts, sandals, sneakers, and other overly casual attire aren’t permitted. The Castle recommends dressing elegantly and conservatively.

Family Tip: Tell the kids ahead of time that this is a chance to dress up. Turning it into part of the adventure can make getting ready much more exciting.

Why We Loved It with Kids

The Magic Castle is the kind of experience that feels completely different from the usual Hollywood sightseeing.

Instead of simply looking at something, you’re sitting down and watching magic happen right in front of you.

It’s mysterious, interactive, and just plain fun.

One important family tip: children are only permitted at the Magic Castle during designated daytime hours, including the weekend brunch. Be sure to check the current age requirements, dress code, and admission rules before planning your visit.

🏨 Staying at the Magic Castle Hotel

The Hotel Is Part of the Adventure

One of the best decisions we made was staying at the Magic Castle Hotel.

Magic Castle Hotel

The hotel is also worth a stay even if you’re not visiting the Magic Castle. It’s a very family-friendly place with apartment-style rooms, a 24-hour heated pool, complimentary snacks and soft serve, and the famous Popsicle Hotline—just pick up the phone and a staff member will deliver popsicles to you!

But what really makes this hotel stand out are the little touches.

🍭 The Popsicle Hotline

This might be one of the most memorable hotel amenities for kids.

There’s an actual Popsicle Hotline by the pool.

Pick up the red phone, request a popsicle, and a staff member brings it to you on a silver tray while wearing white gloves.

Yes, really.

It’s such a simple idea, but it’s exactly the kind of quirky experience kids remember.

The popsicle service is complimentary and available 24 hours a day.

Unlimited Snacks & Drinks

Another reason this hotel is fantastic for families is the included snacks.

Guests can stop by the front desk for complimentary packaged snacks, and the hotel also offers complimentary soft-serve ice cream and a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine.

For parents, that means fewer:

“I’m hungry!”

“Can we get a snack?”

“Can I have a drink?”

emergencies throughout the day. And let’s be honest—that’s a win.

🏊 The Pool

The hotel also has a heated pool, making it easy to let the kids burn off some energy after exploring Hollywood.

The hotel currently lists its pool as heated to approximately 88°F and open 24 hours.

🎟️ Look for Magic Castle Hotel Promotions

If you’re considering staying at the Magic Castle Hotel, check for promotions before booking.

The hotel occasionally offers packages and promotions that can make a stay even more appealing, including offers that may include benefits or credits connected to the Magic Castle experience.

Our advice: Don’t just look at the nightly room rate. Check the current packages and what’s included—you may find that the extras make the stay a much better value.

⭐ Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Get Up Close to Your Favorite Stars

We also visited Madame Tussauds Hollywood, located right on Hollywood Boulevard.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

This wax museum gives you the chance to get surprisingly close to incredibly detailed wax figures of celebrities, movie stars, musicians, and famous personalities.

This is one of those attractions where photos are a huge part of the experience.

Kids can pose with famous figures, recreate movie moments, and get creative with their pictures.

Instead of simply walking through the exhibits, turn it into a photo challenge:

Who can create the funniest celebrity photo? Who can recreate a movie pose? Who can find their favorite celebrity first?

It makes the experience much more interactive for kids.

🌟 Explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Of course, you can’t visit Hollywood without spending some time on the famous Walk of Fame.

Take a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and look for stars belonging to your family’s favorite actors, musicians, and entertainers.

You can also explore:

• TCL Chinese Theatre
• Hollywood Boulevard
• Hollywood & Highland
• Hollywood souvenir shops
• Street performers
• Restaurants and dessert spots

Hollywood is also a great starting point for exploring more of Los Angeles. If you’re building a longer Southern California itinerary, check out our Los Angeles Zoo Camp adventure for another family-friendly experience.

Family Tip: Don’t feel like you need to spend hours walking the entire Walk of Fame. Pick a section to explore and combine it with another attraction.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

A Hollywood Stop That’s a Little Different

If you want to add something a little unusual to your Hollywood adventure, consider a stop at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery isn’t just a cemetery—it’s also a historic Hollywood landmark and cultural event center. Established in 1899, it is the final resting place of many Hollywood figures and has a fascinating connection to the history of the entertainment industry.

It’s an interesting place to walk around and learn about some of the famous people connected to Hollywood. Just remember that this is an active cemetery, so be respectful of the grounds and people visiting loved ones.

🎥 Movies at the Cemetery?!

This is where Hollywood Forever gets especially fun for movie lovers.

The cemetery hosts Cinespia outdoor movie screenings, where people gather on the lawn after sunset to watch movies projected onto the side of a mausoleum. Guests can bring blankets, low chairs, and a picnic and enjoy an evening under the stars.

And yes—sometimes the movies are scary movies!

Horror classics and other cult favorites are regularly part of the lineup, making this a particularly fun option for adults or families with older kids who enjoy a good spooky movie night. Check the current Cinespia schedule before your trip because the movie lineup changes.

It’s a pretty unforgettable combination:

Hollywood history + a cemetery + a movie under the stars.

That’s definitely not your typical movie theater experience.

Family Tip: Not every movie is appropriate for children, so check the film rating and event details before booking. If you’re bringing younger kids, look for a family-friendly movie on the schedule.

🍽️ Eating Around Hollywood

Yamashiro Hollywood

Dinner With a View

If you’re looking for a special meal while staying near the Magic Castle Hotel, put Yamashiro Hollywood on your list.

Yamashiro Hollywood sits up the hill from the hotel at 1999 N. Sycamore Avenue and is known for its Japanese cuisine, historic setting, gardens, and sweeping views over Los Angeles.

The location makes this more than just a meal. It’s an experience.

The restaurant has beautiful surroundings and views of Los Angeles, making it a fun option for a special family dinner or an evening when you want to slow down after exploring Hollywood.

👉 Visit Yamashiro Hollywood

Family Tip: This is more of a sit-down dining experience, so if you’re traveling with younger kids, consider timing your reservation around their normal dinner routine.

Where to Eat Near the Magic Castle Hotel

You don’t have to go far to find food.

There’s a shopping area right across the street from the hotel with a food court and plenty of restaurants, making it an easy option when everyone is hungry and you don’t want to make another big outing.

This is especially convenient with kids because everyone can choose something different.

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, snacks, or something more substantial, having so many choices nearby makes the hotel a convenient home base for exploring Hollywood.

Take the Metro to Universal Studios

Another reason we liked staying in this part of Hollywood is the access to public transportation.

The Magic Castle Hotel is just one Metro stop from Universal Studios, according to the hotel.

Instead of fighting traffic and parking, you can make the Metro ride part of the adventure and head toward Universal Studios and CityWalk.

👉 Read our Universal Studios Hollywood Adventure →

This also makes the Magic Castle Hotel a convenient option if you’re combining a Hollywood trip with a Universal Studios day.

👨‍👩‍👦 Tips for Visiting Hollywood with Kids

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Hollywood is very walkable once you park, but you’ll still cover plenty of ground.

🎒 Bring a Small Backpack

Carry water, sunscreen, snacks, and anything your kids might need throughout the day.

🧥 Bring Layers

Los Angeles weather can change throughout the day, especially if you’re staying into the evening.

📸 Leave Room on Your Phone

You’re going to take a LOT of pictures. Between Madame Tussauds, the Walk of Fame, the Magic Castle Hotel, and all the Hollywood scenery, you’ll want plenty of storage.

🪄 Plan the Magic Castle Carefully

If visiting the Magic Castle is on your bucket list, plan around the current age requirements, brunch schedule, reservations, and dress code. Children are currently admitted during weekend brunch, while the evening clubhouse is restricted to guests 21 and older.

🏨 Make Your Hotel Part of the Adventure

This is something we learned from this trip. Don’t always think of your hotel as simply a place to sleep. Sometimes the hotel can be one of the best parts of the vacation.

At the Magic Castle Hotel, the pool, popsicle hotline, snacks, ice cream, and location gave us reasons to enjoy the hotel instead of simply coming back to crash after a long day.

Recommended Gear for Your Hollywood Family Adventure

Exploring Hollywood, walking the Boulevard, visiting Madame Tussauds, and navigating public transit with kids is an amazing experience, but it helps to be prepared! Here are some of our favorite family travel gear recommendations to keep everyone comfortable, organized, and ready for the city lights:

1. Smart Luggage & Kids’ Travel Gear

• For Parents: Wrangler Smart Luggage Set with Cup Holder and USB Port – Perfect for keeping your devices charged on the go and holding your coffee cup while navigating airports or transit.
• For the Kids: INFANS Kids Luggage Set or the KIDDIETOTES Detachable 4-in-1 Scooter Luggage – Let the kids roll or scoot their own clothes and toys, making transit through hotel lobbies and terminals way more fun.
• Packing & Organization: YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags to keep muddy sneakers or dress shoes separate from clean clothes.

2. City Exploration & Footwear

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll be covering plenty of ground walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame and heading into attractions. Check out top-rated kids’ options like Hi-Tec Kids Hiking Boots, versatile Crocs, or Kids’ Water Shoes if you plan on splashing around hotel pools or beach days.
• Sun & Weather Protection: Don’t forget travel-friendly gear like Collapsible Silicone Water Bottles to stay hydrated under the Southern California sun.

3. Entertainment for Flights, Road Trips, and Downtime

• Drawing & Creativity: Keep little hands busy during downtime at restaurants or hotel rooms with a drawing/writing tablet.
• Interactive Fun: Pack a portable travel game like the 12-piece Magnetic Board Game Set or Travel Scavenger Hunt cards for the car or plane.
• Journals & Reading: Let older kids document the trip using the Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal for Kids, or keep them entertained with reading books like The Fascinating Animal Book for Kids.
• Headphones: Pack a pair of reliable Kids Headphones or Wireless Earbuds for tablet time on flights.

4. Travel Safety & Logistics

• Car Safety: If you’re renting a car or taking Ubers between Los Angeles attractions, lightweight portable boosters like the MiFold Portable Car Seat, BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat, or Hiccapop travel gear are absolute lifesavers.
• Luggage Scale: Avoid surprise airline baggage fees on your way home with the Tarriss Travel Suitcase Luggage Weight Scale.
• Tech & Power: Keep all your family devices powered up across multiple formats with the Unidapt Universal Travel Adapter.

✨ Why Hollywood Belongs on Your Family Adventure List

Hollywood doesn’t have to be just about seeing famous names on sidewalks.

With the right itinerary, it can become a playful family adventure filled with magic, movies, celebrity encounters, and unexpected experiences.

For us, staying at the Magic Castle Hotel and experiencing the Magic Castle turned an ordinary Hollywood visit into something much more memorable. Add in Madame Tussauds, the Walk of Fame, great food, and the excitement of being in the middle of Hollywood, and you’ve got a pretty fantastic Southern California adventure.

Sometimes you don’t need to get on a plane to give your kids a vacation they’ll remember. Sometimes the next adventure is right in your own backyard. ✨🎬🪄

And if you’re looking for even more Southern California adventures with kids, check out our guides to LEGOLAND California and other family-friendly destinations around the region.