Exploring Los Angeles with kids What city could offer more to a family tagging along on a business trip? The glitz of Hollywood and Rodeo Drive or the Boardwalk and beach in Santa Monica. Although the layout of the land doesn't make it easy to dash between the family and business meetings, staying a few extra days can offer lots of fun in side of LA or in adjoining cities. Places to go Universal Studios, Off the 101 Hollywood Freeway Phone: 818-508-9600 Open: summer daily 7 am-11 pm; off season, daily 9 am-7 pm Admission: $38 adults, $33 seniors, $28 children 3-11 Universal Studios is one of the largest studios as well as amusement parks in the world. The studio tour, a 1 hour guided tram ride, is still a main attraction. You will pass stars' dressing rooms, back lot sets as well as encountering several staged "events", stunt shows and many action-packed rides make this a very exciting day for the family. Bring a water-filled spray bottle to mist yourself during the summer months! Ripley's "Believe it or Not!" Hollywood, 6780 Hollywood Blvd Phone: 323-466-6335 Daily 10 am- midnight Admission: $8.95 adults, $7.95 students & seniors, $5.95 children This crazy museum has a strange collection of wax figures, pictures, and other unnatural items including a skeleton of a two-headed baby, statues of stars and other oddities. Los Angeles Zoo, Zoo Drive, Griffith Park Phone: 323-664-1100 Daily 10 am-5 pm Admission: $8.25 adults, $3.25 kids 2-12, $5.25 seniors The Los Angeles Zoo has been open since 1966. One of the biggest attractions is the adorable koalas. Adventure Island is an interactive and educational exhibit that will entertain the young and the old. Check out the new chimpanzee habitat and watch primate activity in their natural environment. Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Blvd between Gower St. and La Brea Ave Phone: 323-469-8311 Over 2500 celebrities are represented along this world famous sidewalk. The public is invited to attend dedication ceremonies. The honoree is usually in attendance. Contact the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce 6255 Sunset Blvd., suite 911, Hollywood, CA 90028 for information on who's being honored when you're in town. Hollywood Sign, At the top of Beachwood Dr. Hollywood This 50-foot sign has become the symbol of the move industry. A must-see landmark, the best view is from below at the corner of Sunset Blvd and Bronson Avenue. Six Flags California (Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor), Magic Mountain Pkwy Phone: 805-255-4100 Open: Daily Mar-Oct; Weekends only Nov-Feb Admission for Magic Mountain: $34-adults, $20 seniors, $17- children 2-48 inches tall Admission for Hurricane Harbor: $18-adults, $11 seniors & children Six Flags is located about 25 minutes north of Universal Studios. Magic Mountain is a big hit with the teenage crowd because of its numerous thrill rides. Activities offered are rafting, swimming, water slides and just plain relaxing in the sun. Many areas are designed with the young children in mind. Showers and lockers are available. - Compiled by Lisa Bailey