Where Can Families Eat Well for Cheap in Los Angeles? 

I always say that my favorite restaurant is the one I've never been to, but as a mom of four, eating out can get really expensive, really fast. Even a trip to Chick-fil-A can run around $65 if we let our growing boys go all-in with a Chicken Sandwich meal. Many families opt to eat at home when their kids start to get older, and the dinner bill increases, but my husband and I are dedicated adventure diners. So, when we do get out to try a new spot, and the kiddos are with us, cheap eats are our jam! 

I've compiled a list of some of my favorite affordable restaurants for kids in Los Angeles. These hidden gems are tried and true; spots that my kids love, and our bank account loves even more. You'll encounter some local favorites and some awesome, offbeat finds (one of these restaurants is actually run by robots). Read on for some of the best budget eats in Los Angeles. 

What is this water falling from the sky? Or, what is this raging Santa Ana wind that is tearing through the neighborhood? Angelinos don't get much bad weather, but when we do, it seems to affect just about everything. And if you're a mom with kids at home, bad weather can be quite the ordeal. When the kids are jumping on the couch, spilling crayons all over the dining room, and begging to watch K-Pop Demon Hunters for the second time that day, you may need to get out of the house. I got you.

There are many indoor free things to do in Los Angeles for those rare times when it's raining in Southern California. As a mom of four living in Los Angeles, I've tried lots of indoor spots; we've found everything from mellow corners with books and cozy chairs to raucous, colorful play spaces with pop music and overstimulation. I know which spots are too boring or too adult and which spots should be at the top of your list, so read on to discover our favorite free indoor spaces in Los Angeles that will keep the whole family happy. 

For more free things to do in LA, peruse our list of 100 fun free things to do in Los Angeles with Kids. Once you've checked off all the free things to do indoors in Los Angeles and want to explore more things to do with a roof over your head, check out the best indoor playgrounds in Los Angeles, and discover more indoor amusement in our Indoor Fun and Play Spaces Guide for Los Angeles Kids. 

Calamigos Guest Ranch is beautiful any time of the year. The sprawling oaks set amongst the hills in this rustic and rejuvenating slice of Heaven is the perfect getaway from the hectic melee of the big city. From the time I drove through the entrance, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders; Calamigos Guest Ranch is a breath of pure, crisp winter air, and almost lets you forget the panic over unfulfilled Christmas wish lists, teacher gifts, and holiday obligations. 

While I’d recommend a short staycation at Calamigos in June, October, or February, December also stands out for its festive atmosphere. Right now, this magical spot is bedecked in Christmas lights and has lots of holiday fun for the whole family. In fact, Calamigos offers lots of Christmas programming for hotel guests and members leading up to the big holiday!

Check out our list of other incredible hotels for families in Los Angeles, plus an article on festive hotels near Los Angeles that will blow your mind. Wondering what do in Malibu? We have our Top 25 Things to do in Malibu guide to keep you busy during your stay.