American Girl Place
Open daily.  This is the place for girls.  Much more than a store, it’s the place where imaginations soar. Boutiques. Character birthday celebrations. Café. Theatre. Make memories that will last forever.  189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. 877-AG-PLACE. americangirlplace.com.

Los Angeles Zoo
The LA Zoo features a collection of 1,200 animals amid the lush vegetation of the Zoo’s Botanical Gardens.  Special exhibits include Sea Lion Cliffs, Orangutans in the Red Ape Rain Forest, Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, and Dragons of Komodo featuring the largest lizard in the world.  5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park. 323-644-4200. lazoo.org.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Open daily from 10am - 10pm, this is more than a wax museum, it's an interactive experience.  Mingle with lifelike figures of your favorite stars in 18 different themed areasm just like you're playing a role of a supporting actor or actress.  6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 323-798-1670. madametussaudshollywood.com.

Want to know more?  Click here to check out Varius Batty's blog about his Madamae Tussauds Hollywood experience.  Let him be your local tour guide.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
For a day full of thrills, shrills and chills, visit Magic Mountain, home of the largest collection of XTREME roller coasters on the planet. Check out the latest newcomer to the park's sixteen coasters, TERMINATOR SALVATION: THE RIDE. 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia. 661-255-4111. sixflags.com.

Universal CityWalk
With 65 cool things to do, CityWalk is where LA comes to play.  World-class dining at Buca di Beppo.  The hottest new releases at AMC Cinemas and IMAX.  SoCal shopping at Billabong.  And so much more  Plus, no entrance fee.  100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City.  818-622-4455. citywalkhollywood.com.

Universal Studios Hollywood
The Entertainment Capital of LA. Experience your favorite films like never before. Check out Shrek 4-D, Jurassic Park: The Ride, or join everyone's favorite dysfunctional, yellow-hued family on The Simpsons Ride.  100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City.  800-UNIVERSAL.  universalstudioshollywood.com.

Venice Beach
World famous for its funky atmosphere, wacky street performers, amazing artists and one-of-a-kind vendors, Venice will keep you busy all day. Ocean Front Walk runs parallel to PCH from Washington Blvd. to Rose Street in Venice Beach. venicebeach.com.

Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour
VIP Tours depart daily.  Explore inner Hollywood surrounded by actual filming and production amidst yesterday and today’s most famous sets, stages, props, costumes, crafts and sounds at the world’s busiest motion picture and television studio.  3400 Riverside Drive, Burbank. 818-972-8687. wbstudiotour.com.