Family & entertainment

Question

Hello helpful LA peeps,

My family is looking to come to LA in March and trying to decide how to spend our time. We’ve been multiple times. This time around we’d like to take the kids to more of the studio/entertainment/filming parts of LA.

We are going to see a game show being filmed. The other options for consideration are a WB Studio tour or Universal Studios. Any suggestions on which is more engaging/interesting? I understand they are very different. My concern with Universal is it seems crowded & limited on rides. My concern with WB is it won’t be as engaging if they’re doing a tour of things you’ve never watched on TV (my kids haven’t seen Friends). Any insights would be appreciated!

Answer

Both the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and Universal Studios offer very different experiences, so the best choice really depends on what your family is hoping to get out of the visit.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is more of a behind-the-scenes experience. You’ll see actual sets, soundstages, and props from movies and TV shows. It’s informative and gives a sense of how productions are made, but as you mentioned, it’s more engaging if you recognize some of the shows or movies featured. Since your kids haven’t watched “Friends,” some of the sitcom sets may be less exciting for them, though the tour still offers interactive exhibits, green-screen opportunities, and a look at special effects and props that can appeal to kids who like movies in general.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park combined with studio experiences. It offers thrill rides, shows, and attractions based on popular franchises (like Jurassic World, Harry Potter, and Minions), in addition to the Studio Tour. It can be crowded, especially on weekends or during school holidays, and lines for the most popular rides can be long. However, for kids who enjoy rides, themed areas, and immersive experiences, it tends to be more immediately engaging than a traditional studio tour.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Great for behind-the-scenes insight, sets, props, and film/TV history. Best for families interested in how movies/TV are made.
Universal Studios: Best for families seeking interactive rides, themed areas, and a mix of entertainment with some insight into film production.

Given your concerns:

If your kids haven’t watched classic TV shows, the WB Tour may be less exciting for them, though the interactive parts (props, green screen, sets) can still be fun.
If you want a more action-packed, ride-centric experience with familiar franchises, Universal Studios may be a better fit, but plan for crowds and potentially long wait times.
One option is to combine both experiences if your schedule allows: a shorter WB Tour in the morning and then spend the afternoon at Universal Studios (or another day for each).

Overall, if your goal is to keep the kids engaged and entertained with rides and immersive experiences, Universal Studios is generally the more kid-friendly choice. If your family enjoys the filmmaking process and you want a more educational behind-the-scenes experience, WB Studio Tour is excellent, but it may be more appreciated by older kids or adults familiar with the shows.

Family & entertainment

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