Discover 34 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Arcadia.
8 Upcoming EventsThe highest-rated places we recommend first — start here.
⚽ SportsArcadia Aquatic Center is a welcoming community pool that's perfect for families looking to beat the Southern California heat. With dedicated family swim sessions, quality swim lessons for kids of all skill levels, and well-maintained facilities, it's an ideal spot for both recreational fun and helping your children build water confidence in a safe, supervised environment.
⭐ ActivityThe Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a magical 127-acre wonderland where kids can wander through diverse gardens from around the world, feed ducks at the pond, and chase free-roaming peacocks. With wide, stroller-friendly paths, plenty of grassy areas for picnics, and endless opportunities for nature discovery, it's an ideal outdoor escape that combines education with adventure for the whole family.
⚽ SportsSanta Anita Park offers a unique family outing combining the excitement of live horse racing with excellent kid-friendly amenities. This historic Arcadia venue features a dedicated playground, spacious picnic areas, and family days with special activities, making it surprisingly perfect for a casual day out with children. With free admission on select days and an affordable price point, it's an engaging way to introduce kids to a classic California tradition.
🎨 MuseumThe Huntington is a sprawling 120-acre wonderland that combines beautiful gardens, world-class art, and interactive spaces perfect for curious kids. The dedicated Helen and Peter Bing Children's Garden features hands-on nature play, a fog grotto, and a prism tunnel, while the expansive grounds offer endless opportunities for exploration, picnicking, and discovering everything from koi ponds to desert plants.
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🎨 MuseumThe Norton Simon Museum offers a surprisingly welcoming art experience for families, with a stunning sculpture garden that provides breathing room between galleries. While it houses world-class European masterpieces and Southeast Asian treasures, the museum's family programs and manageable size make it accessible for introducing children to fine art without the overwhelm of larger institutions.
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🌾 FarmDinosaur Farm in South Pasadena is a delightful specialty toy and book store that brings prehistoric adventures to life for young dino enthusiasts. This highly rated family destination combines quality educational toys, dinosaur-themed books, and interactive displays that spark imagination and learning in a welcoming, kid-friendly environment.
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🌳 ParkLacy Park is a stunning 30-acre oasis in San Marino that's perfect for families seeking a classic park day. With well-maintained playgrounds, shaded walking paths under magnificent mature trees, and expansive lawns ideal for running, picnicking, and playing catch, it offers the perfect blend of active play and relaxation that parents and kids both appreciate.
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⭐ ActivityStep back in time at this beautifully preserved 18th-century Spanish mission, where kids can explore California's early history through interactive tours and authentic architecture. With its peaceful gardens, historic bell tower, and fascinating museum exhibits, this landmark offers an educational adventure that brings history to life without overwhelming young learners.
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🌳 ParkSanta Fe Dam Recreation Area is a sprawling 836-acre outdoor playground in the San Gabriel Valley that offers families countless ways to enjoy nature without traveling far from the city. With a scenic lake perfect for fishing, miles of easy hiking and biking trails, spacious picnic areas under shade trees, and wide-open spaces for kids to run and explore, this regional park delivers a full day of outdoor adventure for families of all ages.
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🌳 ParkAlhambra Park is a spacious urban oasis perfect for families looking to spend quality time outdoors without breaking the bank. With well-maintained playgrounds for multiple age groups, wide open green spaces for running and playing, and sports facilities for active kids, this park offers something for everyone in the family.
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🌳 ParkArcadia County Park is a family favorite with something for everyone, from toddlers to teens. With its well-maintained playgrounds, spacious picnic areas, and multiple sports courts, it's the perfect spot for everything from a quick playground visit to an all-day family outing complete with games and picnics.
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🧗 AdventureBig Santa Anita Canyon offers families an accessible mountain escape just minutes from Los Angeles, featuring waterfalls, shaded trails, and a historic cabin. The moderate 3.3-mile roundtrip hike to Sturtevant Falls rewards kids with a stunning 50-foot waterfall and plenty of stream crossings that make the journey feel like an adventure. The well-maintained trail and scenic picnic spots make this a perfect introduction to hiking for families ready to graduate beyond neighborhood walks.
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🎮 EntertainmentSanta Anita Mall in Arcadia offers a one-stop destination for family fun with its combination of shopping, entertainment, and dining options. With a state-of-the-art AMC movie theater, dedicated play areas for little ones, and regular community events throughout the year, it's more than just a shopping center,it's a family-friendly hub where parents can tackle errands while kids stay entertained.
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🌳 ParkBarnes Park is a beloved neighborhood gem in the San Gabriel Valley that offers families everything needed for a perfect day outdoors. With well-maintained playground equipment, multiple sports courts, and expansive grassy areas perfect for picnics and play, this park has been a go-to destination for local families seeking quality outdoor time without the crowds of larger regional parks.
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⭐ ActivityVroman's Bookstore is a beloved Pasadena institution that transforms book shopping into a magical family experience. With its welcoming children's section featuring cozy reading nooks, regular storytimes, and frequent author events, this independent bookstore has been nurturing young readers since 1894, making it one of the oldest and most cherished bookstores in Southern California.
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8 upcoming family events in Arcadia
🍦 Ice CreamA cherished San Gabriel Valley institution since 1919, Fosselman's Ice Cream serves up handcrafted ice cream in both classic and adventurous flavors that delight kids and parents alike. This old-fashioned parlor has been a family tradition for generations, offering a sweet taste of nostalgia alongside inventive flavors you won't find at chain shops.
🌳 ParkBrookside Park is a sprawling Pasadena gem that offers something for every family member, from multiple playgrounds for different age groups to the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center for cooling off on hot days. With wide open lawns perfect for running around, shaded picnic areas, and scenic walking trails along the Arroyo Seco, this park provides a full day of outdoor adventure without needing to leave the grounds.
🎨 MuseumKidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena is a hands-on wonderland where learning disguises itself as pure fun. With both indoor interactive exhibits and outdoor adventures like a climbing tower and Physics Forest, this museum keeps kids engaged for hours while sneaking in plenty of STEM education through play-based exploration.
🤸 Trampoline ParkSky Zone Trampoline Park in Alhambra offers an action-packed indoor experience where kids can bounce off the walls (literally!) in a safe, supervised environment. With foam pits for daring jumps, exciting dodgeball courts, and expansive open jump areas, this climate-controlled facility provides the perfect outlet for burning energy no matter the weather outside.
🛝 PlaygroundLa Puente City Park is a family favorite in the City of Industry area, offering something for every age group. This well-maintained community park features a modern playground, refreshing splash pad for hot days, basketball and tennis courts, and plenty of shaded picnic areas perfect for birthday parties or casual family outings.
🎨 MuseumStep back in time at this beautifully preserved 19th-century homestead where families can explore authentic Victorian-era rooms and learn about early California ranch life. The guided tours bring history to life through hands-on activities and engaging stories about the Workman and Temple families who lived here, making it an educational adventure that feels more like time travel than a typical museum visit.
🎮 EntertainmentIndustry Hills Expo Center is a versatile event venue in City of Industry that hosts an exciting variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, from cultural festivals and holiday celebrations to concerts and interactive expos. With its spacious indoor and outdoor facilities, this multi-use center offers families the chance to experience everything from car shows and food festivals to seasonal events and community gatherings in a convenient Southern California location.
Showing 8 events in and around Arcadia