Photo: Santa Anita Park
Photo: Jeremiah Pitts
Photo: Toshi Onikubo (鬼窪峻大)
Santa Anita Park
★4.6(4,178 reviews)$Sports
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 4-12. Younger elementary kids love watching the horses and playing at the playground between races, while older children enjoy learning about the sport and picking their favorite horses to cheer for. Toddlers may enjoy the open spaces for running but might lose interest during longer race days.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Santa 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.
Highlights
- ✓Watching powerful thoroughbred horses thunder past in exciting live races
- ✓Dedicated children's playground area for burning energy between races
- ✓Spacious lawn and picnic areas perfect for family gatherings
- ✓Parade ring viewing where kids can see horses and jockeys up close before races
- ✓Beautiful historic architecture and lush gardens to explore
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on Family Fun Days (typically Sunday racing days) when they offer bounce houses, face painting, and kid-oriented activities beyond regular racing.
- 2.Arrive early to watch morning workouts from 7:30-9:30 AM when kids can see horses training up close at the rail, often with fewer crowds.
- 3.Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated picnic areas, which saves money and gives kids space to move around between races.
- 4.Download the track program in advance to help older kids pick horses with fun names to root for, making the experience more interactive.
- 5.Park in the free lots on the west side of the venue, which offer easier access to the playground and family areas.
Best Time to Visit
Sunday afternoons during racing season (late December through April, and September through early November) offer the best family atmosphere with special activities. Arrive around 11:30 AM to settle in before the first race at 1:00 PM, giving kids time to explore the playground and grab lunch.
What to Know
General admission is free on many days, with reserved seating available for $5-10. Free parking is available on site, and the venue offers various food vendors and concession stands, though outside food is permitted in picnic areas.
Seasonal Notes
Live horse racing runs during two main seasons: late December through late April (winter/spring meet) and late September through early November (fall meet). Summer months offer limited special events. Holiday racing around Christmas and New Year's often features extra family activities.
Nearby Eats
The Arcadia branch of Din Tai Fung (about 2 miles away at Westfield Santa Anita mall) offers kid-friendly dumplings and noodles. For casual post-race dining, try King Taco on Huntington Drive for affordable, family-style Mexican food that kids typically enjoy.
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