The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
About
The 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.
Highlights
- ✓Helen and Peter Bing Children's Garden with interactive water features, magnetic sand, and a rainbow room
- ✓Japanese Garden with koi pond, moon bridge, and zen rock garden
- ✓Chinese Garden's Lake of Reflected Fragrance and ornate bridges perfect for exploring
- ✓Desert Garden featuring massive cacti and succulents that fascinate kids
- ✓Jungle Garden with bamboo forest and tropical plants creating an adventure-like atmosphere
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening (10 AM) to beat crowds and enjoy the Children's Garden before it gets busy, especially on weekends.
- 2.Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the great lawn, as food options are limited to a cafe and tea room (outside food is welcome in garden areas).
- 3.Download the free Huntington app before visiting for self-guided family tours and interactive scavenger hunts that keep kids engaged.
- 4.Bring sunscreen and hats as shade is limited in many garden areas, and wear comfortable walking shoes for the expansive grounds.
- 5.Visit the Japanese Garden last when kids are calmer, as it's a peaceful space best enjoyed at a slower pace.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday) are least crowded and ideal for families. Spring (March to May) offers the most blooms and perfect weather, while fall brings beautiful foliage. Avoid weekend afternoons when tour groups and crowds peak.
What to Know
Admission costs around $25-30 for adults with kids 4-11 at reduced rates (under 4 free), and advance timed tickets are required. Free parking is available on-site, and strollers are welcome but can be challenging on gravel paths in some gardens.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round except Tuesdays. Spring blooms (March to May) and fall colors (October to November) are spectacular. The Rose Garden peaks May through June. Special family events occur during summer and holiday seasons, including camellia season in winter (January to March).
Nearby Eats
Pie 'n Burger (5 minutes away) is a classic diner with great burgers and shakes kids love. For healthier options, try Tender Greens in Pasadena (10 minutes) with customizable salads and kid-friendly mains.
More Activities Near Pasadena
Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens offers 150 acres of natural beauty perfect for families seeking outdoor exploration without long hikes. Kids absolutely love the Enchanted Railroad, a miniature train that winds through the gardens, while parents appreciate the stroller-friendly paths that meander through stunning rose gardens, oak woodlands, and seasonal blooms that change throughout the year.
Norton Simon Museum
The 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.
Eaton Canyon Nature Center
Eaton Canyon Nature Center offers families an accessible outdoor adventure right in Pasadena, with its star attraction being the 3.5-mile round-trip hike to a stunning 40-foot seasonal waterfall. The nature center itself features live animal exhibits including snakes, lizards, and birds of prey, plus hands-on displays that make learning about Southern California ecosystems engaging for young explorers.
Brookside Park
Brookside 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.