Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Vroman's Bookstore
★4.5(968 reviews)$$Activity
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 0-12. Babies and toddlers enjoy the board book selection and weekly storytime sessions, while elementary-aged kids love browsing the extensive middle-grade fiction and participating in author meet-and-greets. The comfortable seating areas make it perfect for letting kids explore books at their own pace.🧡 Saved by 33 families
About
Vroman'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.
Highlights
- ✓Extensive, thoughtfully curated children's book collection spanning board books to young adult
- ✓Regular free storytime events featuring engaging readers and age-appropriate selections
- ✓Author visits and book signings with popular children's book authors
- ✓Cozy reading nooks and kid-sized seating throughout the children's section
- ✓Knowledgeable staff who offer personalized book recommendations for every age and interest
Pro Tips
- 1.Check their website calendar before visiting,they host fantastic author visits and themed storytimes that book up quickly, especially during school breaks
- 2.The children's section is located upstairs with plenty of floor space for kids to sit and browse, so come prepared to spend time letting them explore
- 3.Ask staff about their current staff picks for kids,the booksellers are incredibly knowledgeable and can recommend perfect titles based on your child's interests and reading level
- 4.Parking is available in the structure behind the store with validation, making it much easier than hunting for street parking on busy Colorado Boulevard
- 5.Combine your visit with their gift shop section for unique toys, puzzles, and educational games that make great birthday presents
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or early afternoons are ideal for a quieter browsing experience. Saturday and Sunday mornings feature scheduled storytimes (typically 10-11am), which are wonderful but draw crowds. Avoid late afternoons on weekends when the store gets busiest.
What to Know
Books are moderately priced (typical retail), with a great selection of affordable picture books and clearance items. Validated parking is available in the rear structure. The upstairs children's section is accessible by elevator, and there's a café inside for coffee and light snacks.
Seasonal Notes
Summer reading programs run June through August with special events and reading challenges. The holiday season (November-December) features extended hours, gift-wrapping services, and special themed storytimes. Back-to-school season offers great sales on educational books and learning materials.
Follow Vroman's Bookstore
Nearby Eats
Walk two blocks to Dog Haus for gourmet hot dogs and tater tots that kids devour, or head to Pie 'n Burger (5 minutes away) for classic American comfort food including their famous burgers and milkshakes that have been pleasing Pasadena families since 1963.
More Activities Near Pasadena
Museum
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
★4.8$$❤️241
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.
Museum
Norton Simon Museum
★4.8$❤️115
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.
Activity
Descanso Gardens
★4.7$$❤️97
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.
Park
Brookside Park
★4.7Free❤️48
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.