Kid-friendly places to visit for entertainment and play
Map
Sections
5
Museum & Gardens
Playgrounds & Parks
Shopping & Other Experiences
Family Friendly Dining
Where to Stay
Museum & Gardens
The Children’s Garden has pint-sized doorways, topiaries, and water features for kids. Bring your own snacks and SPF to picnic on-site. Check out the greenhouse for fish and to cool off. Famous Chinese gardens and more.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Best for younger kids: toddler to Kinder
Southern California Children's Museum
Train rides 🚂 and stay for the beautiful gardens. Look for their special evening programs during holidays.
Descanso Gardens
STEM focused. Optimal for Preschool up to age 8-10. Very hands on experience. The museum changes the theme regularly to keep things fresh. Bring water shoes, SPF, and a change of clothes in the summer months for water play!
Kidspace Children's Museum
Playgrounds & Parks
Just behind Rose Bowl Aquatics is a pirate themed public playground.
Brookside Park
Newly updated play area with adjacent restrooms, huge track for walking and biking - bring a scooter/bike and a helmet! Gorgeous rose gardens and plenty of shaded grassy areas.
Lacy Park
Close to Huntington Hospital
Singer Park
Near Old Town Pasadena
Playhouse Village Park
Shopping & Other Experiences
For the LEGO lover
Bricks & Minifigs
For the plushie lovers - cute make-your-own workshop.
Plushumi The Plushie Workshop LA / Pasadena
Thursdays
South Pasadena Farmer's Market
Saturdays
Pasadena Certified Farmers' Markets, Pasadena, California
Jewelry making + adventure experience.
Kidd's Jewelry Heist
Hike to the waterfalls
Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center – Parks & Recreation
Mostly flat hiking trail near the Rose Bowl. Lots of shaded sections.
TAD WILLIAMS TRAIL - Updated December 2025 - 22 Photos
Shopping and dining
Old Pasadena
Bowlero offers neon bowling, arcade games. Good party packages.
Bowlero Pasadena
A mini golf (9 hole course) is available here close to the entrance.
Arroyo Seco Golf Course
Old school arcade games
Neon Retro Arcade
Locally owned bookstore with a wonderful children’s section
Vroman's Bookstore
Family Friendly Dining
Most of these offer outdoor seating AKA space for the kids to move around, stroller space
Healthier dining options (they lean vegetarian) and outdoor seating. Try their Spanish coffee.
Pasadena - Urth Caffé - European-style café
Pizza, pasta and outdoor seating available! Gorgeous water features/fountains in the plaza, great open area for kids to run around.
California Pizza Kitchen at Pasadena
I scream, you scream for generous portion sizes.
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
Kids play area with attached cafe ☕️ for adults.
My Little Paris Café & Play
Located in Old Town Pasadena. They have a kids menu and better than average food selection + beer.
Dog Haus Biergarten
Retro diner vibes in a newly refurbished location. I love sitting in a booth.
Twohey's Restaurant
The debate for “best” breakfast burrito. If you order from Lucky Boy, you can definitely split it esp for little kids - their burrito 🌯 is hefty.
Best Breakfast Burrito Pasadena, CA - Last Updated January 2026
Where to Stay
Iconic. The very best hotel in the area with gorgeous pool and grounds.
