If you're working your way down our bucket list of 100 things to do before your LA kids grow up, you might notice how many of those are fun things to do in Pasadena—and we're not just talking about the Rose Parade. The inland, foothill community rivals Santa Monica for family-friendly, walkable streets and a variety of arts and entertainment. It's also one of the oldest communities in the LA area, which gave it a head start on collecting cool stuff.
Let the tourists spend their days in Hollywood because there's more going on most weekends in Pasadena, a city so bursting with kid and family-friendly activities that we had a hard time picking the best of the best.
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Best Things To Do in Pasadena Outdoors
1. Eaton Canyon Natural Area
Explore the trails, trees, waterfalls, and wildlife. The Nature Center is especially suited for little ones, as is the Family Nature Walk on Saturdays from 9am to 10am.
2. Victory Park
Enjoy a game of Frisbee and a picnic for a fun day at this sprawling park on the east side of the city.
3. Reese's Retreat
It's ships ahoy, matey every day at this universally accessible playground in Brookside Park near the Rose Bowl. Kids will love the foam-core bottom, musical activities, and bucket swings.
4. Arlington Garden
Delight in the sights and smells of Pasadena's only dedicated public garden. Have your kids see if they can identify all seven plant communities!
5. Pasadena Roving Archers
Sling some arrows at this archery range during one of their Saturday classes.
6. Arroyo Seco Golf Course
This golf course caters to families with its newly renovated nine-hole mini golf course. A fun outing on summer nights and weekends, purchase your tickets before 8pm!
Photo courtesy of the Norton Simon Museum
Museums Kids Love in Pasadena
7. The Huntington
Wander through 120 acres of botanical gardens, soaking in the breathtaking views of 15,000 plant varieties in more than a dozen gardens, including the children's Gardens (complete with water features).
8. USC Pacific Asia Museum
Stroll through and drink in the culture and arts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Every second Sunday is free for families, and activities include storytimes, performances, workshops, and more.
9. Gamble House
Take a tour of the American Arts and Crafts style house (children 12 and under get in free). Check out their family tour options for an experience catered to kids.
10. Norton Simon Museum
This museum offers more than just an array of glorious paintings. Your little ones might also enjoy the museum's Family Days,Young Artists Workshops, and more.
11. Kidspace Children's Museum
Head to Kidspace for a day of play and exploration. Kids will love exhibits like the Arroyo Pequeño water play area, the Physics Forest, and the Muddy Boot Farm. Check for Free First Fridays when admission is free during specific hours.
12. Wrigley Gardens
Older kids will enjoy a tour of the Tournament House and the 4.5-acre gardens featuring 1,500 varieties of roses, camellias, and annuals. Reservations are required, but the tour is free!
13. NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab
Launch your imaginations into space during Explore JPL, which is typically held in the spring. Be sure to bring sunscreen because many of the fun exhibits are outside!
Photo courtesy of Neon Retro Arcade
Best Things To Do in Pasaden: Activities with Kids
14. Pasadena Ice Skating Center.
Whirl and twirl in your skates at this indoor rink that offers daily skating sessions throughout the week. Don't know how to ice skate? Sign up for a lesson!
15. Bowlero Pasadena
And... strike! Go bowling with friends, and don't miss out on the fun food like burgers, chicken wings, and beverages for the adults.
16. Magical Playground
If inclement weather has you stumped for things to do, visit this indoor playground. The new racetrack will be a hit, as will the cool play firetruck.
17. Rose Bowl Loop
Walk, run, ride, or stroll around the Rose Bowl on this popular 3.3-mile paved loop. Flea Market Sunday is also a fun family outing but go early to avoid the heavy crowds.
18. Southern California Children's Museum
Play, explore, and learn at this spacious indoor children's museum. The exhibits change, so it's always something new, and the last Thursday of every month from 12:30pm-3:30pm is All-Abilities Hours, a dedicated playtime for kids with developmental differences.
19. Neon Retro Arcade
Play a few rounds of old-fashioned pinball or a classic arcade game like Donkey Kong, Galaga, and Ms. Pac-Man at this exciting throwback.
20. Explore CalTech
Pasadena is home to one of the most elite universities in the country, and it's also one of the most beautiful! Beat the summer heat by taking an architectural tour of the lush, shady grounds that are home to top scientists.
Life is a stage! Little Players photo courtesy of the Pasadena Playhouse
Things To Do in Pasadena With Art-Loving Kids
21. Armory Center for the Arts
Cruise the many exhibitions, or take a class. From the Ground Up, their newest exhibit opens Aug. 9, 2024, and runs through Feb. 23, 2025.
22. Art Center for Kids
Older kids and teens might enjoy taking a unique art class like DIY Printmaking + Textiles, Designing Cars, Darkroom Photography, or Character Design.
23. Theatre 360
Audition for a play or be a theatergoer at this award-winning children's theater. The Fall session starts on Sept. 9, 2024!
24. Pasadena Playhouse
See a show—especially a holiday panto—at this historic theater.
25. Levitt Pavilion
Enjoy a summer concert on the lawn at this gorgeous outdoor space in historic MacArthur Park.
You cream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream. Photo courtesy of Carmela Ice Cream/Facebook
Fun Things to Do in Pasadena With Food-Loving Kids
26. Little Flower Candy Co
This sweet cafe and candy shop is a must when it comes to things to do in Pasadena with kids. Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or some melt-in-your-mouth caramels).
27. Dots Cafe & Bakery
Dots started as a cupcake shop and recently changed locations to include a cafe. They still offer amazing cupcakes (think Meyer Lemon, Carrot, Dulce de Leche, Hazelnut Crucn, and more), but are now serving breakfast and lunch daily. They even have family-style meals available to go.
28. Pie 'n' Burger
This quintessential coffee shop opened in 1963 and has been serving up some of the best diner food in the area ever since. Come for a classic dish like the Swiss on rye or grilled tuna and stay for a slice of apple, cherry, lemon meringue, butterscotch, or boysenberry pie, to name a few.
29. Carmela's Artisan Creamery
Skip over for a scoop of small-batch organic dairy ice cream. There are so many amazing flavors, it's hard to know where to begin.
30. The Gourmet Cobbler Factory
The Gourmet Cobbler Factory is tops in the city for the other fruit-filled pastry. Plus, you can grab an authentic Southern BBQ lunch!
Things To Do in Pasadena With Kids Who Love to Shop
31. Pasadena Certified Farmers' Market
Fill your bags with fresh and local produce at Villa Park or Victory Park. Another great farmer's market option is the South Pasadena Farmer's Market.
32. Dinosaur Farm
If you've got a kid who loves all things prehistoric, a trip to the Dinosaur Farm is a must. One of Pasadena's most uniquely entertaining independent toy and bookshops, you'll find everything from puzzles to large stuffed dinos, room decor, and more.
33. Vroman's Books
Vroman's is Southern California's oldest and largest independent bookstore. Browse the aisles, find new books, and listen to a story or two at weekly storytimes.
This post was originally published on February 4, 2014.