32 Fun Things to Do in Pacific Palisades With Kids: An Ultimate Guide!
Looking for things to do in Pacific Palisades with kids? The Palisades is a special corner of Los Angeles, where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific. Families come here for canyon trails, a wide sandy beach, a Roman-style villa full of ancient art, and a small-town village feel that's hard to find anywhere else in the city.
The January 2025 Palisades Fire changed this community in lasting ways, and many homes, businesses and beloved landmarks are still being rebuilt. But a lot has come back, and more returns every season. We checked the current status of every spot in this guide, so you'll find only places that are open to visitors, plus a clear, honest rundown of what's still rebuilding. Visiting, shopping local and spending an afternoon here is one of the nicest ways your family can support the Palisades as it recovers.
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Kids Activities Near Me (Pacific Palisades Edition): At a Glance
Where it is: Pacific Palisades is a neighborhood of the City of Los Angeles (ZIP 90272), on the coast between Santa Monica and Malibu, bordered by Sunset Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
Best for: Beach days, easy-to-moderate hikes, picnics, a free world-class museum (the Getty Villa), polo on weekend afternoons and a stroll through the reopened Palisades Village.
Getting there & parking: Most families drive in via Sunset Boulevard or PCH. PCH is open, but expect reduced speed limits and occasional lane closures during rebuilding. State parks and the Getty Villa charge for parking; beach lots are run by LA County.
What's open now: The Getty Villa, Will Rogers State Beach, Will Rogers State Historic Park (partially), Temescal Gateway Park (partially), Lake Shrine's gardens, Palisades Village, the temporary Palisades Branch Library, Rustic Canyon Recreation Center and the Palisades Farmers Market (Wednesdays for now).
Free favorites: Getty Villa admission (reserve ahead), Lake Shrine's meditation gardens (reserve ahead), Will Rogers polo matches (with paid parking), library storytime, the beach bike path and the Palisades Village Green.
What's Reopened (and What's Still Rebuilding)
Before you head out, here's a quick, honest snapshot of the Palisades as of September 2026. Recovery is ongoing, so conditions can change quickly. It's always smart to check a venue's official page the morning you go.
Open: The Getty Villa reopened in June 2025. Will Rogers State Historic Park reopened with limited access in November 2025. Temescal Gateway Park reopened on July 17, 2026. Palisades Village held its grand reopening in August 2026, and the farmers market returned on August 19, 2026.
Partially open: At Will Rogers State Historic Park, the polo field, main lawn, picnic area and trails are open, but the historic Ranch House and stables were destroyed in the fire and the visitor center is closed for restoration. At Temescal Gateway Park, the picnic groves and the Rivas and Sunset trails are open, but the Temescal Canyon Trail to the waterfall remains closed.
Still rebuilding: The Palisades Recreation Center's old gym was demolished in May 2026 to make way for a new, larger facility. The Palisades Branch Library is serving the community from temporary bungalows in its parking lot.
Coming soon: Palisades Village's official directory lists Loomey's Toys and Erewhon as coming soon, so check the Village website before you plan a stop.
Closed for now: The Bay Theater at Palisades Village remains closed. Gladstones, the longtime restaurant at PCH and Sunset, is closed and slated to be replaced by a new restaurant. At Will Rogers State Beach, parking Lot 5 is closed during wildfire recovery.
Trail closures: In Topanga State Park, the Rustic Canyon, Rogers Road, Bent Arrow and Josepho Spur trails, the Temescal Canyon Trail and the Lower Topanga day-use area were still closed as of the park's latest update. Stay on open trails and obey posted signs.
Parks, Hikes & Outdoor Fun in Pacific Palisades
The canyons are healing, and the green coming back on the hillsides is something to see. These are the parks and trails that have reopened to families.
1501 Will Rogers State Park Road
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: $12 parking per vehicle
Best for: All ages
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset
The former ranch of humorist and cowboy star Will Rogers sits at the top of a winding road off Sunset Boulevard, and its huge main lawn is back open for picnics and cartwheels. Kids love the sheer amount of room to run, and the view across the polo field toward the ocean still feels like a secret.
The fire took the historic Ranch House and stables, and seeing the park now is a gentle way to talk with older kids about history and resilience. California State Parks staff saved more than 150 artifacts, including Will Rogers' typewriter, and the park is planning its restoration with community input. For now, come for the open space, the trails and the weekend polo.
Parent tip: Parking is limited, so arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends. Pack a full picnic since there's no café on-site, and bring a ball or frisbee for the lawn.
1501 Will Rogers State Park Road
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free with park parking
Best for: Ages 5 and up; carriers for little ones
This classic, moderate loop of about two miles climbs from the main lawn to Inspiration Point, where the view stretches from downtown to the Santa Monica Bay on a clear day. It's steady but manageable for school-age kids, and there's a real sense of accomplishment at the top.
State Parks reopened the loop in stages after the fire, and some connecting routes remain closed. Follow the signed open route, and you'll pass hillsides already sprouting fresh green growth, a nice lesson in how chaparral recovers.
Parent tip: The trail is exposed with little shade. Go early, bring more water than you think you'll need, and leave the stroller in the car.
1501 Will Rogers State Park Road
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free (paid parking)
When: Saturdays 2–5 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.–1 p.m., May through mid-October
Best for: All ages
Here's a Los Angeles experience most kids have never had: watching horses and riders thunder across the same field where Will Rogers himself once played polo with Hollywood friends. Matches run on weekends through mid-October, and admission is free once you've paid for parking.
Spread out a blanket on the sidelines, and the kids will be hooked by the speed, the swinging mallets and the thud of hooves. It's a relaxed, low-key scene, so little ones can snack, nap or wander the lawn while older kids follow the action and cheer for their favorite horse.
Parent tip: You've got only a few weekends left in the 2026 season, so plan soon. State Parks notes there are no matches on Memorial Day, July 4 or Labor Day weekends. Bring sun hats, since the sidelines have little shade.
15601 Sunset Boulevard
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free entry; parking $12 per day
Best for: All ages
After 18 months of closure, this woodsy canyon park reopened on July 17, 2026. The shady Sycamore Grove and Rubell picnic areas are back, and they make a lovely base for a family morning outdoors, especially on warm days.
Crews removed damaged trees and continue restoring the habitat, so you'll notice new plantings and some fenced-off areas. The popular Temescal Canyon Trail to the waterfall remains closed until further notice, but two other trails are open and great for families.
Parent tip: Parking at the entrance is $12 per day. The picnic groves are the easiest option for toddlers, and you can bring a full lunch.
Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 Sunset Boulevard
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free ($12 parking at Temescal Gateway Park)
Best for: Ages 6 and up
The rebuilt Rivas Trail, with brand-new stairs, climbs from Temescal Gateway Park to two scenic overlooks and links over to Will Rogers State Historic Park. It's a satisfying mini-adventure for kids who are ready for more than a flat walk but not a full summit day.
At the overlooks, pause for a snack and let the kids spot the ocean, the canyon and the regrowth on the ridges. Hikers with older kids can continue toward Will Rogers for a longer outing.
Parent tip: Plan the turnaround before you start. Many families hike to the first overlook and back, which keeps little legs happy.
Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 Sunset Boulevard
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free ($12 parking at Temescal Gateway Park)
Best for: Tweens and teens
For stronger hikers, the Sunset Trail leads from Temescal Gateway Park up to the Temescal Ridge Trail and into Topanga State Park. It's a bigger climb, and the payoff is wide ridge views over the Palisades and the coast.
This is a good pick for tweens and teens who want a real workout. Keep in mind that the Temescal Canyon Trail portion of the classic loop is still closed, so this is an out-and-back rather than the old waterfall loop.
Parent tip: Check the Topanga State Park alerts before you go, since some connecting trails are still closed. Start early to beat the heat.
Los Liones Trailhead, near 510 Los Liones Drive
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 4 and up (lower canyon); older kids for the overlook
Just off Sunset Boulevard near PCH, the Los Liones trailhead is Topanga State Park's front door in the Palisades, and it's open again. The lower stretch winds up a shady canyon, which makes it a friendly first hike for younger kids.
Keep going, and the trail connects to the East Topanga Fire Road and Parker Mesa Overlook, one of the best ocean viewpoints in the Santa Monica Mountains. That full trip is long, so save it for experienced hikers.
Parent tip: Dogs aren't allowed on Topanga State Park trails. Parking near the trailhead is limited, so arrive early on weekends.
Beaches & Bike Rides in Pacific Palisades
The ocean side of the Palisades is open and looking great. These are the best Pacific Palisades beaches and paths for families.
17700 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free beach; paid parking lots
Best for: All ages
With more than three miles of shoreline, Will Rogers State Beach has plenty of space for sandcastles, boogie boards and wave-jumping. Lifeguards are on duty, and families will find restrooms, showers, picnic tables, volleyball courts and a playground near the sand.
The water here is typically calmer than at many Malibu beaches, which is a relief for parents of new swimmers. It's also a favorite spot for beginner surfers, so older kids can watch lessons in action and pick up a few pointers.
Parent tip: Lot 1 (14800 PCH) and Lot 3 (15800 PCH) are open, while Lot 5 is closed during fire recovery. Set up near a lifeguard tower and close to the restrooms if you have little ones.
Starts at Will Rogers State Beach, 17700 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free
Best for: Kids who ride confidently; trailers and bike seats for little ones
The northern end of LA's famous beach bike path begins right at Will Rogers State Beach. From here it runs south along the sand toward Santa Monica and beyond, so your family can ride as far as legs, and snacks, allow.
The Palisades stretch is usually less crowded than the path near Santa Monica Pier, which makes it a good place for kids to build confidence. Ride south a few miles, and you'll reach the Santa Monica Pier for a treat before turning back.
Parent tip: Bring your own bikes and helmets. Weekday mornings are calmest, and ride single-file when the path gets busy.
Museums & Culture in Pacific Palisades
Two of the most peaceful and beautiful places in Los Angeles are right here, and both are free with a reservation.
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free admission with timed reservation; parking $25 per car ($15 after 3 p.m.)
Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays
Best for: Ages 4 and up
The Getty Villa reopened in June 2025, and it's still one of the most magical museum visits you can make with kids in LA. The building is modeled on an ancient Roman country house, with long reflecting pools, fountains, herb gardens and thousands of years' worth of Greek, Roman and Etruscan treasures.
Families should head straight to the Family Forum, a hands-on space where kids explore how ancient Greek vases were made and decorated. The museum also offers Art Detective Cards in English and Spanish and "The Demigods," an audio adventure inspired by the Percy Jackson books. Mythology fans will be in heaven, or at least on Mount Olympus.
Parent tip: Reserve free timed-entry tickets online before you go (up to six people per booking). The entrance is reached from northbound PCH only. Free stroller rentals are available, and you can bring a picnic to the public seating areas.
17080 Sunset Boulevard
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free
Reservations: Required (released Saturdays at 10 a.m. for the following week)
Best for: Calm kids of all ages
Just up Sunset from the beach, Lake Shrine is a spring-fed lake ringed by gardens, waterfalls, a windmill-style chapel and a gold-topped archway. Swans, ducks, turtles and koi make it easy to hold a young child's attention, and the paths are gentle and scenic.
The meditation gardens reopened after the fire, and families and children are welcome. It's a place of worship and quiet reflection, so think of this as a peaceful stroll rather than a playground stop. For kids who need a reset after a busy week, it can be surprisingly soothing.
Parent tip: The gardens are open Wednesday through Saturday and Sunday afternoon, with arrival windows from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Book early, keep voices low and skip bringing pets, since only service animals are allowed.
Libraries, Classes & Recreation in Pacific Palisades
861 Alma Real Drive
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 1–5 p.m.
Best for: Babies through middle schoolers
The Los Angeles Public Library is serving Palisades families from a temporary setup of bungalows in the library parking lot. It's cozy, welcoming and a lovely sign of community life returning to the heart of town.
Little ones can join Baby and Toddler Storytime on Tuesday mornings in the Green Bungalow, and kids in grades 4 through 7 can join a monthly middle-grade book club. It's also an easy place to pick up a few new picture books for the week.
Parent tip: Storytime starts at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, before regular afternoon hours begin. Your LA library card also unlocks free perks, from museum passes to streaming.
1311 Greentree Road
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free park; fees for classes and camps
Best for: Ages 3 and up
Tucked into leafy Rustic Canyon, this City of LA park is back in full swing for fall 2026. Kids' classes include tennis, basketball, ballet, dance and ceramics, plus new Hip Hop Dance for ages 5 to 10 and a Volleyball Clinic for ages 12 to 16.
The park also runs seasonal camps during school breaks, which is handy for working parents. The pool reopened this summer and closed for the season after Labor Day, so mark it for next year.
Parent tip: Call the park office at 310-454-5734 to ask about class openings and fall and winter camp registration. Popular classes fill quickly.
Shopping, Strolling & Family Eats in Pacific Palisades
Palisades Village reopened in August 2026 after a major restoration, and it's once again the neighborhood's favorite gathering place. Here's where to wander, shop and snack.
15225 Palisades Village Lane
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free to stroll
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (individual shop hours vary)
Best for: All ages
This walkable outdoor shopping village, owned by Caruso, reopened in August 2026 with every storefront repainted and cleaned after smoke damage. Most shops and restaurants are already open, and the rest are returning over the coming months. Families should keep an eye out for Loomey's Toys, the beloved local toy shop that lost its original store in the fire; the Village lists it as coming soon, along with Erewhon.
The landscaped Village Green is a natural hangout for families, with room for little ones to wiggle while parents grab a coffee. It also hosts community events, like the plant-based Pali VegFest held there in August 2026, and live music on Swarthmore Avenue on weekends.
Parent tip: Come on a Wednesday afternoon to pair a stroll with the farmers market on Swarthmore Avenue. Weekday mornings are the easiest time to find parking.
Palisades Village, 15225 Palisades Village Lane
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Check in-store for current prices
Best for: All ages
K Bakery is back at Palisades Village, and a pastry stop is basically mandatory on any family outing. The case is filled with artisan pastries and sweet treats that pair well with a coffee for you and a hot chocolate for them.
It makes an easy reward after library storytime or a walk around the Village. Grab a bag of treats and head to the Village Green to enjoy them in the sun.
Parent tip: Go earlier in the day for the best selection, especially on weekends, before the most popular items sell out. Check the Village website for current hours.
Palisades Village, 15225 Palisades Village Lane
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Check the menu for current prices
Best for: Families with kids who can sit for a meal
This relaxed neighborhood restaurant has returned to Palisades Village, and it's a comfortable pick for a sit-down lunch after a morning at the beach. The seasonal, California-inspired menu includes salads, house-made pastas, sandwiches and daily specials, with enough familiar options for picky eaters.
Sitting down together in the Village feels like a small celebration of the town's return. It's a nice way to mark a family day out, especially with grandparents in tow.
Parent tip: Weekend lunch gets busy, so reserve online or go on a weekday. Ask for a patio table so little ones can people-watch.
Palisades Village, 15225 Palisades Village Lane
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Check the menu for current prices
Best for: Adventurous eaters and sushi-loving kids
Blue Ribbon Sushi is another returning Village favorite, and it's a fun meal out for families with sushi fans. Kids who aren't ready for raw fish can usually find cooked rolls and simple sides.
If your kids love watching the chefs work, ask for seats with a view of the action. It turns an ordinary meal into a little show, and it's a tasty way to support a Village favorite.
Parent tip: Go at an off-peak time for the easiest seating with kids, and check the restaurant's current hours before you go since some Village tenants are still settling in. The expanded outdoor patio is a nice option with wiggly little ones.
Swarthmore Avenue at Palisades Village (1035 Swarthmore Avenue)
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Cost: Free to browse
When: Wednesdays, 1:30–5:30 p.m. (temporary schedule)
Best for: All ages
The Palisades Farmers Market came home to Swarthmore Avenue on August 19, 2026, and it's one of the most heartwarming stops in town. Local farmers bring seasonal produce, avocados, citrus, eggs and flowers, along with prepared foods and artisan vendors.
For now, the market runs on Wednesday afternoons, which makes it a perfect after-school outing. Give each kid a few dollars to choose their own fruit, and watch them take the job seriously.
Parent tip: The organizers describe this as a first step back, and it isn't yet the traditional Sunday market. Check the market organizer's site for updates on a return to Sundays.
Related: LA Farmers' Markets for Families
Annual Events & Seasonal Fun in Pacific Palisades
Palisades Americanism Parade (Fourth of July)
When: Usually July 4
Where: Along Sunset Boulevard and the Village area, Pacific Palisades
For decades, the Palisades has celebrated Independence Day with a hometown parade, a morning race and fireworks, and it's one of the most beloved small-town traditions on the Westside. Kids line the curb with flags, and the whole town seems to turn out.
Parent tip: If the parade runs, bring folding chairs and claim a curb spot early. Street closures make walking or biking in easier than driving.
When: May through mid-October; Saturdays 2–5 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Will Rogers State Historic Park, Pacific Palisades
The polo season is a longtime Palisades weekend ritual. Families picnic along the field, cheer for the riders and soak up one of the prettiest settings in Los Angeles.
The season wraps up in mid-October, and matches typically return in May. Admission is free with park parking, which makes it one of the best-value weekend outings on the Westside.
Parent tip: Sunday morning matches are cooler and easier with young kids than Saturday afternoons.
Nearby: Easy Add-Ons in Topanga, Santa Monica and Brentwood
Pacific Palisades is small, and it's still rebuilding, so we've rounded up great family stops a short drive away. Most are 10 to 15 minutes from Palisades Village, and Trippet Ranch in Topanga is closer to 20. Each one is outside the Palisades, and we've labeled the city for every stop.
20828 Entrada Road
Topanga, CA 90290
Cost: $10 parking per vehicle
Best for: Ages 3 and up
About 20 minutes from the Village, Trippet Ranch is the main entrance to Topanga State Park, and it reopened for day use in June 2026 along with most backcountry trails. A pond, shady oaks and picnic tables make it a gentle outing for young kids.
The short nature loop is easy for small hikers, while older kids can head toward Eagle Rock for big views. It feels a world away from the city, even though it's so close.
Parent tip: Dogs aren't allowed on the trails. Check the park's alerts page for the few trails that remain closed before you set out.
Ocean Avenue between Colorado Avenue and Adelaide Drive
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
First, a quick clarification that trips up plenty of visitors: Palisades Park is in Santa Monica, not Pacific Palisades. This long, skinny clifftop park stretches along Ocean Avenue, with tall palms, grassy lawns, benches and big views over the bay and back toward the Palisades bluffs.
The wide, flat paths are ideal for strollers, scooters and little bikes, and you'll find restrooms, picnic tables, a rose garden and the Camera Obscura Art Lab along the way. Time your walk for late afternoon, and the kids can watch the pier's Ferris wheel start to glow. Is there a better free show in town?
Parent tip: Stay back from the bluff edges, which are off-limits because of erosion. Metered parking along Ocean Avenue fills fast, so try the structures near Third Street Promenade.
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cost: Free to walk; pay per ride, game or treat
Best for: All ages
The historic Santa Monica Pier is about 10 minutes south of the Palisades, and it's an easy classic for kids of every age. Stroll past the vintage carousel, watch street performers, peek at people fishing off the rails and walk all the way out to the end for an ocean breeze.
You can enjoy the pier without spending a dime, or add rides, arcade games and snacks as you go. Look back toward the coast, and the kids can pick out the Palisades bluffs rising above the beach where your day may have started.
Parent tip: Go on a weekday morning or right at opening to avoid the biggest crowds. Pick a meeting spot, like the carousel, in case anyone gets separated.
380 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cost: Free admission; pay per ride or buy a wristband (check the official site for prices)
Best for: Ages 3 and up
This compact, admission-free amusement park sits right on the pier, with 12 rides, including the solar-powered Pacific Wheel, the West Coaster roller coaster high above the water and a cluster of gentle kiddie rides. It's the right size for an hour or two of fun rather than an all-day commitment.
Little ones gravitate to the smaller rides, while older kids make a beeline for the coaster. A Ferris wheel ride near sunset, with the coastline stretching all the way to Malibu, is one of those classic LA moments your family will talk about later.
Parent tip: Height requirements vary by ride, so check them before buying a wristband. For toddlers who only want a ride or two, individual tickets may be the better deal.
1600 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cost: $12 ages 13+, $5 ages 4–12, free ages 3 and under
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, noon–4 p.m.
Best for: Ages 2–10
Tucked right under the Santa Monica Pier, this small, nonprofit-run aquarium focuses on the creatures that live just off our own coastline. Kids can get up close with local fish, sea stars, crabs and other marine life, and the touch tanks are usually the highlight for younger visitors.
It's a quick, manageable visit that works well for short attention spans, and it makes a nice hot-day or gray-day backup. The educators are great at connecting what kids see in the tanks to caring for the beach just outside the door.
Parent tip: The aquarium is open weekends only and occasionally closes for special events, so check the calendar before you go. Visit first, while everyone is fresh, then head up to the pier.
415 Pacific Coast Highway
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Cost: Free beach and playground; fees for the pool and parking
Best for: All ages
Only about five minutes south of the Palisades on PCH, this public beach club makes a full beach day wonderfully easy. You'll find a playground, a splash pad, beach volleyball courts and a historic outdoor pool that opens seasonally, all steps from a wide, sandy beach.
The property was once part of actress Marion Davies' oceanfront estate, and the restored guest house hosts tours and community programs. Older kids who like a little history with their beach time may find it surprisingly interesting.
Parent tip: Pool season, hours and reservation rules change through the year. Check the official site before you promise the kids a swim.
1615 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 1–10
Across Ocean Avenue from the pier, Tongva Park is a sculpted green space with winding paths, overlooks, gardens and a creative play area. The rolling hills make it feel like a mini adventure, even for kids who say they've outgrown playgrounds.
The park honors the Tongva people, the original inhabitants of the Los Angeles Basin, which makes for a good conversation starter with curious kids. It's also a much calmer place to regroup than the busy pier.
Parent tip: Use Tongva Park as your home base on a pier day. Play here first, walk to the pier, then come back for a snack break on the grass.
601 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cost: Free
Best for: Babies through teens
This bright, modern library is a Westside favorite, with a large children's area, cozy reading spots and a busy calendar of storytimes, crafts and school-break programs. It's a comfortable place to spend a rainy morning or a hot afternoon.
While the Palisades Branch Library serves the community from temporary bungalows, Santa Monica Main Library is a great nearby option for longer browsing sessions. Kids can stock up on picture books, chapter books and graphic novels for the week.
Parent tip: The library has an underground parking garage, which makes it an easy stroller stop. Check the events calendar before you go to catch a storytime.
Third Street Promenade between Broadway and Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Cost: Free to stroll
Best for: All ages
This car-free, three-block shopping street is lined with shops, restaurants and street performers, so there's always something for kids to watch. Little ones especially love the dinosaur topiary fountains that have been Promenade landmarks for years.
The Promenade is an easy walk from the pier and Tongva Park, so you can stitch together a whole Santa Monica day without moving the car. It's also handy for a quick lunch when everyone is hungry at the same time.
Parent tip: Weekend afternoons bring the most performers and the biggest crowds. For a calmer stroll with a stroller, try a weekday morning.
2439 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 1–8
Douglas Park is a charming neighborhood park with a pond, a shallow seasonal water play area, playgrounds and big shade trees. It's a favorite with toddlers and preschoolers, and it feels relaxed compared with the busier parks near the beach.
Kids can watch the ducks, run across the lawn and climb on the play structures, while parents enjoy a little shade. Pack a picnic, and you've got an easy, low-cost morning out.
Parent tip: The water play area operates seasonally, so check the city's page before you promise a splash day. Bring a change of clothes either way.
1133 7th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 2–12
Reed Park is a busy downtown Santa Monica park with a playground, tennis and basketball courts and open grass for running around. It's a short walk from Santa Monica Main Library, which makes storytime plus playground an easy combo.
The park also hosts community events throughout the year, so keep an eye on the city calendar for family-friendly happenings.
Parent tip: Street parking can be tight. Park once in the library garage and walk to both.
225 26th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Cost: Free to stroll
Best for: All ages
Despite the name, this red-barn shopping courtyard sits just inside Santa Monica at the Brentwood border, about 10 minutes from the Palisades. It's been a family hangout for generations, with a central courtyard where kids can snack at picnic tables while parents browse.
Kids head straight for Toy Crazy and Sweet Rose Creamery, while Barney's Burgers and Frida Taqueria cover a quick lunch. The Mart also hosts family events like movie nights, storytime and a fall pumpkin patch, and it's a natural stop after a morning at the Getty Center.
Parent tip: The small parking lot fills up on weekends. Weekday mornings are the easiest time to visit with little ones.
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Cost: Free with timed reservation; parking $25 per car ($15 after 3 p.m.)
Hours: 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Tuesday–Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday; closed Mondays
Best for: Ages 4 and up
The Getty Villa's hilltop sibling is about 15 minutes away in Brentwood, and for many kids the adventure starts before they see a single painting. A driverless tram carries you up the hill, where white travertine buildings, fountains and terraces open onto views from the mountains to the ocean.
Wander the Central Garden, with its zigzag path and floating azalea maze, then duck into the galleries for a short, focused look. The cactus garden overlook is a favorite photo spot. Admission is free, so it's fine to keep the visit short and sweet.
Parent tip: Reserve free timed-entry tickets online. Saturday evenings are a fun option, since the museum stays open until 9 p.m. and parking is free after 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Some galleries are closed for renovation, so pick two or three to visit.
2701 North Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Cost: Adults $20; seniors, students and kids 2–17 $15; under 2 free; free for everyone on Thursdays (free on-site parking)
Hours: Tuesday–Friday noon–5 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Mondays
Best for: Ages 2–8
Noah's Ark at the Skirball is one of the most imaginative indoor play spaces in Los Angeles. A giant wooden ark sits at the center of the gallery, surrounded by hundreds of handcrafted animals made from everyday objects, and kids are invited to climb, build, pump water and help weather a make-believe storm.
It's hands-on from start to finish, which makes it a lifesaver on a hot or rainy day. Noah's Ark reopened in December 2025 after a major renovation, and a ticket also includes the new outdoor Bloom Garden.
Parent tip: Noah's Ark uses 90-minute timed entry, so reserve ahead. Weekend mornings, when the Skirball opens at 10 a.m., are the best time for little ones. Check the site before you go, since private events occasionally limit parking.
Heading up the coast instead? Our guide to fun things to do in Malibu with kids covers beaches, piers and parks about 20 minutes north on PCH. Check PCH conditions first, since rebuilding work can cause lane closures between the Palisades and Malibu.
Parent Tips for Visiting Pacific Palisades With Kids
Check status the morning you go. Recovery work is ongoing, so trail closures, parking lots and business hours can change. Official park and venue pages are your best source.
Plan around PCH. Pacific Coast Highway is open with reduced speed limits and occasional lane closures. Sunset Boulevard is often the easier way into the village and the canyon parks.
Reserve the free stuff. The Getty Villa and Lake Shrine are both free but require advance reservations, and weekend slots go fast.
Bring water and sun protection. Many trails are exposed after the fire, with less shade than before. Hats and extra water make a big difference for kids.
Be respectful. Many families are still rebuilding their homes. Stay on public streets and trails, keep noise down in residential areas and don't photograph private properties or construction sites.
Shop local. Buying lunch, a toy or a pastry in town is one of the easiest and most meaningful ways to support the Palisades as it recovers.
Takeaway
Pacific Palisades is still healing, but families have plenty of reasons to visit this fall. You can explore the Getty Villa for free, spend a day at Will Rogers State Beach, picnic under the sycamores at Temescal Gateway Park or catch a polo match before the season ends in mid-October.
When you're ready for more, Santa Monica, Brentwood and Malibu are just minutes away. Check out our guides to fun things to do in Santa Monica with kids and fun things to do in Brentwood with kids to build out your day.
Every visit, every pastry and every toy bought in town helps the Palisades come back a little stronger. We'll keep this guide updated as more of the community reopens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best free things to do in Pacific Palisades with kids?
The best free things to do in Pacific Palisades with kids include the Getty Villa (free with a timed reservation, paid parking), the Lake Shrine meditation gardens (free with a reservation), Will Rogers polo matches (free with paid parking), library storytime and the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Will Rogers State Beach is free to enjoy, though the lots charge for parking.
2. Is Pacific Palisades open to visitors after the fire?
Yes, Pacific Palisades is open to visitors, and many family favorites have reopened. The Getty Villa, Will Rogers State Beach, Palisades Village, Lake Shrine and parts of Will Rogers State Historic Park and Temescal Gateway Park are open, while some trails, the Bay Theater and the Palisades Recreation Center are still closed or rebuilding.
3. Is the Getty Villa open, and do kids need tickets?
Yes, the Getty Villa is open daily except Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for everyone, but every visitor, including children, needs a free timed-entry reservation. Parking is $25 per car, or $15 after 3 p.m.
4. Can you still hike to the Temescal Canyon waterfall?
No, the Temescal Canyon Trail to the waterfall is still closed because of fire damage. Families can hike the reopened Rivas Trail and Sunset Trail from Temescal Gateway Park instead.
5. What is the best Pacific Palisades beach for kids?
Will Rogers State Beach is the best Pacific Palisades beach for kids. It has lifeguards, restrooms, a playground, picnic tables and gentle waves, and Lots 1 and 3 are open for parking.
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