50 Fun Things to Do in Pasadena With Kids: An Ultimate Guide!
Pasadena is the kind of city that keeps surprising parents. One morning you're pushing a stroller around the Rose Bowl, and by lunchtime your kids are splashing through water play at a children's museum or wandering a world-class art museum for free. If you've been hunting for things to do in Pasadena with kids, you're in the right place.
We verified every stop in this guide on official websites, so you'll find current prices, free days and honest notes about what's open. You'll also find parks and playgrounds, museums, libraries, sweet treats, seasonal events, and a few easy add-ons just over the city line.
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Kids Activities Near Me (Pasadena Edition): At a Glance
Where it is: Pasadena sits in the San Gabriel Valley, about 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, with the Arroyo Seco on its west side and Old Pasadena at its heart.
Best for: Families with kids of every age, from babies at library lap-sits to tweens on the Rose Bowl Loop and teens at the skate park.
Getting there & parking: Metro's A Line (formerly the Gold Line) stops at Memorial Park and Del Mar stations near Old Pasadena. City Park & Walk garages in Old Pasadena charge $1 for the first two hours, and Rose Bowl Lot I parking is free on non-event days.
Best time to go: Weekday mornings for museums and parks, and fall and spring for comfortable outdoor days. Always check the Rose Bowl event calendar before heading to the Arroyo on a game or concert day.
Free favorites: Norton Simon Museum (free under 18), Arlington Garden, the Rose Bowl Loop, city playgrounds and splash pad, Armory Center for the Arts, library storytimes, and USC Pacific Asia Museum's Free 2nd Sundays.
Fire update: Eaton Canyon Natural Area remains closed after the January 2025 Eaton Fire, and its nature center was destroyed. Every foothill spot in this guide was confirmed open in September 2026.
Free Things to Do in Pasadena With Kids
Budget-friendly days are easy in Pasadena. These are completely free, or free for kids:
Norton Simon Museum: always free for visitors under 18, plus free for everyone on the first Friday of the month from 4 to 7 p.m.
USC Pacific Asia Museum: free for kids 14 and under, and free for all on the second Sunday of the month.
Pasadena Museum of History: gallery admission is free for kids under 18.
Gamble House: the grounds are free to explore, and kids 12 and under tour free.
Arlington Garden, the Rose Bowl Loop and the Arroyo Seco trails: free every day.
Armory Center for the Arts: free exhibition admission.
City parks, La Pintoresca Splash Pad (summer) and library storytimes: always free.
Rose Bowl Flea Market: kids under 12 get in free with an adult.
Parks, Playgrounds & Outdoor Fun in Pasadena
Pasadena's park system is huge, and most city parks are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Here are the ones worth crossing town for, plus a few neighborhood favorites.
360 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Brookside is Pasadena's largest fully maintained park, stretching across 61 acres just south of the Rose Bowl. It's also home base for a whole day of fun. Kidspace Children's Museum sits right here, along with a playground, shady picnic areas with barbecue pits, a swimming pool, tennis courts and an amphitheater.
Baseball fans can peek at Jackie Robinson Stadium, a 4,200-seat ballfield named for Pasadena's most famous hometown hero. Pack lunch, claim a picnic table and let the kids run between the playground and the grass while you plan your next stop.
Parent Tip: Park in free Rose Bowl Lot I on non-event days, and pair the park with a Kidspace visit so you can break up museum time with a picnic outside.
Main entrance on S. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Free to visit; archery lessons through Pasadena Roving Archers
Best for: Ages 5 and up
The Lower Arroyo feels like a secret canyon tucked below the city. Its historic casting pond is where local fly-fishers practice their technique, and kids love watching the lines whip out over the water. Trails and picnic spots line the arroyo, too.
The park also has an archery range. The Pasadena Roving Archers manage the range and offer lessons on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You'll need to complete their safety class before you can shoot on your own, so start with a lesson.
Parent Tip: Call the Pasadena Roving Archers at (626) 460-0520 before you go to ask about current lesson times and the minimum age for kids.
Oak Grove Dr. and Foothill Blvd. (southeast corner)
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Cost: Free
Best for: Hikes, disc golf and nature play
This 1,300-acre city park sits at the top of the Arroyo Seco, stretching from Devil's Gate Dam toward the San Gabriel Mountains. It's one of the best open foothill spots for families right now. LA County suggested it as an alternative after the Eaton Fire closed Eaton Canyon.
Families come for the network of trails, picnic areas with barbecues, and a 24-hole disc golf course that older kids tend to get hooked on. Open, sunny stretches make it feel like real wilderness, even though you're only minutes from town.
Parent Tip: The park is open from 6 a.m. to sundown. Go early on hot days, and bring a few discs if your kids want to try the disc golf course.
275 Arlington Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Free
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Arlington Garden is Pasadena's free public garden, a water-wise, climate-appropriate habitat full of native and drought-tolerant plants. Paths wind through the garden, so kids can wander, spot pollinators and learn what grows well in Southern California.
The garden is community supported and kid friendly, and leashed pets are welcome. It's a peaceful stop before or after the Norton Simon, which is just a few minutes away.
Parent Tip: Remind kids to leave the flowers, pods and fruit on the plants. Bring a small sketchbook so they have something to do with their hands besides picking.
Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Free
Best for: Strollers, scooters, bikes and new riders
The 3.3-mile loop around the Rose Bowl is where Pasadena goes to walk, jog, bike and scooter. It's closed to regular car traffic and nearly flat, with only about 124 feet of elevation gain, so it's a great place for a kid who just ditched training wheels.
Your family can go the whole way or just do a lap past the stadium and turn back. There's not a lot of shade on much of the route, so morning is the sweet spot. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the San Gabriel Mountains make a pretty backdrop the whole way around.
Parent Tip: Bring water, sunscreen and hats, and check the Rose Bowl calendar first, because game and concert days change parking and crowds completely.
275 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Free park
Best for: All ages
Central Park is a 9-acre green space just south of Old Pasadena, with a children's playground, a rose garden, picnic tables and restrooms. It's an easy place to let kids burn off energy after lunch in Old Pasadena.
The park is also home to the Pasadena Lawn Bowling & Croquet Club, founded in 1921, which has two bowling greens and a clubhouse. The club has long offered free Saturday-morning lessons to newcomers, and watching a match on the green is surprisingly relaxing.
Parent Tip: Call the Pasadena Lawn Bowling & Croquet Club at (626) 578-9165 to confirm current lesson times and ask about minimum ages for kids. Wear flat-soled shoes if you want to try the greens.
85 E. Holly St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Free
Best for: Playground breaks and summer concerts
Memorial Park is Old Pasadena's backyard, with a playground, picnic areas and a historic bandshell. The Metro Memorial Park station is right next door, which makes it a great car-free outing for kids who love trains.
In summer, the bandshell hosts the free Levitt VIBE Pasadena Music Series on Saturday evenings. The rest of the year, it's a handy playground stop between museums, shopping and snacks.
Parent Tip: Ride the Metro A Line to Memorial Park station, play for a bit, then walk a few blocks to Old Pasadena for ice cream.
2575 Paloma St.
Pasadena, CA 91107
Cost: Free
Best for: Big playground days and sports
Victory Park spans almost 25 acres in east Pasadena and was created as a living memorial to Americans who died in World War II. Today it's a busy family park with a large children's play area, four lighted baseball diamonds, a sand volleyball court and picnic shelters.
It's also where the city holds its free Fall Festival, with costume contests, carnival games and free food. On a regular Saturday, you'll see youth baseball games, birthday parties and plenty of kids on the play structures.
Parent Tip: Weekend mornings can get busy with sports. For quieter playground time, go on a weekday afternoon.
45 E. Washington Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Free
Splash pad: Daily 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day
La Pintoresca is a small park that fits a lot in. It has Pasadena's city splash pad, a newly renovated skate area, a playground, a lighted basketball court and big shade trees over open grass. The La Pintoresca Branch Library is right on-site, too.
In summer, little kids head straight for the splash pad while older siblings try tricks at the skate area. The rest of the year, it's still a solid playground-and-library combo.
Parent Tip: Pack a towel and a dry outfit in summer. Then cool off inside the library afterward with a stack of picture books.
1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Free park; pool programs vary
Best for: Roller skating, swimming and sports
Robinson Park is a 7-acre community park with something you don't see at most playgrounds: an outdoor roller skating rink. It also has four lighted basketball courts, softball diamonds, a playing field and picnic areas.
The park is home to the Honorable John J. Kennedy Pool, where the city's aquatics office runs seasonal swim programs. In summer, the city offers free swim team and water polo for kids ages 7 to 17, and Learn to Swim classes.
Parent Tip: Bring your own skates and helmets for the rink. For swim lessons, call the city's Learn to Swim line at (626) 744-7330 early in spring, before summer spots fill up.
Access points along N. and S. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Free
Best for: Family walks and hikes, all ages
The Arroyo Seco, Spanish for "dry gulch," runs eight miles through western Pasadena and holds nearly 1,000 acres of parkland and about 22 miles of trails. It was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, which is a fun fact to share with kids when they ask why the bridges look so old.
Trails are open sunrise to sunset every day of the year. Hikers, joggers, equestrians and leashed dogs share the dirt paths, while cyclists stick to paved roads. You'll find easy wandering stretches for little legs and longer routes for older kids.
Parent Tip: Download the city's Arroyo Seco trail map before you go, since cell service can get spotty down in the canyon.
363 E. Villa St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Cost: Free
Best for: Summer swimming, playground and library time
Villa Parke is an 8-acre park near downtown with a children's play area, a lighted soccer field, a softball diamond and basketball backboards. Its swimming pool opens in the summer months.
The Villa Parke Community Center also has a branch library with toddler storytimes, so you can make a morning of it. In fall, the community center hosts the city's free Día de los Muertos celebration.
Parent Tip: Check the library's storytime calendar before you go. A playground-plus-storytime morning here is one of the easiest free outings in town.
701 E. Union St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Cost: Free
Best for: Toddlers and preschoolers
This small park in the Playhouse Village neighborhood is a gem for young families. It has an accessible playground with rubberized surfacing, walking paths, open grass and separate dog areas for big and small dogs.
Parents will appreciate the gender-neutral restrooms with baby-changing tables and a small on-site parking lot. It's only a short walk from Vroman's Bookstore, so it's easy to pair storytime with play.
Parent Tip: Combine a Wednesday 11 a.m. storytime at Vroman's with a playground break here afterward.
3100 E. Del Mar Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
Cost: Free
Best for: East Pasadena families
Eaton Blanche is a pleasant 5.5-acre neighborhood park in east Pasadena with a playground, a rose garden, picnic tables, lighted tennis courts and a basketball court. It's quieter than the big parks, which is exactly why local parents like it.
The rose garden is a nice surprise for kids who have only seen roses on Rose Parade floats. Bring a ball and a picnic and you've got an easy afternoon.
Parent Tip: There's an on-site parking lot and restrooms, which makes this an easy stop with toddlers.
3680 Cartwright St.
Pasadena, CA 91107
Cost: Free
Best for: Sporty kids
Hamilton Park is a 6-acre park near Pasadena's eastern edge. It has three softball diamonds, two lighted tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, a multipurpose field and a children's play area.
If your kids like to practice batting, tennis and a round on the slide all in one trip, this is a great pick. Picnic areas and plenty of parking make it easy to stay a while.
Parent Tip: Bring your own tennis racquets and balls. The courts make a great place to introduce kids to the game on a weekday afternoon.
3026 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
Cost: Free
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to dusk
Viña Vieja is one of Pasadena's newer parks, with a playground, lighted walking paths, pickleball courts, a multipurpose field and a large picnic shelter. It also has Alice's Dog Park, with separate areas for large and small dogs.
Families with a dog and a toddler can do both at once here. Older kids can try pickleball, which has become a family favorite game.
Parent Tip: Alice's Dog Park is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance, so plan dog days around that.
391 S. Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Free
Tours: Thursdays at 2 p.m. in late spring and summer (2027 dates to be announced)
The Wrigley Mansion, once owned by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., is now the headquarters of the Tournament of Roses. Free one-hour tours dig into the history of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, and kids can see the mansion that runs Pasadena's biggest party.
In 2026, tours ran every Thursday from May 7 through August 27. The grounds are open for daytime picnicking. Children are welcome with adult supervision.
Parent Tip: Tours require a free ticket for every guest, booked at least one day ahead. Watch for 2027 dates in spring, and note that nearby street parking has two-hour limits.
1501 E. Villa St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Free
Best for: Neighborhood playground time
Jefferson Park is a 4-acre neighborhood park with a playground, a lighted softball diamond, a basketball court and picnic areas. Pickleball courts are across the street at Jefferson Elementary School.
It's just steps from the Jefferson Branch, the library's dedicated Children and Teen Services location. That makes it an easy pairing for a book-and-playground morning.
Parent Tip: Check out books at the Jefferson Branch first, then read one on a bench here while the kids play.
232 S. Michigan Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
Cost: Free
Best for: Picnics and barbecues
Grant Park is a cozy 2.5-acre park with a playground, lighted tennis courts, a half basketball court, a softball diamond and three horseshoe pits. Shaded picnic tables and barbecue pits make it a natural spot for a casual family cookout.
Horseshoes are an old-school game that kids pick up quickly, and there's no screen involved. Bring your own set or just enjoy the playground.
Parent Tip: Go on a weekday to snag a shaded picnic table without a reservation.
1000 Mountain Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91104
Cost: Free
Best for: Northeast Pasadena families
McDonald Park is a nearly 5-acre neighborhood park with a playground, picnic shelters, a pergola, basketball and volleyball courts, pickleball, a handball court and a softball diamond.
It has lots of variety for a neighborhood park, so it works for mixed-age families. Younger kids can use the playground while older kids shoot hoops.
Parent Tip: Court hours are limited on weekdays, so check the city page before you go if you're planning on pickleball.
235 Barthe Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Free
Best for: Toddlers
Brenner Park is a small 1.7-acre neighborhood park near Mountain Street with a tot lot, a small open play area, picnic tables, a lighted basketball court, a tennis court and a softball diamond.
Its small size is actually a plus with toddlers who like to wander. It's easy to keep everyone in sight.
Parent Tip: This is a great quick stop for west-side families, with restrooms on-site for potty-training emergencies.
Museums & Culture: Things to Do in Pasadena With Kids
Pasadena's museums are unusually generous to families. Several are free for kids every day.
480 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: $17 adults and kids 1+; $15 seniors; under 1 free
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Kidspace is Pasadena's must-do for kids ages 1 to 10. The museum sits on a 3.5-acre campus in Brookside Park, and much of it is outdoors. Expect climbing structures, water features, musical installations and dozens of hands-on exhibits.
Little ones can dig in at the Muddy Boot Farm, where kids plant and grow, and babies have their own space at the Early Childhood Learning Center. Through October 31, 2026, Halloween at Kidspace adds costume parades, monster crafts and a witch's kitchen. Watch for Free First Fridays on the museum's calendar.
Parent Tip: Kidspace doesn't accept cash, and indoor galleries fill up first come, first served. Pack a change of clothes and shoes for water play, and park free in Rose Bowl Lot I.
411 W. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Free under 18; adults $20
Hours: Mon, Thu & Sun 12–5 p.m.; Fri–Sat 12–7 p.m.; closed Tue–Wed
The Norton Simon holds one of the world's finest art collections, and it's free for anyone under 18. Kids can play "I spy" with paintings and sculptures inside, then head outside to the museum's garden to stretch their legs.
Admission is free for everyone on the first Friday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m. Students with ID get in free anytime, too. You don't need advance tickets, but the museum recommends them.
Parent Tip: Keep the first visit short. Pick three pieces to find, then reward the effort with a snack in the garden café, which closes at 4:45 p.m. (6:45 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).
46 N. Los Robles Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Cost: Kids 14 and under free; adults $15
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
This museum is one of only four U.S. institutions dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Kids 14 and under are always free.
On Free 2nd Sundays, the museum often adds art-making, storytime, tours and performances. The annual Lunar New Year festival is also free, with dance, music and martial arts performances and hands-on crafts.
Parent Tip: Use the free museum lot at Los Robles Avenue and Union Street, just north of the building.
470 W. Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Kids under 18 free; adults $9
Hours: Galleries Thursday–Sunday, 12–5 p.m.
Want to show your kids how Pasadena became Pasadena? This museum's galleries are free for kids under 18. Through January 2027, "Where History Meets the Road" celebrates Route 66 and Colorado Boulevard with memorabilia and vintage photos, which works well for car-loving kids.
The 1906 Fenyes Mansion next door is open by guided tour ($20, advance registration required), with its original furnishings and art. Older kids who like old houses will enjoy it most.
Parent Tip: Tell kids to look for Route 66 in person afterward. Colorado Boulevard in Old Pasadena is part of the famous road.
4 Westmoreland Pl.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Kids 12 and under free; adults $15
Tours: Tuesdays and Thursday–Sunday
Built in 1908 by architects Charles and Henry Greene, the Gamble House is a National Historic Landmark and one of the country's best-preserved Arts and Crafts homes. Kids like the glowing wood, stained glass and hidden details.
The grounds are free to explore anytime the house is open, and kids 12 and under tour free on the one-hour docent tour. The house also offers 45-minute family tours designed for kids with their caregivers.
Parent Tip: Strollers and backpack carriers aren't allowed inside (front-facing carriers are OK). Look for the free parking spaces in front of the house.
145 N. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Free exhibitions
Best for: Young artists
The Armory is Pasadena's community arts center, with contemporary exhibitions, performances and art classes. Through January 16, 2027, it's showing "Nurtured Flames," a free exhibition of Indigenous artists exploring fire's role in stewardship and renewal. After the Eaton Fire, it can open a meaningful conversation with older kids.
The Armory also hosts all-ages art-making during ArtNight Pasadena and other community events, and offers classes for young artists.
Parent Tip: The Armory is a short walk from Memorial Park, so you can pair an art stop with a playground break and a Metro ride.
1001 Rose Bowl Dr. (meet at Gate A)
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Paid; check the tour listing for current prices
When: Public tours about once a month at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Kids who love football will be thrilled to go behind the scenes at "America's Stadium." Tours visit the original 1922 locker room, the current locker rooms, the press box and the Court of Champions, and guides share stories of the Rose Bowl Game and game-day prep.
Upcoming public tours for 2026 include October 1 and October 30, 2026. Plan on about two hours total.
Parent Tip: Park in Lot F and meet the tour team at Gate A at least 15 minutes early. Tour stops can change with stadium operations.
100 N. Garfield Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Cost: Free
Best for: A quick architectural wow
Pasadena City Hall is a 1927 landmark with Italian Renaissance and Spanish influences. Kids tend to love the sheer scale of the building, and it makes a lovely stop on a downtown walk.
City Hall also hosts big free community events, including the Latino Heritage Parade & Festival in October and puppet shows and live music during ArtNight Pasadena.
Parent Tip: Bring a camera. City Hall is one of the most photogenic backdrops in the city for a family photo.
Indoor Fun, Libraries & Storytimes in Pasadena
Hot day? Rainy day? These indoor stops are lifesavers, and most of them are free.
695 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Cost: Free
When: Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Founded in 1894, Vroman's is the oldest bookstore in Southern California, and its kids' section is a destination on its own. Every Wednesday at 11 a.m., Mr. Steve and friends host storytime at the Colorado Boulevard store.
Vroman's also hosts special-guest storytimes, author events, summer reading programs and kids' book clubs. Check the monthly calendar for special events.
Parent Tip: Let kids pick one book as a treat, then walk over to nearby Playhouse Village Park to read it.
Related: 75+ Indoor Activities for Kids in LA
1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
The Pasadena Public Library runs more than 60 storytimes a month across its branches, and La Pintoresca is a great place to start. It hosts toddler storytimes for ages 18 to 36 months, and it sits right in La Pintoresca Park next to the splash pad and skate area.
Storytimes run 20 to 40 minutes and end with an activity. A reminder: the Central Library downtown is still closed for its earthquake retrofit, so plan your library visits around the branches.
Parent Tip: Check the library's online events calendar before you go, since storytime days and times can change.
3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
Cost: Free
Hours: Mon–Thu 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Fri–Sat 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 1–5 p.m.
The Hastings Branch in east Pasadena is one of the few branches open on Sundays, which is a big help for busy families. It offers toddler storytimes and a full children's collection.
Evening hours Monday through Thursday make it a good after-school stop for homework help or a quick book swap.
Parent Tip: Sunday afternoon is a great time for a library run when most other branches are closed.
361 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Free to visit
Hours: Adoptions daily, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Animal-loving kids can meet adoptable dogs, cats and other animals at Pasadena Humane, which has cared for animals since 1903. You don't need an appointment to visit adoptable pets.
Pasadena Humane also runs youth programs, including after-school clubs for ages 7 to 14, scout programs, workshops, seasonal camps and birthday parties. It's a meaningful way for kids to learn about caring for animals.
Parent Tip: Talk with kids beforehand about "just visiting" so no one expects to go home with a puppy (unless you're ready).
Related: Free Perks With Your LA Library Card
300 E. Green St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Cost: $17 admission; $5 skate rental ($2 off for Pasadena residents)
Best for: Beginners to confident skaters
Yes, you can ice skate in Pasadena year-round. The Pasadena Ice Skating Center holds public skate sessions every day, with afternoon weekday sessions and Friday and Saturday evening sessions.
Little skaters shorter than 26 inches in skates can borrow free "assist walkers" first come, first served. That helps new skaters stay upright while they get the hang of it. It's a great way to escape a heat wave.
Parent Tip: Tickets are sold only at the front desk. Arrive early for an assist walker, and bring gloves and a warm layer for everyone.
1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. (City Aquatics Office)
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Varies; free youth swim team and water polo in summer
Best for: Ages 7–17 (swim team), all ages (lessons)
Pasadena's aquatics program runs seasonal swim lessons across five levels, and free summer swim team and water polo for kids ages 7 to 17. City pools include Kennedy Pool at Robinson Park, Villa Parke's summer pool and the pool at Brookside Park.
If your kids are learning to swim or want to join a team, this is one of the best deals in town.
Parent Tip: Call the aquatics office at (626) 744-7590 in spring to ask about summer schedules before sessions fill.
1500 E. Villa St.
Pasadena, CA 91106
Cost: Free
Hours: Mon–Thu & Sat, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
This branch is dedicated to kids and teens, so everything is built around young readers. It hosts both baby storytimes (0 to 18 months) and toddler storytimes.
It's just across the street from Jefferson Park's playground, so you can make it a full morning.
Parent Tip: Jefferson is closed Fridays and Sundays, so plan your visit for another day.
1130 S. Marengo Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Allendale is the go-to branch for baby storytimes in south Pasadena. It shares its block with Allendale Park, which has a playground.
Baby storytimes are gentle introductions to songs, rhymes and books, and they're a nice way for new parents to meet other families.
Parent Tip: Bring a blanket for baby to sit or lie on during storytime.
55 S. Hill Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
Cost: Free
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
The Hill Avenue Branch hosts preschool storytimes for ages 3 to 5. These are a great fit for kids getting ready for school.
It's near Pasadena City College and Lake Avenue, so it's easy to combine with errands in east-central Pasadena.
Parent Tip: Preschool storytimes are a great way to practice sitting and listening in a group before kindergarten starts.
Shopping, Strolling & Sweet Treats in Pasadena
Old Pasadena is the city's historic downtown, and its brick alleys and courtyards are made for a stroll with a cone in hand.
39 W. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Paid
Best for: Adventurous ice cream eaters
Salt & Straw makes its ice cream by hand in small batches, and its flavors are part of the fun. Kids who like trying new things will enjoy the tasting as much as the scoop.
It's right on Colorado Boulevard, so it's a natural finish to a museum morning or a walk through Old Pasadena.
Parent Tip: Ask for samples before committing. Lines are longest on weekend evenings, so try a mid-afternoon visit.
59 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Paid
Best for: Globe-trotting flavors
Wanderlust Creamery serves ice cream inspired by flavors from around the world, and its Pasadena shop is inside Indiana Colony, a small marketplace on Colorado Boulevard. Picking a flavor becomes a mini geography lesson.
Let kids choose a flavor from a country they've never visited, then look it up on a map at home.
Parent Tip: Indiana Colony is a marketplace of local food and retail vendors, so it's easy to browse while you wait for the scoops.
Colorado Blvd. between Pasadena Ave. and Arroyo Pkwy.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Free to stroll
Parking: Park & Walk garages $1 for the first 2 hours
Old Pasadena is the historic heart of the city, with shops, restaurants, ice cream and dessert spots filling its restored buildings, alleys and courtyards. Colorado Boulevard is part of the Rose Parade route and historic Route 66, which kids think is pretty cool.
Free events pop up throughout the year. Throughout October 2026, Pasadena Walktober celebrates walking in the city, and the One Colorado courtyard often hosts seasonal family events.
Parent Tip: Use the Park & Walk garages at 45 S. De Lacey Ave., 171 N. Raymond Ave. or 33 E. Green St., where the first two hours cost $1.
85 W. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Paid
Best for: Gelato lovers
Bacio di Latte makes its gelato fresh every day. It's creamy and rich, and the flavors are easy for picky eaters to love.
It's just a few blocks from the Norton Simon, so it's the perfect reward after an hour of art.
Parent Tip: Sit outside and people-watch on Colorado Boulevard while the kids finish their cups.
16 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Paid
Best for: Cream puff fans
Beard Papa's has been making cream puffs since 1999, and they're a bakery treat kids go wild for. They're a less messy treat than an ice cream cone on a hot day.
The puffs are small enough for younger kids and easy to carry while you walk.
Parent Tip: Grab a box to go and eat them in Central Park, a few blocks south.
37 N. Arroyo Pkwy.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Paid
Best for: Hot-day cool-downs
Oakobing serves Korean shaved ice, a fluffy, snowy dessert that's lighter than ice cream and fun to share. Kids love the texture and the toppings.
One bowl is big enough to share, making it an easy family treat.
Parent Tip: Order one bowl with extra spoons. It's a budget-friendly way to treat the whole crew.
140 Mills Pl.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cost: Paid
Best for: Curious palates
Kinrose Creamery makes ice cream inspired by Persian and Egyptian flavors, and it's tucked into Mills Place, one of Old Pasadena's charming alleys. It's a fun one to discover on a walk.
If your kids like trying new flavors, this is a great pick.
Parent Tip: Make finding Mills Place part of the adventure. Kids love ducking into Old Pasadena's alleys.
44 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: Paid
Best for: Toppings-obsessed kids
21 Choices serves fresh frozen yogurt with flavors that change daily and a big bar of toppings. Kids love building their own creations.
It's a lighter option, and it's easy to find something for everyone.
Parent Tip: Let kids choose two toppings. It keeps things fun without a sugar overload before dinner.
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Cost: $15 general admission (9 a.m.+); kids under 12 free with an adult
When: Second Sunday of every month
The Rose Bowl Flea Market fills the stadium grounds with more than 2,500 vendors on the second Sunday of every month. Kids can hunt for vintage toys, comic books, records and quirky treasures while parents browse furniture and clothes.
General admission starts at 9 a.m., and early VIP entry ($22) runs from 5 to 8:45 a.m. The market is held rain or shine, and parking is free.
Parent Tip: Give older kids a small budget and let them bargain. Bring a wagon, sunscreen, water and cash for small vendors.
Related: 50 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in LA
Annual Events & Seasonal Fun in Pasadena
Pasadena throws some of Southern California's best family events. Here's what's coming up in 2026 and what to watch for.
When: December 28, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: Various Pasadena locations
The 138th Rose Parade rolls down Colorado Boulevard on January 1, 2027, from 8 to 10 a.m. The days around it are just as fun for kids. At Decorating Places (December 28–30), you can watch volunteers cover floats in flowers and seeds. Equestfest (December 29) shows off the parade's horses, and Bandfest (December 29–30) features the marching bands.
After the parade, Floatfest lets families see the finished floats up close from January 1 to 3, 2027, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Check the Tournament of Roses website for tickets and details.
Parent Tip: Read our Rose Parade 2027 family guide for tips on seating, parking and camping out with kids.
When: Through October 31, 2026
Where: Kidspace Children's Museum, Pasadena
Kidspace's Halloween season adds costume parades, monster crafts and a witch's kitchen to regular museum admission. It's a gentle, not-scary way for younger kids to enjoy the season.
Parent Tip: Wear costumes, but bring a change of clothes. The water features are still going.
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 4–9 p.m.
Where: Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101
The free 28th annual parade starts at 4 p.m. at Los Robles Avenue and Buckeye Street, with local schools, community groups and neighbors marching. The festival follows at City Hall starting at 5 p.m.
Parent Tip: Arrive early to find a curbside spot for little ones along the parade route.
When: October 10–11, 2026
Where: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, CA 91109
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory opens its doors for this free, immersive event. It's a dream day for space-loving kids. As of September 2026, all tickets have been reserved, but spots may open up through cancellations.
Parent Tip: Keep checking the official page for cancellations. Adults 18 and up need a government-issued ID, and each person can reserve up to five tickets.
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 1–4 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Pool, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103
Kids dive into the pool to fetch floating pumpkins, then decorate them, with music, treats and photo ops. It's free, with separate time slots for ages 5 and under, 6 to 12, and 13 to 17.
Parent Tip: Registration is required online through the city's reservation site, so sign up early.
When: Summer Saturday evenings (2027 dates to be announced)
Where: Memorial Park, 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena, CA 91103
The city's new free summer concert series brought 10 Saturday concerts to Memorial Park in 2026, open to all ages. The series is planned through 2028, and 2027 dates have not been announced yet.
Parent Tip: Bring lawn chairs or blankets, arrive early for a good spot, and grab dinner in Old Pasadena beforehand.
When: Friday, October 30, 2026, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St., Pasadena, CA 91101
This community celebration features dance performances, arts and crafts, food for purchase and ofrendas, altars honoring loved ones who have died. It's a meaningful way to introduce kids to the tradition.
Parent Tip: Call (626) 744-6530 with questions about the event.
When: Friday, October 9, 2026, 6–10 p.m.
Where: Cultural venues across Pasadena
ArtNight is a free evening of art, music, dance and history at venues across the city. Families can try all-ages art-making at the Armory, catch puppet shows and live music at City Hall, and join sketch-and-paint sessions at the Gamble House. Free shuttles connect the venues.
Parent Tip: Pick two or three venues rather than trying to see them all. Food trucks make dinner easy.
When: Opens October 2, 2026
Where: Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge
Descanso's fall event returns with new areas and outdoor installations, including Dessie, a sea monster sculpture in the Center Circle pond. It's a nice outing for families who prefer spooky-pretty over spooky-scary.
Parent Tip: Check the official Descanso site for Carved dates, times and tickets before you go.
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 3–6 p.m.
Where: Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St., Pasadena, CA 91107
The city's free Fall Festival brings costume contests, carnival games and free food to Victory Park. You can go straight from the Pumpkin Dive-In for a full day of fall fun.
Parent Tip: Come in costume, since there's a contest, and bring a bag for prizes.
When: Usually in late January or February (2027 dates to be announced)
Where: USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena
The museum's annual Lunar New Year festival is free and includes dance, music and martial arts performances, art-making for all ages and food trucks.
Parent Tip: Arrive early for the best view of the performances, and use the free museum lot at Los Robles and Union.
Nearby: Easy Add-Ons Within 15 Minutes of Pasadena
These favorites sit just outside Pasadena's city limits and are easy to add to a day in town.
1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino, CA 91108
Cost: Paid; check the official site for current prices and ticket rules
Best for: All ages
The Huntington's gardens cover about 120 acres and hold more than 14,000 different kinds of plants, alongside its library and art collections. It's big enough for a full day of exploring.
With kids, pick a few gardens instead of trying to see everything. Budget time for snacks and rest breaks.
Parent Tip: Check the official website for current hours, prices and any advance-ticket requirements before you go.
1418 Descanso Dr.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Cost: $20 adults; $8 kids 3–12; under 3 free
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (closed December 25)
Descanso is a 150-acre garden with a Japanese garden celebrating its 60th anniversary, an oak woodland and huge camellia collections. For kids, the highlight is the Descanso Railroad, a ride-on train, along with the "Botanical Dinosaurs" in the Train Garden.
Parking is free and plentiful. The garden hosts Carved in fall and its popular Enchanted light walk in winter.
Parent Tip: Read our Enchanted Forest of Light guide before booking holiday night tickets.
301 N. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
Cost: Paid; check the official site for current 2026 prices
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.)
The Arboretum is famous for its peafowl, which roam the grounds and put on a show for kids. You'll also find walking paths, gardens and the historic Santa Anita Train Depot, which has tours on select days.
It's a relaxed, stroller-friendly place to spend a morning, and there's a gift shop for souvenirs.
Parent Tip: Remind kids to keep about 10 feet from the peafowl. They're wild animals, even if they look like they own the place.
Parent Tips for Visiting Pasadena With Kids
Check the Rose Bowl calendar first. UCLA home games (through November 28, 2026), concerts and the monthly flea market change Arroyo parking and traffic completely.
Ride the Metro. The A Line stops at Memorial Park and Del Mar stations, so kids get a train ride and you skip the parking hunt in Old Pasadena.
Plan around museum closures. The Norton Simon is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, USC Pacific Asia Museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and Kidspace is closed Mondays.
Use the branches, not the Central Library. The Central Library on Walnut Street remains closed for its earthquake retrofit, with no reopening date announced.
Be respectful near the fire zone. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is still closed after the January 2025 Eaton Fire, and its nature center was destroyed. Hiking there can mean fines of up to $5,000. Choose Hahamongna or the Arroyo Seco instead, and remember that many Altadena and foothill families are still rebuilding.
Pack for sun. The Rose Bowl Loop and Hahamongna have little shade, so bring hats, sunscreen and water from spring through fall.
Takeaway
Pasadena packs an amazing amount of family fun into a small city. You can spend a morning at Kidspace, stroll a free art museum after lunch and finish with gelato on Colorado Boulevard, all without much driving.
If you're looking for easy things to do in Pasadena with kids, start with the Rose Bowl area, then add Old Pasadena and a free museum. When you're ready for more, check out our 35 Best Outdoor Playgrounds in LA and our 41 Fun Things to Do in Burbank With Kids.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best free things to do in Pasadena with kids?
The best free things to do in Pasadena with kids include the Norton Simon Museum (free for anyone under 18), Arlington Garden, the Rose Bowl Loop and the La Pintoresca Park splash pad in summer. Kids 14 and under are also free at USC Pacific Asia Museum, kids 12 and under tour the Gamble House free, and the city's branch libraries offer more than 60 free storytimes a month.
2. Is Eaton Canyon open in 2026?
No. As of September 2026, Eaton Canyon Natural Area is closed until further notice because of the January 2025 Eaton Fire, and the Eaton Canyon Nature Center was destroyed. For a nearby family hike, try Hahamongna Watershed Park or the Arroyo Seco trails, both confirmed open.
3. How much does Kidspace Children's Museum cost?
Kidspace admission is $17 for adults and children ages 1 and up, $15 for seniors 62 and older, and free for babies under 1. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., doesn't accept cash, and offers free parking in Rose Bowl Lot I.
4. Is the Pasadena Central Library open?
No. The Pasadena Central Library at 285 E. Walnut St. has been closed since 2021 for an earthquake retrofit, and no reopening date has been announced. Branches such as La Pintoresca, Hastings, Jefferson, Allendale and Hill Avenue are open and host free storytimes.
5. When can families see Rose Parade floats being decorated?
Families can watch floats being decorated at Decorating Places from December 28 to 30, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ahead of the 138th Rose Parade on January 1, 2027. After the parade, Floatfest lets you see the finished floats up close from January 1 to 3, 2027.
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