North of LA family guide
Things to Do in Apple Valley with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Apple Valley on the map
📍 Where Apple Valley is
Apple Valley sits in North of LA, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~40 mi / 64 km). It's roughly 68 mi (109 km) from Downtown LA and 125 mi (201 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Apple Valley
Civic Center Park
This 22-acre park on Dale Evans Parkway is the heart of Apple Valley, with over a mile of walking paths, an amphitheater, big shady picnic areas and the Aquatic Center for summer swims. Come early on hot High Desert mornings before the pavement bakes, and pack shade — the desert sun is no joke out here.
Free (park); Aquatic Center admission varies
Horsemen's Center Park
An 80-acre park tucked among dramatic desert rock formations off Highway 18, with a playground, horse trails and a rebuilt BMX track that older kids love. Bring bikes and helmets for the track, and let little ones scramble the rocks while you picnic — it feels wonderfully wide-open and uncrowded.
Free day use
James A. Woody Community Center & Park
On Navajo Road, this is Apple Valley's do-everything spot: playground, sports fields, a skate park and an indoor community center with programs. A reliable rainy-or-windy-day fallback since the gym gives kids somewhere to burn energy when the desert wind kicks up.
Free (park grounds)
Lenny Brewster Sports Center
A 39-acre sports park on Otoe Road with eleven full-size soccer fields, plus a playground sized right for younger kids and clean restrooms. Parking is genuinely easy here, so it's a stress-free choice for a weekend soccer game or just letting the kids run.
Free day use
Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library
Right by Civic Center Park on Dale Evans Parkway, this San Bernardino County branch runs free story times and kids' programs and is a cool, quiet escape on triple-digit afternoons. Pair a library visit with the adjacent park for an easy free morning-to-afternoon combo.
FreeFestivals & annual events in Apple Valley
What Apple Valley is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Apple Valley 19th Annual Pet Fair
The Town of Apple Valley's annual Pet Fair appears on its official 2026 Save the Date calendar for Oct 17. Time and venue aren't published there. Tip: call the Town's special events line at 760-240-7800 for the venue and hours.
Not listed; check town page
Apple Valley Halloween Spooktacular
The Town's Halloween event is listed for Oct 24 on its 2026 Save the Date calendar, the same day as the Howl-O-Ween Dog Run. Tip: hours and venue aren't posted yet; confirm with the Town (760-240-7800) before you go.
Not listed; check town page
Apple Valley Howl-O-Ween Dog Run
A costume-friendly fun run for people and their dogs, on the Town's official calendar for Oct 24. Tip: it falls the same day as the Halloween Spooktacular, so families with a dog can do both.
Registration fee; see town page
Apple Valley Holiday Craft Fair
A two-day holiday craft fair on the Town's 2026 calendar. Hours and venue are not published on the calendar. Tip: call 760-240-7800 for the venue and vendor list before you go.
Not listed; check town page
Apple Valley Turkey Run
The Town's Thanksgiving-season fun run, listed for Nov 21 on its 2026 calendar. Tip: hours and distances are not published yet, so check applevalley.org for kids' options before registering.
Registration fee; see town page
Apple Valley Christmas Tree Lighting
The Town's holiday kickoff is on its 2026 Save the Date calendar for Tuesday, Dec 1. Tip: time and venue aren't published yet; it is a weeknight evening event, so plan for after school and confirm at 760-240-7800.
Free (Town event)
Apple Valley Gingerbread Build
A gingerbread-house building activity on the Town's 2026 calendar. Tip: hours and pricing aren't published yet, and it's on a Wednesday, so check for after-school times and registration.
Registration fee likely; see town page
Happy Trails Parade
The Town of Apple Valley's signature community parade, named for the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans connection to the town, held each September in the Village area.
Seasonal & outdoors near Apple Valley
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Apple Valley.
Apple Valley is part of the North of LA family guide — see the region's best things to do, local eats and events.
More North of LA family guides
Browse all SoCal city guides →Apple Valley family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Apple Valley with kids?
Family favorites in and around Apple Valley include Civic Center Park, Horsemen's Center Park, James A. Woody Community Center & Park and Lenny Brewster Sports Center, and more. Our guide lists 5 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Apple Valley?
Yes — free family spots near Apple Valley include Civic Center Park, Horsemen's Center Park, James A. Woody Community Center & Park and Lenny Brewster Sports Center. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Apple Valley
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