Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Arcadia with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Arcadia on the map
📍 Where Arcadia is
Arcadia sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~19 mi / 30 km). It's roughly 13 mi (21 km) from Downtown LA and 111 mi (178 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 Arcadia
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Free-roaming peacocks here trace back to birds imported onto Lucky Baldwin's Rancho Santa Anita in the late 1800s — when Baldwin died in 1909, LA County bought part of his ranch to create the Arboretum, peafowl included. Today their descendants still roam the flat, stroller-friendly loops, making for a reliable, low-key family morning.
~$15 adult / $6 childSanta Anita Park
A Family Fun Zone (jumpers, pony rides, face painting) runs on select race days with the San Gabriel Mountains as backdrop. Also hosts the 626 Night Market.
Admission varies; many free-parking daysFamily attractions near Arcadia
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Arcadia.
Library Park
A 13-acre city park at 321 S Myrtle Ave beside the library and a short walk from Old Town, with ADA-approved playground equipment, picnic tables, open grass, a fountain and a bandshell that hosts live performances through the year. Portable BBQs are not allowed and dogs must be leashed.
Free (free parking)
Monrovia Public Library
The library at 321 S Myrtle Ave runs storytimes, children's literacy activities, arts and crafts and STEAM workshops. Its Storytime in the Park events have been held at the Library Park bandshell near the playground. Call (626) 256-8274 for the current storytime schedule.
Free
Monrovia Friday Night Street Fair & Market
The Myrtle Ave street fair in Old Town Monrovia (700 S Myrtle) has a farmers market, flowers, treats and live music. The city says the first Friday of each month adds special entertainment for kids. Go on a first Friday with children.
Free to attend
Lucky Strike Pasadena
A thirty-one-lane bowling centre on East Foothill with blacklight lanes, an arcade and pool tables. The weekend Family Unlimited window is the value option.
Family Unlimited bowling $18.99, weekends 11am–3pm
Hastings Branch Library
An East Pasadena branch with a children's area and the longest weekend hours in the city system — which matters when the central library is shut for retrofit.
Free
Monrovia Historical Museum
A volunteer-run museum at 742 E Lemon Ave in Recreation Park, with interactive areas and hand sanitizer provided. Food and drinks aren't allowed inside, but the park's picnic tables and playground are next door. There is free street parking on Lemon and Shamrock, and the museum can arrange private group tours for 10 or more.
Free; donations welcomeFestivals & annual events in Arcadia
What Arcadia is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Día de los Muertos at the LA Arboretum
An evening garden celebration with a community altar, Latin-owned makers, food and music, plus hands-on children's crafts (face painting extra). Garden admission is included in the ticket. Go at 4pm for the golden-hour light and shorter craft lines.
Ticketed; child (3-12) $8, under 2 free; adult prices on site
Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fun Fest at Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park's page lists the Infield (Center Fountain) event on Saturdays and Sundays Oct 24, 25, 31 and Nov 1, with gates at 11am (10am on Nov 1). The Starter Pack includes an inflatable jumper and straw maze wristband, one ride or face painting, and a painted pumpkin, and parking at Gate 6 off Colorado Place is free. Tip: Buy the early-bird pack before Oct 15 to save about $10 per pack.
Starter Pack $27.04 with fees ($16.54 early bird through Oct 15)
Kimchi Fest (California Kimchi Day) at the LA Arboretum
A day of Korean food culture with a hands-on kimchi-making (kimjang) workshop, cultural learning and a Korean marketplace. Workshop tickets are sold separately and were not yet on sale when checked, so book ahead if kids want to make a jar.
Garden admission; kimjang workshop tickets extra
626 Night Market
The largest Asian-inspired night market in the U.S. — hundreds of street-food stalls, crafts, and live performances at Santa Anita Park.
Trick-or-Treat in the Garden (LA Arboretum)
A self-guided, not-scary trick-or-treat trail with discovery tables of live cockroaches, snakes and spiders. Kids get a bag, one edible treat (not traditional candy) and nature-based surprises. Timed entry every 30 minutes from 4 to 7pm. Bring a flashlight (required) and layers, and strollers and wagons are welcome.
Local restaurants in Arcadia
Corner Beef Noodle House
Tiny gem making fresh hand-pulled noodles for rich Taiwanese beef noodle soup.
Lao Xi Noodle House
Family-run Henan spot where you watch noodles get hand-pulled.
Yunxiang Sichuan Cuisine
Authentic Sichuan kitchen with family seating and milder noodle options.
Chef Tony Dim Sum
Acclaimed family-run dim sum house with refined dumplings ideal for adventurous family brunches.
Capital Seafood
One of the last great push-cart dim sum halls, with carts rolling by lazy-Susan tables kids point at.
SinBala
Grilled Taiwanese sausage (xiang chang), popcorn chicken, beef noodle soup, and lychee boba tea. Cozy, casual, and family-oriented.
Seasonal & outdoors near Arcadia
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Arcadia.
Arcadia is part of the San Gabriel Valley family guide — see the region's best things to do, local eats and events.
More Los Angeles family guides
Arcadia family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Arcadia with kids?
Family favorites in and around Arcadia include Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden and Santa Anita Park. Our guide lists 2 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Where can families eat in Arcadia?
Local, family-friendly spots in Arcadia include Corner Beef Noodle House, Lao Xi Noodle House, Yunxiang Sichuan Cuisine and Chef Tony Dim Sum, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Arcadia guide cover?
Our Arcadia family guide includes 2 things to do and 6 local eats — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Arcadia
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Arcadia on one map — then book on your favorite site.