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
Famous free-roaming peacocks and flat, stroller-friendly loops — a reliable, low-key family morning.
~$15 adult / $6 child
Santa 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.
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
Gibson Mariposa Park
This neighborhood gem grew out of a letter-writing campaign by local fifth-graders and is themed around butterflies, with native plantings, a playhouse structure, and an educational kiosk. The big draw for kids is the summer splash pad, so bring towels and a change of clothes on hot days. Basketball half-courts and shaded tables make it easy to stretch into a whole afternoon.
Free
El Monte Library (LA County)
A reliable rainy-day or beat-the-heat stop with a kids' section and regular free story times and programs through the LA County Library system. A library card is free for residents and unlocks both books and digital extras like Kanopy and Libby. Check the branch calendar before you go — craft and storytime sessions fill the kids' area on certain afternoons.
Free
The Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens
120 acres — pick 2–3 gardens. The Children's Garden and Chinese Garden are family favorites; the free day books out fast.
~$29 adult / $13 child
Vincent Lugo Park ('Monster Park')
The beloved 1965 concrete 'sea creature' playground. Heads-up: some sculptures are under multi-year restoration and may be fenced — verify before a special trip.
FreeFestivals & annual events in Arcadia
What Arcadia is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
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.
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, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
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 — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
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.