Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Calabasas with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Calabasas on the map
📍 Where Calabasas is
Calabasas sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~18 mi / 29 km). It's roughly 25 mi (40 km) from Downtown LA and 131 mi (212 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.
🏡 New to Calabasas? Start hereRec classes, library cards, school lookup, alerts and getting around.OpenClose
- Rec classes & camps: Browse the city's Fall 2026 brochure and sign up for classes, camps and after-school care through the CivicRec registration portal.
- Library card: Calabasas Library is city-run, not LA County; any California resident can get a card with photo ID and proof of physical address.
- Storytime: The library on Civic Center Way runs lap-sit and toddler story times; it is closed Mondays and open Sunday afternoons.
- Find your school: Calabasas is served by Las Virgenes Unified; enter your address in LVUSD's Find Your School locator to see assigned schools.
- Tennis & Swim Center: The city's Tennis & Swim Center has a heated Junior Olympic pool; residents and non-residents can join, or pay a daily fee.
- Alerts: The city recommends registering for Alert LA County, Nixle by texting 91302 to 888-777, and its own Genasys city notification system.
- Wildfire readiness: Calabasas links LA County Fire's Ready, Set, Go plan and free home ignition zone evaluations; CAL FIRE updated its hazard map March 2025.
- Getting around: The city runs its own transit: fare-free Line 1, school-year peak routes to Calabasas schools, on-demand Calabasas Flyer vans and a summer Zuma Beach Bus.
- Local insider: City Hall and the library share the Civic Center campus at 100 and 200 Civic Center Way.
Things to do in Calabasas
Parks & Hiking
Malibu Creek State Park
Flat creekside trails lead to a scenic swimming pool, volcanic gorge, and the old M*A*S*H filming site — a wide, easy hike with a real payoff for kids. The exterior shots for M*A*S*H were filmed here every season from 1972 to 1983, standing in for Korea, and rusted set pieces still mark the spot along Crags Road, about 4.75 miles round trip with barely 200 feet of elevation gain. On the way, the creek has carved the volcanic Rock Pool, a natural swimming hole where wading and swimming are allowed (diving is not).
~$12 parkingKing Gillette Ranch
The gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains, with a gentle pond loop and the Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center full of hands-on exhibits. The first two hours of parking are free — perfect for a short nature walk with little ones, and the wide, level paths suit strollers.
Parking $7 (MRCA)Juan Bautista de Anza Park
A city park with three age-appropriate playgrounds, big picnic areas and a sport court for basketball, pickleball and roller hockey. In summer a splash fountain shoots water eight feet up, so pack a towel and a change of clothes. Free parking and restrooms make it an easy, low-stress outing.
FreeCalabasas Bark Park
A free off-leash dog park with separate large- and small-dog areas plus a doggie fountain, doubling as the trailhead for the Bark Park Trail. Kids who love animals enjoy watching the pups from the benches. Note it closes Thursdays 7–10am for maintenance.
FreeWild Walnut Park
A recently renovated 28-acre park with a short half-mile loop trail through woodlands, plus play structures for ages 2–12 and a shady picnic grove. There are separate small- and large-dog areas too, so the whole family can come along. Modern restrooms and fountains make it comfortable for a longer visit.
Free
4th of July Spectacular (Fun Run, Pet Show & Splash Party)
The city's Independence Day starts with a Lakeside Fun Run around Calabasas Lake, including a quarter-mile youth race for kids 12 and under. A patriotic pet show on the Lakeside Greenbelt follows. The free Splash Party at the Tennis & Swim Center has music, carnival games and swimming, but no registration and limited capacity, so arrive early.
Splash Party free; fun run ~$24–34; pet show $10 per petCalabasas Tennis & Swim Center (Rec Swim)
A city-owned club at 23400 Park Sorrento with an outdoor Junior Olympic pool heated year-round to 81–83°F, lifeguards daily, and a seasonal instructional pool for kids under 6. Non-members can pay a daily fee, and residents and non-residents can join. Summer swim lessons start at 6 months.
Rec swim $5 kids, $8 adults, $5 seniors; ages 3 and under freeCreekside Park
A small park at 3655 Old Topanga Canyon Rd with a playground, T-ball field, basketball court and restrooms, shared with the city's Klubhouse Preschool. The public can't enter during school hours, so plan on weekends or summer evenings.
FreeFreedom Park
A public park with a playground, tetherball and a walking trail, inside the gated Braewood community at 4041 Balcony Dr. Walk in through the pedestrian gate at Mulholland Hwy and Parched Dr. Elderly or disabled visitors who need to drive in can get a gate code from the Tennis & Swim Center (818-222-2782).
FreeGates Canyon Park & Brandon's Village
Home of Brandon's Village, a 15,000 sq ft fully inclusive playground with an 'Above the Tree Line' theme, rebuilt and reopened in October 2024 for kids of all abilities. The park at 25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd also has lighted tennis and basketball courts, a fitness course, picnic shelters, restrooms and the LA County Smart Gardening Demonstration Center.
FreeGrape Arbor Park
A neighborhood park at 5100 Parkville Rd with a playground, a T-ball field, a sand volleyball court, a lighted basketball court, BBQs, a refillable water station and restrooms. Picnic shelters can be reserved through the city for birthday parties.
FreeHighlands Park
A small neighborhood park at 23581 Summit Dr in the Calabasas Highlands with a playground and picnic area, a quick stop on the way to or from Old Topanga Canyon Road. There are no restrooms listed.
FreeSummer Dive-In Movie Nights
Family films shown poolside at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center, so kids can watch from the water. 2026 films were Luca, Lilo & Stitch and Jungle Cruise. Bring swimsuits, towels, warm layers and low beach chairs. Food is sold on site, and outside food is generally not allowed.
$5 per person; under 2 free; pre-registration required
Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
A huge MRCA preserve (the former Ahmanson Ranch) of grassy valley oak hills with wide fire roads for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The Calabasas trailhead is at the north end of Las Virgenes Canyon Rd and the main West Hills entrance is at the west end of Victory Blvd. There's little shade, so go on a cool morning, especially in spring when it's green.
Free at the Calabasas end; $5 parking at the Victory Blvd lot
Museums & Learning
Leonis Adobe Museum
An 1880s living-history ranch in the heart of Calabasas, complete with longhorn cattle, sheep, goats, and big Percheron horses kids can visit and feed.
Suggested donation; kids welcome
Calabasas Library
A city-run library (not LA County) at 200 Civic Center Way. Seasonal Pumpkin Patch Story Time runs Thursdays: lap-sit for babies up to 24 months at 10:30am and toddlers 2–4 at 11am (Oct 29–Dec 17, 2026; none Nov 26). It also has a seed library and lends California State Parks passes.
Free (Calabasas library card)Arts & Culture
Breakfast with the Grinch & Cindy Lou
A city holiday breakfast at the Calabasas Community Center with a light breakfast, holiday crafts and a portrait with the Grinch and Cindy Lou. Both adults and kids need to register. Bring a new unwrapped toy for the San Fernando Valley Volunteer League drive.
Registration fee (adults and children; check site)SunSets Summer Concert Series at Calabasas Lake
Free Sunday-evening tribute-band concerts on the Calabasas Lake Greenbelt, the only time the private lake is open to the public. Picnics, blankets and leashed dogs are welcome. Parking is tight at the Tennis & Swim Center, so use the free shuttle from the Civic Center (4:30–8pm).
FreeMore for families in Calabasas
From our researched guides: the Calabasas spots for splash pads, camps. Hours and prices change, so check the venue's site before you go.
Splash pads
All SoCal splash pads →Juan Bautista de Anza Park Splash Pad
Free splash pad on timed sessions; a large community park with playgrounds, ballfields and a dog park nearby.
Free
Camps
All SoCal camps →Camp Calabasas (De Anza Park)
City-run day camp with daily swim at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center plus field trips; Little Learners track for the youngest.
$$ city rates
Farmers markets in Calabasas
Calabasas Farmers Market
Year-round market in Old Town Calabasas with seasonal produce, prepared foods, and a relaxed family atmosphere.
Holidays in Calabasas
Lights, parades, Santa and more this season. Confirm details with the organizer before you go.
First Day Hike at Malibu Creek State Park
2026 dates not confirmed
In 2025 this was a 2-mile round-trip Junior Ranger nature walk along Malibu Creek to the visitor center, in English and Spanish.
Free guided hike; state park parking fee applies
Festivals & annual events in Calabasas
What Calabasas is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
A city-run festival at Juan Bautista de Anza Park tied to the city's name, which comes from the Spanish for pumpkin. Admission covers unlimited inflatable rides, live music, character encounters, contests and bug and reptile shows.
Seasonal & outdoors near Calabasas
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Calabasas.
More Los Angeles family guides
Calabasas family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Calabasas with kids?
Family favorites in and around Calabasas include Leonis Adobe Museum, The Commons at Calabasas, Malibu Creek State Park and King Gillette Ranch, and more. Our guide lists 20 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Calabasas?
Yes — free family spots near Calabasas include The Commons at Calabasas, Juan Bautista de Anza Park, Calabasas Bark Park and Wild Walnut Park. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
What can kids do in Calabasas on a rainy day?
Indoor options in and around Calabasas include Breakfast with the Grinch & Cindy Lou, Calabasas Community Center and Calabasas Library. Each listing in our guide is marked indoor or outdoor, so you can filter for the weather.
How can families spend a day in Calabasas?
One easy plan: start outside at Leonis Adobe Museum while kids have the most energy, break for lunch, then head indoors to Breakfast with the Grinch & Cindy Lou for the afternoon. Our guide has prices and tips for each stop, plus 18 more ideas to swap in.
What does the YourSoCal Calabasas guide cover?
Our Calabasas family guide includes 20 things to do and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Calabasas
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Calabasas on one map — then book on your favorite site.