Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Claremont with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Claremont on the map
📍 Where Claremont is
Claremont sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~7 mi / 12 km). It's roughly 30 mi (49 km) from Downtown LA and 101 mi (163 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 Claremont
California Botanic Garden
The garden was formerly Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden and is at 1500 N College Ave. It is dedicated to California native plants, with shaded paths kids can wander. No running or jogging is allowed on the paths, and the gift shop and nursery are free to enter. Buying tickets online ahead is recommended.
$15 adults; $11 seniors (65+) and students; $5 children 3–12; free under 3 and members. Free parking
Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology
A paleontology museum on the Webb Schools campus at 1175 W Baseline Rd, with real fossils and a fossil dig experience for kids. Payment is by card or tap at the kiosk, and bills over $20 aren't accepted. Call (909) 624-2798 for youth program details.
$12 general; $9 youth (5–18), students and seniors 65+; free ages 4 and under; free with a Museums for All card (cardholder plus 3 family members)
Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College
A free college art museum at 120 W Bonita Ave. Visitors of all ages are welcome, and the courtyard and outdoor public art installations are especially easy for families. It works as a short, no-cost stop while exploring the Village.
Free
Claremont Lewis Museum of Art
An art museum in the historic Claremont Depot at 200 W 1st St, beside the Metrolink station. Kids get in free, and free parking is available around the Village and in the Metrolink lot. The museum runs an education program called Project ARTstART, so call (909) 621-3200 for family workshops.
Free for children under 18, students and members; free every Friday and first Sunday. Pay-what-you-wish July–September 2026, otherwise about $5 adultsClaremont Hills Wilderness Park
City-run foothill park at the base of the San Gabriels with fire-road trails, including a roughly 5-mile loop and shorter options. It has big valley views, but there is little shade, so bring water. Dogs must be leashed. Groups of 20 or more need a permit, and the city posts a citation warning for visiting outside posted hours.
Parking permit required; reported kiosk rates are $5 for 4 hours Mon–Fri and $7 weekends (check the city's CHWP Parking page)
Higginbotham Park (Steam Train Playground)
The city calls it a very popular 'steam train' playground, and it doubles as a rest stop on the Thompson Creek Trail at 625 Mt Carmel Dr. Combine it with a walk or bike ride on the trail.
FreeFarmers markets in Claremont
Claremont Farmers & Artisans Market
Charming ~60-vendor market in Claremont Village with produce, baked goods, prepared food, and crafts; stroller-friendly.
Festivals & annual events in Claremont
What Claremont is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Village Venture Arts & Crafts Festival
The Claremont Chamber's street festival fills the Village with over 400 art, craft and food booths, plus a children's costume parade and entertainment stages. 44 years running and the city's largest single-day event.
See site for admission
Claremont Holiday Promenade & Tree Lighting
A free evening in Claremont Village and the Depot (200 W 1st St) with carolers, a concert, snowman photo spots and the city tree lighting, put on with the Claremont Village Marketing Group. Park in the Village lots early, then ride Metrolink or walk in from the residential side streets.
Free
Local restaurants in Claremont
The Back Abbey
Belgian-beer-and-burger spot in walkable Claremont Village.
Walter's Restaurant
Claremont Village institution with an eclectic menu and a beloved patio.
Some Crust Bakery
Longtime Claremont Village bakery, a go-to for cookies and treats.
Pizza N' Such
Verbal-family Claremont Village fixture for 40+ years with hand-tossed, never-frozen dough made fresh daily.
Bert & Rocky's Cream Company
Claremont Village shop making 200+ homemade ice cream flavors and fresh waffle cones since 1989.
Crème Bakery
French-style downtown Claremont patisserie hand-making hearth breads, croissants and danishes daily.
Local shops in Claremont
Boon Companion Toys
Village toy, game, and book shop curating gifts to inspire and educate, 30+ years running.
Folk Music Center
A kid-friendly shop and museum with hundreds of instruments from around the world; owned by Grammy-winner Ben Harper's family.
Buddhamouse Emporium
Village emporium of ritual objects, spiritual statuary, books, and unique jewelry.
Replay Vintage
Curated retro and vintage clothing shop inside the Claremont Packing House.
The Grove
Cheerful gift store packed with Jellycat plush, candles, and books that delight all ages.
A Shop Called Quest
Beloved Claremont Village comic shop stuffed with comics, graphic novels, and collectibles.
Claremont Forum Bookshop
Nonprofit used bookstore in the Claremont Packing House whose proceeds support prison libraries.
Deelux
Vintage and used-clothing shop loaded with cards, plants, pins, and quirky gifts.
Peek A Boo Children's Boutique
Village children's boutique stocked with clothing, Jellycat plush, and baby gifts.
Phebie's NeedleArt
Since 1989, a needlework haven of specialty yarns, fibers, threads, buttons, and beads with hands-on classes.
Seasonal & outdoors near Claremont
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Claremont.
Claremont 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
Claremont family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Claremont with kids?
Family favorites in and around Claremont include California Botanic Garden, Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College and Claremont Lewis Museum of Art, and more. Our guide lists 6 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Claremont?
Yes — free family spots near Claremont include Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College and Higginbotham Park (Steam Train Playground). Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Claremont?
Local, family-friendly spots in Claremont include The Back Abbey, Walter's Restaurant, Some Crust Bakery and Pizza N' Such, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Claremont guide cover?
Our Claremont family guide includes 6 things to do, 6 local eats, 10 local shops 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 Claremont
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Claremont on one map — then book on your favorite site.