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 (162 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.
Family attractions near Claremont
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Claremont.
Ganesha Park
One of Pomona's oldest, largest parks (60 acres) with two playgrounds, a skate park and a band shell — the summer 'Plunge' pool is a local cool-down.
Free (summer pool small fee)
Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
Hot rods and dragsters at the Fairplex, next to the historic Pomona drag strip — a quick, kid-pleasing stop.
~$12 adult, ~$10 kids 6–15, under 6 free
Fairplex / LA County Fair
The big annual anchor — rides, livestock and fried everything each May. Go a weekday or opening week, and bring hats (little shade in the inland heat).
Fair tickets ~$20+; events vary
American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA)
A surprisingly hands-on art museum in the downtown Arts Colony — time it to the free Second Saturday ArtWalk outside.
~$14 adult, under 12 free; pay-what-you-can first Friday
Pomona Public Library
A free, air-conditioned refuge with a solid youth section and toddler story times — a smart weekday stop when the heat is brutal.
Free
San Dimas Canyon Nature Center
A small, free nature center up San Dimas Canyon Road where kids can meet rescued local wildlife like owls, hawks, and reptiles. A quick, low-key stop that pairs well with an easy walk in the surrounding natural area. Call ahead to confirm the indoor exhibits are open, since the building keeps shorter hours than the grounds.
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
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
Beloved instrument shop and museum owned by musician 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 bookshop in the Packing House with diverse finds that fund 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.
The 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.
Claremont Forum Bookshop
Nonprofit used bookstore in the Claremont Packing House whose proceeds support prison libraries.
A Shop Called Quest
Comics and pop-culture collectibles in Claremont Village; a draw for kids and teens.
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
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 local eats, 13 local shops and 1 farmers market — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.