Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Culver City with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Culver City on the map
📍 Where Culver City is
Culver City sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: LAX (Los Angeles Intl) (~5 mi / 9 km). It's roughly 9 mi (15 km) from Downtown LA and 115 mi (185 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 Culver City
Wende Museum
A Cold War history museum with art, artifacts and everyday objects from the former Eastern Bloc, on the Veterans Memorial Park grounds. Kids of all ages are welcome, and children under 11 must have an adult with them. Galleries are stroller-accessible and there are nursing facilities. It pairs easily with the playground next door.
Free admission to all exhibitions and public programs
Culver City Park
A 41.55-acre hillside park at 9910 Jefferson Blvd with a playground, walking and jogging path, shaded picnic tables, BBQs, a rose garden and an interpretive nature trail. It also has a trail up to the Baldwin Hills Overlook. The Boneyard Dog Park and skate park are on site, both open with restrictions. Fields close for at least 24 hours after rain.
Free
Veterans Memorial Park
A 12.9-acre park at 4117 Overland Ave with a playground, shaded picnic areas with BBQs, a walking path and basketball and tennis courts. The Culver City Pool and the Wende Museum are next door.
FreeCulver City Pool (Recreational Swim)
The municipal Plunge at 4175 Overland Ave, in Veterans Memorial Park, runs public recreational swim through October. Children under 48 inches must have an adult in the water within arm's reach at all times, at a 1-to-1 ratio, and swim diapers are required for babies and toddlers. Residents register Mondays at 7am and non-residents Wednesdays at 7am. Call (310) 253-6680 for the schedule.
$4 adults (18–49); $3 youth (0–17), seniors 50+ and people with disabilities
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
A California State Park at 6300 Hetzler Rd with 360-degree views of the L.A. Basin, the ocean and the mountains from a 420-foot peak. Visitors can take an easy loop trail or the steep main trail, and watch for wildlife and spring wildflowers. The visitor center has restoration exhibits, and there are picnic areas. Leashed dogs are welcome and all facilities are accessible.
Parking $2/hour or $6/day (automated pay machine); no entry feeFarmers markets in Culver City
Culver City Farmers Market
Lively afternoon market on downtown Main Street with organic produce, hot food, and live music; an easy after-school stop.
Festivals & annual events in Culver City
What Culver City is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Hip & Historic Halloween
Kids in costume trick-or-treat at downtown Culver City shops and restaurants. Participating businesses display 'BOO CREW' signs, and several restaurants run family dinner specials. Tip: the three city parking structures give one hour of free parking, so park in a structure and walk the Culver Hotel area.
Free
Fiesta La Ballona
Culver City's city-run summer festival at Veterans Memorial Park with a carnival, live entertainment stages, food vendors and kids' activities. 2026 marks its 75th year.
Abilities Carnival and Resource Fair
The city's inclusive annual carnival at the Culver City Senior Center, with games, live entertainment, a photo booth, food and a dozen-plus disability and mental-health resource organizations. It welcomes all ages and abilities, so it is a good low-pressure outing for sensory-sensitive or disabled kids. Tip: the city asks for an RSVP at (310) 253-6724 or through the online form, so do that before you go.
Culver City Arts Festival (formerly Art Walk & Roll)
The eighth annual Arts Fest closes Washington Boulevard between Helms and La Cienega avenues for a free, all-ages block party with gallery exhibitions, live art-making, food trucks and two music stages. The Culver City Arts Foundation runs it, and it also has artisan vendors, family activities and an International Arts Zone. Tip: the source page is a news story, not the organizer's own page, since culvercityartsfestival.com shows only a title. Take the Metro E Line to Culver City station to skip street parking.
Local restaurants in Culver City
Versailles
Famous Cuban garlic chicken in generous, shareable portions — a beloved LA family crowd-pleaser.
Pasta Sisters
Family-run counter serving handmade pasta from Nonna Giovanna's recipes.
Maxine's
Vintage cabin-like corner cafe that kept the old cooks, recipes, and prices.
Tito's Tacos
Beloved 1959 walk-up taco stand with shaded outdoor tables and famous hard-shell beef tacos kids devour.
Maple Block Meat Co.
Casual wood-smoked Texas-style barbecue with a relaxed family vibe and a kids menu.
Local shops in Culver City
Aldea Home & Baby
Curated modern nursery essentials, sustainable home goods, and toys on Main Street.
Arcana: Books on the Arts
Specialist bookshop devoted to art, photography, and design titles.
Lundeen's
Women-owned neighborhood staple with cards, housewares, candles, toys, baby items, and unique art.
Village Well Books & Coffee
Independent bookstore and cafe that functions as a community hub with regular events.
Rolling Greens
Large indoor and outdoor plant destination with pots and home goods.
Seasonal & outdoors near Culver City
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Culver City.
More Los Angeles family guides
Culver City family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Culver City with kids?
Family favorites in and around Culver City include Wende Museum, Culver City Park, Veterans Memorial Park and Culver City Pool (Recreational Swim), and more. Our guide lists 5 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Culver City?
Yes — free family spots near Culver City include Wende Museum, Culver City Park and Veterans Memorial Park. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Culver City?
Local, family-friendly spots in Culver City include Versailles, Pasta Sisters, Maxine's and Tito's Tacos, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Culver City guide cover?
Our Culver City family guide includes 5 things to do, 5 local eats, 5 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 Culver City
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Culver City on one map — then book on your favorite site.