Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Downey with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Downey on the map
📍 Where Downey is
Downey sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~8 mi / 14 km). It's roughly 10 mi (16 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 Downey
Wilderness Park
Two lakes where fishing is allowed, picnic tables, first-come barbecues and a playground for ages 2–12, off Florence Ave beside the 605. Bring cash for weekend parking; Downey residents park free with an ID showing a Downey address.
Free weekdays; parking $5 per vehicle (cash only) for non-residents on Sat, Sun and major holidaysApollo Park
A playground, walking trail, bocce, shuffleboard, sand volleyball and ball fields around the McCaughan Gymnasium at 12544 Rives Ave. The Downey History Center is inside the park at 12540 Rives Ave (Wed/Thu 10am–2pm and third Saturdays).
Free (gym clinics, leagues and reservations are extra)Furman Park
The city lists a playground, walking trail, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic shelters, tennis courts, ball diamonds and an activity room at 10419 Rives Ave. A good loop-walk park for stroller and scooter kids; shelters are reservable, so book ahead for a birthday.
Free (activity room, fields and shelters are reservable for a fee)Dennis the Menace Park
A popular birthday and picnic park at 9125 Arrington Ave with a playground designed for ages 5–12, green space, picnic tables and first-come barbecues. The parking lot is locked at closing, so don't linger past close.
FreeIndependence Park & Meredith H. Perkins Skate Park
A city skate park open year-round, plus a play area, ball diamonds and tennis courts at 12334 Bellflower Blvd. Helmets and knee and elbow pads are required at all times, so pack them. It's under a mile from the Columbia Memorial Space Center.
Free (tennis courts $5/hr)
Downey City Library
The library's own calendar lists weekly children's programs, including bilingual Hora de Cuentos storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers and the On the Grow play series. It's at 11121 Brookshire Ave next to City Hall; programs change weekly, so check the events list first.
FreeFestivals & annual events in Downey
What Downey is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Downey Día de los Muertos Art Festival
An all-day festival at the Downey Theatre Plaza (8435 Firestone Blvd) with folklórico dances, live performances on three stages, an art gallery, local artists, a community altar and car altars. Kids can decorate sugar skulls, do crafts, chalk art and face painting. Tip: use the free parking at Downey High School across the street.
Admission not listed; free event parking at Downey High School
Downey Christmas Parade
A long-running holiday parade down Downey Avenue to the Civic Center with floats, vintage cars, marching bands and dance groups. Past its 70th edition.
Free
Local restaurants in Downey
La Casa Garcia
Family-owned Downey restaurant serving generational recipes in a welcoming setting.
Lucky Guys Burgers
Family-owned Downey burger spot with classic American comfort food.
Stox Restaurant & Bakery
Family-owned Downey cornerstone with scratch pancakes, burgers, and an in-house bakery.
Avenue Pizzeria
New York-style pizza by the pie or slice plus handmade empanadas, inside the historic Avenue Theatre at 11022 Downey Ave. Open Tue–Thu 12–9pm and Fri–Sat 12pm–3am, closed Sun and Mon.
3rd Street Coffee
Coffee, boba, smoothies, pastries, sandwiches and salads at 8221 E. 3rd St, Suite 101, with online order-ahead for pickup. Open daily from 7am.
Let's Gogi
Korean BBQ grilled at the table at 8248 Firestone Blvd. Weekday lunch is $21.99 regular or $29.99 premium, and kids 36–48 in tall are half price while kids under 36 in are free. Diners must be seated by 3pm at weekday lunch.
Local shops in Downey
Stay Arts Shop
Downtown Downey arts-nonprofit shop selling work by contracted local artists.
Seasonal & outdoors near Downey
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Downey.
More Los Angeles family guides
Downey family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Downey with kids?
Family favorites in and around Downey include Wilderness Park, Apollo Park, Furman Park and Dennis the Menace Park, 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 Downey?
Yes — free family spots near Downey include Apollo Park, Furman Park, Dennis the Menace Park and Independence Park & Meredith H. Perkins Skate Park. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Downey?
Local, family-friendly spots in Downey include La Casa Garcia, Lucky Guys Burgers, Stox Restaurant & Bakery and Avenue Pizzeria, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Downey guide cover?
Our Downey family guide includes 6 things to do, 6 local eats and 1 local shops — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Downey
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Downey on one map — then book on your favorite site.