Los Angeles family guide

Things to Do in Downey with Kids

Downey wears its space and pop-culture history proudly: it's home to the Columbia Memorial Space Center, a hands-on science museum on the former Apollo-era aerospace site, and the world's oldest operating McDonald's with its retro Speedee sign and small museum. Furman Park rounds out an easygoing local day.

Curated by Simir Shah

Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.

📍 Where Downey is

Downey sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~9 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.

💡 Local tip: The Columbia Memorial Space Center is budget-friendly and rarely crowded on weekdays, with robotics and space exhibits aimed right at kids.

Local restaurants in Downey

Mexican & Tacos

La Casa Garcia

Family-owned Downey restaurant serving generational recipes in a welcoming setting.

Burgers & American

Lucky Guys Burgers

Family-owned Downey burger spot with classic American comfort food.

Breakfast & Brunch

Stox Restaurant & Bakery

Family-owned Downey cornerstone with scratch pancakes, burgers, and an in-house bakery.

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Local shops in Downey

Makers & Local Goods

Stay Arts Shop

Downtown Downey arts-nonprofit shop selling work by contracted local artists.

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Seasonal & outdoors near Downey

The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Downey.

Birthday venue · 3 miPump It Up Splash pad · 6 miAdventure Park Splash Pad Dog-friendly · 9 miArts District Brewing Company Toddler spot · 10 miPublic library story times (LA County)Photo spot · 10 miThe Broad & Walt Disney Concert Hall Pumpkin patch · 10 miPa's Pumpkin Patch Christmas lights · 10 miKnott's Merry Farm July 4th fireworks · 10 miKnott's Berry Farm July 4th Fireworks

More Los Angeles family guides

Los Angeles →Long Beach →Pasadena →Santa Monica →Burbank →Claremont →Glendale →Venice →Manhattan Beach →Calabasas →Agoura Hills →Santa Clarita →

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Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.