Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in El Segundo with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
El Segundo on the map
📍 Where El Segundo is
El Segundo sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: LAX (Los Angeles Intl) (~1 mi / 2 km). It's roughly 13 mi (21 km) from Downtown LA and 110 mi (177 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 El Segundo
Recreation Park
The city's 18.5-acre park next to downtown, at 401 Sheldon St, with a playground, grass play area, picnic tables, BBQ grills, ball field, and basketball, tennis and pickleball courts. It sits beside downtown, so you can pair a playground stop with a walk to Main Street for lunch.
Free entry
Acacia Park
A neighborhood park in the 600 block of W. Acacia Ave, rebuilt with play equipment for ages 2–12: two shaded play structures, swings, picnic tables and a walking path. The two structures suit different ages, so toddlers and older siblings can play side by side.
Free entryKansas Park
A large neighborhood playground at Kansas St and Holly Ave with a climbing rock wall and shaded picnic benches — an easy summer-afternoon picnic stop.
Free entry
El Segundo-Wiseburn Aquatics Center
A city and school-district pool at 2240 E. Grand Ave with a 25-yard main pool and a warmer 25-yard instructional pool. Family recreation swim is limited to set windows, and the city says reservations are made at esrec.org or 310-524-2738, so book first.
Public swim: youth (3–17) $3 resident / $6 non-resident; adult $5 / $8; age 2 and under free with a paid adultFarmers markets in El Segundo
El Segundo Certified Farmers' Market
Year-round afternoon market on downtown Main Street with produce, hot food, and a small-town feel.
Festivals & annual events in El Segundo
What El Segundo is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
El Segundo Halloween Frolic
El Segundo's family Halloween event, described by the city as featuring a costume contest, pumpkin contest, bouncers and food trucks. The city calendar lists the date but not the time. Tip: call Rec & Parks at 310-524-2700 for the schedule and location, and combine it with downtown Main Street trick-or-treating.
See city (cost not posted)
El Segundo Joy Around the World: Festival of Holidays & Tree Lighting
El Segundo's tree lighting combined with a celebration of winter holidays from around the world, with cultural dance performances, live music, crafts, a Santa visit and a kids' train ride at City Hall Plaza and the 300 block of Main Street. Tip: it is on the first Thursday in December after work and school, so arrive right at 3pm to beat the after-school crowd.
Free
El Segundo Breakfast with Santa
El Segundo Recreation & Parks' annual Breakfast with Santa. The city calendar lists a 9am start but no cost or venue. Tip: contact Rec & Parks at 310-524-2700 well before the date to ask about registration and cost.
See city (cost not posted)
Candy Cane Lane Shuttle (El Segundo)
The City of El Segundo lists a nightly shuttle from Dec 12 through Dec 23 for Candy Cane Lane, the heavily decorated single-block Christmas tradition. The calendar lists a 4:30pm start each night. Tip: the shuttle is meant to ease access to the block, so check the city calendar for pickup locations before you drive.
See city (shuttle cost not posted)
Local restaurants in El Segundo
Jame Enoteca
Neighborhood Italian restaurant and bar on Main Street serving hand-rolled pastas (the spicy rigatoni is a signature), sandwiches and market-driven salads. 241 Main St; open daily from 11am.
¡Jaime! Taqueria
California-Mexican taqueria with hand-rolled tortillas, tacos, burritos, signature guacamoles and breakfast and brunch options at 450 Main St, open from 8am daily.
Sausal
'Nuevo Rancho' Mexican cooking from Chef Anne Conness at 219 Main St, open daily, with a group dining page for larger parties.
Metro Cafe
Neighborhood cafe serving cheeseburgers, meatballs, pastas and Balkan-influenced plates for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 131 W Grand Ave Ste A.
Local shops in El Segundo
Rabbit Ladders
Kids' store with baby, toddler and kids clothing, books, toys and accessories at The Point, 860 S PCH #C107. Confirm hours before going.
Seasonal & outdoors near El Segundo
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from El Segundo.
More Los Angeles family guides
El Segundo family FAQ
What are the best things to do in El Segundo with kids?
Family favorites in and around El Segundo include Recreation Park, Acacia Park, Kansas Park and El Segundo-Wiseburn Aquatics Center. Our guide lists 4 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in El Segundo?
Yes — free family spots near El Segundo include Recreation Park, Acacia Park and Kansas Park. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in El Segundo?
Local, family-friendly spots in El Segundo include Jame Enoteca, ¡Jaime! Taqueria, Sausal and Metro Cafe — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal El Segundo guide cover?
Our El Segundo family guide includes 4 things to do, 4 local eats, 1 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 El Segundo
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near El Segundo on one map — then book on your favorite site.