Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Glendale with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Glendale on the map
📍 Where Glendale is
Glendale sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~7 mi / 11 km). It's roughly 7 mi (11 km) from Downtown LA and 117 mi (189 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 Glendale
Family attractions near Glendale
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Glendale.
The Autry Museum of the American West
Family-friendly Western history and Native American art museum with hands-on kids' areas.
~$14 adult / $6 child
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
130+ acres of animals plus a kids' playground and botanical gardens inside Griffith Park.
~$27 adult / $22 child
Griffith Park Pony Rides & Merry-Go-Round
Massive park with easy hikes, a historic carousel, and acres of picnic lawns.
Free (rides extra)
Griffith Observatory
Iconic hilltop observatory with free space exhibits, public telescopes, and sweeping skyline views.
Free (planetarium ~$10)
Travel Town Museum
Outdoor railroad museum where kids climb vintage locomotives and ride a miniature train.
Free (mini train ~$5)
Eagle Rock Recreation Center
Neighborhood park with playgrounds and sports courts below the namesake Eagle Rock formation.
FreeFarmers markets in Glendale
Glendale Gateway Certified Farmers Market
Year-round midday market on N. Brand Blvd with fresh California produce and easy downtown parking.
Festivals & annual events in Glendale
What Glendale is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Glendale Cruise Night
An evening classic-car show closing Brand Boulevard in downtown Glendale, with pre-1985 classics and modified imports, a main stage, vendor booths and kids' activities.
Free to attend; car entrants pay a registration fee
Montrose Arts & Crafts Festival
A two-day festival on Honolulu Avenue in the Montrose Shopping Park with roughly 250 artists, crafters, farmers and food vendors plus live entertainment. 2026 marked its 42nd year.
2026 festival ran Jun 6-7; 2027 dates not published
Local restaurants in Glendale
Porto's Bakery & Cafe
Beloved family-owned Cuban bakery with cheap pastries and sandwiches — try the potato balls and cheese rolls.
Carousel
Festive family-style Lebanese-Armenian spot with sprawling meze for celebrations.
Old Sasoon Bakery
40+ year Armenian bakery with a sunny patio and pastries straight from the oven.
Carousel Restaurant
Longtime family-run Lebanese-Armenian spot with 60+ shareable meza like hummus and falafel kids enjoy.
Skaf's Lebanese Cuisine
Family-run grill beloved for shawarma, garlicky chicken and warm pita in a casual setting.
Great White Hut
A Glendale original since 1947 slinging chili-cheeseburgers, loaded fries, and tacos from a walk-up window — a cheap, beloved, no-fuss family stop.
Mini Kabob
Tiny mom-and-pop Armenian spot with lula kebab, beef and chicken kebabs, and house pickles. With just three tables it feels like eating in grandma's kitchen, so order ahead.
Carousel
Legendary Armenian-Lebanese meze spreads, charcoal kebabs, dolma, and raw kibbeh. Big shareable spreads are great for family groups.
Raffi's Place
Charcoal kebabs, grilled whole fish, dolma, and hummus on an open-air patio. A neighborhood staple whose patio is easy with kids.
Hamlet's Kitchen
Strip-mall hidden gem for charcoal-grilled lula kabob, pork ribs, and beef shish, generously salted and juicy. Cash-friendly.
Local shops in Glendale
Once Upon A Time Bookstore
America's oldest children's bookstore (1966) with a red-barn playhouse and PJ story times.
Mickey's of Glendale
Independent Glendale gift shop ranked among the city's best unique gift stores.
Seasonal & outdoors near Glendale
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Glendale.
Glendale is part of the North of LA family guide — see the region's best things to do, local eats and events.
More Los Angeles family guides
Glendale family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Glendale with kids?
Family favorites in and around Glendale include Brand Library & Art Center and Verdugo Mountains Family Trails. Our guide lists 2 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Glendale?
Yes — free family spots near Glendale include Brand Library & Art Center and Verdugo Mountains Family Trails. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Glendale?
Local, family-friendly spots in Glendale include Porto's Bakery & Cafe, Mini Kabob, Carousel and Old Sasoon Bakery, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Glendale guide cover?
Our Glendale family guide includes 2 things to do, 11 local eats, 2 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.
Where to stay in Glendale
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Glendale on one map — then book on your favorite site.