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Los Angeles family guide

Things to Do in Glendale with Kids

Glendale blends a big walkable downtown with green hillside escapes. The Americana at Brand's fountain shows and trolley delight little ones, while Deukmejian Wilderness Park and the trails above town give families room to roam. The Museum of Neon Art adds a quirky, colorful stop.

Curated by Simir Shah

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

📍 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.

💡 Local tip: The Americana's grassy lawn and dancing fountain are a free hit with toddlers; the on-site parking garage validates with purchase.

Things to do in Glendale

Parks & Hiking

Brand Library & Art Center

Hillside park with hiking trails, a Moorish-style library, and shady picnic spots.

Free
Parks & Hiking

Verdugo Mountains Family Trails

Accessible foothill trails with shade and views, great for an easy family nature walk.

Free

Farmers markets in Glendale

Tuesday · 10am–2pm

Glendale Gateway Certified Farmers Market

Year-round midday market on N. Brand Blvd with fresh California produce and easy downtown parking.

See all SoCal farmers markets →

Local restaurants in Glendale

Sweets & Treats

Porto's Bakery & Cafe

Beloved family-owned Cuban bakery with cheap pastries and sandwiches — try the potato balls and cheese rolls.

Comfort & BBQ

Mini Kabob

Tiny mom-and-pop Armenian grill, hand-making kebabs since 1987.

Comfort & BBQ

Carousel

Festive family-style Lebanese-Armenian spot with sprawling meze for celebrations.

Sweets & Treats

Old Sasoon Bakery

40+ year Armenian bakery with a sunny patio and pastries straight from the oven.

Healthy & Fast-Casual

Carousel Restaurant

Longtime family-run Lebanese-Armenian spot with 60+ shareable meza like hummus and falafel kids enjoy.

Healthy & Fast-Casual

Skaf's Lebanese Cuisine

Family-run grill beloved for shawarma, garlicky chicken and warm pita in a casual setting.

Burgers & American

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.

See all local SoCal restaurants →

Local shops in Glendale

Books & Stationery

Once Upon A Time Bookstore

America's oldest children's bookstore (1966) with a red-barn playhouse and PJ story times.

Gifts & Home

Mickey's of Glendale

Independent Glendale gift shop ranked among the city's best unique gift stores.

See all local SoCal shops →

Seasonal & outdoors near Glendale

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

Splash pad · 0 miPacific Park & Community Center Splash PadJuly 4th fireworks · 0 miGlendale 'Jewel City Sparkles'Toddler spot · 2 miGriffith Park & Southern RailroadDog-friendly · 2 miGriffith Park trailsChristmas lights · 2 miL.A. Zoo Lights: Animals AglowPhoto spot · 3 miGriffith ObservatoryBirthday venue · 6 miDave & Buster'sPumpkin patch · 12 miMr. Bones Pumpkin Patch

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

Los Angeles →Long Beach →Pasadena →Santa Monica →Burbank →Claremont →Venice →Manhattan Beach →Calabasas →Agoura Hills →Santa Clarita →Culver City →
Browse all SoCal city guides →

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