Orange County family guide
Things to Do in La Habra with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
La Habra on the map
📍 Where La Habra is
La Habra sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~14 mi / 23 km). It's roughly 19 mi (30 km) from Downtown LA and 96 mi (154 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 La Habra
The Children's Museum at La Habra
Housed in a 1923 Union Pacific train depot, this beloved museum lets kids climb aboard a real caboose and explore hands-on exhibits. The star is an authentic hand-carved Dentzel carousel, so save time (and check the height rules) for a ride. Weekday mornings are calmest for younger visitors.
$12/person ages 2+, $11 residents, $10 seniors/military
Portola Park
This central 10-acre park wraps around the Children's Museum, so you can pair a museum visit with free outdoor play. Kids love hunting for the dinosaur garden and the selfie wall, and there are picnic tables and ball fields for a full afternoon. Parking is shared with the museum and Depot Theatre.
Free
La Bonita Park
At 22 acres this is La Habra's big neighborhood park, with a playground on soft surfacing, a rock climbing wall and both baby-bucket and belt swings, plus a skate park and basketball courts for a range of ages. Pack a picnic and use the ball-field lot on the Whittier Blvd side.
Free
Powder Canyon Trailhead (Puente Hills)
Just up in La Habra Heights, this Puente Hills trailhead opens onto oak-and-walnut woodland with panoramic hilltop views. The Fullerton Road trailhead has parking, restrooms and drinking fountains for an easy out-and-back with kids. Go early in summer for shade and bring water — little cover on the ridgelines.
Free
La Habra Depot Theatre
This restored historic train depot next to the Children's Museum runs as a 132-seat theater with family-friendly shows, including princess storytimes and youth productions. A lovely low-key outing to pair with a park or museum day on the same block. Parking is free; check the schedule since hours depend on what's staged.
Varies
Westridge Golf Club
This public 18-hole course in the hills has sweeping San Gabriel Mountain views and welcomes families teaching kids the game — a good spot for a first round or a twilight nine when rates are lower. Call ahead to book, and ask about junior rates and lessons.
VariesFestivals & annual events in La Habra
What La Habra is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Mini Monster's Bash (Children's Museum at La Habra)
The museum becomes a trick-or-treat trail with candy stations, Halloween crafts and games, and a live Mad Science show at 6pm. Every guest ages 2 and up, including adults, needs a ticket, and advance registration is required because space is limited and it is not included with regular admission. Tip: general sales open Monday, Sept 21, so book early.
$20 general · $15 members · under 2 free
La Habra Tamale Festival (13th Annual)
The city's holiday festival takes over Euclid St between La Habra Blvd and Bridenbecker Ave, plus City Hall, Portola Park and Brio Park. In 2025 it included the City Holiday Tree Lighting, and the city has not yet posted 2026 hours. Tip: the Children's Museum at La Habra closes for the festival that day, so plan a different outing for the kids.
Admission not listed (historically free; confirm)
Sensory-Friendly Sundays (Children's Museum at La Habra)
A low-crowd, low-noise, dimmer-light session for children with autism, sensory processing differences and other special needs and their companions. The museum offers a social story on its site to prepare kids. Tip: read the social story with your child beforehand.
$7 per person (ages 2+); free for 1 licensed aide
$5 Sunday Play Days (Children's Museum at La Habra)
The museum drops admission to $5 for full access to its hands-on exhibits, including the Dino Dig Site and vintage carousel, on select Sundays. Tip: these are popular community-rate days, so book timed tickets online and go right at 1pm.
$5 per person (ages 2+)
La Habra Corn Festival & Parade
A 77-year-old city tradition run by the La Habra Host Lions Club at El Centro-Lions Park — roasted corn, funnel cakes, carnival rides, live music, and a Saturday-morning parade down La Habra Boulevard. Free to get in.
Local restaurants in La Habra
Ruby Red's BBQ
Family-owned smokehouse with in-house-smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and pulled pork.
Local shops in La Habra
The Wonder Emporium
Independent specialty toy store with STEM kits, developmental toys, and free gift wrapping.
Magnolia Vintage, Home & Gift
Curated multi-vendor vintage and antique mall with folk art and whimsical home decor.
Seasonal & outdoors near La Habra
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from La Habra.
More Orange County family guides
La Habra family FAQ
What are the best things to do in La Habra with kids?
Family favorites in and around La Habra include The Children's Museum at La Habra, Portola Park, La Bonita Park and Powder Canyon Trailhead (Puente Hills), 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 La Habra?
Yes — free family spots near La Habra include Portola Park, La Bonita Park and Powder Canyon Trailhead (Puente Hills). Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in La Habra?
Local, family-friendly spots in La Habra include Ruby Red's BBQ — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal La Habra guide cover?
Our La Habra family guide includes 6 things to do, 1 local eats and 2 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 La Habra
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near La Habra on one map — then book on your favorite site.