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Orange County family guide

Things to Do in La Habra with Kids

La Habra straddles the OC/LA line and centers family life on the Children's Museum at La Habra — a 1923 train depot where kids climb aboard a real caboose and ride a hand-carved Dentzel carousel. The wraparound Portola Park and big La Bonita Park give you free outdoor play on the same trip.

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.

💡 Local tip: Weekday mornings are calmest at the museum, and its parking is shared with Portola Park and the Depot Theatre next door — pair all three in one easy visit.

Things to do in La Habra

Museums & Learning

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
Parks & Hiking

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
Parks & Hiking

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
Parks & Hiking

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
Arts & Culture

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
Parks & Hiking

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.

Varies

Local restaurants in La Habra

Comfort & BBQ

Ruby Red's BBQ

Family-owned smokehouse with in-house-smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and pulled pork.

See all 1 restaurants in La Habra

Local shops in La Habra

Toys & Games

The Wonder Emporium

Independent specialty toy store with STEM kits, developmental toys, and free gift wrapping.

Vintage & Thrift

Magnolia Vintage, Home & Gift

Curated multi-vendor vintage and antique mall with folk art and whimsical home decor.

See all 2 shops in La Habra

Seasonal & outdoors near La Habra

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

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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, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.

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). Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.

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 — 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 La Habra

Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commission

Compare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near La Habra on one map — then book on your favorite site.