Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Lakewood with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Lakewood on the map
📍 Where Lakewood is
Lakewood sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~3 mi / 5 km). It's roughly 16 mi (26 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 Lakewood
Mayfair Park
The city's flagship 18-acre park since 1951 at 5720 Clark Ave, with school-age and tot-lot playgrounds, picnic shelters with BBQs, tennis and game courts, a fitness trail and the John S. Todd Community Center. The seasonal wading pool and tot lot make it the best pick here for toddlers.
Free to visit; seasonal pool and wading pool are separate
Lakewood Equestrian Center (Barnyard Buddies petting zoo and pony rides)
A city-owned equestrian center at 11369 E Carson St where the on-site Barnyard Buddies runs a petting zoo, pony rides and birthday parties, and the center offers riding lessons. The petting zoo is only open Wed–Sun, so call ahead before driving out.
Pricing not published; call Barnyard Buddies at 562-405-1010Rynerson Park
A 40-acre park at 20711 Studebaker Rd along the San Gabriel River with playgrounds, picnic shelters with BBQ grills, walking paths, ball diamonds, an outdoor fitness station, a bike trailhead and an adjacent dog park. The paved paths give an easy family bike ride onto the river trail.
FreeSan Martin Park ("Pumpkin Park")
A storybook-themed park at 5231 Ocana Ave, nicknamed Pumpkin Park for its large pumpkin carriage, horses and castle-style play area, with a tot lot, wading pool, picnic areas with BBQs and basketball courts. Staffed hours are limited, so aim for weekend afternoons.
FreeFestivals & annual events in Lakewood
What Lakewood is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Pan American Fiesta
Lakewood's largest annual event at Mayfair Park, with amusement rides, food booths, a craft and exhibit fair and live entertainment. It traces back to 1945.
The 2026 fiesta has passed; the city posts dates each spring
Local restaurants in Lakewood
Hof's Hut
SoCal-exclusive family restaurant since 1951 with comfort classics and a house bakery.
Seasonal & outdoors near Lakewood
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Lakewood.
More Los Angeles family guides
Lakewood family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Lakewood with kids?
Family favorites in and around Lakewood include Mayfair Park, Lakewood Equestrian Center (Barnyard Buddies petting zoo and pony rides), Rynerson Park and San Martin Park ("Pumpkin Park"). Our guide lists 4 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Lakewood?
Yes — free family spots near Lakewood include Mayfair Park, Rynerson Park and San Martin Park ("Pumpkin Park"). Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Lakewood?
Local, family-friendly spots in Lakewood include Hof's Hut — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Lakewood guide cover?
Our Lakewood family guide includes 4 things to do and 1 local eats — 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 Lakewood
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Lakewood on one map — then book on your favorite site.