Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Malibu, CA with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Malibu on the map
📍 Where Malibu is
Malibu sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: LAX (Los Angeles Intl) (~20 mi / 33 km). It's roughly 29 mi (47 km) from Downtown LA and 129 mi (208 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.
🏡 New to Malibu? Start hereRec classes, library cards, school lookup, alerts and getting around.OpenClose
- Rec classes & camps: Malibu Community Services runs Parent and Me classes, youth programs and after-school care; register online at MalibuCity.org/Register.
- Library card: Malibu Library on Civic Center Way is an LA County Library branch open seven days; cards are free for California residents.
- Storytime: LA County Library offers baby and toddler storytimes for young children and their parents; check the Malibu branch calendar for times.
- Find your school: Malibu is still in Santa Monica-Malibu Unified while a split into a separate Malibu Unified proceeds; check your address in the SMMUSD locator.
- Community pool: The city's Malibu Community Pool at Malibu High School offers lessons and drop-in lap swim; lap swimmers fill out a registration form first.
- City events: City events include Breakfast with Santa on December 12, 2026; sign up for e-Notifications to hear about the rest.
- Disaster alerts: Malibu sends evacuation and emergency alerts through Everbridge; add your cell and email at MalibuCity.org/DisasterNotification.
- Wildfire readiness: Use LA County Fire's Ready, Set, Go plan and look up your Genasys zone; October's Bryson Fire warnings went to zones MAL-C113 and MAL-C114.
- Local insider: Malibu is finishing PCH speed cameras along its 21-mile stretch of highway; the warning period was pushed to November 2026.
Things to do in Malibu
Parks & Hiking
Charmlee Wilderness Park
A 532-acre city wilderness park high above western Malibu with more than six miles of trails, picnic areas, native plants and broad ocean views. It burned in the 2018 Woolsey Fire and reopened in 2020, but the nature center is still closed. Wildlife cameras have caught bobcats, foxes, deer and owls here.
FreeMalibu Bluffs Park
A 6-acre city park on the bluffs at PCH and Malibu Canyon Road with a playground for ages 2–12, ball fields, a jogging path, picnic tables and a whale-watching station overlooking the ocean. It is the city's main event lawn, home to CineMalibu movies, the Bu Bash carnival and the Chumash Day powwow.
FreeMalibu Community Pool
A city-run pool on the Malibu High School campus, used by the public outside school hours. It runs group learn-to-swim lessons for ages 1–10 (including parent-and-me classes), the Malibu Marlins youth swim club and a free Sensory Swim for all abilities. In fall it is mostly lap swim, so check the seasonal guide for family swim times.
$2 ages 7–17; $3 adults; 55+ free; lessons extraTrancas Canyon Park
A western Malibu neighborhood park with a playground, a multipurpose field, picnic shelters, restrooms and a dog park. It closes during Red Flag Warnings, and the field closes after heavy rain. It is a handy stop near Zuma Beach.
FreeBeaches & Coast
Malibu Lagoon & Surfrider Beach
Protected lagoon and bird estuary beside a classic surf beach with boardwalk nature trails. Established as a state park in 1951, the lagoon is a resting and feeding stop for more than 200 species of migratory and native birds along the Pacific Flyway, and endangered snowy plovers nest right on the beach. Surfrider Beach next door was named the world's first World Surfing Reserve in 2010, honoring its role in California's early surf culture.
~$12 parkingPoint Dume State Beach
Scenic Malibu cove with a headland trail, tide pools, and seasonal whale and sea-lion viewing. The mile-long network of bluff trails climbs about 100 feet to an overlook platform, a good perch for spotting gray whales during their December-to-April migration past the point. The headland was sacred ground for the Chumash people long before it became a coastal landmark. Heads up: State Parks closed Westward Beach Road in August 2026, so the lower beach lot can't be reached by car; the beach itself is still open from the bluff-top side.
~$12 parking
El Matador State Beach (Robert H. Meyer Memorial)
Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach is made up of three cliff-foot coves, El Matador, La Piedra and El Pescador, reached by paths and stairs from small bluff-top lots. El Matador's sea stacks and arches are spectacular, but the steep stairs make it better for exploring at low tide with older kids than for toddlers. The beaches can be crowded in summer and are much quieter off-season.
Paid state day-use parking (rates vary)
Malibu Pier
The historic pier next to Surfrider Beach, run by California State Parks, has a restaurant, a cafe and great views of surfers. The end of the pier has been closed since January 2025 for structural safety, and a $2.1 million piling repair began in October 2026 with completion expected by the end of January 2027. The rest of the pier stays open.
Free to walk; nearby lots paid
Nicholas Canyon County Beach
A quieter LA County beach near the western city line with lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables and stairs to the sand. On the same site, the Wishtoyo Foundation's Chumash Village offers guided tours of replica homes and canoes by appointment. It is not reachable by public transit.
Paid county lots (151 spaces)Topanga Beach
An LA County beach at the mouth of Topanga Canyon, the first real beach in Malibu coming up from Santa Monica, with lifeguards, restrooms, showers and picnic tables. Waves break over cobbles and reef, so it is better for surf-watching and tide-line exploring than for little swimmers. Metro bus 534 stops at PCH and Topanga Canyon.
Paid county lot (96 spaces) plus PCH street parkingAnimals & Nature
Legacy Park
A Civic Center park that links coastal prairie, bluff, native woodland and wetland habitats along easy walking paths across Civic Center Way from Malibu Library. Its retention basin cleans stormwater before it reaches the ocean, and it normally dries out in summer. It is a good short walk for little legs, with birds to spot.
FreeMalibu Lagoon Bird Walk with Audubon
Audubon volunteers lead a monthly bird walk around the Malibu Lagoon trails, a good introduction to the lagoon's water birds for school-age kids. Bring binoculars if you have them. Park at the state lot at the Cross Creek Road light.
Free walk; lagoon lot is paidMuseums & Learning
Adamson House & Malibu Lagoon Museum
A historic Spanish- and Moorish-style beach house famous for its colorful Malibu tile, between the pier and Malibu Lagoon. The gardens and outdoor history panels are free daily, the small Malibu Lagoon Museum covers Chumash and Rindge history, and the inside of the house is seen only on first-come docent tours. There is no on-site parking; use the county Surfrider lot, the Malibu Lagoon lot or free PCH shoulder parking.
Grounds and museum free; house tour fee (check site)
Malibu Library (LA County Library)
LA County Library's Malibu branch in the Civic Center, renovated in 2012, with children's and teen spaces. It runs session-based Smarty Pants Storytime for ages 2–5 (registration required) and partners with the city on Park Tales outdoor storytimes at Bluffs Park. It is open seven days a week.
FreeArts & Culture
CineMalibu Outdoor Movie Nights
The City of Malibu's free family movie nights on the lawn at Malibu Bluffs Park, with pre-movie activities starting an hour before sunset. Bring chairs and blankets; no alcohol is allowed.
FreeFrederick R. Weisman Museum of Art
Pepperdine University's art museum on the campus above PCH, with rotating exhibitions and Free Family Art Days that offer hands-on projects for kids of all ages. No reservations are needed, and accessible parking is free in the main lot.
Check site; no reservations neededPepperdine Center for the Arts Family Performances
Pepperdine's arts center brings touring children's theater to Smothers Theatre, such as Mermaid Theatre's Three Little Pigs and Other Tales and a shadow-puppet Snowy Day (2026–27 season). Hands-on art activities for kids run before and after each show.
Ticketed; check siteMore for families in Malibu
From our researched guides: the Malibu spots for camps, tide pools, surf spots. Hours and prices change, so check the venue's site before you go.
Camps
All SoCal camps →Malibu Makos Surf Club — Surf Camp
Zuma Beach surf camp running since 1991 — age-grouped surf instruction plus an Active Zone of beach games.
$$$ $749 for 5 days
Venue website ↗Tide pools
All SoCal tide pools →Leo Carrillo State Beach (Sequit Point)
Diverse, accessible pools with anemones, hermit crabs and sea stars, plus rock arches and sea caves; a large day-use lot is right on the sand. Watch the waves.
$ parking
Venue website ↗Surf spots & lessons
All SoCal surf spots →Zuma Beach
Powerful, open beach break with plenty of space. Can be punchy — best once you're confident in bigger surf.
Free · paid parking
County Line (Leo Carrillo)
Scenic spot on the Ventura line with mellow inside waves for learners and longer rides outside for stronger surfers.
Free · paid parking
Farmers markets in Malibu
Malibu Farmers Market
Sunday market at the Civic Center with fresh produce, flowers, and prepared food steps from the coast — a scenic family outing.
Holidays in Malibu
Lights, parades, Santa and more this season. Confirm details with the organizer before you go.
First Day Hike at Point Mugu State Park
2026 dates not confirmed
A 5.4-mile hike up switchbacks from the western end of the Backbone Trail, with ocean views.
Free guided hike; state park parking fee applies
Festivals & annual events in Malibu
What Malibu is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Malibu Breakfast with Santa
The City of Malibu's annual family Breakfast with Santa. Only the date is posted on the city's Special Events page so far. Tip: watch the city's e-notifications for registration details and the time and location.
See city (time and price not yet posted)
Chumash Day Native American Powwow & Intertribal Gathering
The City of Malibu's family-friendly powwow at Malibu Bluffs Park honoring the Chumash with tribal dances, ceremonies, Native artisan vendors and food. The 2026 edition ran 10am-6pm with a Grand Entry at noon. Tip: there is no on-site parking at Malibu Bluffs Park, so plan on the free off-site lot and shuttle if the 2027 setup matches.
Free (2026 edition was free with free off-site parking and shuttle)
Malibu Tiny Tot Olympics
The City of Malibu's Tiny Tot Olympics for ages 2-6, listed as an annual spring event. Only the date is posted so far. Tip: check the city's e-notifications for registration and location details.
See city (not yet posted)
Malibu Chili Cook-Off
The 43rd annual Labor Day weekend fair with carnival rides, a chili competition, food booths and live music, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu.
Malibu Bu Bash Halloween Carnival
The City of Malibu's Halloween carnival at Malibu Bluffs Park with a costume catwalk, carnival games with prizes, bounce houses, art activities, a food truck and spooky stories with the Malibu Library. It is for ages 2-10. Tip: pre-registration is required at malibucity.org/register, and accompanying adults do not need to register.
Local restaurants in Malibu
Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe
Run by commercial fishermen since 1972, this PCH fish-market-and-cafe serves fish & chips and chowder on ocean-view patios — a perfect casual family beach-day lunch.
Seasonal & outdoors near Malibu
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Malibu.
More Los Angeles family guides
Malibu family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Malibu with kids?
Family favorites in and around Malibu include Malibu Lagoon & Surfrider Beach, Point Dume State Beach, Legacy Park and Malibu Lagoon Bird Walk with Audubon, and more. Our guide lists 17 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Malibu?
Yes — free family spots near Malibu include Legacy Park, Malibu Lagoon Bird Walk with Audubon, CineMalibu Outdoor Movie Nights and Malibu Pier. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
What can kids do in Malibu on a rainy day?
Indoor options in and around Malibu include Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, Pepperdine Center for the Arts Family Performances and Malibu Library (LA County Library). Each listing in our guide is marked indoor or outdoor, so you can filter for the weather.
How can families spend a day in Malibu?
One easy plan: start outside at Malibu Lagoon & Surfrider Beach while kids have the most energy, break for lunch at Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe, then head indoors to Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art for the afternoon. Our guide has prices and tips for each stop, plus 15 more ideas to swap in.
Where can families eat in Malibu?
Local, family-friendly spots in Malibu include Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Malibu guide cover?
Our Malibu family guide includes 17 things to do, 1 local eatery and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Book Malibu tours & tickets
Bookable via Viator · we may earn a commission (no extra cost to you)Bookable experiences, skip-the-line tickets, and tours in Malibu — reserved through Viator.
Free cancellationScenic Malibu Overlook Electric Bike Tour for Beginners
Free cancellationMalibu: Guided Vineyard Hike with Photo Stops and Wine
Free cancellationMalibu Wine, Food & Beach Tour
Free cancellationLos Angeles: Private 4x4 Vineyard Tour in Malibu
Where to stay in Malibu
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Malibu on one map — then book on your favorite site.