Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Malibu 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) (~21 mi / 34 km). It's roughly 30 mi (48 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.
Things to do in Malibu
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 parking
Point 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.
~$12 parkingFamily attractions near Malibu
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Malibu.
Malibu Creek State Park
Flat creekside trails lead to a scenic swimming pool, volcanic gorge, and the old M*A*S*H filming site — a wide, easy hike with a real payoff for kids. The exterior shots for M*A*S*H were filmed here every season from 1972 to 1983, standing in for Korea, and rusted set pieces still mark the spot along Crags Road, about 4.75 miles round trip with barely 200 feet of elevation gain. On the way, the creek has carved the volcanic Rock Pool, a natural swimming hole where wading and swimming are allowed (diving is not).
~$12 parking
King Gillette Ranch
The gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains, with a gentle pond loop and the Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center full of hands-on exhibits. The first two hours of parking are free — perfect for a short nature walk with little ones, and the wide, level paths suit strollers.
Free 2-hour parking, then $7
Paramount Ranch
A historic Hollywood movie ranch and National Park land with flat, grassy, oak-lined loop trails — gentle enough for strollers and dotted with film history. The 2018 Woolsey Fire destroyed most of the ranch's famous "Western Town" set, sparing only the HBO Westworld chapel and the Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman train depot; a roughly $26 million rebuild modeled on the ranch's 1920s-30s buildings was reported nearly complete as of September 2026. The oak-shaded loop trails themselves were unaffected by the fire and remain open for an easy family walk.
Free
Reyes Adobe Historical Site
This restored 1850s adobe gives kids a hands-on look at early California rancho life, complete with period furnishings and a barn. Admission is free but the site only opens a couple of set days each month, so plan around the schedule. A quick, manageable stop that pairs nicely with a park picnic.
Free
Calabasas Bark Park
A free off-leash dog park with separate large- and small-dog areas plus a doggie fountain, doubling as the trailhead for the Bark Park Trail. Kids who love animals enjoy watching the pups from the benches. Note it closes Thursdays 7–10am for maintenance.
Free
Forest Cove Park
A local favorite with two playgrounds (including a separate tot area), a splash pad for hot days, ballfields and a picnic shelter — a genuinely free, all-ages spot where kids burn energy while parents relax under the trees. Pack swimsuits and towels in summer for the water features.
FreeFarmers 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.
Festivals & annual events in Malibu
What Malibu is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
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.
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 and Point Dume State Beach. Our guide lists 2 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
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 2 things to do, 1 local eats and 1 farmers market — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
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 cancellationPrivate Tour of Los Angeles in a Luxury Vehicle
Free cancellationPrivate Surf Lessons in Malibu
Free cancellationPrivate Getty Villa Tour with Museum-Trained Art Historian
Experience Malibu with Exclusive 90-Minute Surf Lessons
Free cancellationMalibu: Guided Vineyard Hike with Photo Stops and Wine
Zuma Beach Malibu Private Surfing Adventure
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.