Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Monrovia with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Monrovia on the map
📍 Where Monrovia is
Monrovia sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~21 mi / 34 km). It's roughly 16 mi (25 km) from Downtown LA and 110 mi (177 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 Monrovia
Monrovia Canyon Park
The city park at 1200 N Canyon Blvd reopened in June 2025 after a multi-year closure for Bobcat Fire and storm repairs. It has hiking trails, picnic areas, a waterfall, a Nature Center, a new educational gathering area and a nature-center overlook. Parking is expanded to 111 spaces, with lots opening directly onto the trails to the waterfall. The city page doesn't give trail length or say whether reservations are needed, so call (626) 256-8282 before you go.
Parking $5 per vehicle weekdays, $6 weekends and holidays; annual pass $65; bus parking $30
Library Park
A 13-acre city park at 321 S Myrtle Ave beside the library and a short walk from Old Town, with ADA-approved playground equipment, picnic tables, open grass, a fountain and a bandshell that hosts live performances through the year. Portable BBQs are not allowed and dogs must be leashed.
Free (free parking)
Monrovia Historical Museum
A volunteer-run museum at 742 E Lemon Ave in Recreation Park, with interactive areas and hand sanitizer provided. Food and drinks aren't allowed inside, but the park's picnic tables and playground are next door. There is free street parking on Lemon and Shamrock, and the museum can arrange private group tours for 10 or more.
Free; donations welcomeMonrovia Public Library
The library at 321 S Myrtle Ave runs storytimes, children's literacy activities, arts and crafts and STEAM workshops. Its Storytime in the Park events have been held at the Library Park bandshell near the playground. Call (626) 256-8274 for the current storytime schedule.
Free
Monrovia Friday Night Street Fair & Market
The Myrtle Ave street fair in Old Town Monrovia (700 S Myrtle) has a farmers market, flowers, treats and live music. The city says the first Friday of each month adds special entertainment for kids. Go on a first Friday with children.
Free to attendFarmers markets in Monrovia
Monrovia Street Fair & Market
Big family street fair in Old Town with a certified farmers market, live music, food vendors, and kids' bounce houses.
Festivals & annual events in Monrovia
What Monrovia is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Monrovia Halloween Spooktacular & Trick-or-Treat Bash
Library Park hosts activities and a costume contest, and Old Town merchants hand out treats along a short trick-or-treat stroll. Costume contest registration opens on site at 3pm, so arrive right at the start.
City-run; see site (costume contest sign-up on site)
Monrovia Thankful & Grateful Holiday Gathering & Tree Lighting
The city's tree-lighting evening starts Old Town's holiday season. Time and location were not posted, so check the city page. After it, Old Town has holiday carolers on Saturdays and carriage rides on Sundays.
See city site
Monrovia Holiday Parade
An evening parade north on Myrtle Ave from Walnut to Palm Ave. Myrtle from Huntington to Foothill closes 5-10pm. Park east or west of Ivy and Primrose and walk in, since Old Town closures are extensive.
Free
Monrovia Spring Egg Hunt
Age-staggered egg hunts at Recreation Park (3-year-olds at 10:30, then every 15 minutes up to ages 11-16 at 12:30, plus a 12:45 parent-guided hunt for all ages). There are also booths, face painting and photos with the Spring Bunny. Registration opens at 9am and you bring your own basket, so plan to be there before your child's age slot.
See city site (city-run)
Monrovia Days
The city's birthday celebration at Library Park — an evening parade up Myrtle Avenue honoring local students, carnival rides and games, youth performances and a pie-eating contest. 2026 marked 140 years of the city.
Free admission; carnival wristbands separate
Old Town Monrovia Fall Festival
The city's save-the-date list for Old Town kicks off its fall calendar with this festival. Details were not yet posted, so check the city page or call the Community Center at (626) 256-8246 before you go.
Street Rods Forever Car Show (Old Town Monrovia)
A classic-car show in Old Town Monrovia from the city's fall event list. Hours and admission were not posted, so check the city page before going. Old Town restaurants make it easy to pair with lunch.
Local shops in Monrovia
Underdog Bookstore
Nonprofit Old Town bookstore with diverse titles, indie publishers, and local-vendor gifts.
Family Affair Music
Mom-and-pop Old Town record and instrument shop operating since 1972.
Kaleidoscope Antiques
Old Town Monrovia antiques destination for one-of-a-kind vintage treasures.
Seasonal & outdoors near Monrovia
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Monrovia.
Monrovia is part of the San Gabriel Valley family guide — see the region's best things to do, local eats and events.
More Los Angeles family guides
Monrovia family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Monrovia with kids?
Family favorites in and around Monrovia include Monrovia Canyon Park, Library Park, Monrovia Historical Museum and Monrovia Public Library, and more. Our guide lists 5 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Monrovia?
Yes — free family spots near Monrovia include Library Park, Monrovia Historical Museum, Monrovia Public Library and Monrovia Friday Night Street Fair & Market. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
What does the YourSoCal Monrovia guide cover?
Our Monrovia family guide includes 5 things to do, 3 local shops and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Monrovia
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Monrovia on one map — then book on your favorite site.