Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Montebello with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Montebello on the map
📍 Where Montebello is
Montebello sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~14 mi / 23 km). It's roughly 8 mi (13 km) from Downtown LA and 105 mi (170 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 Montebello
Montebello Barnyard Zoo
A beloved old-school petting zoo inside Grant Rea Park with pony rides, a little kiddie train, and a barnyard full of goats, sheep and bunnies to feed. It's ideal for toddlers and preschoolers rather than older kids. Bring small bills for feed cups and pony tickets, go on a cooler morning since there's limited shade, and park free in the Grant Rea lot.
~$11 zoo admission, pony rides ~$12; weekend combo ~$24/child
Grant Rea Park
The big green hub of Montebello — ball fields, picnic tables, a playground and the barnyard zoo all in one spot. Families pair a free morning at the playground with a paid loop through the petting zoo next door. Parking is free, but the lot fills on weekend mornings when sports leagues play, so arrive early and grab a shaded table.
Free
Montebello City Park
A well-loved neighborhood park off Whittier Blvd with a rebuilt playground, sports courts, walking paths and a summer swimming pool. A true local-parent spot for an afternoon of play without spending a dime. The new play structure has shade sails but the courts bake in summer, so aim for morning or after 5pm and bring water.
Free (pool/programs may charge)
Montebello Library (LA County)
A friendly LA County branch with a kids' area, story times and free family programming, plus blessed air conditioning on hot valley days. A great free rainy-day or heat-wave backup when the parks are too warm. Check the events calendar before you go — story time fills up fast with local families.
Free
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
A sprawling 1,400-acre county recreation area just east of Montebello with lakes for fishing, bike and walking paths, picnic groves and wide lawns for the kids to run. The closest place to feel like you've escaped the city without leaving the valley. Parking is free, but shade is patchy — pick a lakeside picnic area and pack sunscreen.
Free (some activities extra)Local restaurants in Montebello
Fiesta Mexicana
Family-founded Montebello restaurant with live mariachi and a festive atmosphere.
El Pescador Mexican Restaurant
Montebello seafood-and-Mexican spot with a fun family atmosphere.
Seasonal & outdoors near Montebello
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Montebello.
Montebello 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
Montebello family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Montebello with kids?
Family favorites in and around Montebello include Montebello Barnyard Zoo, Grant Rea Park, Montebello City Park and Montebello Library (LA County), and more. Our guide lists 5 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Montebello?
Yes — free family spots near Montebello include Grant Rea Park, Montebello City Park, Montebello Library (LA County) and Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Montebello?
Local, family-friendly spots in Montebello include Fiesta Mexicana and El Pescador Mexican Restaurant — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Montebello guide cover?
Our Montebello family guide includes 5 things to do and 2 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 Montebello
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Montebello on one map — then book on your favorite site.