Los Angeles family guide

Things to Do in Montebello with Kids

Your local guide to Montebello: family attractions, independent eats, local shops, and farmers markets — all in one place.

Curated by Punita Patel

Things to do in Montebello

Animals & Nature

Montebello Barnyard Zoo

Inside Grant Rea Park — a toddler/preschool favorite, with rides à la carte.

~$11; pony/train rides extra

Animals & Nature

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

Parks & Hiking

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

Parks & Hiking

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)

Museums & Learning

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

Parks & Hiking

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)

Parks & Hiking

Whittier Narrows Nature Center

A free little nature center and wildlife sanctuary within Whittier Narrows, with kid-friendly exhibits, live animal displays, four ponds and easy trails through riparian woodland. A low-key, screen-free outing perfect for curious little ones. Bring binoculars for the ponds, wear closed shoes for the dirt trails, and call ahead since hours shift seasonally.

Free