Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Montrose with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Montrose on the map
📍 Where Montrose is
Montrose sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~8 mi / 12 km). It's roughly 11 mi (17 km) from Downtown LA and 120 mi (193 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.
Family attractions near Montrose
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Montrose.
Descanso Gardens
150-acre garden with a kids' enchanted railroad, oak forest, and seasonal blooms.
~$15 adult / $11 childVerdugo Mountains Family Trails
Accessible foothill trails with shade and views, great for an easy family nature walk.
FreeHahamongna Watershed Park
Open-space park at the foot of the mountains with flat trails and a kids' nature stream.
FreeBrand Library & Art Center
Hillside park with hiking trails, a Moorish-style library, and shady picnic spots.
FreeEagle Rock Recreation Center
Neighborhood park with playgrounds and sports courts below the namesake Eagle Rock formation.
FreeKidspace Children's Museum
Hands-on museum near the Rose Bowl with water play, climbing towers, and nature areas.
~$15.50/personFarmers markets in Montrose
Montrose Harvest Market
Sunday market on Honolulu Ave in the Montrose Shopping Park with certified SoCal produce, flowers, and prepared foods in a walkable village.
Local restaurants in Montrose
The Black Cow Cafe
Montrose's quintessential neighborhood cafe on the Honolulu Ave strip — hearty all-day comfort food and a big weekend breakfast, with sidewalk patio seating.
Local shops in Montrose
Tom's Toys
Family toy store on Honolulu Ave with quality brands and classic generational toys.
The Paper Rabbit
Charming Honolulu Ave stationery shop with unique paper goods and creative gifts.
Sidebloom
Independent Honolulu Ave shop among Montrose's best local gift and home stores.
Once Upon A Time Bookstore
America's oldest children's bookstore, founded 1966 on Honolulu Avenue, with books, gifts, and greeting cards for all ages.
Once Upon A Time
An enchanting indie children's and general bookstore with a plant-filled entrance, billed as one of California's oldest children's bookstores.
It Takes a Village...Kids
Children's clothing from infant to size 14 on the walkable Montrose Shopping Park strip.
Seasonal & outdoors near Montrose
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Montrose.
More Los Angeles family guides
Montrose family FAQ
Where can families eat in Montrose?
Local, family-friendly spots in Montrose include The Black Cow Cafe — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Montrose guide cover?
Our Montrose family guide includes 1 local eats, 6 local shops 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.



