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North of LA family guide

Things to Do in Palmdale with Kids

Out in the Antelope Valley, Palmdale is aerospace country through and through — bring the kids to the Blackbird and Joe Davies airparks to stand right under planes built just down the road at Plant 42. When summer cranks up, DryTown Water Park is the go-to cool-down, with big parks and movie nights at the Palmdale Amphitheater the rest of the year.

Curated by Punita Patel

💡 Local tip: The airparks are open-air with little shade and only open Fri–Sun — go in the morning with water and hats.

Things to do in Palmdale

Museums & Learning

Blackbird Airpark

A rare lineup of the SR-71 Blackbird, A-12, D-21 drone and U-2 in one spot — walkable to the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark next door. Docents are former aerospace workers.

Free
Museums & Learning

Joe Davies Heritage Airpark

An outdoor display of aircraft built or tested at neighboring Plant 42 — pairs with the Blackbird Airpark next door. Bring water and a hat in summer.

Free
Theme Parks & Rides

DryTown Water Park

A Western-themed water park at Palmdale Oasis Park with slides, a lazy river and a kids' splash zone — the best high-desert summer cool-down.

Paid admission
Parks & Hiking

Marie Kerr Park

A 57-acre park with a free 10,000 sq ft skate park, pool, ballfields and playground — and the Palmdale Amphitheater for summer concerts and movie nights.

Free
Parks & Hiking

William J. McAdam Park

A 20-acre family park with an ADA-accessible playground, BBQ picnic areas and a walking path, plus the historic Old Palmdale Schoolhouse on site.

Free
Parks & Hiking

Palmdale Amphitheater

The Antelope Valley's premier outdoor venue inside Marie Kerr Park — Friday movie nights are an easy free family outing. Bring blankets and low chairs.

Varies; Family Movie Nights typically free
Museums & Learning

Palmdale Playhouse

A cozy city-run theater hosting live theatre, music and dance — including family-friendly shows — plus classes for kids and teens.

Ticketed (varies)

Seasonal & outdoors near Palmdale

The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Palmdale.

Pumpkin patch · 25 miGilchrist Farm Harvest FestivalChristmas lights · 25 miWakefield CourtSplash pad · 27 miSylmar Recreation Center Splash PadJuly 4th fireworks · 28 miSanta Clarita Spirit of America FireworksBirthday venue · 28 miDiscovery Cube LAToddler spot · 29 miKidspace Children's Museum

Palmdale is part of the North of LA family guide — see the region's best things to do, local eats and events.

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Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.