North of LA family guide
Things to Do in Palmdale with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Palmdale on the map
📍 Where Palmdale is
Palmdale sits in North of LA, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~30 mi / 49 km). It's roughly 38 mi (61 km) from Downtown LA and 140 mi (226 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 Palmdale
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)Festivals & annual events in Palmdale
What Palmdale is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Kaleidoscope Art & Music Festival
A City of Palmdale fall arts festival at Marie Kerr Park with more than 100 artists, live art demonstrations, multiple music stages, food vendors and free children's activities.
Free
Seasonal & outdoors near Palmdale
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Palmdale.
Palmdale is part of the North of LA family guide — see the region's best things to do, local eats and events.
More North of LA family guides
Browse all SoCal city guides →Palmdale family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Palmdale with kids?
Family favorites in and around Palmdale include Blackbird Airpark, Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, DryTown Water Park and Marie Kerr Park, and more. Our guide lists 7 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Palmdale?
Yes — free family spots near Palmdale include Blackbird Airpark, Joe Davies Heritage Airpark, Marie Kerr Park and William J. McAdam Park. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Palmdale
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Palmdale on one map — then book on your favorite site.