Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Pasadena with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
📍 Where Pasadena is
Pasadena sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~13 mi / 20 km). It's roughly 9 mi (14 km) from Downtown LA and 114 mi (184 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 Pasadena
Kidspace Children's Museum
Hands-on museum near the Rose Bowl with water play, climbing towers, and nature areas.
~$15.50/person
Old Pasadena
Walkable historic shopping district full of shops, ice cream, and family dining.
Free to stroll
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
Tranquil historic Japanese garden with koi ponds and a teahouse for a calm outing.
~$12.50 adult
Hahamongna Watershed Park
Open-space park at the foot of the mountains with flat trails and a kids' nature stream.
Free
Eaton Canyon Nature Center
Nature center and easy trail to a seasonal waterfall, with live-animal exhibits for kids.
Free
Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
Family pools and splash play near the Rose Bowl, great for hot-day water fun.
~$8-10 day passKidspace Children's Museum
Outdoor-heavy campus next to the Rose Bowl, ideal for under-10s. Bring sun protection — most of it is outside.
~$15.50/personOld Town Pasadena
Walkable Colorado Blvd shopping and dining; pairs naturally with the Norton Simon and the Gamble House.
Free to stroll
Norton Simon Museum
World-class art plus a sculpture garden and pond — a manageable size for kids.
~$20 adult, under 18 free; free first-Fri evenings
USC Pacific Asia Museum
A Chinese imperial-palace-style building — the courtyard alone is worth a peek. Compact, good for a short family visit.
~$10 adult, under 11 free; free 2nd Sun
The Gamble House
The Arts & Crafts landmark (and the 'Doc Brown' house from Back to the Future). Tours sell out — book ahead.
~$17 adult, under 12 free; tours only
Rose Bowl Stadium & loop
The iconic stadium with a great family walk/bike loop around the Arroyo Seco — and the legendary monthly flea market.
Free to loopFarmers markets in Pasadena
Villa Parke Certified Farmers' Market
Smaller, neighborhood-feel Pasadena market with affordable seasonal produce; EBT accepted.
Pasadena Victory Park Farmers' Market
A big Saturday-morning market with seasonal produce and prepared foods next to a grassy park for the kids.
Local restaurants in Pasadena
Pie 'n Burger
A classic 1963 diner with hand-built burgers and fresh-baked pies in a cozy counter-and-booth setting.
Lucky Boy
Old-school charbroiled-burger and legendary breakfast-burrito stand since 1961.
Connal's
Family-owned counter-serve throwback since 1958 with burgers and grinders.
Russell's
Fair Oaks breakfast-and-brunch landmark famous for Belgian waffles and omelets.
Green Street Restaurant
Pasadena tradition since 1979 with a salad-forward menu and the famous Dianne salad.
El Metate Cafe
Family spot blending coastal and inland Mexican cooking, from fish tacos to quesadillas.
Howlin' Ray's Pasadena
Pasadena outpost of the family-founded Nashville hot chicken favorite with adjustable heat levels.
Sabrina's
Family-owned spot for Neapolitan pizza and rustic Italian pastas with a welcoming patio.
Local shops in Pasadena
Vroman's Bookstore
Southern California's oldest and largest independent bookstore (1894), with a huge gift section.
Gold Bug
Family-owned Old Town gallery-shop with 100+ designers' art, fine jewelry, and curiosities.
Homage
Independently owned gift, jewelry, and stationery shop in Old Town's Shops on Holly.
Union Street Toys
Independent neighborhood toy store near Old Town.
NEO Pasadena
Old Pasadena boutique of thoughtfully curated gifts, stylish accessories, and finds from local makers.
Retreat
Artisan gift shop heavy on handcrafted jewelry, plus pottery, candles, hand-drawn cards, and leather goods.
Pasadena Antique Center
One of the largest, most eclectic antique co-ops in the U.S., packed with vintage furniture and small treasures.
Indiana Colony Market
Community marketplace gathering local makers for handcrafted goods, unique gifts, and small-batch treats.
Seasonal & outdoors near Pasadena
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Pasadena.
Pasadena 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
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.