Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Pomona with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Pomona on the map
📍 Where Pomona is
Pomona sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~9 mi / 15 km). It's roughly 27 mi (44 km) from Downtown LA and 100 mi (160 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 Pomona
Fairplex / LA County Fair
The big annual anchor — rides, livestock and fried everything each May. Go a weekday or opening week, and bring hats (little shade in the inland heat).
Fair tickets ~$20+; events vary
Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
Hot rods and dragsters at the Fairplex, next to the historic Pomona drag strip — a quick, kid-pleasing stop.
~$12 adult, ~$10 kids 6–15, under 6 free
American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA)
A surprisingly hands-on art museum in the downtown Arts Colony — time it to the free Second Saturday ArtWalk outside.
~$14 adult, under 12 free; pay-what-you-can first Friday
W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center
A century-old Cal Poly Pomona tradition — kids watch students ride Arabian horses. The monthly Sunday shows are the only regular public access.
Sunday show ~$4–8
Ganesha Park
One of Pomona's oldest, largest parks (60 acres) with two playgrounds, a skate park and a band shell — the summer 'Plunge' pool is a local cool-down.
Free (summer pool small fee)
Pomona Public Library
A free, air-conditioned refuge with a solid youth section and toddler story times — a smart weekday stop when the heat is brutal.
FreeFarmers markets in Pomona
Pomona Valley Certified Farmers' Market
Long-running rain-or-shine market at Pearl & Garey with affordable seasonal produce.
Festivals & annual events in Pomona
What Pomona is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Downtown Pomona Holiday Parade
A free evening parade themed Neon Candyland that starts near Centennial Park at Gibbs & Second St, runs down Second St and Park Ave and ends near Mission Blvd & Garey Ave. Afterward Holiday at the Plaza runs at Shaun Diamond Plaza until 9pm with food and entertainment. Tip: watch near the plaza end so you can walk straight into the after-party.
Free
Downtown Pomona Second Saturday ArtWalk
A monthly evening in the Pomona Arts Colony with gallery receptions, shops and restaurants open late, and a night market at Shaun Diamond Plaza with live music, artisan crafts and food vendors; the organizer invites families. Tip: the December walk lands on the same night as the downtown Holiday Parade, so expect crowds and arrive early.
Free
Los Angeles County Fair 2027
The 2027 Fair (theme: 'Dig In Where Fun Grows') runs May 6-31 at Fairplex with carnival rides, live music, fair food, animals, agricultural exhibits and a dinosaur discovery exhibit. It is a spring fair, not a September one. Buy discounted advance tickets online and go on a weekday if you can.
See site for 2027 ticket prices
Local shops in Pomona
En-Force Collectibles
Downtown Pomona Antique Row shop stuffed with vintage and modern toys, die-cast cars, Star Wars, LEGO, and action figures.
Seasonal & outdoors near Pomona
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Pomona.
Pomona 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
Pomona family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Pomona with kids?
Family favorites in and around Pomona include Fairplex / LA County Fair, Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) and W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center, and more. Our guide lists 6 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Pomona?
Yes — free family spots near Pomona include Ganesha Park and Pomona Public Library. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
What does the YourSoCal Pomona guide cover?
Our Pomona family guide includes 6 things to do, 1 local shops and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Pomona
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Pomona on one map — then book on your favorite site.