San Gabriel Valley family guide
Things to Do in San Dimas with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
San Dimas on the map
📍 Where San Dimas is
San Dimas sits in San Gabriel Valley, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~12 mi / 19 km). It's roughly 26 mi (41 km) from Downtown LA and 103 mi (166 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 San Dimas
Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park
Big regional park around Puddingstone Lake with picnic spots, boating, fishing, trails, and adjacent Raging Waters. The 250-acre reservoir was originally built between 1925 and 1928 purely for flood control, and only became a dedicated recreation area in 1953 once the county worked out a deal to keep water levels steady for boating and fishing. The park takes its name from Supervisor Frank Bonelli, who championed handing the site over to the county parks department in 1959.
~$10 parking
San Dimas Canyon Nature Center
A small, free nature center up San Dimas Canyon Road where kids can meet rescued local wildlife like owls, hawks, and reptiles. A quick, low-key stop that pairs well with an easy walk in the surrounding natural area. Call ahead to confirm the indoor exhibits are open, since the building keeps shorter hours than the grounds.
Free
Raging Waters Los Angeles
California's largest water park sits right inside Bonelli Park with slides, a wave pool, and a kids' play area for the little ones. Buy tickets online in advance to save, and bring water shoes since the deck gets blazing hot in summer. Hours shift week to week, so check the calendar and arrive at opening to beat the crowds.
~$40/person online in advance, up to ~$75 at the gate; parking ~$25
Pacific Railroad Museum (San Dimas Depot)
Run by the Pacific Railroad Society in a historic depot, this free little museum is a train-lover kid's dream with model layouts and rail memorabilia. Friendly docents give tours, so don't be shy about asking questions. It's staffed by volunteers and only open most Saturdays, so call before driving out to make sure they're open.
Free
San Dimas Historical Society (Walker House)
Housed in the 1880s Walker House in San Dimas's walkable old downtown, this small museum tells the story of the town's railroad and citrus roots. A short, easy visit you can pair with a stroll and a treat along Bonita Avenue. For the full house tour, reserve ahead for the third-Saturday guided visit, as space is limited.
Free (donations welcome)
Horsethief Canyon Park
A free neighborhood park with a real trailhead, so you get a playground, picnic tables, and dog runs alongside an easy nature trail into the foothills. The lower loop is gentle enough for younger kids, and you can turn around whenever little legs get tired. Go in the cooler morning hours and bring water — not much shade on the trail.
FreeFestivals & annual events in San Dimas
What San Dimas is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
San Dimas Halloween Spooktacular
New in Downtown San Dimas this year: a free trunk-or-treat trail (Candy on Elm Street), costume contests by age group, food vendors and the downtown farmers market. Food is extra. Arrive around 5:30 for the shortest trunk lines.
Free
San Dimas Holiday Extravaganza
The 16th annual downtown festival has four themed zones (North Pole, Elf Village, Winter Wonderland, Grinch-Ville), a 4pm Let It Snow parade and a 6pm tree lighting. Free crafts, snow slides and Santa selfies; a $15 wristband covers the premium rides. Bring cash, because the North Pole and Winter Wonderland ticket booths are cash only, with no bills over $20.
Free admission; premium wristband $15, single tickets $5
Seasonal & outdoors near San Dimas
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from San Dimas.
San Dimas is part of the San Gabriel Valley family guide — see the region's best things to do, local eats and events.
More San Gabriel Valley family guides
Browse all SoCal city guides →San Dimas family FAQ
What are the best things to do in San Dimas with kids?
Family favorites in and around San Dimas include Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, San Dimas Canyon Nature Center, Raging Waters Los Angeles and Pacific Railroad Museum (San Dimas Depot), 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 San Dimas?
Yes — free family spots near San Dimas include San Dimas Canyon Nature Center, Pacific Railroad Museum (San Dimas Depot), San Dimas Historical Society (Walker House) and Horsethief Canyon 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 San Dimas
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