Things to Do in San Dimas with Kids

Things to do in San Dimas

Parks & Hiking

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park

Big regional park around Puddingstone Lake with picnic spots, boating, fishing, trails, and adjacent Raging Waters.

~$10 parking

Parks & Hiking

Frank G. Bonelli Park / Puddingstone

A swimming beach, boating and fishing — and Raging Waters water park sits right next door for a big summer day.

~$10/vehicle

Parks & Hiking

Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park

This 1,800-acre park wraps around 250-acre Puddingstone Reservoir and is the local go-to for a full day outdoors: shaded picnic spots, swim beaches, fishing, and miles of flat trails for strollers and bikes. Pack a lunch and stake out a ramada early on summer weekends. If the entrance kiosk happens to be unstaffed, you can roll in for free.

$12 per vehicle entry (free when the kiosk is unstaffed)

Parks & Hiking

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

Theme Parks & Rides

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.

Varies (day tickets and season passes; parking ~$25)

Museums & Learning

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

Museums & Learning

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)

Parks & Hiking

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.

Free

Seasonal & outdoors near San Dimas

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

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