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 (165 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.
~$10 parkingFrank 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
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.
FreeSeasonal & 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, Frank G. Bonelli Park / Puddingstone, San Dimas Canyon Nature Center and Raging Waters Los Angeles, and more. Our guide lists 7 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
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. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in San Dimas
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near San Dimas on one map — then book on your favorite site.