Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in San Fernando with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
San Fernando on the map
📍 Where San Fernando is
San Fernando sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~7 mi / 12 km). It's roughly 20 mi (32 km) from Downtown LA and 131 mi (211 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.
🏡 New to San Fernando? Start hereRec classes, library cards, school lookup, alerts and getting around.OpenClose
- Rec classes & camps: San Fernando Recreation runs community classes, sports and day camps; winter camp runs December 21-January 8 at Recreation Park, ages 5-13.
- Camp rates: Winter camp costs $130 per child per week for residents and $140 for non-residents; registration opens November 16, 2026.
- Library card: San Fernando Library at 217 N. Maclay Ave. is an LA County Library branch, closed Sundays and Mondays; cards are free for Californians.
- Find your school: San Fernando is a separate city but its public schools are LAUSD; check your address in the Resident School Identifier.
- Regional pool: The San Fernando Regional Pool Facility at 300 Park Ave. is operated by LA County Parks, not the city.
- Alerts: Enroll in Alert San Fernando for texts and calls; alerts come from (818) 898-1246 or text code 88911.
- Free trolley: The San Fernando Trolley loops 28 stops daily and is fare-free until further notice; kids under 6 ride with an adult.
- Metrolink: The Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station serves the city; on weekends up to three kids 17 and under ride free with a paying adult.
- Local insider: San Fernando has its own police department, but fire and paramedic service comes from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Things to do in San Fernando
Parks & Hiking
Layne Park
A small neighborhood park on North Huntington Street with a playground, an outdoor basketball court and picnic tables. It's a few blocks from Las Palmas Park if you want to make it a two-park morning.
Free (no entry fee listed)Mission City Trail (San Fernando Road Bike Path)
The flat, paved San Fernando Road bike-and-walk path runs alongside the Metrolink tracks and is signed as the Mission City Trail through San Fernando. It's landscaped, lighted and fenced off from the trains, so it suits kids learning to ride. The Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station is a handy starting point.
FreeRecreation Park
The city's main park, with a playground, an indoor gymnasium with open-gym hours, multipurpose rooms, outdoor fitness equipment, a softball field, picnic areas, BBQs, restrooms and a concession stand. The LA County–run regional pool and splash pad are next door, and the city holds big events here, including its July 4 drone show and Día de los Muertos festival.
Free (no entry fee listed)San Fernando Regional Pool
Run by LA County Parks, this aquatic center has an Olympic-size pool with 1- and 3-meter diving boards, a smaller recreation pool with spray features and a water slide, and a splash pad. It has locker rooms, showers and a concession stand. Hours and seasons aren't posted online, so call before you go.
Low-cost; call for current County pool feesSan Fernando Spring Jamboree
The city's free spring party at Las Palmas Park, with a marionette show, a children's egg hunt (11:15am in 2026), an adult egg scramble, games and giveaways. Bring a basket. Pizza and aguas frescas are sold on site.
FreeRudy Ortega Sr. Park (Patzkunga)
A 3.5-acre cultural park with a simulated traditional village, a Japanese tea house, a Mission-style plaza, a small amphitheater and a restored historic water tower, linked by a walking trail. The trail suits young walkers and strollers; the tea house is a rental, not a drop-in stop.
Free (no entry fee listed)Las Palmas Park
A city park with a playground, outdoor basketball courts, lighted baseball fields, picnic tables, public BBQs, restrooms and an indoor gymnasium. Its 'Wall with a Mission' mural is a quick kid-friendly stop; call Recreation first if you want the gym or fields.
Free (no entry fee listed)Pioneer Park
A neighborhood park with a playground, baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas, public BBQs, restrooms and a concession stand — room to run for a birthday-style picnic. Confirm hours with Recreation & Community Services.
Free (no entry fee listed)
Arts & Culture
César E. Chávez Memorial
A 23,000 sq ft memorial with a life-size statue of César Chávez in front of ten figures representing the farmworkers' struggle, a fountain shaped like the UFW eagle, and a roughly 100-foot mural that tells his life story. San Fernando was the first U.S. city to make his March 31 birthday an official holiday, and the city sponsors an annual march in his honor. Paved paths make it an easy, stroller-friendly history stop.
FreeSan Fernando Concerts in the Park
Free summer evening concerts that rotate among city parks. In 2026 they were at Pioneer Park and Las Palmas Park, and the series ended Aug 29 at the city's 115th birthday fiesta at City Hall. Bring lawn chairs, and food is sold at every show.
FreeSan Fernando Independence Day Celebration
The city marks the Fourth with a drone light show set to music at Recreation Park at 9pm on July 4 (no fireworks are listed). A separate evening of food trucks, live music and artisan vendors is held at City Hall the week before. Bring blankets for the lawn.
Free (no fee listed)San Fernando Summer Movie Nights
Free outdoor family movies at Las Palmas and Pioneer parks. The 2026 lineup was Finding Dory, Elf and Cars. Arrive by 6:30pm for the pre-show activity, and bring a blanket or low chair.
Free
Lopez Adobe (Casa de Lopez)
A historic adobe home the City of San Fernando opens for free monthly tours, with activities and treats. It's only open on the scheduled dates, so check the city page or call (818) 898-1290 before driving over.
FreeFestivals & annual events in San Fernando
What San Fernando is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
San Fernando Holiday Tree Lighting
The lighting of the downtown holiday tree on San Fernando Road (between Brand Blvd. and San Fernando Mission Blvd.) with carols, entertainment and a visit from Santa. Free to attend. Tip: dress in layers since it runs after dark.
Free
San Fernando Dia de los Muertos Cultural Festival
The City of San Fernando's cultural festival at Recreation Park (208 Park Ave.) honors loved ones with altar building, a Catrin/Catrina contest and art displays. Free to attend. Tip: call 818-898-1290 if you want to build an altar or enter the costume contest.
Local restaurants in San Fernando
James Restaurant
A Truman Street diner serving 'Mom's country style home cooking' with all-day breakfast, salads, wraps and dinners across a 100+ item menu. Open daily 6am–2pm at 739 Truman St.
Lola's Kitchen
A family-run spot at 128 N Maclay Ave serving homestyle plates such as country fried steak, house-smoked BBQ brisket sandwiches, meatloaf and breakfast burritos, with a weekday lunch special.
La Bella Pizza Trattoria Italiana
An independently operated Italian trattoria at 235 N Maclay Ave, founded by chef Antonio, with pizza, spaghetti carbonara, lasagna, gnocchi with basil pesto, tiramisu and panna cotta. Closed Mondays.
Carrillo's Tortilleria
A five-generation family tortilleria and restaurant at 1242 Pico St selling hand-pressed flour tortillas by the kilo and serving burritos, carnitas tacos, tamales, breakfast plates and soups such as pozole and menudo. Open from 7:30am (6:30am Sundays).
Seasonal & outdoors near San Fernando
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from San Fernando.
San Fernando is part of the North of LA family guide — see the region's best things to do, local eats and events.
More Los Angeles family guides
San Fernando family FAQ
What are the best things to do in San Fernando with kids?
Family favorites in and around San Fernando include César E. Chávez Memorial, San Fernando Concerts in the Park, San Fernando Independence Day Celebration and San Fernando Summer Movie Nights, and more. Our guide lists 14 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in San Fernando?
Yes — free family spots near San Fernando include César E. Chávez Memorial, San Fernando Concerts in the Park, San Fernando Independence Day Celebration and San Fernando Summer Movie Nights. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
How can families spend a day in San Fernando?
One easy plan: start outside at César E. Chávez Memorial while kids have the most energy, break for lunch at James Restaurant, then head indoors to San Fernando Library (LA County Library) for the afternoon. Our guide has prices and tips for each stop, plus 12 more ideas to swap in.
Where can families eat in San Fernando?
Local, family-friendly spots in San Fernando include James Restaurant, Lola's Kitchen, La Bella Pizza Trattoria Italiana and Carrillo's Tortilleria — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal San Fernando guide cover?
Our San Fernando family guide includes 14 things to do and 4 local eats — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in San Fernando
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near San Fernando on one map — then book on your favorite site.