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 (~2 mi / 4 km). It's roughly 10 mi (16 km) from Downtown LA and 121 mi (195 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 Fernando
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.
Free
Rudy 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)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 Lopez Adobe (Casa de Lopez), Rudy Ortega Sr. Park (Patzkunga), Las Palmas Park and Pioneer Park. Our guide lists 4 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in San Fernando?
Yes — free family spots near San Fernando include Lopez Adobe (Casa de Lopez), Rudy Ortega Sr. Park (Patzkunga), Las Palmas Park and Pioneer Park. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
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 4 things to do and 4 local eats — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
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.