Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in San Pedro with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
San Pedro on the map
📍 Where San Pedro is
San Pedro sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~10 mi / 16 km). It's roughly 22 mi (36 km) from Downtown LA and 96 mi (154 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 Pedro
Family attractions near San Pedro
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from San Pedro.
Eastview Park
A 9.9-acre neighborhood park with a children's playground, picnic tables, a walking path, restrooms, an on-site lot and two fenced dog enclosures. The city has posted temporary closures of the dog enclosures for grass restoration, so check before bringing a dog.
FreeLadera Linda Community Park
The city reopened this park in February 2024 after a full rebuild, with a playground and tot lot, grassy areas, picnic spots, walking paths and a community center with a Discovery Room. Trails lead from the park into the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve — use the tot lot and paths for little ones and save the trails for older kids.
Free
George F Canyon Nature Preserve & Stein/Hale Nature Trail
A canyon trail at 27305 Palos Verdes Dr E, managed with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. The city is building a new nature center, so the canyon and trails stay open but there's no parking inside the construction site — use street parking. The Conservancy leads monthly guided nature walks; check pvplc.org.
FreePortuguese Bend Reserve (Burma Road)
At 424 acres, the largest reserve in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, with rolling hills, canyons and ocean and Catalina views. No beach access, and only a portable restroom near the fire station. Parking south of Crest Road needs a reservation while street parking north of Crest doesn't; the area is affected by the Portuguese Bend landslide, so check rpvca.gov for trail closures. Best for school-age kids who can hike.
Free
Lomita Railroad Museum
Small museum at 2137 W 250th St with a Southern Pacific steam locomotive and tender, a 1910 Union Pacific caboose, a Santa Fe caboose, a 1923 Union Oil tank car and a 1913 Southern Pacific boxcar. There are no train rides, it is only open Fri–Sun, and it takes about an hour. Irene Lewis Park next door works for a picnic.
Free (donations encouraged)Del Cerro Park
A bluff-top park with panoramic views of canyons, the coast and offshore islands, a flat grassy play area and a drinking fountain (no restrooms), and a gateway to the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve. Parking is the catch: the park lot and nearby spots need a permit or reservation, though the city lists free street parking on Crenshaw north of Crest Road and 2-hour free parking on Crest Road.
FreeFree days in San Pedro
Free or free-on-certain-days admission. Rules change and some are residents-only — confirm with the venue before you go.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Always free (donation suggested)
A small, very kid-friendly aquarium focused on SoCal marine life, with touch tanks and tide-pool programs; free with a suggested donation (parking is paid).
Festivals & annual events in San Pedro
What San Pedro is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Halloween STEMebration at Battleship IOWA
The museum's annual free Halloween evening, with science-themed family activities on board the historic battleship. Cruise-ship traffic can crowd the lot, so allow extra parking time or use street parking. Tip: the event calendar lists 6-8:30pm but the description text says 6-10pm and looks like carried-over copy, so confirm the hours before you go.
Free admission (parking free first hour, then $2/hr)
Holiday Family Overnight at Battleship IOWA
A holiday-season family overnight aboard the battleship, with limited spaces. It falls on the same evening as Holidays by the Sea downtown, though that event's 2026 date is not yet announced. Tip: it is a pricey outing for a family, so book early and confirm age rules by phone at 877-446-9261.
$130 per person
46th Annual San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade
The parade brings families, little leagues, scouts, students, high school bands and equestrian units through downtown San Pedro, and draws over 12,000 spectators. It runs from 13th Street and Pacific Avenue to 6th Street and Palos Verdes Street, rain or shine. Tip: arrive early for a curb spot along Pacific Avenue.
Free for spectators
LA Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade
Decorated boats, harbor craft and tall ships parade the Port of Los Angeles main channel from the Wilmington marinas to San Pedro, viewable from the waterfront promenade. The tradition dates to the early 1960s.
Free to watch
Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC)
A Filipino-American arts, food, dance, and music celebration at Point Fermin Park.
Sea Scare! Monsters of Myth at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
A one-night family Halloween party at the aquarium, with a quest to recover Poseidon's stolen trident, trick-or-treating, games, crafts, a live DJ, a costume contest (8pm) and a family-friendly haunted house. Food trucks open at 5pm and members get early entry at 6pm. Tip: the aquarium says it sells out, so buy tickets online in advance.
Spooktacular Sleepover Family Overnight at Battleship IOWA
A Halloween-themed family overnight aboard the historic battleship. Space is limited and the museum reserves the right to reschedule or cancel based on interest. Tip: the page does not list age limits or what to bring, so call the museum at 877-446-9261 before booking.
Local restaurants in San Pedro
J. Trani's
Italian-seafood institution near the port, serving San Pedro families for nearly a century.
The Chori-Man
Artisan chorizo shop slinging house-made sausage tacos and breakfast burritos.
Local shops in San Pedro
CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles
Permanent handmade marketplace in a 1940s warehouse with 100+ local artisan booths.
Badfish Clothing Company
Locally designed streetwear, tees, and caps beloved by the skate and surf crowd.
Rootz Uncharted
Locally founded apparel brand with clothing for men, women, and kids.
Drop In Gifts
Charming downtown gift shop with unique items for any occasion on 6th St.
Cornelius Projects
Independent art project and gallery space showing local artists.
Cheap Vintage
Vintage and used furniture, antiques, collectibles, and clothing serving the South Bay.
Seasonal & outdoors near San Pedro
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from San Pedro.
More Los Angeles family guides
San Pedro family FAQ
What are the best things to do in San Pedro with kids?
Family favorites in and around San Pedro include Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Our guide lists 1 spot, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in San Pedro?
Yes — free family spots near San Pedro include Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in San Pedro?
Local, family-friendly spots in San Pedro include J. Trani's and The Chori-Man — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal San Pedro guide cover?
Our San Pedro family guide includes 1 things to do, 2 local eats and 6 local shops — 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 Pedro
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near San Pedro on one map — then book on your favorite site.