Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Santa Clarita with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Santa Clarita on the map
📍 Where Santa Clarita is
Santa Clarita sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~19 mi / 30 km). It's roughly 31 mi (50 km) from Downtown LA and 142 mi (229 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 Santa Clarita
Six Flags Magic Mountain
One of the most coaster-dense theme parks in the country, plus the gentler Bugs Bunny World for little kids — a big-day outing for families with older thrill-seekers. The exact coaster lineup shifts over time as rides retire and new ones open, so it's worth a quick check of what's currently running before you go.
~$70–$110/person
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor LA
The water park next to Magic Mountain, better for younger kids. Arrive early to claim shade and chairs.
Separate ticket; combo passes
MB2 Entertainment (formerly Mountasia)
Mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, bowling and VR — locals still call it Mountasia.
Per-attraction or wristband
The Gentle Barn
A rescued-farm-animal sanctuary where you hug cows, give pigs belly rubs and hold chickens. Reserve ahead; wear muddy-OK shoes.
Adults $20, kids $10; reserve
Gilchrist Farm
A working family farm up Bouquet Canyon with a petting zoo, pony rides, gem mining, a farm train and a giant slide that make it a hit with younger kids. It really shines in fall when the Harvest Festival and pumpkin patch open with free admission and parking. Activities are pay-per-ride, so bring cash or a card and check the calendar since core hours are weekends.
Varies (fall festival free admission; activities extra)Farmers markets in Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita Certified Farmers' Market
Sunday market at College of the Canyons in Valencia with 40+ California farmers and free campus parking — easy and stroller-friendly.
Festivals & annual events in Santa Clarita
What Santa Clarita is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Viva Halloween! (Newhall Community Center)
The city's annual Halloween celebration at the Newhall Community Center has trick-or-treating, carnival games, mariachi and ballet folklorico. It also has a haunted house and zombie run. Tip: the haunted house and zombie run can be scary, so skip them with toddlers and enjoy the games and dancing.
Not listed on city calendar
Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch
A working farm with a pumpkin patch, straw bale maze, wagon and pony rides, pumpkin decorating, gem mining and animal visits. Entry is free, and you pay per activity. Tip: no dogs allowed except ADA service dogs, and weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Free admission and parking; activities $5-$35 each, weekend wristband $65
Santa Clarita Marathon, Half, 10K & 5K
A USATF-certified race on the traffic-free Santa Clarita bike path, starting at Heritage Park, with a 5K at 7:45am. Finishers get a medal, shirt and street tacos. Tip: the 5K works for families who walk. It has a 7-hour limit and the course is car-free.
5K $65, 10K $95, half $140, marathon $170 (plus fees)
Santa Clarita Art Hop
A free daytime art event at William S. Hart Park in Old Town Newhall, listed on the City of Santa Clarita's events page. Tip: pair it with a walk through Hart Park's grounds and Old Town Newhall's Main Street.
Free
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
A western heritage festival at William S. Hart Park in Old Town Newhall with three stages of music, cowboy-themed vendors, line dancing, blacksmith demonstrations and mechanical bull riding.
Free general admission; VIP tickets separate
Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade
A community Independence Day parade starting at the Newhall roundabout and running along Main Street. Spectators typically gather in Old Town Newhall.
2026 parade has passed; 2027 information not yet published
Heart of Tataviam Pow Wow
The 32nd annual pow wow, presented by the Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians at William S. Hart Park (formerly the Hart of the West Pow Wow). It has native dances, singing, food and cultural vendors, with breaks to explain the traditions. Tip: the grand entry sessions are the best for kids to watch.
Local restaurants in Santa Clarita
Egg Plantation
A family-owned Santa Clarita breakfast spot famous for 101 omelet combinations and generous portions — a decades-long Valencia-area morning tradition.
Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co.
A warm, family-welcoming Valencia brewpub since 1997 with burgers, salads, house-made desserts, and a comfortable big-group dining room.
Seasonal & outdoors near Santa Clarita
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Santa Clarita.
Santa Clarita 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
Santa Clarita family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Santa Clarita with kids?
Family favorites in and around Santa Clarita include Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor LA, MB2 Entertainment (formerly Mountasia) and The Gentle Barn, and more. Our guide lists 5 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Where can families eat in Santa Clarita?
Local, family-friendly spots in Santa Clarita include Egg Plantation and Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Santa Clarita guide cover?
Our Santa Clarita family guide includes 5 things to do, 2 local eats and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Santa Clarita
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Santa Clarita on one map — then book on your favorite site.