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Los Angeles family guide

Things to Do in Sherman Oaks with Kids

Sherman Oaks is the Valley's family go-to for an easy day out, anchored by the open-air Westfield Fashion Square and the bustling Ventura Boulevard restaurant scene. The real draw is Sherman Oaks Castle Park, with its medieval-themed mini golf, batting cages, and arcade, plus the green lawns and playground of the Van Nuys–Sherman Oaks Park nearby.

Curated by Simir Shah

Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.

📍 Where Sherman Oaks is

Sherman Oaks sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~6 mi / 10 km). It's roughly 14 mi (22 km) from Downtown LA and 124 mi (200 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.

💡 Local tip: Castle Park's mini golf and batting cages get busy after school and on weekend evenings, so daytime visits mean shorter waits.

Things to do in Sherman Oaks

Day Trips

Sherman Oaks Castle Park

Three 18-hole mini-golf courses plus arcade and batting cages — a Valley institution. Teen-heavy on weekend evenings.

Mini golf $12 adult / $8 child

Farmers markets in Sherman Oaks

Tuesday · 2pm–6pm

Sherman Oaks Farmers Market

Year-round Tuesday market at the Sherman Oaks Galleria with California produce, hot prepared food, and live music — an easy after-school stop.

See all SoCal farmers markets →

Local restaurants in Sherman Oaks

Mexican & Tacos

Casa Vega

Family-run since 1956, a dark-and-festive Valley institution beloved across generations.

Mexican & Tacos

Tony's Mexican Grill

Longtime family-run neighborhood taqueria with homemade salsa and grilled steak.

Comfort & BBQ

The Valley Inn

Sherman Oaks' oldest restaurant, a clubby comfort-food institution.

See all local SoCal restaurants →

Local shops in Sherman Oaks

Toys & Games

Toy Mandala

Ventura Blvd shop since 1998 carrying Gundam kits, anime figures, plush, and cards.

Kids & Baby

Juvenile Shop

Third-generation women-owned baby gear, furniture, and stroller store.

Toys & Games

Mind Games

Specialty board-game, puzzle, and brain-teaser shop on Riverside Drive where the staff love to demo what they sell.

See all local SoCal shops →

Seasonal & outdoors near Sherman Oaks

The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Sherman Oaks.

Splash pad · 0 miVan Nuys–Sherman Oaks PoolDog-friendly · 2 miSepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog ParkPumpkin patch · 3 miTapia Brothers FarmBirthday venue · 3 miColor Me MinePhoto spot · 5 miThe Getty CenterToddler spot · 6 miWe Rock the Spectrum — TarzanaJuly 4th fireworks · 7 miHollywood Bowl Fireworks SpectacularChristmas lights · 9 miCandy Cane Lane

Sherman Oaks 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

Los Angeles →Long Beach →Pasadena →Santa Monica →Burbank →Claremont →Glendale →Venice →Manhattan Beach →Calabasas →Agoura Hills →Santa Clarita →
Browse all SoCal city guides →

Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.