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Los Angeles family guide

Things to Do in South Pasadena with Kids

South Pasadena feels like a small town tucked inside LA, with tree-lined streets, a Metro A Line stop, and a beloved Thursday Farmers Market that's a weekly family ritual. Kids love Fair Oaks Pharmacy's old-fashioned soda fountain, the shady playgrounds at Garfield Park, and walking the historic Mission Street district.

Curated by Simir Shah

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

📍 Where South Pasadena is

South Pasadena sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Hollywood Burbank (~13 mi / 21 km). It's roughly 7 mi (11 km) from Downtown LA and 112 mi (181 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: The South Pasadena Farmers Market runs Thursday afternoons near the Mission Metro station, so you can ride the A Line in and skip parking.

Farmers markets in South Pasadena

Thursday · 4pm–8pm

South Pasadena Farmers' Market

Evening market at the Metro station with food trucks, live music, and a kid-friendly vibe; accepts EBT/CalFresh.

See all SoCal farmers markets →

Local shops in South Pasadena

Toys & Games

The Dinosaur Farm

Beloved indie toy-and-bookstore (1994), named one of the best independent toy stores in America.

Boutiques & Apparel

Camille DePedrini

Namesake Mission Street fashion-and-gift boutique operating since 1998.

Gifts & Home

MARZ

Idiosyncratic Mission Street gift store with books, candles, French soaps, and games.

Makers & Local Goods

Jeweled Universe

Eclectic Mission Street boutique of handcrafted jewelry, artisan fashion, and crystals.

Art & Craft

RETREAT

Specialty artisan gift-and-craft shop with handcrafted jewelry, candles, and pottery.

See all local SoCal shops →

Seasonal & outdoors near South Pasadena

The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from South Pasadena.

Dog-friendly · 2 miOld PasadenaToddler spot · 3 miKidspace Children's MuseumJuly 4th fireworks · 3 miRose Bowl July 4thBirthday venue · 3 miKidspace Children's MuseumChristmas lights · 5 miUpper Hastings RanchSplash pad · 6 miMaple Park Splash PadPhoto spot · 7 miVista Hermosa Natural ParkPumpkin patch · 16 miMr. Bones Pumpkin Patch

South Pasadena is part of the San Gabriel Valley 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.