Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in South Pasadena with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
South Pasadena on the map
📍 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.
Things to do in South Pasadena
Arroyo Seco Golf Course Mini Golf
A renovated 9-hole miniature golf course at 1055 Lohman Ln in the Arroyo Seco, with a signature rotating Dutch windmill hole and a history in South Pasadena since the 1950s. The course's own site lists a minimum age of 6, so it suits school-age kids more than toddlers. A driving range and lit par-3 course are on site, and the city suggests going on a weekday before the after-work crowd.
Price not published online; call (323) 255-1506
Garfield Park
A 7-acre city park at 1000 Park Ave with a playground, walking path, picnic areas, lighted tennis courts, a Healing Garden and a small fire ring, and the site of the city's Summer Concerts in the Park. It's a popular birthday and picnic park and the first zero-emission (no gas-powered equipment) municipal park in the US.
FreeArroyo Park
A 19.9-acre park at 614 Stoney Dr with a playground, group picnic shelter, tables, barbecue and a small amphitheater in the middle section. The fields are heavily used by Little League and soccer leagues, so weekends can be busy. An equestrian and hiking trail runs along its south and west edge.
Free
South Pasadena Batting Cages
Renovated in 2024 and at 660 Stoney Dr beside the dog park and skate park, with four baseball cages (45 mph to 75 mph) and a 45 mph softball cage. Book online ahead, and specify the pitch speed you want.
Paid by the session; rates not published on the site (call 626-375-8805)
South Pasadena Public Library
The library at 1100 Oxley St runs Tuesday storytime (10:30am) and Thursday storytimes (10:30 and 11am) in the Community Room at 1115 El Centro St through Nov 21, plus Toddler Dance Parties for ages 1–3. The Panda Cub Reading Challenge is for ages 4–12. Call 626-403-7330 to confirm the schedule.
Free
South Pasadena Historical Museum (Meridian Iron Works)
A small local-history museum at 913 Meridian Ave in an 1887 wood-frame building, run by the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation. It displays artifacts from South Pasadena and the wider San Gabriel Valley. Expect a short visit of about 30 minutes for kids, and the only regular hours are Thursday evening.
Admission not listed on the foundation's site (a third-party listing says free); call to confirmFarmers markets in South Pasadena
South Pasadena Farmers' Market
Evening market at the Metro station with food trucks, live music, and a kid-friendly vibe; accepts EBT/CalFresh.
Festivals & annual events in South Pasadena
What South Pasadena is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
South Pasadena Festival of Balloons
South Pasadena's Independence Day tradition — a Kiwanis pancake breakfast, a late-morning parade ending at Garfield Park with games and food, and a separately ticketed fireworks show that evening.
2026 program has passed; 2027 details not published
Local shops in South Pasadena
The Dinosaur Farm
Beloved indie toy-and-bookstore (1994), named one of the best independent toy stores in America.
Camille DePedrini
Namesake Mission Street fashion-and-gift boutique operating since 1998.
MARZ
Idiosyncratic Mission Street gift store with books, candles, French soaps, and games.
Jeweled Universe
Eclectic Mission Street boutique of handcrafted jewelry, artisan fashion, and crystals.
RETREAT
Specialty artisan gift-and-craft shop with handcrafted jewelry, candles, and pottery.
Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain
Historic 1915 pharmacy with an old-fashioned soda fountain and a gift shop of vintage memorabilia, candy, and retro toys.
Seasonal & outdoors near South Pasadena
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from South Pasadena.
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
South Pasadena family FAQ
What are the best things to do in South Pasadena with kids?
Family favorites in and around South Pasadena include Arroyo Seco Golf Course Mini Golf, Garfield Park, Arroyo Park and South Pasadena Batting Cages, and more. Our guide lists 6 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in South Pasadena?
Yes — free family spots near South Pasadena include Garfield Park, Arroyo Park, South Pasadena Public Library and South Pasadena Historical Museum (Meridian Iron Works). Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
What does the YourSoCal South Pasadena guide cover?
Our South Pasadena family guide includes 6 things to do, 6 local shops 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 South Pasadena
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near South Pasadena on one map — then book on your favorite site.