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.
Family attractions near South Pasadena
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from South Pasadena.
Arlington Garden
Pasadena's only free public garden — three acres of drought-tolerant Mediterranean planting, an olive allée and pollinator habitat. Open every day, no ticket, no gate.
Free
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
Tranquil historic Japanese garden with koi ponds and a teahouse for a calm outing.
~$12.50 adult
Pasadena Humane
A regional animal shelter with weekend public visiting hours where families can meet adoptable dogs, cats and small animals. Two afternoons a week only, and adoptions are by appointment.
Free to visit
Tournament House & Wrigley Gardens
The 1914 Wrigley mansion that serves as Tournament of Roses headquarters, opened for free guided tours of its panelled rooms and parade memorabilia. The gardens outside are free and open every day.
Free; advance reservation required
Lower Arroyo Archery Range
A volunteer club runs free Saturday-morning beginner archery lessons in the Lower Arroyo with all equipment supplied. Under-18s must have a parent with them.
First lesson free, small donation after
Pasadena Ice Skating Center
A year-round indoor rink beneath the Paseo in central Pasadena, with daily public sessions, rental skates and learn-to-skate classes. It closes occasionally for competitions.
$17 admission, $5 skate rental; $2 off for Pasadena residentsFarmers 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.
The Dinosaur Farm
Beloved shop packed with dinosaur toys, games, books, and other kids' items.
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 does the YourSoCal South Pasadena guide cover?
Our South Pasadena family guide includes 7 local shops and 1 farmers market — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.