Southern California family guide
Things to Do in Stanton with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Stanton on the map
📍 Where Stanton is
Stanton sits in Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~9 mi / 14 km). It's roughly 23 mi (37 km) from Downtown LA and 89 mi (143 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 Stanton
Stanton Central Park
This 12-acre flagship park is a whole day out: playgrounds, a skate park, tennis and basketball courts and sports fields. The summer splash pad (noon–5pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day) is the big draw, so bring towels and a lunch. Arrive earlier on hot weekends when the water play area fills fast.
Free
Rodeo 39 Public Market
An open-air food hall and market just off the 22 where each family member can chase a different craving, from tacos to boba to ice cream, plus retail shops and frequent weekend events. Come hungry and let the kids graze their way across the vendors.
Free entry; food varies
Harry M. Dotson Park
A fully-enclosed neighborhood park, which means little ones can run free without a parent's constant worry about a wandering escape. Two sets of play equipment, a shaded picnic shelter and a seasonal splash pad make it a low-key alternative to busier Central Park — a favorite for birthday parties.
Free
Hollenbeck Park
A 10-acre green space with playgrounds, an outdoor exercise course and a walking path that loops the grounds — roomy enough to spread a blanket and let kids burn energy while parents get a lap in. A quiet, free pick for an easy afternoon close to home.
Free
Stanton Park
This 5.5-acre neighborhood park on Cedar St pairs a kids' playground with an outdoor fitness court so the whole family can move together — a simple, no-cost stop for a morning play session or an after-dinner stroll.
FreeFestivals & annual events in Stanton
What Stanton is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Stanton Halloween Festival
The city's annual festival at Stanton Central Park is open to ghosts and goblins of all ages, with games, entertainment, costume contests and food booths. The city describes its annual events as free. Tip: bring a trick-or-treat bag and arrive early, since the costume contests are a highlight for younger kids.
Free
Boo-tastic Halloween Party (Adventure City)
A 10-night kid-scaled Halloween party with 11 rides, a free Trick-or-Treat Street, the Cosmic Vortex tunnel, a Halloween-themed Express Train, a scavenger hunt, free glow accessories, a Halloween light show and a dance party. Costumes are optional. Tip: the park recommends buying online early because nights are expected to sell out.
Ticketed (ages 1+ need a ticket; sells out)
Stanton Christmas Tree Lighting
Stanton's annual holiday tree lighting, listed among the city's recurring community events alongside its Easter egg hunt and summer Movies Under the Stars. A short evening event rather than a full festival.
Free
Seasonal & outdoors near Stanton
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Stanton.
More SoCal family guides
Stanton family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Stanton with kids?
Family favorites in and around Stanton include Stanton Central Park, Rodeo 39 Public Market, Harry M. Dotson Park and Hollenbeck Park, and more. Our guide lists 5 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Stanton?
Yes — free family spots near Stanton include Stanton Central Park, Rodeo 39 Public Market, Harry M. Dotson Park and Hollenbeck Park. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Stanton
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