Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Whittier with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Whittier on the map
📍 Where Whittier is
Whittier sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~13 mi / 21 km). It's roughly 13 mi (20 km) from Downtown LA and 101 mi (163 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 Whittier
Family attractions near Whittier
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Whittier.
Legg Lake (Whittier Narrows)
Just south of El Monte, this trio of connected lakes is a local favorite for stroller-friendly loop walks, duck-watching, and easy shoreline fishing — stocked with trout in cooler months and catfish in summer. Multiple playgrounds dot the water, and you can rent paddle boats or surreys for a treat. Mornings are cooler and calmer, with plenty of free parking.
Free (boat/bike rentals extra)
American Military Museum (Tankland)
180+ tanks and military vehicles outdoors — the standout El Monte-area spot. Weather-dependent.
Modest admissionWhittier Narrows Recreation Area
A sprawling 1,400-acre county recreation area just east of Montebello with lakes for fishing, bike and walking paths, picnic groves and wide lawns for the kids to run. The closest place to feel like you've escaped the city without leaving the valley. Parking is free, but shade is patchy — pick a lakeside picnic area and pack sunscreen.
Free (some activities extra)
La Bonita Park
At 22 acres this is La Habra's big neighborhood park, with a playground on soft surfacing, a rock climbing wall and both baby-bucket and belt swings, plus a skate park and basketball courts for a range of ages. Pack a picnic and use the ball-field lot on the Whittier Blvd side.
Free
Whittier Narrows Nature Center
Small wildlife exhibits and easy trails; the broader rec area includes Legg Lake with paddle boats and playgrounds.
Free
Montebello Barnyard Zoo
A beloved old-school petting zoo inside Grant Rea Park with pony rides, a little kiddie train, and a barnyard full of goats, sheep and bunnies to feed. It's ideal for toddlers and preschoolers rather than older kids. Bring small bills for feed cups and pony tickets, go on a cooler morning since there's limited shade, and park free in the Grant Rea lot.
~$11 zoo admission, pony rides ~$12; weekend combo ~$24/childFarmers markets in Whittier
Uptown Whittier Certified Farmers' Market
Year-round morning market on Philadelphia St in walkable Uptown Whittier with produce and prepared foods.
Festivals & annual events in Whittier
What Whittier is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Uptown Whittier Christmas Parade
A morning holiday parade down Greenleaf Avenue through Uptown Whittier, organized by the Whittier Uptown Association.
Free to watch
Local restaurants in Whittier
Marco Polo Pizza
Family-owned Uptown Whittier pizza place with American and Italian favorites.
Jack's Restaurant
Vintage-Americana Whittier diner with generous classic comfort plates.
Local shops in Whittier
Local Fixture
Family-built general store and coffee bar mixing plants, home decor, books, and fine goods.
The Wishing Well
Family-owned shop of hard-to-find vintage toys, tin toys, retro candy, and soda pop.
Toy Depot
Curated new and vintage toys and collectibles, '80s to today.
Little Old Bookshop
Uptown new-and-used bookshop run by its proprietor on Greenleaf Ave.
Seasonal & outdoors near Whittier
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Whittier.
Whittier 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
Whittier family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Whittier with kids?
Family favorites in and around Whittier include Pío Pico State Historic Park. Our guide lists 1 spot, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Whittier?
Yes — free family spots near Whittier include Pío Pico State Historic Park. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Whittier?
Local, family-friendly spots in Whittier include Marco Polo Pizza and Jack's Restaurant — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Whittier guide cover?
Our Whittier family guide includes 1 things to do, 2 local eats, 4 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.
Where to stay in Whittier
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Whittier on one map — then book on your favorite site.