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 (21 km) from Downtown LA and 101 mi (162 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
Pío Pico State Historic Park
The last Mexican governor of California's adobe — the grounds are free; the interior is by guided appointment.
Free; adobe tours by appt
Arroyo Pescadero Trailhead (Puente Hills Preserve)
The Habitat Authority calls the fairly level 2-mile Bob Henderson loop perfect for families. The trailhead at 7531 Colima Rd has a restroom, parking, a drinking fountain and a short ADA-friendly path with educational kiosks. Dogs aren't allowed on the Arroyo San Miguel Trail and bikes aren't allowed on the Bob Henderson loop; call (562) 945-9003 after rain.
FreePalm Park
A community park at 5703 Palm Ave with play equipment, a swimming pool, basketball, fitness stations, a softball field, tennis courts and picnic tables. The city takes pool reservations at (562) 567-9495 and doesn't list drop-in swim on the park page, so call before planning a swim.
Free (pool, banquet room and tennis center are separate)
Hellman Park Trailhead (Whittier Hills)
A gated trailhead at 5700 Greenleaf Ave leading to the strenuous uphill Peppergrass Trail with big panoramic views. There's a restroom but no on-site parking, and bikes aren't allowed. Best for older kids and teens; bring your own water.
FreeFarmers 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 Halloween Capers
The Whittier Uptown Association's Halloween event at the grass area on Greenleaf Ave (6724 Greenleaf Ave). The listing gives only the date, hours and place, so confirm the activities with the association. Tip: it is an early-evening event, so come in costume around 4pm for the lightest crowds.
Not listed; see organizer page
Uptown Whittier Christmas Parade
A morning holiday parade down Greenleaf Avenue through Uptown Whittier, organized by the Whittier Uptown Association.
Free to watch
Day of the Dead in Uptown Whittier
Uptown Whittier's Day of the Dead daytime event on Greenleaf Ave. The association page gives only the date and hours, so confirm details before going. Tip: pair it with the Uptown Whittier shops and street parking on side streets.
Whittier Movie in the Park: Halloweentown
A city movie night at Penn Park that opens at 6pm with free crafts, big lawn games and music, then the film at dusk. Tip: bring lawn chairs and blankets, and pick up takeout from a local restaurant on the way.
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.
Amigas Cafe
Homestyle Mexican cafe at 16220 Whittier Blvd, opened in 2025, known for chilaquiles, enchiladas and cafe de olla, with daily specials and catering. Open from 8am.
Brickhouse Pizza
Italian-American pizza shop at 7028 Bright Ave with pizzas from 9" to 28", house-sauce pastas, sandwiches and tiramisu, with catering, fundraisers and curbside pickup. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
That's Amore Pizzeria
Family-owned pizzeria and sports bar at 11223 1st Ave with a 150-inch game screen, specialty pizzas (including a 28-inch), wings, pasta and sandwiches. The site describes it as kid-friendly and available for events.
Pikey's Pizza Company
Neighborhood pizza shop at 11343 La Mirada Blvd with specialty pies, wings, calzones, pastas and salads, with pickup and delivery.
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, Arroyo Pescadero Trailhead (Puente Hills Preserve), Palm Park and Hellman Park Trailhead (Whittier Hills). Our guide lists 4 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Whittier?
Yes — free family spots near Whittier include Pío Pico State Historic Park, Arroyo Pescadero Trailhead (Puente Hills Preserve), Palm Park and Hellman Park Trailhead (Whittier Hills). Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Whittier?
Local, family-friendly spots in Whittier include Marco Polo Pizza, Jack's Restaurant, Amigas Cafe and Brickhouse Pizza, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Whittier guide cover?
Our Whittier family guide includes 4 things to do, 6 local eats, 4 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 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.