Things to Do in Pasadena with Kids

Pasadena, a city located in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, is a great place to visit with kids. There are plenty of fun activities that cater to children of all ages, making it a perfect destination for families. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or cultural attractions, Pasadena has something for everyone.

One of the best things to do in Pasadena with kids is to explore the outdoors. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is a popular destination for families, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and a nature center. Victory Park is another great spot for outdoor fun, with plenty of space for picnics, frisbee games, and other activities. If you are looking for a more educational experience, Kidspace Children’s Museum is a must-visit attraction. This interactive museum offers a variety of exhibits and activities that encourage learning through play.

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Parks and Outdoor Spaces

Pasadena is home to a variety of parks and outdoor spaces that are perfect for families with kids. Here are a few of the best options:

Brookside Park

Brookside Park is a popular destination for families, with plenty of green space, playgrounds, and sports fields. The park is also home to the Rose Bowl, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Families can enjoy a picnic in the park or take a walk around the nearby Brookside Golf Course.

Victory Park

Victory Park is another great option for families, with a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields. The park also has a recreation center with classes and activities for kids. Families can take a walk around the park’s lake or enjoy a game of basketball or tennis.

Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens

The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens is a must-visit destination for families. The gardens cover 120 acres and feature a variety of plants and wildlife. Families can take a stroll through the Japanese Garden or the Desert Garden, or explore the Children’s Garden, which has interactive exhibits and activities for kids.

Eaton Canyon Natural Area

Eaton Canyon Natural Area is a beautiful natural space that is perfect for families who love hiking and exploring. The park has a variety of trails that lead to waterfalls, streams, and scenic views. Families can also visit the park’s nature center, which has exhibits and activities for kids.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful garden or an active sports field, Pasadena has plenty of outdoor spaces that are perfect for families with kids. So pack a picnic and head out to one of these beautiful parks to enjoy a day in the sunshine.

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Museums

Pasadena is home to many museums that offer a variety of experiences for kids and adults alike. Here are a few museums that are worth visiting with your children.

Kidspace Children’s Museum

Kidspace Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum designed to engage children emotionally, intellectually, and physically. The museum features a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a water play area, a climbing wall, and a nature exchange where children can trade natural objects they have found. Kidspace also offers a variety of programs and workshops for children, including field trips, summer camps, and birthday parties. Memberships are available for families who want to visit the museum regularly.

Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum is a world-renowned art museum that houses an impressive collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, as well as art from South and Southeast Asia. While it may not seem like an obvious choice for kids, the museum offers a number of programs and activities that are designed to engage children and help them discover and create. The museum also offers field trips for school groups, and membership is available for families who want to visit the museum regularly.

USC Pacific Asia Museum

The USC Pacific Asia Museum is dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The museum features a variety of exhibits and programs that offer visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse cultures of the region. The museum also offers hands-on exhibits and workshops for children, as well as field trips for school groups. Memberships are available for families who want to visit the museum regularly.

Overall, Pasadena’s museums offer a wide range of experiences for families with kids. Whether you’re looking for hands-on exhibits or opportunities to discover and create, there’s something for everyone.

Playgrounds and Activities

Pasadena has a lot of great options for kids to play and have fun. From playgrounds to museums, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top options for kids in Pasadena:

Kidspace Children’s Museum Magical Playground

The Kidspace Children’s Museum is a great place for kids to explore and learn. The Magical Playground is a highlight of the museum, featuring a giant climbing structure, a water play area, and a sand play area. The playground is designed for kids ages 2-10 and is a great place for kids to burn off some energy.

Pasadena Ice Skating Center

The Pasadena Ice Skating Center is a fun place for kids to try out ice skating. The center offers public skating sessions, as well as lessons and ice hockey programs. Skates are available to rent, and there is a snack bar on site. The center is open year-round and is a great place to cool off during the summer months.

Arroyo Seco Golf Course

The Arroyo Seco Golf Course is a great place for kids to learn how to play golf. The course offers lessons for kids of all ages and skill levels, as well as a junior golf program. The course is also a great place for families to play together, with a beautiful setting and challenging holes.

Neon Retro Arcade

The Neon Retro Arcade is a blast from the past, featuring arcade games from the 80s and 90s. Kids can play classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders, as well as newer games like Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero. The arcade is a great place for kids to experience the games their parents grew up playing.

Reese’s Retreat

Reese’s Retreat is a great place for kids to play and have fun. The playground features a giant climbing structure, swings, slides, and more. There is also a picnic area and a basketball court. The playground is designed for kids ages 2-12 and is a great place for families to spend an afternoon.

Old Pasadena

Old Pasadena is a vibrant and eclectic area that offers a wide range of activities for families with kids. From museums to galleries, restaurants to shops, there’s something for everyone in this historic district.

Colorado Boulevard

Colorado Boulevard is the main thoroughfare in Old Pasadena, and it’s a great place to start your exploration of the area. The boulevard is lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, and it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, there are plenty of options to choose from. Old Pasadena has a diverse range of restaurants, from classic American diners to upscale sushi bars. Some of the most popular spots include:

The Cheesecake Factory
The Dog Haus
Sushi Roku
Mi Piace
La Grande Orange Cafe

In addition to restaurants, Colorado Boulevard is also home to a number of unique shops. Whether you’re looking for vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, or artisanal chocolates, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.

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Restaurants

Old Pasadena is known for its diverse and delicious food scene. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, sushi, or pizza, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your cravings.

One of the most popular spots for Mexican food in Old Pasadena is La Estrella, a local taco stand that’s been serving up delicious tacos and burritos for over 50 years. Other popular Mexican restaurants in the area include El Portal and Taqueria La Mexicana.

If you’re in the mood for sushi, Sushi Roku is a great choice. This upscale Japanese restaurant offers a wide range of sushi and sashimi, as well as other Japanese dishes like tempura and udon noodles.

For pizza lovers, look no further than Blaze Pizza. This fast-casual pizza chain allows you to customize your own pizza with a variety of toppings, and it’s a great spot for a quick and delicious meal.

Shops

In addition to its restaurants, Old Pasadena is also known for its unique and eclectic shops. Whether you’re looking for vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, or artisanal chocolates, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.

One of the most popular shops in Old Pasadena is Vroman’s Bookstore, which has been a local institution since 1894. This massive bookstore has a wide range of books, magazines, and gifts, and it’s a great spot to spend an afternoon browsing.

If you’re looking for handmade jewelry, check out the selection at Gold Bug. This boutique jewelry store features unique and unusual pieces that are sure to make a statement.

For chocolate lovers, stop by Mignon Chocolate. This artisanal chocolate shop offers a wide range of chocolates, truffles, and other sweets, all made with high-quality ingredients.

Overall, Old Pasadena is a great destination for families with kids. With its diverse range of restaurants, shops, and activities, there’s something for everyone in this historic district.

Rose Bowl Stadium

The Rose Bowl Stadium is a world-renowned sports arena located in Pasadena, California. It is a must-visit attraction for families with kids who love sports and outdoor activities. Here are some things to consider when planning your visit to the Rose Bowl Stadium.

Rose Parade

The Rose Parade is an annual event held on New Year’s Day at the Rose Bowl Stadium. It is a world-famous parade, featuring floats made entirely of flowers and other natural materials. The parade is a great way to kick off the New Year with your kids. The parade route is approximately 5.5 miles long and starts at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena. It ends at the Rose Bowl Stadium, where the floats are displayed for public viewing.

Parking and Tours

Parking at the Rose Bowl Stadium can be a challenge, especially on event days. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure parking. The stadium offers a variety of parking options, including general parking, preferred parking, and RV parking. Visitors can also take advantage of the stadium’s shuttle service, which runs from designated parking lots to the stadium.

The Rose Bowl Stadium also offers guided tours for visitors. The tours include a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium, including the locker rooms, press box, and field. Visitors can also learn about the history of the stadium and its role in sports and entertainment.

Fireworks

The Rose Bowl Stadium is known for its fireworks shows, especially on the Fourth of July. The stadium hosts an annual fireworks extravaganza, featuring a stunning display of fireworks set to music. The event is family-friendly and attracts visitors from all over Southern California.

Overall, the Rose Bowl Stadium is a fantastic destination for families with kids. Whether you’re attending a sports event, taking a tour, or watching the fireworks, there’s something for everyone at this iconic stadium.

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Things to Do in Pasadena with Kids

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