Best Things to do with Kids in Calabasas, CA
Best Things To Do With Kids In Calabasas CA
Planning a family-friendly trip to Calabasas, CA offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, educational fun, and relaxed California charm. Nestled in the scenic hills west of Los Angeles, Calabasas is an ideal destination for parents seeking engaging activities that appeal to children of all ages. From exploring spacious parks and interactive play areas to discovering local wildlife and cultural attractions, this upscale community provides a safe and welcoming environment for families. As you plan your itinerary, you’ll find that Calabasas features a variety of kid-approved experiences, including hiking trails, playgrounds, and nearby family entertainment centers. In addition, its convenient location near Malibu and the San Fernando Valley makes it easy to combine nature, shopping, and dining in one seamless day. With so many options, Calabasas stands out as a top choice for memorable family outings and weekend adventures.


Introduction
Calabasas, CA, is a family-friendly community nestled in the scenic hills west of Los Angeles. Known for its upscale neighborhoods and stunning natural landscapes, it also offers a wide range of fun and educational activities for kids. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, parents will find plenty of options to keep children engaged and entertained. This guide highlights the best things to do with kids in Calabasas, helping families plan memorable outings that combine recreation, learning, and relaxation.
Explore Outdoor Adventures At Calabasas Parks
One of the top reasons families love Calabasas is its abundance of safe, well-maintained parks. Calabasas Creek Park and Grape Arbor Park are especially popular with children thanks to their inviting play areas and open green spaces. Kids can enjoy modern playground equipment, while parents appreciate shaded seating and clean facilities. Additionally, Gates Canyon Park features sports courts, picnic areas, and trails that are ideal for biking or walking with the whole family. These parks provide a perfect setting for active playdates, birthday parties, or relaxed weekend outings.
| Park | Main Features | Family-Friendly Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Gates Canyon Park | Sports courts, playground, picnic areas | Ideal for active kids and group gatherings |
| Calabasas Creek Park | Historic displays, walking paths | Gentle walks and educational exploration |
| Grape Arbor Park | Playground, grassy fields | Open space for running and casual games |
Discover Nature On Local Hiking Trails
For families who love the outdoors, the surrounding hills of Calabasas offer kid-friendly hiking opportunities. Trails in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains provide relatively easy routes suitable for younger hikers, along with spectacular canyon and city views. Parents can introduce children to local wildlife, native plants, and the importance of environmental stewardship. With clearly marked paths and various difficulty levels, these hikes make it simple to choose routes that match your family’s energy and experience. Bringing along snacks and binoculars can turn a simple walk into an exciting mini adventure.
Enjoy Family Friendly Shopping And Dining At The Commons
The Commons at Calabasas serves as a central gathering place for families, combining retail, dining, and entertainment in one convenient location. Children will enjoy watching the fountains, strolling along the landscaped pathways, and visiting kid-focused shops and ice cream spots. Meanwhile, parents appreciate the diverse range of restaurants and boutiques. Because of its relaxed, open-air layout, The Commons is an excellent spot for stroller-friendly outings and casual evenings out. During certain times of the year, families can also find seasonal events and live entertainment suitable for all ages.
Participate In Educational And Cultural Activities
Beyond recreation, Calabasas offers enriching experiences that support children’s learning and creativity. The local library system often hosts story times, craft sessions, and reading programs designed specifically for kids. In addition, nearby cultural centers and art studios present opportunities for youth art classes and music lessons. These activities not only foster creativity but also help kids build confidence and social skills. By incorporating educational outings into your regular routine, you can balance fun with meaningful development and growth.
Plan Seasonal Events And Community Experiences
Throughout the year, Calabasas hosts a variety of family-oriented community events. Seasonal celebrations, outdoor concerts, and holiday festivals provide safe, structured settings for kids to enjoy games, performances, and interactive activities. Many events feature food vendors, live music, and themed entertainment, giving families a chance to connect with neighbors and support local businesses. Checking the city’s event calendar in advance makes it easier to plan special weekends and create traditions that children will look forward to annually.
Conclusion
From scenic parks and accessible hiking trails to lively shopping centers and cultural programs, Calabasas offers an impressive range of activities for families with children. Each experience contributes to a well-rounded lifestyle, blending outdoor recreation, education, and community engagement. By exploring these top attractions and family-friendly venues, parents can ensure that their kids stay active, curious, and connected. Ultimately, Calabasas stands out as a welcoming destination where families can create lasting memories together, one fun-filled outing at a time.
Finding the Best Things to Do with Kids in Calabasas, CA
What are the best outdoor activities for kids in Calabasas?
Some of the best outdoor activities for kids in Calabasas include visiting local parks and open spaces. Juan Bautista de Anza Park offers large playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and scenic views that work well for family outings. Gates Canyon Park is another favorite, with a well-maintained playground, basketball courts, and green space for running and games. The nearby trails in the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Calabasas Creekside area provide easy family hikes and nature walks suitable for younger children, with opportunities to see local plants and wildlife in a safe, relatively short route.
Where can families go for educational and cultural experiences with kids in Calabasas?
Families looking for educational and cultural experiences in Calabasas can start with the Leonis Adobe Museum in nearby Old Town Calabasas. This historic ranch site showcases 19th-century California rancho life and often features kid-friendly tours and hands-on activities. The Calabasas Library is another strong option, offering children’s story times, reading programs, and occasional workshops or crafts. Many local community centers and the City of Calabasas events calendar highlight seasonal programs, cultural festivals, and family-friendly performances that combine learning with entertainment in a structured, age-appropriate environment.
What are some good rainy-day activities for kids in Calabasas?
On rainy days, indoor options in and around Calabasas help keep kids active and engaged. Local community centers frequently host indoor sports, dance, and art classes tailored to different age groups. The Calabasas Library is a reliable choice, providing a comfortable space for reading, homework, and organized children’s programs. Nearby malls and shopping centers sometimes offer indoor play zones or small activity areas for kids, along with family-oriented events, crafts, or seasonal photo experiences. Parents can also look for nearby indoor recreation facilities, such as gymnastics gyms, martial arts studios, or art studios that host drop-in sessions or short-term classes for children.
How can I find age-appropriate activities for different age groups in Calabasas?
To find age-appropriate activities in Calabasas, start by checking the City of Calabasas Parks, Recreation and Community Services guides, which typically categorize programs by age group, such as toddlers, elementary-age children, and teens. Local community centers and sports organizations usually list minimum and maximum ages for classes and leagues. Libraries, art studios, and music schools in the area also specify recommended ages for their events and lessons. Parents can supplement this information by reading reviews and descriptions on regional parenting blogs, social media community groups, and event platforms to see how other families rate activities for children of different ages and interests.
Are there any family-friendly events or seasonal activities for kids in Calabasas?
Calabasas hosts a variety of family-friendly events and seasonal activities throughout the year that work well for kids. The city’s official events calendar often features outdoor concerts, movie nights, holiday celebrations, and community festivals with children’s zones, crafts, and games. Seasonal events such as fall harvest festivals, holiday tree or menorah lightings, and summer camp programs are typically designed with families in mind. Old Town Calabasas and nearby community centers frequently organize special holiday or weekend events with live entertainment, kid-friendly vendors, and interactive activities that make it easy for families to enjoy time together in a safe, organized setting.
latest video
news via inbox
Sign up to get local tips delivered to your inbox.

