Pasadena offers several standout attractions for families with children. Kidspace Children’s Museum is one of the top choices, featuring interactive science exhibits, outdoor play areas, and seasonal programs tailored to different age groups. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in nearby San Marino is another favorite, with spacious gardens, open lawns, and a dedicated Children’s Garden that encourages hands-on exploration of nature. The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, just minutes away in Arcadia, is also popular with families for its wide-open spaces, wildlife viewing, and easy walking paths that work well with strollers. For a more urban outing, Old Pasadena (Old Town) offers walkable blocks, kid-friendly restaurants, and occasional family events, making it an easy, flexible option for a day out with kids.

Pasadena has a range of outdoor options ideal for kids of different ages. Brookside Park, next to the Rose Bowl, offers large playgrounds, sports fields, and open grassy areas for picnics and free play. The Rose Bowl Loop is a popular, mostly flat path that works well for family bike rides, scooters, or stroller walks. Eaton Canyon Natural Area provides easy hiking trails, a nature center, and opportunities for children to learn about local plants and wildlife. Families who enjoy gardens will appreciate the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden and The Huntington’s outdoor spaces, where children can explore safely and observe birds, ponds, and seasonal blooms. Many of these locations also host occasional family programs, guided walks, and outdoor classes tailored to kids.

Pasadena offers numerous educational experiences that are also fun for children. Kidspace Children’s Museum is designed specifically for hands-on learning in science, nature, and the arts, with exhibits that encourage experimentation and problem-solving. The Huntington provides educational value through its art collections, rare books, and botanical gardens, and often hosts family-friendly tours and workshops that introduce kids to art, history, and horticulture. The Pasadena Museum of History occasionally offers family programs and exhibits that help children understand local history in an accessible way. In addition, the Pasadena Public Library system runs regular story times, STEM activities, homework help, and special events such as author visits and reading challenges, giving kids structured educational experiences outside of school hours.

On rainy days, indoor, kid-focused venues in Pasadena become especially valuable. Kidspace Children’s Museum has extensive indoor exhibit areas where kids can engage in science experiments, creative play, and interactive learning. Local branches of the Pasadena Public Library are excellent for story time, arts and crafts, and quiet reading, with many locations offering dedicated children’s sections. Families can also visit indoor sections of The Huntington and the Pasadena Museum of History, where kids can explore galleries at their own pace and participate in scheduled family activities when available. Another practical option is visiting family-friendly cafes or bakeries in Old Pasadena that welcome children and offer board games, coloring pages, or small play areas, allowing kids to relax and play while staying dry.

A well-rounded family day in Pasadena can combine museums, outdoor time, and flexible dining. Many families start the morning at Kidspace Children’s Museum or The Huntington, where kids are most engaged and energetic for interactive exhibits or garden exploration. Around midday, you can head to Old Pasadena or South Lake Avenue for a casual, kid-friendly lunch at a restaurant that offers children’s menus or outdoor seating. In the afternoon, consider a walk or bike ride around the Rose Bowl Loop or a visit to Brookside Park to let kids run and play. If you prefer a quieter pace, a visit to the Pasadena Public Library for story time or free play in the children’s area can be a good alternative. Before you go, it is helpful to check attraction websites for hours, ticketing policies, parking information, and any special family events so you can adjust your itinerary to your children’s ages, interests, and energy levels.