Best Things to do with Kids in San Dimas, CA
Best Things To Do With Kids In San Dimas CA
San Dimas, CA offers families a welcoming blend of outdoor adventures, educational attractions, and kid-friendly entertainment, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Nestled in the San Gabriel Valley, this charming city provides easy access to parks, museums, and recreational venues that appeal to children of all ages. From exploring scenic nature trails to discovering hands-on learning experiences, parents will find plenty of engaging activities to keep kids active and inspired. Moreover, San Dimas features a variety of safe, well-maintained spaces where families can relax, picnic, and play together. As you plan your itinerary, you’ll discover that the best things to do with kids in San Dimas combine fun, learning, and quality family time. In the sections that follow, we’ll highlight top attractions, hidden gems, and practical tips to help you make the most of your family visit to San Dimas.
Introduction
San Dimas, CA is a family-friendly city in the San Gabriel Valley that offers a wide variety of activities perfect for children of all ages. From outdoor adventures to educational attractions, parents will find many engaging ways to spend quality time with their kids. This guide highlights the best things to do with kids in San Dimas, helping you plan fun and memorable outings while making the most of your visit.
Raging Waters Los Angeles
One of the most popular family attractions in San Dimas is Raging Waters Los Angeles, one of California’s largest water parks. With kid-friendly splash zones, lazy rivers, and thrilling water slides, it offers something for both younger children and adventurous teens. Parents can relax in shaded cabanas while kids cool off and play safely under lifeguard supervision. For families visiting during the summer, this is a must-visit destination that combines excitement and relief from the heat.
Below is a quick overview of key family features at Raging Waters:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA |
| Best For | All ages, especially school-aged kids and teens |
| Highlights | Wave pool, lazy river, kids’ play areas, thrill slides |
| Season | Typically open late spring through early fall |
Bonelli Regional Park And Puddingstone Lake
For families who love the outdoors, Bonelli Regional Park surrounding Puddingstone Lake is an excellent choice. Kids can enjoy open green spaces, picnic areas, and scenic walking and biking trails. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and seasonal swimming, allowing children to connect with nature and enjoy active play away from screens. With several playgrounds and barbecue areas, Bonelli Park is ideal for all-day family outings and weekend gatherings.
This expansive park also offers horseback riding stables and areas for birdwatching, making it easy to turn a casual visit into an educational adventure. Parents can teach kids about local wildlife, outdoor safety, and environmental stewardship in a fun, hands-on setting.
Pacific Railroad Society Museum
Families with young train enthusiasts will appreciate the Pacific Railroad Society Museum in downtown San Dimas. This small but charming museum showcases historic railcars, artifacts, and photographs that highlight Southern California’s railroad history. Children can explore vintage train equipment, learn about how railroads shaped local communities, and spark their curiosity about transportation and engineering.
Because the museum is compact, it is perfect for shorter visits, especially with younger kids who may not be ready for longer tours. Combining a stop at the museum with lunch at a nearby restaurant or a stroll through downtown San Dimas creates a relaxed, family-friendly day.
Family Friendly Dining And Downtown Strolls
After a day of exploration, families can enjoy kid-friendly restaurants and dessert spots throughout San Dimas. Many local eateries offer children’s menus, casual atmospheres, and outdoor seating, making them convenient for families with small children. Downtown San Dimas, in particular, offers walkable streets, boutique shops, and seasonal community events that add to the small-town charm.
| Activity | Family Appeal |
|---|---|
| Downtown Stroll | Relaxed walking, window shopping, and photo opportunities |
| Local Parks | Playgrounds, open fields, and safe spaces for younger kids |
| Ice Cream And Treats | Reward children after a busy day of sightseeing |
Conclusion
San Dimas, CA offers a diverse range of activities that cater to families seeking fun, education, and outdoor adventure. From splashing at Raging Waters to exploring the natural beauty of Bonelli Regional Park and discovering rail history at the Pacific Railroad Society Museum, there is no shortage of engaging experiences for kids. By planning a balanced itinerary that combines active play, learning opportunities, and relaxing family time, you can create lasting memories and make the most of everything San Dimas has to offer.
Best Things to Do with Kids in San Dimas, CA
What are some of the best family-friendly attractions in San Dimas, CA?
Raging Waters Los Angeles is one of the most popular family attractions, offering kid-friendly pools, slides, and lazy rivers. Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park is ideal for outdoor time with children, including walking paths, picnic areas, and lake views. The Pacific Railroad Society Museum (nearby in San Dimas) is great for kids who love trains, with historic rail cars and exhibits. You can also visit local playgrounds such as Marchant Park and Pioneer Park, which have play structures, open grass areas, and sports courts that are well suited to families with children of different ages.
Where can I take kids in San Dimas for outdoor activities and nature experiences?
Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park is one of the top outdoor destinations, offering easy walking trails, lakeside views, picnic tables, and open spaces where kids can run and play. Many families enjoy feeding ducks (where permitted), flying kites, or simply exploring the shoreline. Horsethief Canyon Park provides additional green space, sports fields, and playgrounds. For simple nature walks, neighborhood trails around San Dimas Canyon and the foothills can be suitable for older children, with gentle elevation and opportunities to spot local plants and wildlife, as long as you bring water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear.
What are good rainy-day or indoor activities for kids in San Dimas?
The San Dimas Library is a strong option for indoor time, often offering story times, reading programs, and quiet areas for homework or independent reading. Local recreation centers in and around San Dimas frequently host youth classes such as arts and crafts, dance, or sports fundamentals, which are ideal when the weather is not suitable for outdoor play. Families can also consider nearby indoor play spaces, bowling alleys, and family entertainment centers in adjacent cities, many of which are within a short drive and feature arcade games, laser tag, and soft-play zones appropriate for younger children.
Are there educational activities in San Dimas that kids will still find fun?
The Pacific Railroad Society Museum provides a hands-on way to learn about local rail history, with historic train cars, artifacts, and knowledgeable volunteers who can answer children’s questions. Visiting the San Dimas Library can be both educational and enjoyable, especially during special programs like science demonstrations, craft sessions, or reading challenges. Older kids may also appreciate exploring historical aspects of downtown San Dimas, where you can point out preserved buildings, local landmarks, and interpretive signage that tell the story of the area’s development and its connection to the railroad and regional growth.
How can I find kid-friendly events and activities in San Dimas throughout the year?
The City of San Dimas Parks and Recreation Department website and printed activity guides are key resources for up-to-date information on seasonal events, youth sports leagues, and children’s classes. Checking the San Dimas Library calendar can help you discover story times, workshops, and special kids’ programs. Local community social media pages and regional family-event websites often list festivals, holiday celebrations, and one-time activities in and around San Dimas. It is helpful to review these sources regularly, as many kid-friendly events are scheduled around school breaks, holidays, and summer months and may require advance registration.
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