Find the best kid-friendly activities in the San Fernando Valley, from museums and parks to indoor play spaces and seasonal events, all vetted by local families.
I asked my community — on Instagram and TikTok — one simple question: What are the best kid-friendly things to do in the Valley?
Hundreds of responses later, I've organized, researched, and verified everything into this mega-guide.
Whether you've got a toddler, a 10-year-old, or five kids on a budget, this one's for you.
🏛️ Museums & Educational Experiences
The Valley is quietly stacked with museums that are actually fun for kids (not the "don't touch anything" kind).
Hands-on science museum with fun interactive exhibits.
Nethercutt Museum (Sylmar)
One of the most underrated spots in the entire Valley. The Nethercutt houses over 130 vintage, classic, and antique cars — all in pristine, running condition. There's also a restored steam locomotive and a private Pullman rail car out back that kids can walk through. It was started by the co-founder of Merle Norman Cosmetics, and it's genuinely world-class. Jay Leno is a fan. You should be too.
- Where: 15151 Bledsoe St, Sylmar
- Ages: All ages for the self-guided museum. Kids must be 10+ for the guided Collection tour across the street (separate building, reservations required).
- Pro tip: This is a great rainy day pick — huge indoor space. Pair it with Discovery Cube since they're both in Sylmar.
CDI Early Learning Center (Canoga Park)
A true hidden gem. CDI (Child Development Institute) runs this free, museum-quality play and learning space for kids ages 0–6. It's housed in a beautifully restored mid-century modern building — the former Canoga Park Library — and features discovery zones, reading circles, puppet shows, an indoor climbing tree, and outdoor gardens. They also have a second location in Reseda.
- Where: 7260 Owensmouth Ave, Canoga Park
- Ages: 0–6
- Pro tip: They also offer free monthly developmental screenings and food programs. This isn't just a play space — it's a genuine community resource. If you have little ones, this needs to be on your radar.
Kidspace Children's Museum (Pasadena)
Worth the drive out of the Valley. Kidspace sits on 3.5 acres near the Rose Bowl and has 40+ hands-on exhibits with a big outdoor component — a Physics Forest, water play areas, climbing towers, and nature exploration. Most families spend 3–5 hours here easily.
- Where: 480 N. Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena
- Ages: Best for 10 and under
- Pro tip: They do Free First Fridays — check their calendar. Bring a change of clothes because your kid is absolutely going to end up in the water. Free parking in the Rose Bowl lot. Discounts available for EBT holders and military families.
Travel Town Train Museum (Griffith Park)
A free outdoor museum with real vintage trains, a working miniature train ride, and a train play set that younger kids go nuts for. Easy to combine with other Griffith Park activities like the zoo or the observatory.
- Where: 5200 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles (Griffith Park)
- Ages: All ages, especially great for toddlers and preschoolers
- Pro tip: Go early on weekends. Pack a picnic — there's grassy space nearby. The miniature train ride is a small fee but the rest is free.
Valley Relics Museum (Lake Balboa)
Nobody in my comments mentioned this one, and that's a crime. The Valley Relics Museum is a pop culture time capsule housed in two airplane hangars at the Van Nuys Airport. It's packed with vintage neon signs, classic cars, old-school BMX bikes, restaurant memorabilia, and artifacts from the Valley's past — including Spicoli's van from Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Jan Brady's door from The Brady Bunch set. It's a love letter to San Fernando Valley history.
- Where: 7900 Balboa Blvd, Lake Balboa (entrance on Stagg St, Hangars C3 & C4)
- Ages: Older kids and parents will get the most out of it. Kids 10 and under get in free.
- Pro tip: This is a nonprofit — your admission supports preserving Valley history. They also have a playable retro arcade inside. The gift shop t-shirts featuring defunct Valley businesses are worth browsing.
Mission San Fernando (Mission Hills)
One of the original 21 California missions, founded in 1797. Beautiful white adobe buildings, a museum with artifacts from the mission period, peaceful gardens, and olive trees that are over 200 years old. It's affordable, educational, and a connection to real California history that kids can actually walk through.
- Where: 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Mission Hills
- Ages: Best for school-age kids (great for history projects)
- Pro tip: It's still an active Catholic parish, so be respectful during services. The gardens alone are worth the visit.
Griffith Observatory
Not in the Valley technically, but it's the field trip. Free admission to the building and exhibits, incredible views of LA, and the planetarium show is just a few bucks. On a clear day, you can see from downtown to the ocean.
- Where: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles
- Ages: All ages, though older kids get more from the science exhibits
- Pro tip: Parking is a nightmare on weekends. Take the DASH shuttle from the Greek Theatre lot, or go on a weekday. The lawn in front is great for running around.
Indoor Playgrounds
This category blew up in the comments. Whether it's a rainy day or a 105-degree Valley scorcher, indoor playgrounds are a lifesaver for parents.
We Rock the Spectrum — Studio City
An inclusive, sensory-friendly gym designed for kids of all abilities, including those on the autism spectrum. Equipment includes zip lines, trampolines, swings, a climbing wall, and a craft room. Multiple Valley parents said this is their go-to. Their tagline is "Finally a Place Where You Never Have to Say I'm Sorry" — and that resonates with a lot of families.
- Where: 4397 Tujunga Ave, Suite F, Studio City
- Pro tip: They also have locations in Tarzana and Agoura Hills. Great for birthday parties. Call ahead on weekends to check for private events.
More Indoor Playgrounds to Check Out
The Valley is loaded with indoor play options. Here's the rundown my community put together:
- Candyland — Ventura Blvd
- Kidztopia — Burbank
- Fun 4 Kids — various locations
- Kartopia — go-karts and play
- Jubiland — indoor play and parties
- Kiddie Kingdom — toddler-friendly
- Kids Empire — large-scale indoor playground with multiple locations
Most of these cater to different age ranges — some are toddler-focused, others better for the 5+ crowd. Check each spot's website before you go.
Trampoline Parks
Nobody in my comments mentioned trampoline parks, but they're a huge category for the 5–12 age range. Sky Zone, Launch Trampoline Park, and similar spots are scattered throughout the Valley. They're great for burning energy, and most offer toddler-specific jump times during off-peak hours. Just know — socks are usually required and waivers need to be signed ahead of time.
The IKEA Move (Yes, Seriously)
One of my favorite community responses: for rainy days, hit IKEA so your kid can open all the drawers. IKEA also runs occasional craft activities and scavenger hunts on specific days. Free entertainment, and you might actually need a new KALLAX.
🌳 Parks & Outdoor Adventures
The Valley's parks are genuinely world-class, and there are way more options than most people realize.
Lake Balboa / Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area
This is the Valley's Central Park. The Sepulveda Basin area is massive and includes Lake Balboa (where you can ride swan paddle boats), play areas, the Japanese Garden, bike paths, a wildlife reserve, and vendors throughout the week. You could come here every weekend for a year and do something different each time.
- Where: 6300 Balboa Blvd, Van Nuys
- Pro tip: Combine it with the Japanese Garden or Valley Relics Museum for a packed day. Weekday mornings are the sweet spot for avoiding crowds.
The Japanese Garden at Woodley Park (Van Nuys)
A 6.5-acre authentic Japanese garden hidden inside the Sepulveda Basin — technically built on top of a water reclamation plant. It features a dry Zen meditation garden, a strolling "wet garden" with koi ponds and waterfalls, and a traditional tea house. Fun fact: this is where they filmed Starfleet Academy in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
- Where: 6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys
- Important: Open weekdays only (Monday–Thursday). Closed Friday–Sunday, LA city holidays, and within 24 hours of rain.
- Pro tip: They cap admission to keep it peaceful, so go right at opening. This is a perfect "calm down" activity — great contrast to a high-energy morning at the park.
Descanso Gardens (La Cañada Flintridge)
Just over the hill from the Valley. Plenty of space for kids to run around, far from road traffic. There's a miniature train ride, coffee and snacks by the entrance, and stunning seasonal gardens that change throughout the year.
- Where: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge
- Pro tip: Quieter on weekday mornings. Bring a stroller — the grounds are big. Great for photos.
O'Melveny Park (Granada Hills)
Another one nobody mentioned. O'Melveny is one of the largest parks in all of LA, sitting in the Santa Susana Mountains in Granada Hills. It has real hiking trails (not just paved paths), meadows, picnic areas, and stunning views. It feels more like leaving the city than anything else in the Valley.
- Where: 17300 Sesnon Blvd, Granada Hills
- Pro tip: The main loop trail is moderate and doable for school-age kids. Bring water — there's not a lot of shade on the upper trails.
Notable Playgrounds & Parks
My community called out specific parks worth knowing about:
- Jaime Beth Slavin Park — Big park with unique play structures. A Valley favorite.
- Ralph Foy Park — Neighborhood gem, frequently mentioned.
- Fire Truck Park (Woodland Hills) — Exactly what it sounds like. Loved by younger kids.
- Beeman Park — Great play equipment and space.
- North Park (Space Playground) — Space-themed playground that kids love.
- Johnny Carson Park (Burbank) — Solid park with playground and library nearby, plus a skating rink in the area.
- Laurel Grove Park — A favorite for babies and toddlers.
- Burbank Park (Victory Blvd) — Playground, library, and a skating rink nearby. A three-fer.
Hiking the Foothills
Don't sleep on the foothill parks along the northern edge of the Valley. The hiking is surprisingly accessible for families:
- William S. Hart Park (Newhall) — A petting zoo, plus a museum and historic home of the old Western actor William S. Hart at the top of the hill. Great for a family day.
- Fern Dell Park (Griffith area) — An easy, kid-friendly walk with crayfish in the water. Multiple kids apparently call it "Lobster City."
Biking
The Valley has some of the best family biking infrastructure in LA, and nobody in my comments brought it up — so I'm adding it.
Chandler Bikeway
A paved, car-free path that runs through the heart of the Valley from North Hollywood to Burbank. It's flat, safe, and perfect for family rides. It connects to Lawless Brewing, the NoHo Arts District, and parks along the way.
LA River Bike Path
The Valley section of the LA River path runs from Canoga Park through the Valley and is mostly flat and family-friendly. Great for older kids who can handle longer rides.
LAVC Campus (Valley College)
Multiple parents mentioned this one — on Sundays during the farmers market, kids ride their bikes around the campus. It's safe, off-road, and the kids love the sense of independence.
Swimming & Splash Pads
The Valley is hot. Like, really hot. Here's how families cool down.
Hansen Dam Aquatic Center (Lake View Terrace)
A massive public swim area right next to Discovery Cube. It includes a large recreational pool, a lake area, and picnic spots. One of the biggest aquatic facilities in LA.
- Where: 11798 Foothill Blvd, Lake View Terrace
- Pro tip: Pair it with Discovery Cube for a full day in Sylmar/Lake View Terrace.
Splash Pads & Water Play
- NoHo West Sprinklers — Free summer water play in front of The Stand
- NoHo Plaza Water Fountains — Another free summer splash spot
- Various city pools — LA has public pools throughout the Valley. Check the LA Parks & Rec website for locations, schedules, and free swim days.
Farms, Animals & Nature
Kindred Spirits Care Farm (Chatsworth)
A 7-acre animal sanctuary in Chatsworth with over 100 rescued animals — pigs, goats, chickens, emus, horses. There's also a 500-year-old oak tree, a Chumash cave, and a 30,000-gallon koi pond. Super friendly volunteers and one of the only "care farms" in the entire US (they're popular in Europe, rare here).
- Where: 11001 Farralone Ave, Chatsworth
- Important: Open Sundays only.
- Pro tip: Use Google Maps, not Apple Maps — Apple will take you to the wrong place. No pets allowed. This is a nonprofit, so your visit directly supports the animals.
Underwood Family Farms (Moorpark)
A Valley-adjacent classic. This fully operational farm in Moorpark offers pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, an animal center with pony rides, wagon rides, and massive seasonal festivals. The Fall Harvest Festival and Spring Easter event are legendary. It's about an hour from the Valley but families make the trip year-round.
- Where: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark
- Ages: All ages
- Pro tip: Go on weekdays to avoid festival-level crowds and pay less. They also have a Somis location that's smaller but less crowded.
LA Zoo (Griffith Park)
A classic that needs no introduction. Combine it with Travel Town and the Griffith Park area for a full day. They run educational programs, behind-the-scenes tours, and camps throughout the year.
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve
Located within the larger Sepulveda Basin area, this reserve offers nature walks, bird watching, and a quieter outdoor experience than the nearby Lake Balboa. Good for kids who are into animals and nature without the structure of a zoo.
Family-Friendly Breweries & Restaurants
One of the most Valley things ever: bringing your kids to a brewery. And honestly? These places are built for it.
Lawless Brewing (North Hollywood)
NoHo's oldest brewery, right in the Arts District. Lawless is explicitly kid-friendly and pet-friendly with an 8,000 sq ft space, a beer garden with lawn games, a game room with an 80" TV, rotating food trucks, and regular events like trivia, game nights, and bingo.
- Where: 5275 Craner Ave, North Hollywood
- Pro tip: Right off the Chandler bike path and a short walk from the Metro. Great for an afternoon hangout where the adults get good beer and the kids have room to run. They also host birthday parties and private events.
Dog Haus
Multiple dads mentioned this one — morning hangs at Dog Haus with the kids, free board games, and good vibes. Multiple Valley locations.
Handbrew Brewery
Family-friendly bingo on Saturday nights. A fun, specific activity to plan a weekend around.
Blue Palms Brewpub
Large outdoor lawn where kids can play while you enjoy a beer. Spacious and relaxed.
Golden Road Brewing (Atwater Village / Glendale area)
Another one I'm adding. One of the biggest brewery spaces in the LA area with a massive patio, food, and plenty of room for families. Dog-friendly too.
Happier Cafe (Frogtown)
A bit outside the Valley but worth the mention — a café with a playground along the LA River. Coffee for you, play structure for the kids. The dream combo.
Food Markets & Cultural Experiences
Wat Thai Temple Weekend Food Market (Sun Valley)
One of the best food experiences in all of LA, period. Every weekend the parking lot of LA's largest Thai Buddhist temple transforms into a street food market with a rotating lineup of vendors. You'll find pad Thai, mango sticky rice, boat noodles, papaya salad, BBQ skewers, Thai iced tea — all of it authentic and affordable. The temple itself is gorgeous and worth walking through.
- Where: 8225 Coldwater Canyon Ave, Sun Valley / North Hollywood
- Important: Cash only. You buy tokens at a booth and use them at vendors.
- Pro tip: Popular dishes sell out by noon, so go early. The Songkran (Thai New Year) festival in April is an absolute must-attend Valley event. Dogs are welcome on leashes.
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are a go-to weekend activity for Valley families, and several have live music and kid-specific activities:
- Studio City Farmers Market — Sundays, often has live music and kid activities
- Encino Farmers Market — Similar vibe, live music, family-friendly
- LAVC Market (Valley College) — Sundays. Great for produce shopping while kids ride bikes around the campus
Ice Skating & Roller Skating
LA Kings Ice at Pickwick Gardens (Burbank)
The most Valley-accessible ice rink. Pickwick has been serving Burbank since 1961 (now rebranded under the LA Kings). It's an NHL-sized arena with public skate sessions, learn-to-skate classes, hockey programs, birthday parties, and a snack bar. Free parking.
- Where: 1001 W Riverside Dr, Burbank
- Pro tip: Public skate times vary by day — check their website before you go. They also run a skating academy and youth hockey programs if your kid catches the bug.
LA Kings Iceland at Paramount
A historic rink originally founded by the Zamboni family in 1940 — yes, the Zamboni was invented here. Now owned by the LA Kings with major upgrades. There's a Zamboni museum inside and the only Wurlitzer pipe organ still regularly playing in an ice rink in the country.
- Where: 8041 Jackson St, Paramount
- Pro tip: Friday nights have a two-for-one deal.
Moonlight Roller Rink
A roller skating option for families who want something different from ice. Good for birthday parties and group outings.
Seasonal & Special Events
Some of the best Valley kid activities only happen at certain times of year. Mark your calendar:
- NoHo West Water Sprinklers — Free summer water play in front of The Stand
- NoHo Plaza Water Fountains — Another free summer splash spot
- CSUN Summer Movie Nights — Outdoor movies on the Cal State Northridge campus
- Halloween Town / Magnolia Blvd, Burbank — The spooky blocks of Magnolia are a must every October
- Songkran Festival at Wat Thai — Thai New Year celebration every April. One of the best cultural events in the Valley.
- Underwood Farms Fall Harvest Festival — September/October. Massive pumpkin patch, corn maze, rides, pig races.
- Underwood Farms Spring Easter Festival — March/April. Same energy, spring edition.
- Popsical Music Concerts — Kid-friendly concerts that occasionally happen in the Valley. Follow @popsicalmusic.concerts for dates.
- Descanso Gardens seasonal events — Holiday lights, spring blooms, and more throughout the year.
Sports & Active Play
- East Valley Youth Baseball League — Great for getting kids into organized team sports in a community setting.
- Woodley Archers — Archery for older kids at Woodley Park. A unique activity you won't find everywhere.
- Van Nuys Airport Observation Area — Watch planes take off and land. Free and surprisingly entertaining for kids of all ages. Pair it with the Valley Relics Museum since they're in the same area.
- Martial arts & kids yoga — Studios throughout the Valley offer intro classes and trial sessions. Great for focus and confidence building.
Entertainment & Arcades
Universal CityWalk
Free to walk around. You don't need theme park tickets. CityWalk has street performers, restaurants, a movie theater, and enough visual stimulation to entertain kids for an hour or two. Good as a casual evening outing.
- Where: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
- Pro tip: Parking can be pricey, but it gets cheaper in the evening or with validation. Walk from the Metro Red Line station for free.
Neon Retro Arcade (Pasadena)
Retro arcade culture is having a moment. This spot has classic video games and pinball machines. Great for older kids and nostalgic parents. Worth the drive to Pasadena.
Board Games & Tabletop Gaming
Multiple people mentioned the board gaming and tabletop gaming scene in the Valley. Several breweries (Lawless, Dog Haus) offer free board games. For dedicated tabletop gaming, look for local game shops that run kid-friendly sessions — just make sure they're grouped by age.
Free & Budget-Friendly Picks
If you're watching your budget — and with five kids, that one parent in my comments, I see you — here are the best free or nearly-free options:
Completely Free:
- CDI Early Learning Center (ages 0–6)
- Travel Town Train Museum
- Japanese Garden (currently free)
- Public library story times
- Parks and playgrounds
- Farmers markets (free to browse)
- LAVC Sunday market + campus biking
- NoHo West / NoHo Plaza water play (summer)
- Van Nuys Airport Observation Area
- Griffith Observatory
- Universal CityWalk (free to walk around)
- Chandler Bikeway (bring your own bikes)
- O'Melveny Park hiking
- IKEA (honestly fun)
- Guitar Center (apparently this is a toddler move — I'm not going to question it)
Under $10 per person:
- Nethercutt Museum
- Kindred Spirits Care Farm (kids)
- Wat Thai food market (most dishes $5–10)
- Underwood Farms (weekday admission)
- Mission San Fernando
- Valley Relics Museum (kids 10 and under free)
Your Cheat Sheet: Activities by Age
Babies & Toddlers (0–3): CDI Early Learning Center, We Rock the Spectrum, library story times, Laurel Grove Park, NoHo West sprinklers, Kiddie Kingdom, Travel Town, splash pads
Preschool (3–6): Discovery Cube, Kidspace, Travel Town, Kindred Spirits, Underwood Farms, indoor playgrounds, farmers markets, Descanso Gardens train ride, CDI, Hansen Dam swimming
School Age (6–10): Nethercutt Museum, Lake Balboa paddle boats, Japanese Garden, Woodley Archers, LA Zoo, Dog Haus board games, ice skating, Chandler Bikeway, trampoline parks, Hansen Dam swimming, Valley Relics Museum
Older Kids (10+): Nethercutt Collection guided tour, Valley Relics Museum, hiking O'Melveny or the foothills, East Valley baseball, Kartopia, ice skating, Wat Thai food market adventure, Griffith Observatory, Neon Retro Arcade, Universal CityWalk
Resources
- Mommy Poppins LA — App and website with daily kid activity listings. Multiple people in my comments mentioned this as their go-to resource.
- Kids Out and About — San Fernando Valley — Another solid events calendar for Valley families.
- LA Parks & Recreation — Check for free swim days, rec center programs, and park events throughout the Valley.
- Macaroni KID San Fernando Valley — Weekly newsletter with local family events and deals.
I'm thinking about starting a Valley playground rating series — best equipment, shade situation, bathroom availability, parking, the works. Would you want that? Let me know in the comments or DM me.
Got a spot I missed? Drop it in the comments. This guide is a living document and I want it to be the most comprehensive resource for Valley families out there.
This guide was built from real recommendations by the NoHo Nick community on Instagram and TikTok, plus additional research to fill in the gaps. Every spot has been verified. Last updated February 2026.