FAMILY FUN

HIT LIST

If you’re traveling with kids in tow, you’ll fi nd Pasadena to be very accommodating when it comes to entertaining (and feeding!) the whole family. From hiking along easy-going nature trails and stargazing at the observatory to ice skating and cake making, there’s fun to be had for kids of all ages. The following activities are all kidapproved and sure to keep the smiles and laughs fl owing.

THEME PARKS WITHIN REACH

Pasadena is centrally located to all of the region’s major theme parks such as Universal Studios Hollywood (14 miles west), Six Flags Magic Mountain (36 miles northeast), Disneyland (35 miles south) and Knott’s Berry Farm (30 miles south).

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Kidspace Children’s Museum

Geared towards kids age 10 and younger, the Kidspace Children’s Museum features more than 40 hands-on, interactive exhibits and activities on their 3.5acre indoor-outdoor campus. Popular features include the Imagination Workshop, Climbing Towers and Physics Forest. 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. (626) 449-9144 kidspacemuseum.org

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

The Huntington caters to kids with their Children’s Garden and robust array of workshops, camps, drop-in activities, tours and events. 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino (626) 405-2100 huntington.org

Neon Retro Arcade

The Neon Retro Arcade is a blast from the 1980s and 1990s past— essentially, it’s an old school spin on “screen time.” Even the grownups will want to get in on the action, be it playing classic arcade games like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man or teaching the next generation how to play pinball. 28 S. Raymond Ave. (626) 568-2924 neonretroarcade.com

Du ’s Cake

Bring the aspiring “Ace of Cakes” baker in your life to Food Network star Du Goldman’s DIY dessert design studio, Du ’s Cake Mix. You choose your flavor and canvas—cupcakes or cake—and all the tools of the trade are provided, frosting included. 165 S. De Lacey Ave. (626) 249-0500 du scakemix.com

Southern California Children’s Museum

For the under eight set, the Southern California Children’s Museum is a great place for playbased activities. Check the online calendar of events to plan a visit around a music class, sing-along or art party. And be sure to check out the onsite children’s boutique, That’s Darling. 459 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 657-0357 socalkids.org

Whistle Stop

Founded in 1951, Whistle Stop is a classic model train and hobby shop that will wow young and old alike with its vast selection and displays. 2490 E. Colorado Blvd. (626) 796-7791 thewhistlestop.com

Pasadena Ice Skating

Center is the perfect place to cool down during the public skate sessions o ered daily. 300 E. Green St. (626) 578-0800 skatepasadena.com

Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center

“Family Fun Saturdays” at the 190-acre Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center entail a family nature walk, story time, an animal presentation and crafting. 1750 N. Altadena Dr. (626) 398-5420 ecnca.org