Top 5 Kid-Approved Activities

BY LISA CLEMENTS, CEO, KIDSPACE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

There’s so much to see and do with children in Pasadena. Take a tip from local parents: Whatever your child’s age or interest, there’s a free and fun way to fuel their curiosity and support learning and development.

The Original Whistle Stop

If you’ve got a train-loving child in your family, make sure to also drop by this 1950s model train store on Route 66 in Pasadena. The Original Whistle Stop is a community gem that delights train lovers of all ages with intricate model trains, vintage pieces, railroad literature, wooden train sets, and the friendliest staff anywhere. Trains are irresistible to many children and playing with them helps builds motor skills, develop spatial reasoning, and it introduces concepts of physics and perspective. All aboard! thewhistlestop.com

Vroman’s Bookstore

When my kids were little, reading together was a form of bonding we all enjoyed. It’s also a tremendous boost to children’s cognitive development, language acquisition, and ability to focus. Celebrate the power of sharing stories with your children at California’s largest and oldest independent bookstore, serving the Pasadena community since 1894. Make your way to the second floor to find the robust children’s department with an excellent selection of children’s books, Saturday Storytime with Mr. Steve, author book signings, unique gifts, gourmet coffee, and an old-fashioned newsstand. vromansbookstore.com

Caltech Turtle Pond

For a healthy trek with a charming destination, grab some scooters, or just lace up your sneakers, and wander through the beautiful campus of the California Institute of Technology. While kids might not be impressed that Caltech is home to some of the brightest minds in the world, they will love a visit to the turtle pond. Watch the turtles swimming, stacking, and sunning themselves, and encourage conversation about what you observe. Don’t forget to take pictures and share them! IG: @caltech_turtle_club

Pasadena Farmers’ Market

The Pasadena Farmers’ Market is a wonderful way to introduce new fruits and vegetables to children and create awareness about where food comes from. Saturday mornings on the east side of Victory Park, bring your kids to shop for fruits and vegetables in season, taste local honey, unwrap the vegan tamales, and snack on fresh roasted peanuts in a festive, music-filled atmosphere. Encourage your child to select an interesting new food they’d like to try, and you may end up with a brave little foodie in the house! pasadenafarmersmarket.org

Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center

Start at the Nature Center to learn about native plants, rocks, and minerals. Check out some nature exhibits and view a collection of live native animals that have been rescued and rehabilitated. Follow the Junior Nature Trail to scout for tadpoles in the pond, listen for local birds, and watch quietly for rabbits, lizards, and other wild animals who live here. If you’re feeling energetic, pack a picnic and hike the 3.5-mile main trail, which is mostly flat and appropriate for even young hikers. The waterfall and shallow pool in the middle of the trek is a good stop for splashing and resting before heading back. Nature-based experiences are multi-sensory, teach close looking and mindfulness, and help children develop a connection to wild places and wild creatures — all in the course of a lovely family day out. parks.lacounty.gov/eaton-canyonnatural-area-and-nature-center