Things to Do in Pasadena

Kids wade in a real creek and hunt for bugs. Timed tickets -- book online. No cash.

Indoor/outdoor museum for ages 1-10. Climbing structures, physics forest, water play. The outdoor arroyo adventure is the highlight -- actual creek wading, bug hunting, real nature exploration. Timed tickets required; book online. No cash accepted.

480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103 · Tue–Sun 10am–5pm. Closed Mon. · (626) 449-9144 · Ages 1–10

3.5-mile hike to a 40-foot waterfall. Free parking. Check fire closures first.

Free nature preserve. 3.5-mile round-trip trail to a 40-foot waterfall. Mostly flat, doable for kids 5+ (rocky near the falls). Nature center with live animals and free programs. Free parking. Dogs welcome on the main trail. Check fire closure status before going.

1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107 · Park open daily sunrise–sunset. Nature center hours vary. · outdoor · Ages 5+

Two 50-meter Olympic pools, a 25-yard dive well, and a rec pool next to the Rose Bowl. Open for public lap swim, rec swim, lessons. Day passes available, Pasadena residents get a discount. Has hosted Olympic trials.

360 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103 · Mon-Fri 5:30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 7am-5pm (hours vary by season) · outdoor

Hike to a 40-foot waterfall with your dog. 3.5 miles round trip, leash required. Parking lot fills by 10am on weekends.

3.5-mile round trip to a 40-foot waterfall. Flat for the first mile, then moderately rocky in the canyon. Dogs on leash required. Bring water — it gets hot. The waterfall at the end is worth it but the trail can be crowded on weekends. Parking fills up by 10am.

1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107 · Sunrise to sunset daily · outdoor