What are easy mini plans for families in Los Angeles?

Easy mini plans include pairing Wellness Waves with Heal the Bay Aquarium, or City of STEM with a picnic at Exposition Park.

Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles This Weekend + Easy Mini Plans (April 25–26, 2026)

Q: What are free things to do with kids in Los Angeles this weekend?

Free family activities include City of STEM, library storytimes, Public Star Party, Art Lab at the Hammer Museum and community dance events.

Q: What are the best toddler-friendly events in Los Angeles this weekend?

Top toddler-friendly picks include Princess Play Date, Meet the Instrument, library storytimes and nature storytime.

Q: Are there free storytimes in Los Angeles this weekend?

Yes, many Los Angeles libraries host free storytimes and music circles for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

A neighborhood-by-neighborhood LA weekend guide for April 25–26, 2026—family events by area plus easy mini plans, from free STEM fairs and star parties to princess playdates, farm fests and South Bay fun.

Looking for things to do with kids in Los Angeles this weekend (April 25–26, 2026)? This guide rounds up family-friendly picks across LA by neighborhood so you can plan quickly—and includes easy mini plans so lunch, coffee stops and next-door outings are already figured out for you.

You will find free events, toddler activities, festivals, storytimes, outdoor adventures, and worth-the-drive day trips.

Westside (Santa Monica + Westside)

Wellness Waves Yoga with Beau Campbell

Family-friendly outdoor yoga and wellness in a beautiful, relaxed setting.

Price: Check event page
Best for ages: All ages
Parent tip: Bring a blanket or mat and let little ones follow along at their own pace

View Wellness Waves Yoga on PlayMap LA ->

Mini plan: Beach + Wellness Day

After Wellness Waves, walk over to the Heal the Bay Aquarium on the Santa Monica Pier for a short visit—kids love the touch tanks. Then grab organic juices at Main Squeeze or sit down for a low-key family meal at Bread + Butter. Everything is close together, so you can do two or three stops without a lot of car time.

Princess Play Date

Dress-up, imaginative play and magical fun for little princess fans.

Best for ages: Toddlers and preschoolers
Parent tip: Arrive a little early so kids can get comfortable before the magic starts

View Princess Play Date on PlayMap LA ->

Art Lab at Hammer Museum

One of the best free creative outings in LA, with hands-on art making for kids of all ages.

Price: Free
Best for ages: 3+
Parent tip: Drop-in friendly—no advance registration needed

Browse Art Lab events on PlayMap LA ->

Central LA + Exposition Park

City of STEM + Los Angeles Maker Faire 2026

One of the best free kids events in Los Angeles this weekend, with hands-on science experiments, robots, maker booths, and exploration stations.

Location: Exposition Park
Price: Free
Best for ages: 4+
Don't miss: The hands-on science exhibits and live maker demos

View City of STEM + LA Maker Faire on PlayMap LA ->

Mini plan: Big Adventure Day

After City of STEM, spread out a picnic blanket in Exposition Park for lunch—there's plenty of green space. Then walk over to the California Science Center for an afternoon exhibit visit. You can easily fill a full day without leaving the park footprint.

Mid-City + South LA

Friday Dance Party Night at Adams Garden

Music, movement and playful community energy—a great easy outing for kids who love to move.

Location: Adams Garden
Price: Check event page
Best for ages: All ages
Parent tip: This one tends to run a little late, so best for kids who can handle a Friday evening out

View Friday Dance Party Night at Adams Garden on PlayMap LA ->

Pedal for the Planet Playdate

A playful Earth Day-inspired outing with activities for little ones focused on movement and the environment.

Price: Check event page
Best for ages: Toddlers and up
Parent tip: Great pairing with a picnic or post-ride snack stop nearby

View Pedal for the Planet Playdate on PlayMap LA ->

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA + Row DTLA)

CollectedCon Los Angeles

Fun for families with older kids, collectors, and anyone who loves pop culture energy—with vendors, art, and community vibes at Row DTLA.

Location: Row DTLA
Price: Check event page
Best for ages: 6+
Parent tip: Give older kids a small budget for browsing vendors—it makes the experience feel more exciting for them

View CollectedCon Los Angeles on PlayMap LA ->

Mini plan: Downtown Family Food Day

After CollectedCon, wander the Row DTLA food and shop corridor—there's a lot to explore without getting back in the car. If you can snag a reservation, Pizzeria Bianco nearby is one of LA's most talked-about pizza spots and a genuinely great family meal.

Pasadena + Northeast LA

Meet the Instrument

A lovely introduction to live instruments for little ones, with an approachable and interactive format.

Price: Check event page
Best for ages: Toddlers and preschoolers
Parent tip: Great first concert-style experience for toddlers who aren't ready for a full performance

View Meet the Instrument on PlayMap LA ->

Public Star Party – April 25, 2026

One of the coolest free family activities in LA this weekend. Kids and adults look through telescopes with experts on hand to guide what you are seeing.

Price: Free
Best for ages: 5+
Parent tip: Bring warm layers—it gets cold at night even in April

View Public Star Party on PlayMap LA ->

South Bay + Beachside

Pups & Putts

Mini golf meets puppy fun—a uniquely cute family outing that kids of all ages tend to love.

Price: Check event page
Best for ages: 3+
Parent tip: Dog-friendly events like this work best if your kids are comfortable around dogs—worth a quick prep chat beforehand

View Pups & Putts on PlayMap LA ->

Worth the Drive (Day Trips from LA)

Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival 2026

Classic spring festival energy—rides, fresh strawberries, food stalls and real family-fair fun.

Location: Santa Maria Valley
Price: Check event page
Best for ages: All ages
Parent tip: Worth the drive if you want a full festival-day feel—plan for an early start and a long, fun day

View Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival on PlayMap LA ->

Shearing Day Fiber Fest at Hana Field

Animals, spring farm fun and wholesome family-outing vibes—kids can watch (and sometimes meet) the animals up close.

Price: Check event page
Best for ages: All ages
Parent tip: A relaxed, refreshing alternative to a city event—great for kids who love animals

View Shearing Day Fiber Fest on PlayMap LA ->

Family Imagination Events

Be Our Guest Enchanted Tea Party with Princess Belle

A storybook tea-party experience for little princess lovers, with magical atmosphere and hands-on fun.

Price: Check event page
Best for ages: Toddlers and preschoolers
Parent tip: Dress-up is encouraged—lean into it and make it part of the morning

View Be Our Guest Enchanted Tea Party on PlayMap LA ->

Also Happening: Easy Wins This Weekend

Not every outing needs to be a big event. These reliable weekend staples are low-effort and consistently great with kids:

Local library storytimes across LA — One of the easiest free toddler activities in the city. Storytimes, music circles, and baby programs are happening across branches citywide. Browse library events ->
Nature Storytime at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County — Stories plus outdoor exploration for little nature lovers
Art Lab at Hammer Museum — Free, drop-in creative outing (no registration needed most weeks)
Saturday Storytime at Barnes & Noble — Classic easy outing; check your nearest branch for times

PlayMap Picks This Weekend

Best toddler events in LA

Princess Play Date
Meet the Instrument
Library Storytimes
Adams Garden Dance Party
Enchanted Tea Party with Princess Belle

Best free things to do with kids in LA

City of STEM + LA Maker Faire
Public Star Party
Art Lab at Hammer
Library Storytimes

Worth the drive this weekend

Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival
Shearing Day Fiber Fest at Hana Field

Plan Your Weekend in 5 Minutes

If you are still deciding what to do with kids in Los Angeles this weekend, start with one area and build from there.

PlayMap LA helps you plan faster with:

Free and paid events
Toddler-friendly activities
Weekly mini weekend plans
Family-friendly restaurant ideas
Indoor backup options

Explore more events on PlayMap LA ->

Frequently Asked Questions

What are free things to do with kids in Los Angeles this weekend?

Some of the best free events this weekend include City of STEM + LA Maker Faire, the Public Star Party, library storytimes, Art Lab at the Hammer Museum, and community dance events. All are family-friendly and genuinely worth the trip.

What are the best toddler-friendly events in Los Angeles this weekend?

Princess Play Date, Meet the Instrument, library storytimes, Nature Storytime at the Natural History Museum, and the Enchanted Tea Party with Princess Belle are all strong toddler picks for April 25–26.

Are there free storytimes in Los Angeles this weekend?

Yes—many LA library branches have free storytimes this weekend. Browse them here ->

What are good outdoor family activities in LA this weekend?

Try Pedal for the Planet Playdate, Wellness Waves Yoga, Public Star Party, City of STEM, the Strawberry Festival, and Shearing Day Fiber Fest for a mix of outdoor and active options.

What family festivals are worth the drive from Los Angeles this weekend?

Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival and Shearing Day Fiber Fest at Hana Field are both standout spring family day trips this weekend.

What are low-effort things to do with toddlers in Los Angeles this weekend?

Library storytimes, Art Lab at the Hammer, Barnes & Noble storytime, Princess Play Date, and Meet the Instrument are all low-lift and toddler-friendly options for the weekend.

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Kids events this weekendBrowse live Friday–Sunday listings for ages 0–6.See this weekend →

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Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles This Weekend + Easy Mini Plans (April 25–26, 2026)