Discover Pasadena's Best Family-Friendly Secrets!
Secret NYC
Reframing Dioramas: The Art of Preserving Wilderness The Natural History Museum is famous for its life-size diorama halls, displaying over 75 different habitats representing global ecosystems including the Arctic tundra, the jungles of Tanzania, and the Great Plains of North America. To honor the 100th anniversary of the dioramas, the NHM will reopen a diorama hall that has been closed for decades. See newly restored dioramas that showcase this unique union of art and science. 🎟️ Tickets: Reframing Dioramas is viewable with general admission tickets to the Natural History Museum. 🗓️ Dates: Sept. 15, 2024 – Sept. 15, 2025
Secret Los Angeles
Expansive Presentation of Andy Warhol The Broad presents a showcase of work by legendary American artist Andy Warhol, who is best known as a leading influence in the pop art genre. This installation takes the viewer through 26 of Warhol’s works, eleven of which are on view for the first time at The Broad. The major artwork to seek out is Liz [Early Colored Liz], which is a silkscreened image of Elizabeth Taylor from 1963. Other items on display include Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup Can (Clam Chowder – Manhattan Style) [Ferus Type] and 40 Gold Marilyns. 🎟️ Tickets: Expansive Presentation of Andy Warhol is free to visit at The Broad. 🗓️ Dates: Ongoing Whether you’re an art lover, hosting visitors, or just want to change up your weekend plans, we love the Los Angeles exhibitions for a chance to experience the city’s thriving arts and culture scene.
Kathy
If you’re on a mission to find an aesthetic coffee shop that actually serves quality coffee, then you should put LOQUAT COFFEE on your list💛🖤 ✔️I absolutely LOVE their mascarpone🖤 Not only does the drink has the perfect amount of sweetness, the cream also doesn’t overpower the flavor of espresso✨ ✔️My friend got the iced ceremonial matcha and she also enjoyed her drink 🍵 ✔️Street parking only but I never had trouble finding one 🚙
Secret Los Angeles
Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms are turning heads from San Francisco to New York, and we’re lucky to have two of them available to visit for free right here in LA. Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away: An enclosed mirror-lined space filled with flashing LED lights that visitors physically step into. Since guests enter the space one group at a time, The Broad requires that you make a timed reservation to foster the best possible experience. Find it on the first floor of The Broad. Longing for Eternity: A mirrored chamber filled with pulsating neon lights that guests peer into one by one. There’s no need to make a reservation for this, so just join the line on the third floor. 🎟️ Tickets: Free to visit at The Broad, but a reservation is required for Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away. 🗓️ Dates: Ongoing
Secret Los Angeles
The Art of Movie Making: The Godfather The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures presents an array objects and artifacts from The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974), an opportunity for film buffs to learn about the making of one of Hollywood’s most storied film franchises. See costumes, props, scripts, and equipment, many of which have never been presented to the public, and all of which provide valuable insight to the process of filmmaking in the ’70s. 🗓️ Dates: On view now through Jan. 5, 2025
Los Angeles Fun Events
Hiking + Speed Dating - Baldwin Hills (Ages 30+) Join our group hike where we will rotate hikers through a series of 1:1 speed dates on the trail! Date: Saturday, July 6th Time: 10 AM: Meet at Boneyard Dog Park on Duquesne for a warm welcome and check-in to speed dating program (no downloads required!, but you will need a smartphone!) 10:30 AM: We will explain how we will be using the speed dating program and introduce you to your first date before we begin the hike. - 10:35AM - 1:30PM : Our hike will commence, as we climb to Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, you will be paired 1:1 for dates, along with breaks and mixing/mingling.
Secret Los Angeles
Best in Low This new Petersen Museum exhibition takes us through the craft of lowrider culture, including paint, metal finishings, interiors, and hydraulics. Now that cruising bans have been lifted in California, lowriders are rolling into a new era on local streets. Learn all about the artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating these immaculate vehicles. 🎟️ Tickets: Best in Low is viewable with general admission tickets to the Petersen Museum 🗓️ Dates: Open now through April 2025
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Top Anonymous Recommendations in Fairfax - Discover Trending Suggestions & Local Reviews Near LA
Time Out LA
Nossa Caipirinha Bar What: $10–11 cocktails and wines, $5–8 beers, discounted food items When: Daily 4–6pm Why we love it: After a short stint as a sit-down restaurant, this Brazilian eatery in Los Feliz flipped into a neighborhood watering hole inspired by the country’s botecos. Now, Nossa Caipirinha Bar offers five well-balanced renditions of its namesake drink—Brazil’s national cocktail—as well as a host of traditional bar snacks like cheese bread and coxinhas (chicken and paprika croquettes). At happy hour, snack on discounted bites like $9 chicken heart skewers, $14 fried calamari and $13 coxinhas.
Time Out LA
Maple Block Meat Co. Barbecue What: $9 five-piece wings, $10–12 nachos, $10 sliders, BOGO drinks When: Mon 5–9pm, Tue–Fri 5–6pm Why we love it: Meat butchered on premise, brisket smoked over peach wood logs, a pitmaster from Texas—this Culver City barbecue joint checks all the right boxes, including an excellent happy hour menu. Steeply discounted bar bites are available before 6pm, including nachos topped with your choice of smoked brisket or pork belly, a set of smashburger sliders and smoky, juicy wings with house white barbecue sauce or honey Sriracha. Best of all, it's available all night on Mondays. For drinks, there's a buy-one-get-one free deal on nearly all drinks, which you can also get the last hour of service any day of the week. (Some top shelf label exceptions do apply.)
Secret Los Angeles
Fulfill your cravings at Grand Central Market! Nothing beats soaking up the city vibes like going out to eat, right? While Los Angeles offers dining options for every taste, from Michelin-starred restaurants to food trucks, you don’t need to explore the whole city to find them. At Grand Central Market, you’ll find countless affordable choices, from seafood to tacos. Almost every one of the more than 35 vendors has menu items priced below $15, making it one of the best cheap activities in Los Angeles. Keep in mind that the place can be packed, so it’s best to go early and be patient.
Secret Los Angeles
Explore your creativity at Remainders! This second-hand, sustainable craft store in Pasadena offers a wide range of items for your next craft adventure, whether solo or with friends. From yarn and fabric to picture frames, you’ll find everything at very affordable prices. The store is dedicated to giving donated items a second life, making art more accessible to everyone. In addition to shopping, you can also join classes and workshops on sewing, crochet, and embroidery. It’s a perfect budget-friendly plan for your next weekend!
Kathy
Ramen Akira is a newly opened modern ramen spot in Koreatown that brings amazing flavors in a bowl 🍜 ✔️The server recommended the yuzu ramen, and I decided to be adventurous and try it. I was a bit worried it would be too citrusy, but the broth was super creamy with a subtle hint of yuzu 🍊 I definitely recommend trying it if you want to experience something different! :) ✔️I wanted to eat outside cause of their super cute patio, but it was way too hot 😭 I’ll be definitely back to enjoy the patio 👀🌸
Los Angeles4 everybody
Enchant LA! Sometimes pretty places aren’t equally tasty but I would say this place has both down. I got to dress and have some sweet quality time over good korean flavors (kim chi pasta & bulgogi quesadillas were really good!) 🌸Garden Style Brunch&Bar🌸 ☕Modern Asian Fusion🥂Wine🍸Cocktail Kept things light w a citrus shrimp salad but then indulged in other great menu items. We went for lunch but it’s good for dinner dates tooooo 🤓
Secret Los Angeles
Hike your way up to the Hollywood Sign Whether you’re looking for a way to work out, explore nature, or simply enjoy stunning sunset views over the city, a quick hike to the Hollywood Sign is always a great idea. If you’re already familiar with the area or prefer to make plans on your own, just lace up your sneakers and head up there, which is free. If you enjoy socializing with others and you’re new in town, you might want to book a ticket to join a group hike.
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megan li
I was on a coffee streak during this trip. Apparently Maru has the best matcha in LA? I didn’t get to try it 🤣 their barista recommended the cream top, and it was delicious. I’d already had three cups of coffee by this point so the tiny cup was the perfect size. Such a cute space and I’ll definitely try their matcha next time 🤩
Happening in DTLA
We are excited to highlight the vendors that will be located at Artisan Alley this upcoming Art Night! Explore some amazing vendors featuring a variety of goods to shop from 🎨🌮☕️ We look forward to seeing you there! 📍Located at 4th and Main Artisan Alley 🗓️September 5 ⏰6-10 PM
Kathy
The art room DTLA is a hidden gem located in DTLA where you can enjoy some artworks while sipping on amazing cocktails. 🖼️🍸 ⤷ I got the coconut and my friend got Margo’s, and we both loved our drinks 💗 If you’re looking for a summer drink, I highly recommend the Fridas Coconut 🥥 ✔️ They have many pieces of artwork hanging around, so be sure to check them out while enjoying your drinks 👀✨ ✔️ I think their menu is fairly priced considering their location and that tax is included in all menu prices 👍
Los Angeles4 everybody
The nations largest hawker stall = Smorgasburg LA! I like to come here bc it’s always summer vibes and you get all of LA’s most viral food trucks in one place. Gives a major platform to small businesses and gives me a unique experience every time. I come for food, beverages, local artistry and sun. Bring water and hats for sun protection bc it’s a large parking lot and all the asphalt makes it hot there ☀️ 🧢 🧴 💦
Rachael Brandon
The most eye-catching and unique #icecream spot I’ve ever seen: AWAN Awan serves up non-dairy ice creams made from a coconut base and uses Indonesian ingredients. This was one of the creamiest non-dairy ice creams I’ve ever tried and you’re truly transported to another world with the aesthetic cavernous ambiance! I couldn’t resist a saffron pistachio date rose water and the Gula Jawa with unrefined Indonesian coconut palm sugar, both of which were delicious! 🥥
Secret Los Angeles
Have a martini at Musso & Frank Cinephiles, this one’s for you. Pretend it’s the 1920s and take your date out for a romantic night of Old Hollywood charm at the legendary Musso & Frank. Known as the oldest restaurant in Hollywood and often referred to as the “genesis of Hollywood,” this iconic steakhouse in LA, feels like you’ve stepped back into a bygone era. The restaurant was known as the go-to spot for the Hollywood elite, even boasting a secret back room for industry insiders. It’s been memorialized in countless films, most notably Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Cozy up in one of the old-school wooden booths and order their world-famous martini for a night to remember.
Ally Grammin
Think of the quintessential LA cafe and the usual suspects come to mind… Instagrammable avocado toast, pancakes, quiche, maybe a snazzy breakfast sandwich. Yes, these things are on the menu at Sqirl but the reason you’re coming here is for the acclaimed Ricotta Toast: a raft of brioche coated with a generous smear of house-made ricotta and a pool of jam made with seasonal fruits. While The Toast is simultaneously gorgeous and delicious, my favorite order is the Crispy Rice Salad. A deep bowl filled with crisped brown rice, mint, cilantro, cucumber, scallion, hot sauce, and topped with a fried egg. An amalgamation of the perfect textures and flavors: crispy rice, crunchy bits, salty and sour mixing with the rich egg yolk… incredible and totally guilt free because it has salad in the name.
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Los Angeles4 everybody
Here’s a reminder to go dancing in LA, it’s an experience. SIP Boba Lounge! Why? Bc people here are talented. Like, just got off the stage performing with Beyoncé talented and show up to dance floors for a night out just like everyone else. It always end up being such an impromptu show, all levels all talents and random fun for everyone!
Secret Los Angeles
Stowaway This basement-level piano bar is subtly marked by a small arrow-shaped light at its entrance. While lacking a traditional stage, the setting boasts a fairly grand ambiance, featuring a curving wood bar, a 7-foot grand piano, and a charmingly kitschy old oil painting portraying a reclining blond burlesque dancer. The menu offers indulgence with its selection of cocktails. Despite its subterranean setting, the venue’s wooden floors and high ceilings create an atmosphere that easily transports guests away from the basement vibe.
Secret Los Angeles
The World Stage Located in Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, The World Stage is not a bar, but a nonprofit performance and education space. This spot has been a cultural hub for jazz and other forms of African-American music and art since its founding in 1989 by drummer Billy Higgins and poet Kamau Daáood. With its intimate atmosphere and commitment to artistic excellence, it regularly hosts live jazz performances, jam sessions, poetry readings, and educational events, making it a cherished institution in Los Angeles.
Secret Los Angeles
Catalina Jazz Club This spot stands as a cornerstone among the best jazz clubs in Los Angeles. Nestled beneath a nondescript office building on Sunset Blvd., this Hollywood gem boasts exceptional acoustics and an intimate atmosphere, with 275 seats arranged in an L-shaped room. Hosting top-tier jazz musicians nightly, it’s a hotspot for unforgettable live performances. Perfect for a sophisticated date night, reservations are recommended to secure a spot in this renowned supper club.
Los Angeles Fun Events
Social Singles Game Night Aug 24, 2024, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Get ready for the ultimate game night experience in Los Angeles! Our social mixer is packed with exciting activities and games that will have you laughing, cheering, and high-fiving all night long. Whether you're a gaming pro or a casual player, we've got something for everyone. Join us for a night of karaoke showdowns and heart-pumping Mario Kart races.. But that's not all - we're also bringing out the giant Jenga, Cards Against Humanity, and so many more social games to keep you entertained all night. And it's not just about the games - it's about the connections you'll make. This is the perfect event to meet new singles and make lasting friendships with like-minded people. You'll have the chance to mix and mingle with an awesome crowd of fun-loving locals who are just as excited to meet new people as you are. So don't miss out on the hottest game night social mixer in LA. Come join us and let the games begin!
Ally Grammin
Mariscos Zazazá Located in an alley just off the LA River Bike Path you’ll find a lunch window serving up the prettiest seafood plates in a sunlit patio that will transport you straight to a resort in Mexico. The yellowtail tostada with crisped capers is a must and their bottled hot sauces are some of the best in the city.
Ally Grammin
CAFE SPOTLIGHT | Neighborhood 📍La Brea One of my favorite cafes in the city, for the obviously cute courtyard, but also the expertly made cappuccinos and delicious pastries. ☕️ iced vanilla latte and iced cinnamon latte 9/10 💻 catch up with friends & good space to get work done, limited outlets 💵 typical LA pricing 📷 aesthetic location ☀️ indoor and mostly outdoor seating 🚗 street parking available in front
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Ally Grammin
TARTINE If you are looking for a solid cafe for meetups with friends, brunch with the parents or a spot to work for a few hours - this is the all purpose place. 🥐 All of the pastries are excellent but I have a particular fondness for the seasonal cornmeal tea cake. 🍞 Whatever you order, do NOT skip their bread. Tartine’s country loaf is in regular rotation in my house.
Secret Los Angeles
The Stalking Horse Brewery & Freehouse This venue exudes the quintessential charm of a British-inspired sports bar. With its inviting atmosphere and a wide array of craft beers brewed on-site, it offers a delightful haven for sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to catch the latest game or simply unwind with friends over traditional British fare, such as fish and chips or meat pies, this establishment delivers on both fronts.
Discover Family-Friendly Hidden Gems in Pasadena Near LA
Explore the Enchanted Gardens at Arlington Garden
If you're searching for some peace and relaxation, Arlington Garden provides a family-friendly oasis right in Pasadena. This public garden is one of the local family-friendly spots that appeals to children and adults alike. With its themed sections like the Butterfly Garden and the Mediterranean Garden, families can explore its winding paths and enjoy a leisurely day outdoors. It's also a great spot for some quality family time, offering shaded areas with benches where you can rest and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Fun and Learning at Kidspace Children's Museum
Located near the Rose Bowl, Kidspace Children's Museum is a favorite among local parents. It's a treasure trove of interactive exhibits that engage kids of all ages. Unlike more traditional museums, Kidspace focuses on hands-on learning—perfect for kids who like to explore and interact. It includes outdoor climbing structures, water play areas, and even a nature garden. If you're looking for trending family activities, this museum continually introduces new exhibits and events.
Family Picnics and Play at Brookside Park
Brookside Park is another must-visit for families in Pasadena. Adjacent to the Rose Bowl, this expansive park has something for everyone. Playgrounds, picnic areas, and grassy fields make it ideal for family outings. You can set up a picnic near the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, where children can splash in the kids’ pool. Additionally, the Jackie Robinson Field is a historic site perfect for teaching kids about local heroes and sports legends. Brookside Park is a staple in community gatherings, making it an insightful stop for those wanting to experience local family-friendly activities.
Cultural Exploration at The Norton Simon Museum
For families who appreciate art and culture, The Norton Simon Museum offers an enriching experience. While art museums might seem too sophisticated for young children, this museum could pleasantly surprise you. The sculpture garden is a standout area where kids can roam freely, soaking in the outdoor art installations. Inside, the museum often hosts family art-making workshops where children can channel their creativity. It’s a fantastic way to introduce the younger generation to the world of art and culture.
Hidden Trails at Eaton Canyon Natural Area
For families that love outdoor adventure, Eaton Canyon Natural Area provides the perfect setting. Known for its family-friendly hiking trails, Eaton Canyon offers an opportunity to connect with nature without straying too far from the city. The trails are relatively easy, making them suitable for children of varying ages. The highlight is the waterfall at the end of the main trail, which serves as a rewarding destination for young hikers. This spot epitomizes the spirit of exploration and offers ample opportunities for family bonding.
Community Relaxation at Victory Park
Another gem in Pasadena is Victory Park. Known for its community vibe, the park features expansive lawns, sports fields, and walking paths. Every Saturday, the Pasadena Farmers Market sets up here, providing a great opportunity for families to enjoy fresh produce and local goods. Kids can relish the playground while parents explore the market offerings. Victory Park is a hub of local family-friendly spots, perfect for those seeking a more community-centered experience.
