Your guide to family-friendly activities, kids’ programs, and recreation in Santa Clarita Valley — from theme parks and sports leagues to arts, libraries, and community groups.
Santa Clarita Valley is consistently ranked among the safest and most family-friendly cities in California, and the activities here prove why. From world-class theme parks and aquatic centers to youth sports leagues, performing arts venues, and community libraries, SCV families never run out of things to do together. Whether you’re looking for family activities in Santa Clarita for the weekend or exploring what makes this the best place to raise a family in Los Angeles County, this guide covers the top things to do with kids in SCV.
Home to more roller coasters than any other theme park in the world—over 20 and counting—Six Flags Magic Mountain is right in your backyard, just off I-5 at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit. Season passes start around $100 and include free parking for members, making it an affordable weekend staple for local families. Beyond the rides, seasonal events keep things fresh year-round: Fright Fest transforms the park into a Halloween scare zone every October, and Holiday in the Park brings festive lights, shows, and holiday treats from November through January. It’s one of the top reasons families choose to live in Santa Clarita Valley.
Mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, laser tag, and an arcade all in one spot—Mountasia is the go-to for birthday parties and weekend fun with kids of all ages. The 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini golf course is a local favorite, and individual activities typically run $5–$12 each, with combo deals available for families. The arcade features both classic and modern games, and birthday party packages include reserved seating, activities, and food options. Open evenings and weekends, it’s an easy, affordable outing that keeps everyone entertained.
This city-operated, Olympic-caliber aquatic facility has everything from competition pools and lap lanes to waterslides, a lazy river, and splash pads for the littlest swimmers. Day passes are available for both residents and non-residents, and swim lessons start for children as young as six months. During summer, hours typically run 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with waterslides requiring a 48-inch height minimum. The lazy river and splash pad areas are perfect for younger kids who aren’t quite ready for the big slides. Year-round programming includes lap swimming, water polo leagues, and water aerobics for adults.
Located at 24266 Main Street in the heart of Old Town Newhall, The MAIN is Santa Clarita’s premier performing arts venue. It hosts theater productions, comedy shows, concerts, and community events year-round, with tickets typically ranging from $15 to $35. The MAIN is home to the Repertory East Playhouse and hosts the annual Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival. For families, it offers youth acting workshops and summer camps that give kids hands-on stage experience. Check the box office for current showtimes and upcoming performances—it’s one of the cultural anchors of the SCV arts scene.
Three branches—Valencia (the largest, at 25505 Via de Robles Dr), Canyon Country, and Old Town Newhall—offer story times for toddlers and preschoolers, STEAM programs, teen events, after-school homework help, and free Wi-Fi and computer access for the community. The summer reading program runs June through August with prizes and incentives that keep kids engaged all break long. Regular programming also includes author visits, craft workshops, and family movie nights. The library system is one of the most-used free family resources in Santa Clarita Valley.
Santa Clarita has a deeply established youth sports culture with well-maintained fields and a passionate volunteer community. AYSO Region 73 (Canyon Country) and Region 77 (Valencia) run soccer programs for kids ages 4–18, while Hart PONY Baseball and Pop Warner football offer competitive and recreational divisions. Registration typically opens in spring for fall seasons, with most programs welcoming players from age 4 through high school. Games and practices are held at parks throughout the city, making it easy to find a league close to home.
One of only a handful of facilities in the world dedicated entirely to gibbon conservation, this sanctuary in the hills of Saugus offers weekend educational tours by reservation only—typically at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children, with small group sizes that allow for an intimate, up-close experience with these endangered primates. School groups and homeschool families can arrange special educational programs. It’s a unique Santa Clarita treasure and a favorite field trip destination.
Santa Clarita has a thriving literary community with book clubs for every taste—from wine-and-book-club evenings to kids’ reading groups at the library, cozy neighborhood meetups, and organized gatherings at local bookstores. Whether you love fiction, non-fiction, or something in between, there’s a group waiting for you.
Explore Local Book Clubs →Santa Clarita Valley consistently ranks among the safest and most family-friendly communities in California. Let’s find your family’s next home.
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