Fountains and waterfowl at Wilderness Park in Downey

Family

Things to do in Downey with kids

4 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.

Family-friendly ideas around Downey, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.

Playgrounds

10 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.

  • Furman Park1 mi from downtown
  • Brookshire Children's Park1.4 mi from downtown
  • Independence Park1.5 mi from downtown
See all 10 →

Libraries

Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.

  • Downey City Library11121 Brookshire Ave.
See all 1 →

Picnic spots

Day-use areas for a family picnic.

  • Whittier Narrows Dam8 mi northeast
  • Brea Dam13 mi east
  • Angeles National Forest15 mi north
See all 13 →

Wildlife and nature

Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.

  • Whittier Narrows Dam8 mi northeast
  • Angeles National Forest15 mi north
  • Fullerton Dam15 mi east
See all 21 →

Around town

Rancho Los Amigos Power Plant, Downey
Rancho Los Amigos Power Plant (8273049554)Jonathan Haeber from Richmond, CA · CC BY 2.0
View southwest along the Los Angeles River and Interstate 710 towards the Port of Long Beach in southern Los Angeles County
2021-10-05 14 20 03 View southwest along the Los Angeles River and Interstate 710 towards the Port of Long Beach in southern Los Angeles County, California from an airplane heading toward Los Angeles International AirportFamartin · CC BY-SA 4.0
PIH Health Downey Hospital Campus
PIH Health Downey HospitalPIH Health MarCom · CC BY-SA 4.0

Get a feel for the city

Questions

What is there to do in Downey with kids?

Playgrounds (10), Libraries (1), Picnic spots (13), Wildlife and nature (21). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.

What can kids do in Downey for free?

Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.

What can families do in Downey when it rains or it’s hot?

Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.

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