Explore LAThis Weekend in Los Angeles with Kids
October 16–18, 2026
Ten fresh family ideas around Los Angeles, from a Burbank haunted maze and hands-on crafts to a free street festival, bilingual storytime and an all-ages community celebration.
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Quick Picks
- Friday night: Madame Merryweather's Marionette Mayhem in Burbank for ages 6 and older.
- Big free Saturday: Taste of Soul on Crenshaw Boulevard, with Children's World and three music stages.
- Creative Sunday: Bilingual storytime followed by a free pop-up-art workshop at Children's Book World.
Hot weekend: The central Los Angeles NWS forecast is 94°F Friday, 93°F Saturday and 86°F Sunday, with overnight lows of 69°F, 66°F and 65°F. A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 PM Saturday. Outdoor conditions vary by neighborhood, so bring water, use shade and recheck the forecast.
Friday, October 16
Madame Merryweather's Marionette Mayhem Haunted Adventure
Where: Starlight Bowl, 1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank, CA 91501
When: 7–9:30 PM; final tour groups accepted at 9:30 PM
Age fit: Ages 6 and older; ages 12 and under must attend with an adult
Cost: Advance purchases made before October 17 are $10 adults and $5 children 12 and under. Walk-up admission is $12 adults and $7 children.
Buy for the correct date. Walk-up entry is not guaranteed and is credit-card only. The maze includes stairs, uphill walking and scares; the organizer prohibits props, costumes and lights and does not issue refunds when a participant becomes scared.
Official City of Burbank event details · Official venue address
Saturday and Sunday, October 17–18
Beverly Hills Fall Art Show
Where: Beverly Gardens Park, 9439 Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
When: 10 AM–5 PM both days
Age fit: Families and all ages
Cost: Free admission; food and art purchases cost extra
The city lists original work from about 250 artists, children's activities, demonstrations, live music and food trucks. The outdoor show runs rain or shine.
Saturday, October 17
Early Childhood Autumn Festival & Open House
Where: Highland Hall Waldorf School, 17100 Superior Street, Northridge, CA 91325
When: 9–11:30 AM
Age fit: Families with children ages 6 and under; older siblings welcome
Cost: Free
RSVP is required. Families can meet early-childhood teachers and try seasonal crafts, games, storytelling and fall treats.
Official school event and RSVP details
Taste of Soul Family Festival
Where: Crenshaw Boulevard between Obama Boulevard and Stocker Street, Los Angeles; use Crenshaw Boulevard at West 39th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90008 as a central reference point
When: 10 AM–7 PM
Age fit: Families and all ages
Cost: Free admission; food and purchases cost extra
No ticket is required. The official festival lists three music stages, Children's World, family activities, health services and more than 200 vendors. Expect very large crowds and street closures.
Official Taste of Soul details · Official Children's World details
Boo Crew Workshop with The Unicorn Store
Where: The Unicorn Store at One Colorado, 12 Douglas Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103
When: 11 AM–1 PM
Age fit: Children and families; an adult should stay with participating children
Cost: $10 plus ticketing fees; all craft materials included
Advance tickets are encouraged because space is limited. Each participant receives a wooden house, paints, craft supplies and Halloween embellishments; check-in remains open until 1 PM.
Official One Colorado event details
Raingutter Regatta
Where: Verdugo Park, Area 3, 710 California Avenue, Burbank, CA 91505
When: 11 AM–2 PM
Age fit: Kids, Cub Scouts and families
Cost: Free
No registration is required. Kids can make, decorate and race a small boat; the city also lists water-safety information, Cub Scout activities and free snacks.
Official City of Burbank event details
Burbank Animal Shelter Meet and Greet
Where: Ashley Furniture, 401 North First Street, Burbank, CA 91502
When: 11 AM–2 PM
Age fit: Families and animal lovers
Cost: Free
Meet adoptable shelter pets and see the advertised Halloween pet costume contest. Adoption eligibility and fees remain separate from event admission.
Sunday, October 18
Bilingual Storytime + Pop-Up Art Workshop
Where: Children's Book World, 10580 1/2 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064
When: French and English storytime 11:30 AM–noon; pop-up art workshop 12:30–1:30 PM
Age fit: Storytime is for toddlers and early elementary readers; the workshop welcomes kids of all ages
Cost: Both programs are free; purchases cost extra
Attend either program or stay for both, with a 30-minute break between them. No French experience is needed for storytime, and no advance-registration requirement is stated on either event page.
Official storytime details · Official workshop details
United Against Hate Week Neighborfest
Where: Western Justice Center, 55 South Grand Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105
When: 1:30–4:30 PM
Age fit: All ages
Cost: Free
Free registration is offered. This indoor, air-conditioned gathering includes live music, family-friendly activities, food, voter registration and community resources.
Official Western Justice Center details and registration
'Tis the Season for Tamales Story Time & Craft
Where: Southern California Children's Museum, 459 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101
When: 1:30–2:30 PM
Age fit: Young children and families; the museum is designed primarily for ages 0–6
Cost: Included with admission: $12 ages 1 and older and adults; under 1 free; senior and military $11; Museums for All $5 with qualifying ID
Author-illustrator Andrea Campos leads an interactive, musical bilingual storytime and craft. No separate event registration requirement is stated; general museum capacity applies.
Official museum event calendar · Official admission and Sunday hours
