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The 10 best things to do in west covina for families

West Covina is located in southern California. Just 20 minutes outside of Los Angeles, West Covina has a booming downtown area, nearby scenic nature parks, and a variety of cafes and eateries for the whole family to enjoy. Check out 10 of the best things to do in and around West Covina with your family.

Glendora Historical Society Museum

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Image via Flickr by Ron Cogswell

The Glendora Historical Society museum is located just 20 minutes from the heart of Covina. Here you and your family can explore exhibits filled with artifacts from 19th and 20th-century life. Admission to the society’s museum is free. In addition, you can also visit Rubel Castle, a historical site owned by the Glendora Historical Society. Admission to this unique stone fortress is $20 for adults and $10 for children between the ages of eight and 18. Children under eight years old cannot be admitted due to safety concerns.

The Lakes Mall

At the Lakes Mall located on Lakes Drive in West Covina, you can enjoy a day of shopping and dining with the family. This mall has over 185 stores with over 100 retailers where you can shop for gifts, apparel, bath and body, and more. The mall also has over 30 restaurants and concessions where you can have a coffee, soft pretzel, or even Korean BBQ. If you have small children with you, the mall also has the Jump ‘n Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center where you can sit and relax as your kids play on the obstacle course or foam ball volcano.

Charm Eatery & Cafe

At the Charm Eatery & Cafe on North Vincent Avenue, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or grab a coffee to go. Enjoy dishes like eggs benedict, avocado toast, chicken and waffles, and smoked salmon on a toasted bagel for breakfast, while Charm also offers lunch and dinner dishes like a classic cheeseburger, grilled skirt steak, or Spanish clam pasta. Get your caffeine fix with one of their signature coffee drinks such as the sea salt whip latte, Cuban espresso, or mocha lattes.

Baldwin Park Historical Museum

Just a three-minute drive outside of West Covina is the Baldwin Park Historical Museum. Here, you and your family can enjoy a tour through exhibits with period clothing and artifacts of the local area from the 19th century. There is also a collection of military uniforms to observe. After you are done with your tour, you can explore more of the area and check out the city’s Morgan Park equipped with splash zones and playgrounds.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Also located in Baldwin Park is the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. Just nine minutes from West Covina, this family-friendly festival takes place every weekend from April through May. Here you and your family can purchase artwork, handmade clothing, jewelry, and pottery as you wander the fairgrounds. Participate in archery and zip-lining, or take a Renaissance-themed carriage ride. There are also a bunch of fun activities tailored for families with children. Kids can enjoy the dragon swing, maypole carousel, and fairytale face painting. Admission is $29.95 for adults, $28.95 for seniors and military members, and $15 for children between five and twelve. Children under the age of five get in for free. 

Gelatissimo West Covina

Gelatissimo is an Italian-style gelato shop in McIntyre Square. This is the perfect spot for you and your family to have dessert after a fun day out. Choose from a cone, cup, or brioche bun before selecting one or more delicious gelato flavors. Flavor options include coffee, pistachio, strawberry cheesecake, coconut, mango, salted caramel, and more. They also offer Italian crepes, cannoli, and signature drinks like hot chocolate for an extra treat.

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

The Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area is just an 11-minute drive from West Covina. Not only is it a picturesque nature spot, but it also has a large lake, equipped with a white sand beach where you can enjoy warm weather days. You can also rent a pedal boat and go out on the lake. In addition to waterside fun, your family can also hike on one of the area’s walking paths, play in the splash pads, host a barbecue, or relax in one of the picnic shelters. Admission to this attraction is just $10 per vehicle.

Arcadia Wilderness Park

A great place to enjoy the southern California landscape is Arcadia Wilderness Park, located in Highland Oaks. This is just a 20-minute drive from West Covina, and the park has several trails spanning from beginner to advanced in difficulty, so you can choose one that best fits your skill level. Easy trails include the Arcadia Wilderness Park Loop which is fairly flat and a half-mile long. For more experienced hikers, the Hermit hiking trail offers moderate difficulty and stunning views of the surrounding landscape including a scenic waterfall. 

Restaurant Row

Restaurant Row is located on East Garvey Avenue in West Covina. It is called Restaurant Row because its several restaurants are located up and down the street and neighboring streets. These include BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Marie Callendar’s Restaurant and Bakery, El Torito, Vincenzo’s Terraza, Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, Islands Restaurant, and more. With so many different eateries and styles of cuisine on one strip, it is the go-to spot to go out to dinner in West Covina.

Raging Waters Los Angeles 

On hot days, enjoy water-rides and poolside relaxation at Raging Waters Los Angeles water park. This attraction is located just 25-minutes outside of West Covina offering fun for all age groups. Here you can swim in Wave Cove, or let your kids enjoy Splash Island Adventure, which is a water-themed playground. Other attractions include the Amazon Adventure, Neptune’s Fury, Dragon’s Den, and the Bermuda Triangle. Admission for the day is $49, while children under 36 inches tall get free admission.

Do you live in or have recently visited West Covina and have a recommendation that isn’t on this list? Feel free to contact us and we’ll consider adding to a post in the future.

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