Family events in Santa Monica, CA

Enjoy pizza, snacks, and refreshments while playing Wii favorites like Mario, Wii Sports, and Just Dance on a large screen. This Teen Council meeting also invites participants to share ideas for new teen programs at the library and to learn about volunteering. Teen volunteers lend a hand with library projects and events, and contribute observations that support local environmental research. Open to ages 10 to 18. For ADA accommodations, call (213) 228-7430 at least 72 hours in advance. Para solicitudes de ADA, llama al (213) 228-7430 con un mínimo de 72 horas de anticipación.

An intergenerational writing gathering at the Wende Museum welcomes participants of all ages to explore creativity through guided prompts while fostering a sense of community. Sessions move between writing, listening, and optional sharing, with some prompts designed to connect with the museum’s exhibitions to spark fresh perspectives and conversation. Set in the Cotsen Learning Center on the second floor of the Glorya Kaufman Community Center, the experience encourages surprise and discovery as stories emerge on the page. Later meetings focus on drafting pieces and workshopping them in a supportive, nonjudgmental space. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to settle in before the session begins. Bring a simple notebook and pen, or use a computer if you prefer.

Kids can dance, play, and enjoy balloon fun at a lively party hosted at Adam’s Garden Indoor Playground. Expect upbeat music, glow effects, and a festive atmosphere that encourages lots of movement in a family-friendly space. All ages are welcome. Members attend at no cost. Non-members are 25 dollars per child and 20 dollars for each additional sibling. Infants 9 months and under are free, and parents or caregivers are also free. Socks are required inside the playground. Reservations are not needed. Parking is available with validation for three hours.

An island fair ushers in autumn with aloha, highlighting cooler days and the holidays ahead. A mix of talented vendors, live islander entertainment, and ono snacks sets the tone. Families can enjoy the aloha spirit together. It takes place at Northridge Fashion Center on the promenade between the AMC theaters and Yard House.

Happening on the fourth Saturday of the month, children can build literacy skills by reading aloud to trained therapy dogs from the BARK program.

A sing-along screening of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music is a tradition at the Bowl, with the Hollywood Hills filling with song. A pre-show costume contest hosted by Melissa Peterman leads into the film and the audience sings along with the von Trapps. Event details, including performers, schedule, pricing, and availability, may change. Ticket limits may apply and all sales are final.

A casual cruise-in centered on European automotive culture sets the tone for the morning. The display area features European makes only, with both cars and motorcycles represented, spanning classic models and modern performance vehicles. Free coffee and bagels are on hand as attendees browse a carefully selected lineup and meet other enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, precision, and heritage. Whether arriving on two wheels or four, this is a friendly, community focused gathering built around cars, motorcycles, and conversation.

At Petco, adoptable rescue dogs will be available to meet people looking to welcome a new companion. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be arranged to meet a specific dog so they are held for an in-person meet and greet at the event. Each dog comes with health records and has received vaccines, deworming, flea and tick prevention, a microchip, and spay or neuter surgery. Adoption fees vary by dog and start at $250, considered a partially tax-deductible donation that supports care for more than 500 dogs. For information or to arrange an appointment, call or text 888.508.8943.

Family Day in Highland Park features tasty food, classic arcade games, and fun for all ages. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Barcade will donate a portion of 2026 Family Day token sales to Gamers Outreach, a charity that brings recreation to children in hospitals through video games and the gaming community.

El Granero Pet Express, formerly Global Pet Food Outlet, hosts a convenient walk-in mobile clinic offering affordable care for pets. Services include vaccinations, microchipping, and flea prevention. Pet owners are asked to arrive with dogs on leashes and cats secured in carriers. Held on select Sundays, this clinic emphasizes accessibility with no appointments needed.