If you’re looking to have some incredible experiences just outside of L.A. to celebrate the start of the school year, Montebello has a slew of unique happenings! We rounded up the top things you can’t miss in and around Montebello—keep scrolling to find the fun!
Give your kids a meaningful history lesson at the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe Historic Site and Museum
Spend a day immersed in history by visiting the oldest residence in Montebello! The non-profit organization, the Montebello Historical Society has made it their mission to preserve the Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe Historic Site and Museum, which was initially built in 1844. Learn the history of the Sanchez family, as well as the backstory of the city, and explore historical artifacts from the 1800s. It’s open on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m., so be sure to stay tuned for special events throughout the year.
⌛Location: 946 N. Adobe Avenue, Montebello, CA
Enjoy a unique picnic this winter at gorgeous mystery location
Some of the best family memories are created through simplicity. Spend the day having a picnic with the kids and enjoy homemade classics! Fill your basket with delicious artisanal treats and plan to discover hidden gems along the way, culminating in the most stunning location for your picnic!
🧺Location: Multiple locations in and around L.A.
See the cutest animals at the Montebello Barnyard Zoo
Spend an afternoon exploring the Montebello Barnyard Zoo, just outside of L.A. This petting zoo has everything the whole family will love including pigs, ponies, goats, and even a llama! This perfect spot is situated within a park that has playgrounds, so the kids will be thoroughly entertained. We suggest you have them wear their swimsuits since there’s even a splash pad in the park. It costs $6 a person for admission. Expect to pay additional fees for things like pony rides or riding the train. Can we just say that those memories will last a lifetime!
🐖Location: 600 Rea Drive, Montebello, CA
Check out over 9,000 art and artifacts at The Vincent Price Art Museum
Minutes from Montebello, at the East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park, you can expose the kids to fine art and artifacts at The Vincent Price Art Museum. Marvel at Form and Function in the Ancient Americas permanent collection, showcasing art from Pre-Columbian ceramics to rich textiles from Mexico and more!
🖼️ Location: 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA
Check out the Museum of Neon Art
You’ll want to visit the Museum of Neon Art in nearby Glendale for a beautiful day of exploring neon, electric, and kinetic art. The museum does an excellent job of preserving and showcasing historic neon signs so everyone can enjoy the work. Be sure to check out the website to stay in the know of the museum’s countless rotating exhibits.
🌈Location: 216 S. Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA
Visit the Montebello Library
Instill a love of books in your children by visiting the Montebello Library. Reviewers love the selection of books that the library stocks, the vintage feel, and the cubicles for those looking for a quiet place to read or study!
📚Location: 1550 W. Beverly Boulevard, Montebello, CA
Enter the dark side at Icons of Darkness and see tons of Horror & Sci-Fi Movie Props
If you have any sci-fi movie fans in the house, you must make the trip to Icons of Darkness, which just so happens to be the world’s most extensive private collection of creepy movie props! Bring your older kids to check out over 200 props and costumes from your favorite sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and comic book movies like Batman, The Terminator, Aliens, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Child’s Play, Predator, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Back to the Future.
Get your tickets here!🔦 Location: Ovation Hollywood (former Hollywood & Highland)
Go on a magical retreat to Huntington Garden
Looking for a serene spot to take the family? The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens is the perfect retreat, located in San Marino, California, under 30 minutes from Montebello. The 120-acre botanical gardens is truly a sight to see, and there are 16 themed gardens to explore, including the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Desert Garden. After your walk admiring the luscious flora and fauna, venture to the tea house. Plus, there are two cafés on the property, so there’s plenty of caffeine to keep up with your kids.
🏡Location: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA
Surround yourself with musical delights at the Mariachi Plaza
Head to Boyle Heights in nearby East L.A. and make a beeline to the historic Mariachi Square to find the best mariachi musicians. Whether you’re looking for a band for a children’s party or community event, you’ll find it in this spot, which has been a gathering place for these talented musicians since the 1930s. There’s also a slew of fun events for an exciting night out with the whole family, so stay tuned!
🎶 Location: E 1st St & N Boyle Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033