My Favorite Top 5 Free (Or Very Cheap) Things To Do With My Kids In Burbank

5. Geocaching

If you have not heard of this fantastic worldwide scavenger hunt, do a little research. In a nutshell, you use GPS coordinates via your smartphone to discover hidden treasures around the city. They can vary in difficulty, depending on where they’re located and how small or large the cache is. My kids LOVE this! (And so do a few of my adult friends, you know who you are.) We have found several cache’s in Burbank, and even on our own street. This is something geared more toward older kids who love a little adventure, but it doesn’t mean you can’t strap that baby on your back and do a little hunting with a friend. It really is a lot of fun. You can find all the rules and where to start by visiting their website HERE.. Happy Caching!

4. Portal Of The Folded Wings at The Valhalla Cemetery
10621 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606

Yes, I’m suggesting you might have a good time at the cemetery. Personally I like the opportunities I get to talk to my kids about those kinds of areas of life. However, on a lighter note, nestled way back in the end of the grounds (It actually used to be the entrance) is a memorial dedicated to aviation. It was constructed in 1924 and in the 30’s was actually the tallest building in Burbank! It is, in fact, the burial place of 13 pioneers in aviation, which is cool if your kids are into that kind of information. But, besides that, it’s just plain beautiful. They can walk inside of the structure and look up. Pack a snack, walk around and look at the replica of the Columbia and watch planes take off and land overhead as it was strategically build in the path of the Bob Hope Airport.
For more information...WATCH THIS…

3. The Free Zoo – Petco!
3525 West Victory Boulevard Burbank, CA 91505
818-566-8528

I’m not going to lie, this is one thing the kids ask me to do frequently. We refer to it as the Free Zoo. They know we’re not going to buy anything, but boy oh boy is it fun to look at all of the critters. On hot days, it’s air conditioned. If you’ve got an hour that you desperately need to keep kids from bouncing off walls or coloring them with crayons, I recommend heading to Petco for an hour of entertainment. But please, do not blame me if you end up coming home with a painted turtle or chameleon to take care of. That’s not on me.

2. Bob Hope Airport
2627 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

Since the kids were little, we’ve made frequent trips to the airport. I know it’s gong to cost me a few bucks for 30 minutes to an hour of parking, but it’s worth it. We pack snacks and head to the top of the parking structure closest to the main entrance. Then we sit..and wait. On busy days like Mondays and Weekends, the planes take off one after another it seems. It’s not a huge airport, so it’s nothing like LAX obviously, but the joy on the kids faces as those planes take off almost directly overhead, that’s priceless. I’ll admit, I love them too. Planes are so fascinating and big and just….loud. So awesome for the kids. Grab $5, pack a few snacks (Make sure everyone uses the potty before you leave) turn on some tunes and watch the planes come in and take off!

1. Stough Canyon & Nature Center

2300 E Walnut Ave, Burbank, CA 91504What better, free activity could there be for kids of all ages in our city. The Nature Center was a life saver for me when my kids were smaller. By afternoon on most days with the small children, I’d be ready for one of my ‘Sanity Drives.’ It normally included a stop at the drive-thru Starbucks on San Fernando and either Christmas light looking in the winter or a stop at Stough Canyon until they close at all other times of the year. The Nature Center could keep them busy for a full hour, as small as it is. And if they got bored inside, I’d let them throw rocks at the mountain just at the start of the hiking trail. My son especially loved/needed this. My children still love heading up there. And now, all three can complete a full hike with me!

The Nature Center hosts events all year long, including hikes for adults and kids both, Easter Egg Dying, Halloween Adventures, Nature Camp and they make a fantastic place to host a kids’ birthday party.

This is my favorite FREE activity for the family in Burbank!