Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Watch thoroughbreds race against a San Gabriel Mountains backdrop, with pony rides, jumpers, face painting and carnival games in the infield on Family Fun Zone days.

Soup dumplings folded behind a glass window that kids watch like a show, plus noodles and fried rice picky eaters actually eat. Inside Westfield Santa Anita, so parking is easy.

Hot pot where kids pick what goes in the pot, with a sauce bar, snacks while you wait and the famous noodle-pulling dance as the floor show.

The cupcake shop that grew into a full neighborhood cafe, with breakfast, lunch and a pastry case that sells kids on the whole outing.

Several play areas spread across a big, grassy county park, with a splash pad and a seasonal pool when it's hot. Mature trees keep the picnic shelters shady.

Juicy pork dumplings, honey walnut shrimp and green onion pancakes at easy prices, served fast at big tables that fit the whole crew.