Greenleaf Avenue in Uptown Whittier

On a budget

Free things to do in Whittier

5 kinds of free outings in and around Whittier.

Good days out in Whittier don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.

Parks

21 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.

  • Michigan Park0.2 mi from downtown
  • William Penn Park0.6 mi from downtown
  • Kennedy Park0.7 mi from downtown
See all 21 →

Libraries

Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.

  • Whittier Public Library7344 S. Washington Ave.
  • Transit Depot7333 Greenleaf Avenue
  • Whittwood Branch Library10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.
See all 3 →

Historic places

7 landmarks on the National Register, many easy to see on a walk.

  • Hoover HotelBuilt 1930
  • National Bank of Whittier Building
  • Orin Jordan House
See all 7 →

Hiking

Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.

  • Brea Dam8 mi southeast
  • Carbon Canyon Dam11 mi east
  • Angeles National Forest13 mi north
See all 28 →

Wildlife viewing

Birding and nature watching on public land.

  • Whittier Narrows Dam5 mi north
  • Fullerton Dam9 mi southeast
  • Carbon Canyon Dam11 mi east
See all 21 →

Around town

Lou Henry Hoover School, Whittier, California, built 1938
Lou Henry Hoover School, WhittierLos Angeles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Whittier Village Cinemas, Whittier
Whittier Village Cinemas, WhittierLos Angeles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Old House at 13440 Hadley St., Whittier, California (Father of the Bride was filmed here)
Old House at 13440 Hadley St., WhittierLos Angeles · CC BY-SA 4.0

Get a feel for the city

Looking for a quick hike with a mild incline in Whittier, CA? 🍃🥾 video thumbnail

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT

Looking for a quick hike with a mild incline in Whittier, CA? 🍃🥾

A local activity Short shared by whoexplores.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Questions

What are free things to do in Whittier?

Parks, Libraries, Historic places, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.

Are there free events in Whittier this weekend?

Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.

Do I need a library card to use the library?

No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.

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