This summer is transforming Los Angeles into something much grander than a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026. That’s because the events aren’t just happening inside stadiums like SoFi Stadium — they’re spilling into parks, beaches, museums, shopping centers, transit hubs and waterfront destinations across the region.
What FIFA calls “The Beautiful Game” will host eight matches, including the U.S. Men’s National Team opening match. Global soccer fans will be able to enjoy 39 days of World Cup-related activities across Los Angeles when the tournament takes place June 11–July 19.
Many families (like mine) aren’t even big sports fans, but it is exciting to find ways to become a part of this global moment, where excellence and diversity are celebrated on the world stage. From giant watch parties and interactive soccer clinics for all ages to cultural festivals and international food experiences, this summer is chock full of free, family-friendly ways to enjoy the World Cup
Grab the whole family and bask in hearing different languages, trying new foods, watching multiple country flags flown and meeting soccer fans from around the world.
Best win: You don’t need a soccer match ticket to be part of it.
Here’s your guide to the most family-friendly ways to experience the World Cup this June and July.
Official Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones
Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone at Hansen Dam Lake
July 2–5 | San Fernando Valley
One of the largest and most family-focused fan destinations in the region, Hansen Dam Lake transforms into a four-day outdoor festival with massive screens, open-air viewing and interactive soccer programming.
Highlights include:
- Round of 32 and quarter-final matches
- Four large match screens
- Kids’ soccer clinics, face painting, balloon artists, stilt walkers
- Freestyle soccer performances and clinics
- DJs, giveaways, and live entertainment
- Global food trucks and festival-style dining
Designed for all-day family visits, this San Fernando Valley destination is built for space, comfort, and community viewing. General admission is $25. Learn more at fanzonehdl.com/e/hansen-dam-lak-fan-zone.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park Fan Zone
July 4–5 | Willowbrook/South L.A.
A major Independence Day weekend destination, this South L.A. Fan Zone brings free World Cup programming into one of the city’s most important community parks: L.A. County’s Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park.
Expect:
- Round of 16 matches
- Live match broadcasts
- Cultural performances
- Family activities and interactive zones
- Food vendors and community programming
Visit discoverlosangeles.com for more.
Venice Beach Fan Zone
July 10–11 | 1 Winward Ave., Venice
The World Cup comes to the Pacific Ocean for these activations on one of the most iconic beaches in the world.
Highlights include:
- Knockout stage matches
- Free public block party
- Family watch party
- 18+ After party
- Quarterfinal match screenings
- International food vendors
- Live DJs and performances
- Family-friendly beach programming
Learn more at discoverlosangeles.com.
West Harbor Fan Zone (San Pedro Waterfront)
July 14–15 & July 18–19
This developing 42-acre destination along the waterfront is welcoming visitors for a first look into the evolving destination during the fan zone, featuring live match broadcasts on large screens, sponsor activations, entertainment, interactive fan experiences along the waterfront and food and beverage activations from forthcoming West Harbor tenants.
Other highlights:
- Will feature semi-final and final matches
- New vendors selling pizza, empanadas, ice cream and aguas frescas
- Walkable open-air design
Learn more at tickets.westharborla.com.
Fairplex Fan Zone
July 14–15 & July 18–19 | Pomona
A standout destination for families and kids, Fairplex blends soccer with education and play.
Features include:
- Semi-finals, bronze and final matches
- Soccer skill challenges and games
- “Science of Soccer” exhibits
- Mascots and family entertainment
- Large-scale outdoor viewing areas
Learn more at discoverlosangeles.com.
Los Angeles Union Station Fan Zone
June 25–28 | Downtown L.A.
An historic and iconic Los Angeles landmark, Los Angeles Union Station will host a free fan experiences, and reservations are now open on eventbrite.com.
Highlights:
- Featuring the marquee international matchups, including USA vs. Turkey
- Massive LED match viewing screens
- DJ sets and live entertainment
- Soccer skill challenges (“Train Like a Pro”)
- Food vendors and cultural programming
- Metro-themed art installations and transit experiences
- Metro will activate with a 40-foot World Cup-wrapped bus, providing guests with a fun photo moment
- The Metro TAP & Info Dome, located in the station’s waiting room, will offer transit guidance and commemorative TAP card sales, connecting fans to World Cup venues and cultural hubs across Los Angeles
Nearby El Pueblo de Los Angeles and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will add cultural programming and community events. Learn more at unionstationla.com.
Regional Watch Parties and Kid Activities
Kick It In the Park
June–July (Multiple Dates)
Kick It In the Park is making sure the World Cup reaches every corner of the city — from the San Fernando Valley to the Harbor, from Westside parks to East LA recreation centers.
These free, family-friendly events transform City of L.A. Parks sites into vibrant gathering spaces where you and the kids can watch the matches on large LED screens surrounded by youth soccer clinics, neighborhood programming and community resources. No ticket, no cost, no barriers.
Learn more at kickit.lacity.gov.
GAME ON! at California Science Center
Ongoing | Los Angeles
How cool would it be if your soccer-loving child could get kicking advice from Angel City FC’s sister duo Alyssa and Gisele Thompson? At GAME ON!, young athletes can learn the science behind all manner of sports — and play as well. The 17,000-square-feet exhibition is included with free admission to the California Science Center.
Learn more at californiasciencecenter.org.
Santa Monica World Cup Celebrations
June–July (Multiple Dates)
Santa Monica hosts a series of free public activations across the city, including Third Street Promenade and beach-adjacent programming.
Includes:
- USA vs. Paraguay match viewing
- Golden Hour on June 12, a free World Cup event, on Third Street Promenade
- Free, all-day USA Kickoff Celebration at Santa Monica Place on June 12
- COAST open-streets festival featuring art installations, cultural programming and more on July 19
- Outdoor screenings, food vendors and family activities
- Cultural programming across Downtown Santa Monica and beach areas
Learn more at santamonica.gov.
Ovation Hollywood Watch Parties
Beginning June 11 | Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood becomes a fan hub with free outdoor screenings and interactive programming at Ovation Hollywood.
Includes:
- Big-screen match viewing
- Soccer-themed activations
- Food and beverage vendors
- Family-friendly entertainment and giveaways
Learn more at ovationhollywood.com.
Shops at Montebello “Kick Into Summer” Watch Party
June 19 | Montebello
A community-centered watch party featuring:
- Live USA vs. Australia match screening
- DJ and entertainment
- Face painting and foosball
- Family-friendly fan activities
Learn more at shopsatmontebello.com.
World Play Zone (Metro E Line Adjacent)
June 11–28 | Santa Monica
A ticketed family activation designed for kids and young fans. Located at the Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station (E Line) Kiss and Ride lot.
Includes:
- Soccer skill stations
- Interactive play zones
- Sports challenges and activities
Learn more at santamonicacup.com..
LEGOLAND California FIFA World Cup Experience
June 11–July 19 | Carlsbad
LEGOLANDCalifornia Resort is bringing the action to families with a limited-time, interactive LEGO World Cup experience, which will a LEGO version of SoFi Stadium, one of the official tournament venues, in MINILAND USA.
The experience is included with regular admission. Other highlights:
- LEGO penalty shootouts
- Build-your-own jersey stations
- LEGO soccer legends (Messi, Mbappé, Ronaldo)
- Trophy photo opportunities
Food, Lifestyle & Brand Experiences
Beverly Hills World Cup Dining & Cultural Program
June 12–July 10
Across hotels and restaurants, Beverly Hills offers World Cup-inspired menus, cocktails and limited-time experiences.
Highlights include:
- Global-inspired tasting menus
- World Cup-themed cocktails
- Luxury hotel dining activations
- Limited-edition merchandise drops
Learn more at lovebeverlyhills.com.
Participating properties include Avalon Beverly Hills, The Beverly Hills Hotel, L’Ermitage, Marea, SIXTY Beverly Hills, and The Maybourne.
Magnolia Bakery World Cup Specials
May 12–July 19
A World Cup-themed dessert lineup includes:
- Soccer cupcakes
- DIY banana pudding kits
- Soccer cakes and party assortments
- Limited-time game-day treats
Learn more at magnoliabakery.com.
Prince St. Pizza “Slice to Win” Sweepstakes
May 4–June 8 | Downtown L.A.
Fans can enter to win World Cup tickets through loyalty purchases and participation. Learn more at princestreetpizza.com.
Soccer Legends Suite at The Anthem Hotel
Available throughout the tournament | Inglewood
Want to make the World Cup part of your family getaway? The Anthem Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (located just steps from SoFi Stadium) has unveiled a new Soccer Legends Suite celebrating the legacy of the 2002 U.S. Men’s National Team. The immersive suite features memorabilia from former players including Tony Sanneh, Clint Mathis and Jeff Agoos, along with other iconic pieces of U.S. soccer history. The hotel is also offering World Cup-themed stay packages and special events throughout the tournament. A portion of proceeds from suite bookings will benefit The Sanneh Foundation, which supports youth through sports and education.
Soccer Story Time
If you’re looking to get the littles engaged in all the soccer excitement, check out “¡GOOOOL!: A Bilingual Book of Soccer,” a vibrant bilingual board book designed for kids ages 0 to 6 that introduces Spanish and English soccer vocabulary through the excitement of game day.
The author is Mike Alfaro, the viral creator behind the bestselling cultural phenomenon Millennial Lotería, which critics credit for reinventing the classic Mexican game Lotería into a modern, witty and wildly successful brand.
Told in side-by-side English and Spanish with easy pronunciation guides, Alfaro’s latest book follows a young player chasing the winning goal, weaving language learning ito the drama of a final match, from pre-game cheers to a tense penalty kick and the climactic goal.
The book is part of Alfaro’s Sí Sabo Kids, a bilingual children’s line created to support early language development while celebrating Latino culture through play.
BONUS: Why stop with the World Cup? To get your kids excited about more global sports, check out our article on “Backyard Olympics.”
