Discover More things to do in California with kids
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The Golden State, California, is known for incredible weather, diverse nature, and some of the country’s most exciting destinations! From sprawling metropolis of Disneyland to the wilderness of Humbolt’s Redwood State Park, it’s impossible to run out of things to do in California.Â
This guide is just 30 (plus a few extra) ideas for fun things to do in california with kids, and you can find even more ideas when you use the GoWhee App!
San Diego’s Balboa Park is home to the world’s largest model train museum.
Key Information:Â $13.50/$9 – Open Tuesday-Sunday – Wheelchair accessible
Good To Know:Â The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is open on many holidays.
Pacific harbor seals and sea lions love to haul out near La Jolla. Kids love to watch and listen to these animal acrobats!
Key Information: FREE – Best viewing along Coast Boulevard between Cave Store and Children’s Pool – Seal and Sea Lion Trail is stroller friendly
Good To Know: Don’t try to feed the seals or sea lions– it’s illegal!
Lake Tahoe has several state parks that make it easy to go camping with your kids.
Key Information: Prices vary – Go in spring or fall to avoid bugs – Tent camping and cabin camping available
Good To Know: Eagle Point Campground has brand new restrooms.
The famous Griffith Observatory in LA’s Griffith Park is a great place to learn about space.Â
Key Information: FREE – Open Friday-Sunday – Café onsite
Good To Know:Â As of November 2021, Griffith Observatory requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter.
>>> Find more cultural places and indoor fun for kids in California, here
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If you’re in the Lake Tahoe area, your kids will love visiting the KidZone Museum!
Key Information: Admission is $10 – No strollers beyond the lobby – Food onsite
Good To Know: The KidZone has a limited cell phone use policy for children’s safety. Pictures and critical calls only!Â
Visit Universal Studios and feel like you’ve stepped into your favorite films!
Key Information: $109+ – Stroller friendly – Many food options
Good To Know: Even young kids can enjoy the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster!
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No California family vacation is complete without spending time in nature! Yosemite National Park has lots for kids to enjoy.
Key Information: $35 per car – Food onsite – Not ideal for strollers.
Good To Know: While you can hike in the park, it’s huge– you’ll definitely need a car.
>>> Discovers tons of family-friendly hikes in California, here.
Disney’s California Adventure is home to fun rides and great shows celebrating California’s culture, especially their film and animation industry.
Key Information: $104+ – Stroller friendly – Many food options
Good To Know: California Adventure has more thrill rides than Disneyland.
What’s better than a water park on a hot summer day in Los Angeles? Your kids will have a blast at Raging Waters.
Key Information: $50.99+ – Free life jackets – Food onsite
Good To Know: The Little Dipper play area is perfect for toddlers.
If you’re looking for things to do in California with kids, you can’t go wrong with the United States’ most famous theme park, Disneyland!
Key Information: $104+ – Lots of food options – Very stroller friendly
Good To Know: Staying at one of the Disneyland resort hotels can get you early admission to the park.
Visit a real silver mine and more at the Calico Ghost Town!
Key Information: $5+ – attractions have additional fees – pets welcome
Good To Know: You can camp out in this ghost town!
>>> Find more unique family fun experiences in California, here.
Enjoy a peaceful walk among ancient trees.Â
Key Information: FREE – Picnic areas – 100+ miles of trail
Good To Know: Visitors are required to watch a short video about the impact human food has on park wildlife.
Kids have so much fun at the Children’s Discovery Museum, they don’t even know they’re learning!
Key Information: $15 – No eating in the museum – Quiet roomÂ
Good To Know: Don’t miss the giant bubble blowers!
>>> Discover tons of children’s museums around the globe in seconds on the Gowhee App.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to incredible animals, including adorable sea otters!
Key Information: $34.99+ – Food onsite – Restrooms with changing tablesÂ
Good To Know: No outside food is allowed, but there are some great picnic areas nearby
The Living Desert Zoo and Garden is a unique zoo that features desert animals from all over the world. Â
Key Information: $17.95+ – Food onsite – zoo closes at 1:30 PM due to summer heat
Good To Know: Kids love the giraffe feeding experience!
California has more national parks than any other state– 28 of them! Joshua Tree National Park is a family favorite with many short, kid-friendly trails.
Key Information: $30 per car РNot stroller friendly РMain visitor center has caf̩
Good To Know: Joshua Tree gets hot, so make sure you bring plenty of water and salty snacks.
You never know what you might find in a tide pool!
Key Information: FREE – Free parking – Check website for low tide times
Good To Know: Rocks can be slippery, so wear water shoes.
See amazing views of San Francisco from the Golden Gate Bridge!
Key Information: FREE – Stroller-friendly – Pedestrians share the path with bikes, so be alert
Good To Know: The bridge’s full length is 1.7 miles– if that’s too much for a round trip with little kids, you can always catch a ferry back.
Find your kids’ favorite stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Key Information: FREE – Stroller friendly – Use the Star Map to look up favorites in advance
Good To Know: You can surprise your kids with their very own Hollywood Stars!
LEGOLAND California is a theme park and a water park designed just for kids!
Key Information: $89.99+ – Food onsite – Restrooms with changing tables in the park
Good To Know: You can get a great deal on tickets if you stay at the LEGOLAND hotel.
If you want to see the famous Hollywood sign, it’s very visible from Lake Hollywood Park. It’s an awesome photo op!
Key Information: FREE – Picnic area – Kids’ playground
Good To Know: This park does not have restrooms.
>>> Discover more local favorite spots like this, recommended by parents, here.
Feed friendly lorikeets at Turtle Bay Exploration Park!
Key Information: $14+ – Nectar cups are $2 – No strollers in the aviary
Good To Know: If your kids love nature, they’ll love the Turtle Bay TV episodes!
See exotic animals at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!
Key Information: $55+ – No eating on the safari vehicles – Food onsite
Good To Know: If you have older kids, the zipline safari is a favorite.
>>> Find more places like this near you and around the Globe on the Gowhee App.
Take a weekend or day trip to Catalina Island to relax on the beach, enjoy delicious food, and take in the beautiful seaside scenery.
Key Information: Many accommodation options – Climate is great year-round – Lots of natural activities
Good To Know: Descano Beach is one of the most popular beaches with families.
Stearns Wharf is classic California fun, with beautiful ocean views and fun shops and snacks.
Key Information: FREE – attractions have fees – Many dining options
Good To Know: Longboards Grill has great views and a kid-friendly environment.
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Knott’s Berry Farm is a classic theme park where kids of all ages can have a great time.
Key Information: $69+ – Mix of kiddie and thrill rides – Food onsite
Good To Know: The Ride and Slide combo ticket gets you theme park and water park access!
>>> Discover more farm experiences for the whole family in California, here
Bravo Farms is a fun place to shop, snack, and spend time with your family.Â
Key Information: FREE to visit – Several locations – Plan for an hour or two
Good To Know: Kids love their old-fashioned candy.
Crissy Field is a 100+ acre recreation area with a fun, safe beach and great picnic areas.
Key Information: FREE – Changing rooms at the beach – Bridge views
Good To Know: Crissy Field was once an Army airfield, and one of the old airplane hangars has a trampoline park inside!
The Santa Monica Pier is a classic boardwalk with kid-friendly activities, including a historic carousel.Â
Key Information:Â $1+ – closed Tuesday and Wednesday – wheelchair friendly
Good To Know:Â The carousel can be rented for private events.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is one of California’s favorite theme park destinations.
Key Information: Tickets start at $70 – More thrill rides than kiddie rides – Food onsite
Good To Know: If you don’t want to bring your stroller, they have them available to rent.
>>> Filter theme parks and other places with 30+ filters designed by parents on the Gowhee App.
The San Francisco Zoo has many incredible and rare animals.
Key Information: $18+ – Food onsite – Lots of shade
Good To Know: Watch the Komodo dragon exhibit carefully– it has sprinklers that go off at different times and the dragon loves taking a shower!
Visit an actual fossil dig site at the La Brea Tar Pits!Â
Key Information: $7+ – LA County residents get in FREE in the afternoon – Food trucks park nearby
Good To Know: There’s not much shade, so make sure your stroller has a canopy.
The Hearst Castle is part of a very special state park. Getting to see inside is a trip back in California’s history.
Key Information: $15+ – Accessible tours available – No food allowed onsite
Good To Know: Strollers are not allowed on this historic property.
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