Places to Visit in California With Kids

Places to Visit in California With Kids

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of Monterey’s most popular places, and it is located in Cannery Row. It’s a great place for families and children of all ages. Some of the exhibits include a Kelp Forest, Sea Otters, and an Outer Bay exhibit, and what’s great is that there is always something for the kids to interact with and be fully immersed in the experience. Don’t forget to visit the touch pools and enjoy one of the many live presentations that provide a deeper understanding of marine life and conservation efforts.

Purchase your tickets here and get the most up-to-date information. To reduce costs, I highly recommend bringing bottled water and lunch.

Yosemite National Park

California’s most notable national park, Yosemite National Park, is a fantastic destination for families with kids, offering a combination of education and adventure. Families can enjoy easy hikes like Lower Yosemite Falls Trail or Mirror Lake Trail. The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center also features interactive exhibits, allowing families to learn about the park’s history. Yosemite National Park is known to be family-friendly, making it an ideal destination to go to with kids. Aside from hiking, you could consider biking, and there are 12 miles of paved bike paths in the park; bike rentals are available for purchase.

Read more for the latest information on the park’s conditions and advisories at Yosemite National Park.

Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument is north of San Francisco. It offers captivating views of redwood trees. A kid-friendly trail to explore is the Redwood Creek Trail, which takes you through some majestic groves. The park’s flat terrain makes it accessible for kids, and the well-marked paths guarantee a safe and enjoyable hike. Muir Woods provides a unique opportunity for families to connect with nature and gain an appreciation for the environment. The visitor center offers educational exhibits, making it a great place to learn about the redwoods.

Parking reservations are required when visiting Muir Woods National Monument. You can book here.

USS Hornet Museum

The USS Hornet Museum is located in Alameda. It offers a distinctive experience for kids where they can explore the decks of the USS Hornet and discover the ship’s history in World War II and two of the Apollo missions. The Flight Deck features a collection of vintage aircraft, and kids can explore interactive exhibits to engage with the ship. The USS Hornet Museum is ideal for families interested in naval history and exploration.

For tickets and hours, visit the USS Hornet Museum.

Año Nuevo State Park

Año Nuevo State Park is known for its population of elephant seals, and a visit during breeding season provides an amazing experience. As your family ventures along the trails, kids can witness massive seals while seeing adorable seal pups play along the shore. Children can learn about the importance of conservation and protecting the seals’ natural habitat, which makes Año Nuevo State Park a wonderful experience.

To learn more about the seals at Año Nuevo State Park, you can find more details on their website.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Calaveras Big Trees State Park, located in the Sierra Nevada, provides an incredible experience for kids to explore the stunning groves of giant sequoias. The North Grove Trail is an easy trail that leads you through a magical forest of sequoias. In the summer months, Junior Ranger programs engage kids in activities, encouraging a deeper connection to nature. Calaveras Big Trees State Park provides a great experience for families seeking to connect with the beauty of the biggest trees in the world.

To get more information about the park’s best hiking trails, read this blog.

Knights Ferry

Knights Ferry can be found along the Stanislaus River. This location is known for its historical beauty and views. Along the way, you can discover a well-preserved historic covered bridge and glimpse history into the Gold Rush era at the Knights Ferry Museum. Families can hike on the nature trails along the Stanislaus River or enjoy a cool dip in the river during the warm months; this is a great location for children to explore a blend of history and nature.

Here are some other things to do on your visit to Knights Ferry.

Elkhorn Slough Safari

Moss Landing’s Elkhorn Slough Safari is an excellent place for kids to spot and learn about sea otters, harbor seals, and seabirds while learning about the unique ecosystems that make this California coast location a marvelous place for marine life. Observing sea otters playing and seals sunbathing up close adds a touch of excitement. The experience provided by Elkhorn Slough Safari makes it an ideal destination for kids to seek a memorable wildlife sea outing.

Get your tickets, hours of operation, and information here.

Fort Ord Dunes State Park

Fort Ord Dunes State Park in the Monterey Peninsula offers miles of sandy shores and dunes. What was once a military base now offers the chance to explore bunkers and training structures, providing a glimpse into the past. If you’re looking for a destination where your kids can enjoy sandy dunes while exploring a historical site, Fort Ord Dunes State Park is an ideal location for outdoor fun with a touch of history.

Learn more about this unique location in Marina, California.

Pinecrest Lake

Pinecrest Lake is one of my top recommendations for a nature-filled adventure. There are various activities at this location, from swimming and kayaking to picnicking along the lake. Pine trees surround Pinecrest Lake, and there is a family-friendly trail, Pinecrest Lake Loop Trail, that takes you around the area. With its diverse recreational options and vistas, Pinecrest is an amazing place for families to connect with nature and create incredible memories.

For campsite reservations, you can book here, and boat rentals are also provided during the summer.

Japanese Gardens

Hakone Japanese Garden in Saratoga provides a serene experience for families. Kids can expect to see koi-filled ponds, bridges, and Japanese-style landscapes. They can learn about the cultural significance of the garden and see beautiful sights of serenity. You can find all the information about this location on their website.

Another Japanese garden location in Hayward is called the Japanese Gardens. This site is perfect for families looking for a short distance to connect to Mother Nature. This garden is unique because it’s tucked away in the East Bay foothills. For the location address and times to visit, click here.

Both of these Japanese gardens are perfect for a brief adventure with your kids.

Roaring Camp Railroads

In the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains, you can find a historic place known as Roaring Camp Railroads, which offers a great steam train experience. Your family can expect to board a vintage steam train that goes through scenic landscapes of redwood trees. Roaring Camp hosts special-themed rides and events like Thomas and Friends and the Holiday Lights Train during festive seasons. This location also features a Gold Rush town replica so your kids can feel a piece of history. Roaring Camp Railroads is one of a kind and great for a family outing.

Book your trip to Roaring Camp Railroads and find an event that your child will enjoy seeing.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park offers incredible rock formations and beautiful hiking trails, such as the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. If your family gets lucky, you can spot the California condors flying above. Pinnacles National Park also hosts dark-sky events since it’s an ideal spot for stargazing. With its blend of outdoor adventure and the chance to connect with nature and wildlife, Pinnacles National Park is a great place to bring your kids – remember to pack a flashlight for the cave explorations.

Read Pinnacles National Park’s current conditions on its website and plan before you go.

Point Lobos State Natural Preserve

Point Lobos State Natural Preserve is a coastal gem in the Carmel area. This preserve has amazing landscapes like cliffs, hidden coves, and a pristine beach. Kids can enjoy easy hikes like the Cypress Grove Trail, which has coastal scenery. The Bird Island Trail provides opportunities for birdwatching, where kids can spot seabirds and harbor seals. Point Lobos State Natural Preserve is a great location for families to connect with nature and see one of California’s most stunning areas.

To see more of this pristine location in Carmel, California, check out this resource.

Fitzgerald Marina Reserve

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is located in Moss Beach. This reserve holds a unique tidepool ecosystem that captivates kids’ curiosity during their visit. During low tide, families can explore tidepools filled with marine life, from sea stars and anemones to crabs. The scenic coastal trails offer incredible shoreline views, including harbor seals. This location provides a fun, hands-on experience, especially when you make it during low tide hours.

To check low tide conditions and the best times for this Moss Beach location, use this tide chart.

Vasona Lake County Park

Vasona Lake County Park, situated in Los Gatos, offers a pleasant experience for families with various recreational activities. During your visit to Vasona Lake, you can paddle around the water in rented pedal boats or kayaks or explore the park’s hiking and biking trails. The park also has playgrounds that provide a perfect space to play. Vasona Lake combines outdoor enjoyment with adventure, making it a wonderful destination for families to enjoy.

Here are Vasona Lake County Park’s details and information.

Grover Hot Springs State Park

Grover Hot Springs State Park offers a rare natural experience for families. You can expect to discover geothermal as a hot spring surrounded by mountains. The park includes a large swimming pool, and hot spring pool, allowing families to enjoy a rejuvenating trip. The park also provides opportunities for short hikes and a geothermal experience like no other tucked away in the Sierra Nevada.

You can book a reservation for the pools and campsites on the website homepage.

Railroad Park Resort

Railroad Park Resort lies in the Shasta Cascade region of California. At this site, you can step back in time to explore this railroad-themed destination that features vintage train cabooses converted into cozy rooms. If your kids are train enthusiasts, they will love sleeping in a real caboose. The resort also has walking trails where you can see beautiful views of the mountains nearby. Railroad Park Resort will forever be a memorable stay for my family, and I can guarantee it will be the same for yours.

Check for room availability and information here.

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park provides different attractions and activities for kids, such as a playground and a carousel. The California Academy of Sciences has interactive exhibits on science and natural history. The San Francisco Botanical Garden has numerous plant types you can wander through, and the Conservatory of Flowers provides insight into rare flowers and exotic plants. With so many options, from museums, gardens, recreational facilities, and other locations not mentioned here, Golden Gate Park is an incredible place for families who are looking for a day of exploration and play.

Don’t forget to check out the bison during your visit.

Castle Rock State Park

Castle Rock State Park, in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offers beautiful landscapes and sandstone formations that kids can explore. Your family can discover scenic vistas and boulders to climb on. Several hiking trails at Castle Rock State Park are easy for kids to trek through, and they offer an adventurous and memorable experience for outdoor exploration as a family.

For the easiest hike to do with your kids, explore the Castle Rock Nature Trail. It’s an easy 1.6-mile trail.

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