things to do in california with kids

California is a fantastic destination for a family vacation, offering a wide range of activities and attractions that are perfect for kids. Here are some things to do in California with kids:

Theme Parks and Water Parks

1. Disneyland Resort (Anaheim) – a must-visit for any Disney fan
2. Disney California Adventure Park (Anaheim) – adjacent to Disneyland
3. Universal Studios Hollywood (Los Angeles) – behind-the-scenes movie magic
4. Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park) – classic theme park with a mix of roller coasters and kiddie rides
5. Legoland California (Carlsbad) – a LEGO-themed park with rides, shows, and attractions
6. Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia) – thrill rides and roller coasters for older kids
7. Great America (Santa Clara) – a theme park with roller coasters, water rides, and a kids’ area
8. Water parks like Raging Waters (Los Angeles, San Dimas, and Sacramento) and Knott’s Soak City (Buena Park)

Beaches and Outdoor Activities

1. Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica) – iconic pier with an amusement park, arcade games, and beach activities
2. Venice Beach (Venice) – vibrant boardwalk, street performers, and beach volleyball
3. San Diego Zoo (San Diego) – world-famous zoo with a variety of animals and interactive exhibits
4. Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey) – get up close with marine life, including sea otters and sharks
5. Lake Tahoe (Sierra Nevada mountains) – skiing, hiking, and water sports in the summer
6. Yosemite National Park (Sierra Nevada mountains) – hiking, camping, and scenic drives
7. Surfing or paddleboarding lessons in various coastal towns, like Huntington Beach or San Diego

Museums and Educational Attractions

1. California Science Center (Los Angeles) – interactive exhibits on science and technology
2. Exploratorium (San Francisco) – hands-on science museum with experiments and activities
3. Children’s Creativity Museum (San Francisco) – art, technology, and imagination
4. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (Los Angeles) – dinosaurs, mammals, and more
5. San Diego Children’s Museum (San Diego) – play-based learning and exploration
6. Tech Museum of Innovation (San Jose) – interactive exhibits on science, technology, and innovation
7. Griffith Observatory (Los Angeles) – stargazing, planetarium shows, and exhibits on space and science

Other Fun Activities

1. Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) and stop at beaches, parks, and attractions along the way
2. Visit a farm or petting zoo, like the Little Explorers Petting Zoo (San Diego)
3. Go on a whale-watching tour or a dolphin-watching cruise
4. Take a cooking class or a food tour, like the San Francisco Food Tour
5. Attend a sporting event, like a Los Angeles Dodgers game or a San Francisco 49ers game
6. Visit a trampoline park or an indoor climbing facility, like the Hangar 18 Climbing Facility (Los Angeles)
7. Go on a horseback ride or a horse-drawn carriage ride in a park or nature reserve.

These are just a few of the many things to do in California with kids. With so many options, you’re sure to find something that suits your family’s interests and ages!