25 Fun Things To Do With Kids In California For 2024 (Family Friendly!) (2024)

California, also called the Golden State, is famous for its sunny vibe year-round.

In addition to its beautiful resorts, it’s also filled with family-friendly spots worth visiting.

From Legoland and Disney to parks and aquariums, your children will be amused in no time.

Being a travel writer and a parent, my journey has taught me how to create an epic itinerary.

I extensively researched each place before visiting and found fascinating activities to do inside.

Assuming you might be having a hard time, let me take some work off your hands.

I made a quick guide as a great starting point for you and your family’s trip.

Aside from the fun factor, I also factored in their affordability, educational value, and more.

Are you ready to explore the magical world of this coastal metropolis?

Bring the entire family and enjoy these fun things to do with kids in California.

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Fun Things to Do with Kids in California Compared

California offers all kinds of fun for youngsters, regardless of age.

Here’s a curated list of my top three picks, plus one more as a fantastic alternative.

Editor’s Choice

Universal Studios

Get a behind-the-scenes taste of some of your favorite movies.

  • Age Compatibility: Young Children (6-9 years)
  • Educational Value: 4/5
  • Fun Factor: 5/5
  • Accessibility: 5/5
  • Affordability: 1/4

Click for best price

#2nd Best Choice

Legoland California

This is a place where the children and their imagination go wild and it’s totally safe to do whatever they want.

  • Age Compatibility: Young Children (6-9 years)
  • Educational Value: 4/5
  • Fun Factor: 5/5
  • Accessibility: 5/5
  • Affordability: 2/5

Click for best price

#3rd Best Choice

San Diego Zoo

Its focus is on conservation and has been voted the best many times.

  • Age Compatibility: Preschoolers and Young Children (4-5 years)
  • Educational Value: 5/5
  • Fun Factor: 5/5
  • Accessibility: 5/5
  • Affordability: 3/5

click for best price

Here are fun, family-friendly attractions in California.

1. Universal Studios (Editor’s Choice)

100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
+1 800-864-8377
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Ratings Criteria

  • Age Compatibility: Young Children (6-9 years)
  • Educational Value: 4/5
  • Fun Factor: 5/5
  • Accessibility: 5/5
  • Affordability: 1/4

Pros

  • Over 20 exciting rides
  • Film studio tours

Cons

  • Expensive parking and entry fee

Why You’ve Got to Go

If you’re a cinephile, there’s no way you will miss Universal Studios Hollywood.

Get a behind-the-scenes taste of some of your favorite movies.

Go on rides that have been inspired by some classics.

Whatever genre you choose, there’s something that will blow your mind.

What to Do

You will get to see how stunts are practiced or maybe run into a Hollywood star.

And did I mention the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

You get to sample butterbeer and pick something up from Hogsmeade here.

If you love King Kong tearing buildings down, there’s a little show to relive those moments too.

For

Ages 3 and above.

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Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort

Related: Best San Francisco Restaurants

Related: Best Family Resorts in California

Related: Fun Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids

2. Legoland California

One Legoland Dr
Carlsbad, CA 92008
+1 888-690-5346
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Ratings Criteria

  • Age Compatibility: Young Children (6-9 years)
  • Educational Value: 4/5
  • Fun Factor: 5/5
  • Accessibility: 5/5
  • Affordability: 2/5

Pros

  • Over 60 rides and attractions
  • Exciting shows and activities

Cons

  • Most rides and restaurants are seasonal

Why You’ve Got to Go

Well, if Sheldon Cooper (from The Big Bang Theory) picked it for his honeymoon, it’s got to be pretty extraordinary.

This is a place where the children and their imagination go wild and it’s totally safe to do whatever they want.

Legoland?

They should’ve called this wonderland.

There is also an aquarium and a water park.

You will also find spaces that are divided based on themes like Star Wars, Fun Town and Castle Hill, etc.

What to Do

Get a bathing suit for the waterpark rides.

If you want to stay on dry land, get a Legoland driver’s license and head to the race track.

Or forget all of that and just build something with the millions of plastic bricks available.

There is every kind of fun here.

You can also play underwater instruments.

That’s right.

For

Kids up to 12 years of age.

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Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort & Spa

Related: Restaurants in San Diego, California

Related: Things to Do in San Diego with Kids

Related: Best Things to Do in California

3. San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA 94129
(619) 231-1515
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Ratings Criteria

  • Age Compatibility: Preschoolers and Young Children (4-5 years)
  • Educational Value: 5/5
  • Fun Factor: 5/5
  • Accessibility: 5/5
  • Affordability: 3/5

Pros

  • Personal encounters with wildlife
  • Fun for all ages

Cons

  • Crowds

Why You’ve Got to Go

Because it’s the largest zoo in the world.

Its focus is on conservation and has been voted the best many times.

There are pandas, polar bears, reptiles, cheetahs and what not.

You will also find smaller animals like meerkats too.

What to Do

If you’re in California with kids, find out their favorite animal and you are very likely to find it here.

And if they are farm animals, you might even be able to feed them with your own hands.

There’s also educational shows here and a discovery tour.

San Diego Zoo has a day-long activity where you can expose your kids to some hands-on exhibits.

For

Ages 3 and above.

Click For Best Price

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

4. Warner Bros. Studio

25 Fun Things To Do With Kids In California For 2024 (Family Friendly!) (7)

3400 Warner Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 977-8687
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Why You’ve Got to Go

Similar to Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studios provides a guided walk-through tour of the entire facility.

It gives you an inside look at one of California’s top attractions in the most exciting way possible.

Children will learn about real movie sets and see props, sets, and costumes.

Furthermore, the entire studio is expansive, and it can easily take up an entire day.

What to Do

See the storytelling museum and the interactive soundstage, and visit sets for famous shows.

This includes the sets for Friends and The Big Bang Theory, as well as Harry Potter exhibits.

You can also upgrade your tour and get a glimpse of real props, costumes, and equipment.

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Mama Shelter Los Angeles

Related: Places to Eat: Southern California

Related: Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Related: Restaurants: Los Angeles, California

5. Lake Tahoe

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3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
530-542-6000
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Why You’ve Got to Go

It’s a playground out there in nature and it’s open throughout the year.

Lake Tahoe is a massive lake and it is surrounded by mountains, rivers and environment-friendly lodges.

It’s one of the classic California attractions for families.

And there’s a ton of activities for children.

What to Do

If you’re here on a warm day, take a dip in the lake.

You can also choose to go on a hike or boating and fishing if that’s more your thing.

If you’re here in the snowy months, you could opt for snowmobiling or snowboarding.

There’s also the option of going skiing or sledding on the mountains.

The surrounding areas offer a rich lesson in American history.

So there’s that too.

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Landing Resort and Spa

Related: Fun Things to Do inLake Tahoewith Kids

6. Santa Monica Pier

25 Fun Things To Do With Kids In California For 2024 (Family Friendly!) (9)

200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
+1 310-458-8900
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Why You’ve Got to Go

If your family is a fan of arcade games and carnival rides, you’ve come to the right place.

There’s a diner for when you want to grab a bite and kids of all ages absolutely love Santa Monica Pier.

What to Do

There’s a ferris wheel for pure fun on a family vacation.

You can go for a swim or sit on the shore and get a tan.

You could also opt for a walk on the street and enjoy a show by one of the street performers who will keep you amused with little tricks.

If you’re in the mood for it, get a portrait for a few dollars.

When you want a change, you could hop on a walking tour and learn about the pier’s history.

For

Ages 3 and above.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels

Related: FunThings to Do inSanta Monicawith Kids

Related: Best Family Vacations in California

7. Yosemite National Park

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9035 Village Dr
Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
(209) 372-0200
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Why You’ve Got to Go

Yosemite National Park is quite a popular choice and it’s oh so worth it.

There are hundreds of hiking trails with a picturesque view of waterfalls and wildlife.

Don’t worry, it’s all safe.

Many of them are lined with sequoia trees which the little ones will love exploring.

It’s also a place that has inspired many artists for centuries.

What to Do

You can choose to go camping or hiking and fishing.

Take some wallpaper-worthy pictures while you’re at it.

Climbing the Half Dome is something teens are known to enjoy.

So challenge them to work their hiking legs.

Go along the John Muir Trail and explore the surroundings.

You can thank me later.

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort

8. Crystal Cove State Park

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471 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
+1 949-494-3539
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Why You’ve Got to Go

Crystal Cove State Park is a gorgeous 3-mile-long state park and is a great place to spend some quality time with the kids.

It’s one of the biggest attractions in California for families and the trail system is just one of the reasons why.

What to Do

You could explore the tide pools or take a dip here.

The ocean is pretty mellow.

You could go for a stroll or try mountain biking if you’re outdoorsy and have the right gear.

There’s also space for kids to build sandcastles.

If you bring a kite along, the weather is almost always suited to that.

You could also try camping here if you don’t want to be confined in a lodge the whole time.

Although, some of those have been around since the 1930s and are a great piece of history.

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa

9. Disney California Adventure

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1313 Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4636
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Why You’ve Got to Go

Don’t skip this because you’ve seen Disneyland because this theme park has seven different themes which you will not find even in Disneyland.

You’ll find Cars Land, Paradise Pier, Bug’s Land and a lot more here.

And if your kids are fans of Pixar (come on, they all are) you have to check out the Disney California Adventure.

What to Do

There’s Mickey’s Fun Wheel which is a rollercoaster with a 360-degree loop and that’s just the beginning.

The restaurants here offer a rich cuisine.

The themed areas and the characters within make for great backdrops to enhance your social media standing.

And parents, you’ll love this.

Here, there are places that serve alcohol.

So you can chill while the kids are thrilled.

For

Up to 18.

Again, do some homework on the height restrictions on some rides.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort

10. Balboa Park

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San Diego, CA 91773
(619) 239-0512
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Why You’ve Got to Go

Balboa Park is a well-known 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park with a variety of activities.

It offers beautiful gardens and walking routes in addition to open space sections.

It also has various museums, theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

What to Do

To begin, stroll around the Japanese Garden or appreciate the succulents in the Desert Garden.

Following that, visit the Timken Museum of Art or climb the California Tower.

If you’re with kids, take them to the Balboa Park Carousel before exploring the nearby eateries.

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: 1 Hotel West Hollywood

11. Joshua Tree National Park

74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
(760) 367-5500
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Why You’ve Got to Go

This is the place where the Mojave and Colorado come together.

And it’s a place to explore a variety of trees, geological features and a whole bunch of animal species.

If you’re wondering what to do in California, I would definitely recommend this.

What to Do

The stunning atmosphere in here makes it a perfect site whether you want to go camping or hiking or mountain biking.

The weather is almost always favorable to explore the hundreds of miles of trails.

The iconic Joshua Tree itself is a great place for the family to gather around and get some good photographs.

But also, don’t miss Black Rock Canyon, Cottonwood Spring, Skull Rock and Keys View.

For

All ages.

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Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms – Joshua Tree National Park

Related: Restaurants in Joshua Tree, California

Related: Things to Do inJoshua Treewith Kids

12. Monterey Bay Aquarium

25 Fun Things To Do With Kids In California For 2024 (Family Friendly!) (15)

886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
831-648-4800
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Why You’ve Got to Go

If you want an up close and personal view of ocean animals, this is the place to go to.

Children will love exploring the more than 600 species of aquatic beings.

And there are a ton of exhibits that tell you a lot about these creatures.

So you get to learn a little something too.

What to Do

This is a half-day activity.

Every creature here is colorful. Start with the Ocean’s Edge Wing which is the main exhibit.

It has a ton of marine life for you to check out and you can also learn about regional fish.

The only sunfish in captivity is also available for viewing at this aquarium.

For

Ages 3 and above.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa

Related: Restaurants in Monterey

Related: Restaurants in Northern California

Related: Fun Things to Do inMontereywith Kids

13. Calico Ghost Town

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36600 Ghost Town Road
Yermo, CA 92327
(909) 387-2757
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Why You’ve Got to Go

In the late 1800s, the Calico Ghost Town was a mining town.

So it’s like you’re traveling back in time.

Considering none of us was alive back then, it is quite the experience.

But the little ones will definitely be more excited about this place.

It’s a peek into the wild, wild west. It’s called the ghost town, well, because of the rumors.

There’s nothing to freak out about or is there?

What to Do

It’s the perfect place for a full photoshoot.

The architecture, the ghost tour, the old mines there’s a ton of history and mystery to take in for people of all ages.

It’s a great place for a stroll too.

For

Ages 5 and above.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites Barstow

14. Six Flags Magic Mountain

26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy
Valencia, CA 91355
+1 661-255-4100
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Why You’ve Got to Go

This place has the most intense roller coasters you’ve ever gotten into.

That alone is a reason to camp out here for a whole day.

But there are also other tiny rides for the kids.

It’s a place for visit for some harmless horseplay and to bond as a family.

What to Do

You and the older kids will love the rollercoasters.

When you’re done, check out the other rides like Drop of Doom, Goliath and Batman.

That’s right.

The themes are endless and you’ll be surprised at every corner of the Six Flags Magic Mountain.

If you’re with toddlers, head to Canyon Blaster or Elmer’s Weather Balloons.

It’ll be a blast.

For

Ages 3 and above.

Click For Best Price

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kimpton Everly Hotel

15. Winchester Mystery House

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525 S Winchester Blvd
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 247-2000
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Why You’ve Got to Go

If you love ghosts and mediums, Winchester Mystery House will intrigue you to no end.

Sarah Winchester had built this house with over 150 rooms in the 1800s after her husband and child died to appease their spirits.

Almost four decades later, it is believed to still be haunted.

What to Do

There’s the firearms museum and the blooming gardens.

You can find out all about Sarah Winchester and her family’s misfortune.

Read about what the spiritual medium predicted and try to crack the case of why this house is still haunted.

This is an experience you will remember for a long time to come.

For

Ages 6 and above.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Valencia Santana Row

Related: Fun Things to Do in San Jose with Kids

16. Living Desert

25 Fun Things To Do With Kids In California For 2024 (Family Friendly!) (19)

47900 Portola Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-346-5694
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Why You’ve Got to Go

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a zoo where the little ones will have the chance to learn the importance of conservation.

The natural wonders, exotic plants and animals of the desert will enthrall the whole family.

It’s the intersection of entertainment and profound education.

What to Do

You mean, apart from spotting some of the coolest animals like foxes, camels, giraffes and jaguars?

Well, there are programs at the Tennity Amphitheater.

You can also just go for a hike along the San Andreas Nature Trail.

Lookout for an opportunity to feed the camels and giraffes with your own hands.

For

Up to 18 years of age.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa

17. Crissy Field

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1199 E Beach
San Francisco, CA 94129
+1 415-561-4323
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Why You’ve Got to Go

Crissy Field was once an airfield which has now been turned into a campground on the beach.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

From here, you get a great view of my favorite landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you want to spend some time immersed in nature while being in an urban space, this is it.

What to Do

You can get a bike and ride it from Marina Green to Fort Point.

Take a break from the children and ride along the promenade while the children build sandcastles or swim on Baker Beach.

If you want to spend time with kids at this family-friendly California beach, be sure to bring a picnic basket!

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairmont San Francisco

Related: Fun Things to Do with Kids in The Bay Area

18. Lassen Volcanic National Park

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PO Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063
(530) 595-4480
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Why You’ve Got to Go

Volcanic gas vents, boiling pools, mud pots.

If these are things that fascinate you, you must visit the Lassen Volcanic National Park.

And you get to see a ton of things powered by a hydrothermal system.

The little ones can learn about the history of volcanoes.

What to Do

You can go for a hike while checking out boiling mud and water spaces.

You could take a walk over the boardwalk and head towards the Big Boiler.

There’s also the Devil’s Kitchen where you can play-act being a witch.

While you’re here, you might want to check out the Boiling Springs Lake.

It is a bubbling lake that reaches above 125 degrees.

In fact, you might want to clear out your weekend for this.

For

Ages 5 and up.

Not for families with toddlers.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Rose Quartz Inn

19. Turtle Bay Exploration Park

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844 Sundial Bridge Drive
Redding, CA 96003
+1 530-243-8850
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Why You’ve Got to Go

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is spread over 300 acres and boasts of a museum, botanical gardens and a sundial bridge.

That’s just the beginning.

There’s also a wildlife center the kids will love exploring.

It’s a beautiful mix of sustainability and playfulness.

What to Do

You can check out the nano exhibit along with your kids and show them how plants grow in real time.

This is called the “Rooted” feature.

There’s a lot of art to soak in at the student art exhibition.

You can also go on nature trails and don’t skip the inside of the arboretum.

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge

20. Disneyland

25 Fun Things To Do With Kids In California For 2024 (Family Friendly!) (23)

Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92801
(714) 781-4636
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Why You’ve Got to Go

Disneyland is one of the top kid-friendly things to do in California.

It’s the dream of every child to see this at least once in their young age.

And if you’ve already been here, there’s a sense of nostalgia.

What to Do

There are some terrific rides for the children.

They can collect autographs of their favorite characters and munch on carnival food.

While you’re here, you want to explore Toontown and Fantasyland.

There’s also Tomorrowland and Critter Country for entertainment.

Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

At night, there’s a firework show that the whole family will love.

For

All ages.

Some rides have height restrictions, so you’ll need to do some homework.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Anaheim

Related: Fun Things to Do inAnaheimwith Kids

Related: Best Waterpark Hotels in California

21. Golden Gate Bridge

25 Fun Things To Do With Kids In California For 2024 (Family Friendly!) (24)

PO Box 9000, Presidio Station
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 921-5858
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Why You’ve Got to Go

This is one of the most popular places in California.

It’s a landmark that beautifully combines a picturesque view with a tinge of history about the state you’re in.

You cannot miss it.

What to Do

It’s called Golden Gate but the bridge is a beautiful orange against the backdrop of blue waters.

It’s pretty great to look at but you can also take a hike, rent a bike or walk around the bridge which is only three miles back and forth.

You could also go for the ferry under the bridge and get a low angle view of the iconic tourist hotspot.

If you want to avoid the crowd, head to Marin Headlands.

For

Ages 5 and above.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square

22. Catalina Island

25 Fun Things To Do With Kids In California For 2024 (Family Friendly!) (25)

1 Green Pleasure Pier
Avalon, CA 90704
310-510-1520
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Why You’ve Got to Go

This lovely island on the pacific is a great getaway spot for families.

Nicknamed Kidalina because of the love it gets from the little ones, Catalina Island has a variety of terrains for them to play on.

The Pacific Ocean is right there and the view of bisons grazing the grasslands, if you want a touch of wildlife to the scenery.

What to Do

There are a ton of activities lined up for you here.

Kayaking, snorkeling and swimming for the grown ups and building sandcastles for the kids.

For the entire family, there’s whale watch just one ferry ride over.

But if you want to stay on the shore, pick a trail for hiking or stroll along the coast of the island.

For

Kids up to 18 will be thrilled but it’s for the whole family.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Aurora Hotel

Related: Things to Do inCatalina Islandwith Kids

23. Lake Shasta

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5350 Shasta Dam Blvd.
Shasta Lake, CA, 96019
(530) 275-1589
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Why You’ve Got to Go

Lake Shasta is one of the largest and most pristine lakes along the California coast.

It’s a great place to soak in some wilderness and take awesome pictures.

At night, you should gather around a campfire and get some s’mores in order.

What to Do

You could rent a houseboat and cruise around exploring the coves.

You could also try fishing, water skiing and paddleboarding.

If you want to stay dry, head out for a hike or try fishing.

The best part is, this place is so huge it is pretty easy to find privacy.

For

All ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge

24. Knott’s Berry Farm

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8039 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
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Why You’ve Got to Go

Knott’s Berry Farm is an amusement park that is spread over 160 acres.

What’s not to love?

But I’ll pitch it to you anyway.

Roller coasters, live entertainment shows, old cartoons and joy rides.

That’s just the beginning.

Kids with a penchant for old cartoons will also get a chance to meet Snoopy!

What to Do

If your little ones love old cartoons, keep an eye out for Snoopy.

Get on a thrill ride or order a boysenberry pie and chill out.

Pick a water ride and go for it.

Look around for rides and adventures that suit your age (yes, that’s how they are divided) and go crazy.

For

Ages 5 and above.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Anaheim

Related: Places to Eat: Buena Park, CA

Related: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Southern California

25. Alcatraz Island

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Alcatraz Island National Park Service
B201 San Francisco, CA 94123
+1 415-561-4900
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Why You’ve Got to Go

If you like a little backstory to the places you visit, this will be perfect.

Alcatraz Island was once a prison.

So you get to learn a ton of things about the life prisoners led here.

It’s eerie and like nothing you’ve ever seen (unless, of course, you’ve been to jail).

What to Do

You get a behind-the-scenes tour of life in a prison cell.

There’s a tour which elaborates on the life and politics of the time.

Pick up something at the souvenir shop to remember what you saw here.

It could be anything, even prison-striped pajamas.

But not everything is dark and gloomy.

There are some lovely natural features, the opportunity to go bird watching and tide pools for everyone to kickback and relax.

For

Those under 18 must be supervised by someone who is 21 or older.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco

Related: Fun Things to Do in Northern California with Kids

Activity Guide

Tips For Choosing The Right Family Activity

Choosing the right activity requires a certain familiarity with the city.

Extensive research is a must before considering your budget and what your kids will love.

For starters, my entire family loved the variety Universal Studios offered.

There are plenty of rides to check out, plus real film studios used for actual film production.

On the other hand, Legoland is a fun-filled resort and theme park for all ages.

We had a blast with its slides and rides, as well as its comfy accommodations and tasty food.

Lastly, the San Diego Zoo provides a fun way for kids to interact with over 4000 animals.

We admired the botanical garden after and hopped on the Kangaroo Bus when tired.

Visiting the Warner Bros. Studio is a great alternative if you love film studio tours.

It offers a great, in-depth look at what goes on inside film productions.

While each has its unique charm, your choice may hinge on your family’s interests, the age of your children, and your budget.

How I Picked The Activities

In selecting these activities, I’ve gathered a wealth of firsthand experiences, having visited each site with my own family.

Additionally, I’ve conducted thorough research and engaged in conversations with locals and fellow travelers.

This has ensured a balanced and comprehensive review of each attraction’s highlights and challenges.

Our Rating Method

I rate these activities based on the following criteria:

  • Age Compatibility: I use this criterion to assess the ideal age range for each attraction. Is this activity suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, or young children? Will teenagers and tweens enjoy this attraction? I ask myself these questions whenever I assess age compatibility.
  • Educational Value: This is used to evaluate the educational benefits that the activity offers. Does the activity provide learning opportunities to children? Does it teach them lessons in science and history? I ask myself these important questions when rating the activity’s educational value.
  • Fun Factor: This measures the level of excitement, engagement, and enjoyment that the activity offers. Is it engaging and enjoyable for kids? Will it create memorable and positive experiences for families? These questions are important whenever I rate the activity’s fun factor.
  • Accessibility: This measures how accessible the activity is for families. Is it wheelchair accessible? Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Does it have ample parking space? I consider these factors when evaluating the accessibility of every activity.
  • Affordability: This assesses the value of money provided by the activity. Are the admission fees reasonable? Does it offer deals or discounts for families? I use these questions to evaluate the affordability of every attraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Most Fun Places To Go In California?

The most fun places to go in California include Yosemite National Park, Disneyland Park, and Joshua Tree National Park.

What Are The Best Things To Do In California With Young Adults?

The best things to do in California with young adults include visiting Legoland, Griffith Observatory, and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Conclusion

25 Fun Things To Do With Kids In California For 2024 (Family Friendly!) (29)

What my family and I love about these attractions is their iconic reputation.

They’re all internationally recognized, incredibly fun, and informative in the best way possible.

However, their drawbacks should also be kept in mind.

While exciting and popular, Universal Studios can be too expensive, especially for groups.

Legoland is entertaining and educational, but most of its rides are seasonal.

And the San Diego Zoo can be too crowded with ongoing field trips.

Luckily, the Warner Bros. Studio is an excellent alternative.

Kids of all ages won’t be bored, especially the fans of famous TV shows and movies.

Despite their certain limitations, these attractions are still worth visiting.

But, if you ask me, what’s the perfect family-friendly attraction in California?

Universal Studios is the top choice.

With over 20 thrilling rides, fascinating film studio tours, and a fun factor that’s off the charts, it’s an experience your kids won’t soon forget.

Create lasting memories with these fun things to do with kids in California.

Editor’s Choice

Universal Studios

Get a behind-the-scenes taste of some of your favorite movies.

  • Age Compatibility: Young Children (6-9 years)
  • Educational Value: 4/5
  • Fun Factor: 5/5
  • Accessibility: 5/5
  • Affordability: 1/4

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25 Fun Things To Do With Kids In California For 2024 (Family Friendly!) (2024)
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