Create lasting memories at California’s best family-friendly attractions
California is a treasure trove filled with diverse attractions perfect for families looking to create lasting memories. This list offers family-friendly options, from sun-kissed beaches to unique museums and breathtaking national parks.
Amusement parks
California’s amusement parks offer thrilling rides, interactive exhibits and family-friendly entertainment, making them ideal for memorable vacations.
Legoland California Resort
Visit for one to two days.
This theme park, water park and aquarium complex offers more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, all themed around the beloved Lego bricks.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Free admission; ride tickets via wristbands.
Visit for one day.
This beautiful, classic seaside amusement park has rides and games.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Visit for one day.
This thrill-packed theme park in Valencia has numerous nail-biting roller coasters and rides.
Sesame Place
Visit for one or two days.
Sesame Place provides educational fun with beloved characters, interactive rides and live shows where younger kids can learn and play.
Children’s museums
California’s children’s museums offer interactive, hands-on exhibits that engage kids in science, art and creativity. These museums provide fun and educational experiences that stimulate curiosity and learning.
Exploratorium
Visit for a half or full day.
This museum of science, technology and arts is located at Pier 15 in San Francisco. It features hundreds of interactive exhibits that encourage hands-on learning and exploration.
Children’s Discovery Museum
Visit for half a day.
This museum offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience in San Jose with exhibits focused on science, art, and creativity.
Kidspace Children’s Museum
Visit for half a day.
Here, explore interactive exhibits and outdoor learning spaces in Pasadena.
Discovery Cube
Visit for a half day.
This science museum in Orange County includes several hands-on exhibits for kids.
Zoos and aquariums
If your family loves animals, they will be sure to love California’s zoos and aquariums that provide immersive wildlife experiences with diverse nature exhibits.
San Diego Zoo
Visit for one day.
This world-renowned zoo houses over 3,500 animals across 650 species in scenic Balboa Park.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Visit for a half or full day.
Located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, this aquarium is famous for its interactive touch pools and conservation efforts.
Los Angeles Zoo
Visit for a half or full day.
The L.A. Zoo is home to over 1,400 animals and interactive exhibits.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Visit for half a day.
This Long Beach aquarium features marine life from the Pacific Ocean.
National parks
California’s national parks offer vast outdoor spaces for exploration, from hiking and wildlife viewing to picnicking and stargazing. They provide opportunities for families to bond, learn about nature and get active in stunning natural settings.
Yosemite National Park
Visit for one to three days.
One of the top 10 most visited national parks, it is known for its majestic waterfalls, giant sequoias and scenic vistas.
Redwood National and State Parks
Most areas are free; some fees for certain activities.
Visit for one to three days.
Redwood National and State Parks’ stunning landscape is home to the tallest trees on Earth.
Joshua Tree National Park
Visit for one to two days.
Here, you’ll find stunning desert landscapes, rock formations and spindly yucca trees.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Visit for one to three days.
As the names denote, these national parks are home to giant sequoias and deep canyons.
Beaches
California beaches offer safe, sandy shores perfect for building sandcastles, swimming, boogie boarding, laying out a picnic or playing a beach game. Many beaches also feature on-site amenities like playgrounds, restrooms and family-friendly restaurants, ensuring a fun and convenient experience for all ages.
Santa Monica Beach
This is an iconic California beach with a pier, amusement park, and aquarium.
Huntington Beach
Known as Surf City USA, this beach is ideal for surfing and family fun.
Coronado Beach
This family-friendly beach is known for its gentle waves and soft sand.
La Jolla Cove
This beautiful beach offers plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking.
These California beaches are all free. However, pier attractions and activities cost money. You can visit for a day or stay for a week.
Train rides
Train rides through California offer scenic journeys through diverse landscapes, from coastal views to majestic redwoods, providing a unique and captivating way to explore the state.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Prices vary (not ideal for very young children).
This scenic train ride travels through California’s wine country.
Skunk Train
This historic train ride takes passengers through incredible redwood forests.
Roaring Camp Railroads
These steam train rides go through redwoods and Santa Cruz Mountains.
Pacific Surfliner
Take half a day to a full day.
Ride the coastal Amtrak train for a scenic route from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.
These diverse family destinations in California cater to all ages and interests, offering everything from thrilling amusement parks to serene national parks and engaging museums. Plan your trip to these top family vacation spots in California and enjoy unforgettable adventures with your loved ones.
This story was originally published August 21, 2024 at 2:13 PM.