Family Fun in Santa Barbara: A Guide to Kid-Friendly Activities
Buckle up for a whirlwind of excitement with your little ones as we unveil a treasure trove of things to do in Santa Barbara with kids. From sandy shores to vibrant parks and interactive museums, this coastal paradise offers countless indoor and outdoor family-friendly delights that will leave your children wide-eyed and giggling. Are you geared for a family vacation filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories? So, grab your sun hats and dive into the enchanting world of Santa Barbara’s kid-approved wonders!
From Sandcastles to Seaside Explorations: Outdoor Family Fun in Santa Barbara
Beach Day Extravaganza
Kick off your family adventure with a day at the beautiful beaches in California. Build sandcastles, play beach volleyball, surf, or enjoy a relaxing picnic at East Beach. Alternatively, Butterfly Beach offers a more serene atmosphere, perfect for a family picnic while enjoying the breathtaking sunset. So, if your family enjoys the sun and sand, a beach day out is among the best things to do in Santa Barbara with kids. Besides these, #Arroyo Burro Beach, Leadbetter Beach, and West Beach are other family-friendly beaches you may consider.
Explore the Santa Barbara Zoo
Second among the top things to do in Santa Barbara with kids, is to treat your little ones to a wild experience at the 30-acre Santa Barbara Zoo. Home to over 500 animals, including capybaras, lions, elephants, and exotic birds, the zoo provides a fun and educational experience. Kids can participate in interactive exhibits, feed giraffes, and enjoy on-site train rides, making it an ideal day trip for families. So, visit the #Santa Barbara Zoo, a beloved attraction that promises loads of fun for kids and adults.
Address: 500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara, California
Timings: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Ticket Price: $25 (13+), $15 (2-12 years)
Serene Stearns Wharf
For a delightful blend of shopping, dining, and ocean views, head to Stearns Wharf. Children will love the candy stores, souvenir shops, and spotting sea lions swimming near the pier. Hence, Stearns Wharf cannot be a miss from the list of best things to do in Santa Barbara with kids. Furthermore, enjoy fishing, rent a paddleboard, or take a boat tour for an ocean adventure that kids of all ages will cherish.
Address: 217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, California
Things To Do In Santa Barbara With Kids: Educational Excursions
Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
Delve into the wonders of the ocean at the Sea Center, an extension of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Young marine enthusiasts can learn from interactive exhibits and try touching sea stars, sea urchins, and other marine creatures. Moreover, dinosaur exhibits, butterfly pavilions, and a virtual submarine ride engage curious minds. Hence, close encounters with marine animals are definitely among the exciting things to do in Santa Barbara with kids.
Address: 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, California
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Ticket Price: $13 (13+), $11 (2-12 years), $15 (18+)
Moxi, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Fuel your child’s curiosity and creativity at MOXI, an interactive science museum designed for kids and families. With exhibits covering science, technology, and creativity, #MOXI encourages hands-on learning in a 17,000 sq. feet of playful environment for young minds. From building structures to experimenting with light and sound, engage little learners in the wonders of discovery. So, this contemporary museum is worth visiting for things to do in Santa Barbara with kids, young and old.
Address: 125 State St, Santa Barbara, California
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Ticket Price: $18 (adult), $14 (3-14 years)
Navigate Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Unearth the maritime history of #Santa Barbara at the Maritime Museum. Explore interactive exhibits, including ship models and underwater exploration displays. Additionally, artifacts and maritime-themed activities make this 8,000 sq. Foot museum an engaging experience for families. Also, partaking in family-friendly events and workshops hosted throughout the year is one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara with kids.
Address: 113 Harbor Way STE 190, Santa Barbara, California
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Ticket Price: $5 (6-17 years), $10 (18-64 years), $7 (65+)
Little Explorers, Big Adventures: Family Fun in Santa Barbara
Explore Lotusland
For an enchanting outdoor experience, visit #Lotusland, a 37-acre non-profit botanical garden featuring 3,000 species of exotic plants, cactus gardens, cycad gardens, and aquatic displays. Guided tours offer an educational and visually stunning experience for the whole family. So, among the unique things to do in Santa Barbara with kids, make a reservation at the magical world of Ganna Walska Lotusland.
When to visit: mid-February to mid-November
Address: Cold Spring Rd, Montecito, California
Ticket Price: $60 (adult), $25 (3-17 years)
Visit Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Encourage a love for nature in your kids by visiting the 78-acre #Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Young explorers can wander through themed gardens, hike scenic trails, and participate in family-friendly programs. The Kids Adventure Garden offers interactive exhibits, a treehouse, and discovery zones where children can learn about over 1,000 native plants, wildlife, and ecology in a hands-on environment.
Address: 1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, California
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Ticket Price: $16 (adult), $8 (3-17 years)
Treat YourTaste Buds At Santa Barbara Public Market
Conclude your itinerary of things to do in Santa Barbara with kids with a culinary adventure at the #Santa Barbara Public Market. From tacos, gelato, and locally sourced drinks, something is tempting for every palate. Thus, with a selection of gourmet food stalls, introduce your kids to different cuisines in a lively atmosphere.
Popular eateries: Empty Bowl (Asian), Wabi Sabi (Sushi), Corazon Cocina (Mexican), Three Monkeys (Thai), Rori’s Ice Cream
Address: 38 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, California
Timings: 8 am to 10 pm
Besides this, you may try casual beachside cafes to upscale dining options which offer special menus for younger diners.
Wrapping Up
There are countless things to do in Santa Barbara with kids, from outdoor adventures to educational excursions, and cultural exploration. Whether you’re interested in wildlife encounters, history, or relaxation on picturesque beaches, Santa Barbara is a top destination for family vacations. So, don’t delay and create cherished memories with your little ones as you discover the wonders of this charming coastal city. However, check the weather and local event calendars, and make reservations to make the most of your family getaway in Santa Barbara.
| best places to see in oregon | https://travelingfirst.com/10-best-places-to-see-in-oregon-oregonbeautifulsites/ | ||
| things to do at flathead lake | https://travelingfirst.com/11-exciting-things-to-do-at-flathead-lake-flatheadlake/ | ||
| places to visit in california near sacramento | https://travelingfirst.com/10-places-to-visit-in-california-near-sacramento-worth-the-drive/ | ||
| weekend getaways in alabama | https://travelingfirst.com/unique-weekend-getaways-in-alabama-the-yellowhammer-state/ | ||
| mountain towns in north carolina | https://travelingfirst.com/mountain-towns-in-north-carolina-highland-havens/ |
FAQ’S
- Which are the kid-friendly restaurants in Santa Barbara?
East Beach Tacos, Los Agaves, Lilac Patisserie, Mony’s Mexican Food, Lucky Penny, and The Palace Grill are kid-friendly eateries in Santa Barbara.
- What are the things to do in Santa Barbara with toddlers?
Some kid-approved attractions include Santa Barbara Zoo, Chase Palm Park, The Funk Zone, Santa Barbara Trolley, beautiful beaches, and Stearns Wharf.
- Name the indoor playgrounds in Santa Barbara.
Jump! City, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Bubblemania and Company, Kids World, Chase Palm Park, Kidaru Indoor Playground and Learning Center.
DID YOU KNOW
- Stearns Wharf is the oldest in California, dating back to 1872.
- The Funk Zone is Santa Barbara’s coolest and most contemporary neighborhoods.
