There are a few fun things to do with kids in Santa Cruz, California.
Let’s dive right in.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a historic seaside amusement park in Santa Cruz.
The park is one of the oldest surviving amusement parks in the United States and features a wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper, which was built in 1924. The park also has a carousel, an arcade, and a number of other rides and attractions.
More informationThe Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-renowned facility known for its innovative exhibits and commitment to ocean conservation.
A visit to the Aquarium is an unforgettable experience for families, with something to fascinate everyone. Highlights include the Open Sea exhibit, where you can see sharks, rays, and other open-ocean predators; the Kelp Forest exhibit, which features a three-story kelp forest teeming with sea life; and the Jellyfish Gallery, home to more than 20 different species of jellyfish.
More informationThe Roaring Camp Railroads are a historic steam-powered railroad in Santa Cruz.
Visitors can take a ride on the train, and learn about the history of the area. The railroad is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
More informationNatural Bridges State Beach is one of the best places to visit in Santa Cruz with kids.
The beach has a large, sandy shoreline and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There are also several tide pools that are great for exploring.
More informationThe Santa Cruz Wharf is a historic wooden pier located in Santa Cruz.
The wharf is home to many shops and restaurants, as well as a variety of sea life including seals, sea lions, and pelicans. Visitors can also take a scenic stroll down the pier or take a ride on the antique carousel. The Santa Cruz Wharf is an ideal destination for families looking to experience a bit of history and enjoy the beautiful California coast.
More informationGolfland is a great place to take the family for a round of mini golf.
The course is challenging enough for adults, but also fun for kids. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable.
More informationThe Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is a great place to take kids to learn about the history of surfing.
The museum is located in Santa Cruz and is open every day from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free for children under 12, and adults are $5. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits that focus on the history of surfing, its culture, and its impact on the world.
There are also interactive exhibits that allow kids to experience what it’s like to surf.
More informationCapitola Beach is a great place to take kids in Santa Cruz.
The beach is clean and well-maintained, and there are plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, including swimming, playing in the sand, and exploring the nearby tidepools.
More informationThe Big Dipper roller coaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a wooden roller coaster that has been in operation since 1924.
It is one of the oldest continually operating roller coasters in the world. The ride is considered family-friendly and is popular with kids.
More informationThere is so much to do on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus!
Families can stroll through the picturesque grounds, explore the world-renowned UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, or hike through the majestic redwoods. For a more educational experience, families can tour the UC Santa Cruz Marine Science Center or take part in a campus walking tour. And of course, no visit to UC Santa Cruz would be complete without sampling some of the delicious food from one of the on-campus dining halls!
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