Introduction
From sun-kissed beaches to world-class theme parks, California offers endless fun for families. If you’re looking for amazing adventures and kid-friendly spots, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we explore a top selection of attractions that truly capture the spirit of family fun. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an in-depth vacation, these are some of the best things to do in California with kids. California is a land of adventure and discovery where every corner holds a new experience for curious young minds. Get ready to learn, play, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
For those planning an extended stay, don’t miss the chance to view our floor plans to find the perfect accommodations for your family adventure.
Table of Contents
List of Family-Friendly Attractions
1. Jelly Belly Factory
The Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield is a must-see sweet adventure for the whole family. This unique attraction gives kids a behind-the-scenes look at how their favorite jelly beans are made. A fun factory tour offers interactive displays and a chance to sample the delicious treats, making it a delightful stop on your California road trip.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.6/5 based on 2,741 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Family-friendly, with affordable admission
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📍 Address: 1 Jelly Belly Ln, Fairfield, CA 94533
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📞 Contact: +1 800-953-5592
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⏰ Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn more about the Jelly Belly Factory on Google Maps.
This family-friendly stop is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while sparking curiosity about candy making. The interactive tour is engaging for both young children and parents alike.
2. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo offers a mix of thrilling rides and animal encounters. This park pairs the excitement of amusement rides with a real zoo experience, making it an ideal destination for families looking for a full day of adventure.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.1/5 from over 20,671 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Mid-range – worth the splash of excitement
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📍 Address: 1001 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589
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📞 Contact: +1 707-644-4000
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⏰ Opening Hours: Open on weekends only (Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Learn more about Six Flags Discovery Kingdom on Google Maps.
This theme park is known for its animal exhibits and exhilarating rides. It’s a great way for kids to experience thrills and learn about wildlife in one outing.
3. The Exploratorium
Located in San Francisco, The Exploratorium is an interactive museum that brings science to life. It offers countless hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity and encourage learning in a fun and engaging way.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.7/5 with 8,181 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Moderately priced, educational fun for all ages
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📍 Address: Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111
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📞 Contact: +1 415-528-4444
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⏰ Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Learn more about The Exploratorium on Google Maps.
Ideal for inquisitive minds, this museum transforms science into play. It’s a perfect destination if you want to mix learning with interactive fun.
4. Oakland Zoo
Oakland Zoo is a fantastic place to introduce your children to the wonders of nature. With over 700 animals from around the world, this zoo offers immersive experiences that connect kids with wildlife and conservation efforts.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.6/5 based on 12,905 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Affordable for families
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📍 Address: 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605
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📞 Contact: +1 510-632-9525
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⏰ Opening Hours: Every day from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Learn more about Oakland Zoo on Google Maps.
The zoo’s compact schedule makes it an easy day trip and a great spot for an educational outing where kids can get up close with their favorite animals.
5. Winchester Mystery House
For a taste of mystery and history, Winchester Mystery House in San Jose offers a quirky tour that fascinates both kids and adults. This sprawling mansion, known for its labyrinth of oddities and secret passages, captivates families with its intriguing story and eerie charm.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.5/5 with 14,845 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Moderate admission fees
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📍 Address: 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128
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📞 Contact: +1 408-247-2000
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⏰ Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn more about Winchester Mystery House on Google Maps.
This bizarre and historic mansion provides a fun and slightly spooky experience perfect for families looking to explore something out of the ordinary.
6. Gilroy Gardens
Gilroy Gardens in Gilroy is a delightful horticultural theme park that brings nature and fun together. With rides designed especially for younger children, the park is adorned with creative landscaping and whimsical sculptures that celebrate agriculture and nature.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.5/5 based on 5,596 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Budget-friendly family entertainment
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📍 Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020
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📞 Contact: +1 408-840-7100
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⏰ Opening Hours: Hours vary; check onsite for details
Learn more about Gilroy Gardens on Google Maps.
With its enchanting rides and beautiful gardens, Gilroy Gardens is the perfect way to spend a relaxing day with the family in nature.
7. Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of California’s crown jewels, Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, offers an underwater adventure that captivates visitors with vibrant marine life and interactive exhibits. Kids can marvel at colorful fish, playful sea otters, and impressive displays of ocean ecosystems.
For a truly memorable coastal experience, consider exploring whale watching at Avila Beach. Springtime is perfect for catching glimpses of these magnificent creatures on their migration path.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.6/5 from 41,135 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Moderately priced with options for families
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📍 Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
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📞 Contact: +1 831-648-4800
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⏰ Opening Hours: Open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Learn more about Monterey Bay Aquarium on Google Maps.
An exploration of the aquarium is both educational and mesmerizing. This venue brings the wonders of the ocean right to your doorstep.
8. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles is where movie magic meets theme park thrills. This attraction provides a behind-the-scenes look at film-making along with exhilarating rides, making it a hit with kids, teens, and adults.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.6/5 according to 162,176 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Higher end but offers incredible value for a full-day experience
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📍 Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
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📞 Contact: +1 800-864-8377
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⏰ Opening Hours: Varies by day (e.g., Monday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
Learn more about Universal Studios Hollywood on Google Maps.
From thrilling rides to immersive studio tours, Universal Studios offers a behind-the-scenes adventure into the world of entertainment.
9. Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is a classic California amusement park with a rich history. Originally a berry farm turned into a theme park, Knott’s offers a mix of gentle rides for younger children and roller coasters for thrill-seekers.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.6/5 based on 63,184 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Reasonably priced with various ticket options
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📍 Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
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📞 Contact: +1 714-220-5200
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⏰ Opening Hours: Operating hours vary; check the park’s website for current times
Learn more about Knott’s Berry Farm on Google Maps.
This family favorite combines nostalgic charm with modern thrills, making it a versatile destination for all ages.
10. Disneyland Resort
No list of California attractions would be complete without mentioning Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Known as the Happiest Place on Earth, this iconic theme park is a dream come true for kids and a magical escape for adults.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.6/5 from 115,968 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Premium pricing for an unforgettable experience
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📍 Address: Anaheim, CA 92802
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📞 Contact: +1 714-781-4636
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⏰ Opening Hours: Varies by day (e.g., Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM; extended hours on weekends and holidays)
Learn more about Disneyland Resort on Google Maps.
From fairy tale parades to exhilarating rides, Disneyland brings dreams to life and is a bucket-list destination for families worldwide.
11. LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad is a wonderland built entirely from LEGO bricks. With interactive exhibits, building zones, and themed rides, this park invites kids to immerse themselves in a colorful world of creativity and fun.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.5/5 based on 36,372 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Moderate with family-friendly pricing
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📍 Address: One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
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📞 Contact: +1 888-690-5346
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⏰ Opening Hours: Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday & Thursday: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Learn more about LEGOLAND California on Google Maps.
An imaginative experience that encourages hands-on creativity, LEGOLAND is both fun and educational for children of various ages.
12. SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego offers an immersive experience with marine life. Here, families can witness dolphin shows, engage with interactive exhibits, and learn about ocean conservation, making it a well-rounded destination for kids of all ages.
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⭐ Ratings: 4.4/5 with 48,971 reviews
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💵 Price Level: Mid-range
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📍 Address: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
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📞 Contact: +1 619-222-4732
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⏰ Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Learn more about SeaWorld San Diego on Google Maps.
A perfect blend of entertainment and education, SeaWorld provides thrilling aquatic shows and close encounters with marine life that will leave your kids awestruck.
Tips and Tricks for a Successful Family Trip
Planning a fun-packed family vacation in California can be enjoyable and stress-free with a few smart tips. Here are some ideas to help you get the most out of your adventures:
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Plan Ahead: Research the attractions you plan to visit and check their operating hours or seasonal schedules. Many parks offer online ticket bookings which can help avoid long lines. For example, verify times on the official websites of each attraction.
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Mix and Match: California has something for everyone – mix high-energy theme parks with more relaxed venues like museums or aquariums. This variety can prevent exhaustion, especially with younger children.
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Pack Essentials: Bring along snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit. Consider packing a change of clothes for little ones, especially if you visit outdoor attractions like Oakland Zoo or SeaWorld.
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Internal Links for More Information: For additional tips on planning your stay, check out the Location – Cobbo’s Beach House page. You can also learn more about local attractions by exploring our Blog.
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Rest Breaks are Key: Make sure to schedule breaks during your day to rest and recharge. Many attractions have dedicated family rest areas or picnic spots.
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Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll be on your feet for most of the day. Lightweight layers can be ideal since coastal weather in California can change quickly.
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Engage the Kids: Encourage your children to plan part of the day. Let them choose one of the attractions they are most excited about, which can make the trip more engaging for everyone.
These simple tricks can transform a hectic day into a memorable adventure, ensuring that everyone in the family has a wonderful time.
Conclusion
California is a treasure trove of fun and learning for families, offering an impressive range of activities from interactive science museums and behind-the-scenes studio tours to enchanting theme parks and serene nature spots. The attractions listed above not only entertain but also educate, sparking creativity and curiosity in children of all ages. Whether you’re exploring the magic of Disneyland, the creative world of LEGOLAND, or getting up close with marine life at SeaWorld, each destination provides a unique experience that makes family time even more special.
For families seeking a relaxing end to a busy day of adventures, consider staying at a luxurious and conveniently located retreat like Cobbo’s Beach House. With its unparalleled amenities, including steps-to-the-beach access and superb views, Cobbo’s Beach House is the perfect base for your California getaway. Book your stay today and start planning unforgettable memories with your loved ones!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are some must-see attractions for kids in California?
A1: From Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood to interactive spots like The Exploratorium and Monterey Bay Aquarium, there is something for every age. These attractions combine fun, learning, and excitement for the entire family.
Q2: How can I make the most out of a family trip to California?
A2: Plan ahead by checking each venue’s hours and ticket options, pack snacks and essentials, and schedule rest breaks between activities. It can also be helpful to allow each family member to pick a favorite spot. For additional planning tips, visit our Blog.
Q3: Are these attractions suitable for toddlers?
A3: Yes, many of these destinations offer activities specifically designed for younger children. Attractions like Gilroy Gardens and Oakland Zoo provide gentle rides and interactive exhibits that are perfect for toddlers alongside more adventurous experiences for older kids.
Q4: What is the best time to visit California with kids?
A4: California’s mild climate makes it a great destination year-round. However, visiting during off-peak times can help you avoid large crowds and long wait times at popular attractions.
Enjoy your California adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime!
