Fun Family Friendly Things to do in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara has much more to offer than just the amazing Santa Barbara zoo and this list covers 15 of the best family friendly things to do while visiting! Use this guide of family friendly things to do in Santa Barbara to plan out your next family vacation.
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15 Fun Family Friendly Things to do in Santa Barbara
There is a wide variety of things to do in Santa Barbara with younger kids in this guide and any mixture of them would make for a terrific experience.
Here are some awesome things to do in Santa Barbara with kids:
Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara zoo is an absolute must not only for toddlers, but just the entire family in general. It’s a very quaint zoo, focusing on preservation and conservation efforts with it being home to 146 different species of animals, reptiles, birds, and insects. If traveling with a 2yr old and under, I highly recommend a stroller just to be safe.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Santa Barbara Natural History Museum is a wonderful spot to take the family for all ages. For our dino loving boy, the animatronic dinosaurs in the Prehistoric Forest was one for the books to say the least. Anyone who loves dinosaurs needs to see this for themselves. And if you’re into space, the planetarium is a must see. There you’ll literally travel through space, see the stars, and get to know our solar system which was so much fun for all of us.
The Wolf Museum of Exploration
The Moxi also known as The Wolf Museum is Santa Barbara’s contemporary science, technology, and art museum all in one space. It is geared towards slightly older children, 6-12yrs of age, but depending on your child’s interest I’m sure it would be a hit for younger as well.
El Capitan Canyon
If your family enjoys glamping, just 17 miles north west of Santa Barbara is El Capitan Canyon which is a wonderfully popular glamping spot for families. Glamp in comfy style either in cabins or yurts where you get to experience coastal mountain views, beautiful trails for hiking, biking, and even a llama farm!
Other Great Family Friendly Things to do Around Santa Barbara with Kids
Kids of all ages will enjoy these fun spots for your Santa Barbara family vacation, but especially toddlers!
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Santa Barbara:
Stearns Wharf
Explore the enchanting Stearns Wharf with your family in Santa Barbara. This historic pier offers seaside charm and kid-friendly activities.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll, discover marine life at the Discovery Center, and indulge in sweet treats from local shops.
Whether fishing or souvenir shopping, Stearns Wharf guarantees a delightful family adventure.
State Street
Dive into the vibrant energy of State Street in Santa Barbara with your family. This bustling thoroughfare invites you to explore eclectic shops, where you can indulge in some leisurely shopping.
Encounter lively street performers adding an extra dose of entertainment to your stroll.
Discover art galleries and murals that spark creativity, making it an engaging experience for all.
Complete your visit with diverse culinary delights at family-friendly restaurants, ensuring a memorable outing for everyone.
Downtown Santa Barbara
Discover the joy of downtown Santa Barbara with your toddler. This charming area boasts kid-friendly parks, providing safe spaces for little ones to play and enjoy the outdoors.
Explore interactive museums designed for toddlers, offering hands-on activities and delightful learning experiences.
Treat your little adventurer to sweet delights from local ice cream parlors or bakeries, creating cherished memories in the heart of Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Harbor
Santa Barbara Harbor is a fantastic spot for toddlers, offering a range of delightful activities.
Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic promenade, where little ones can enjoy the sea breeze and watch boats in the harbor.
The Maritime Museum features engaging exhibits for toddlers, sparking curiosity about marine life.
Treat your tiny adventurers to a waterside picnic with stunning views. It's a perfect destination for a family day by the water with the little ones.
Sea Center
The Sea Center at Santa Barbara is a toddler-friendly gem, offering a compact yet captivating marine experience.
Your little ones can marvel at colorful marine life in touch tanks, providing a hands-on introduction to the wonders of the ocean.
Interactive exhibits cater to toddlers, fostering their curiosity about sea creatures.
With its manageable size and engaging displays, the Sea Center ensures a delightful aquatic adventure for your tiny explorers.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Immerse your toddlers in the natural wonders of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a haven of exploration and outdoor fun.
Stroller-friendly paths wind through enchanting landscapes, allowing little ones to discover vibrant flowers and fragrant herbs.
Engage their senses in the Children's Maze, a playful labyrinth that adds an extra touch of excitement.
The Storytelling Circle provides a cozy spot for interactive tales amidst the beauty of nature.
With its toddler-friendly trails and interactive spaces, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden promises a delightful outdoor adventure for the whole family.
Alameda Park
Embark on a delightful toddler adventure at Alameda Park in Santa Barbara. This picturesque park is a haven for little ones, offering stroller-friendly paths, vibrant playgrounds, and open spaces for them to roam freely.
Let your toddlers explore the charming Children's Playground, designed for their safety and enjoyment.
The park's lush greenery and soothing atmosphere create an ideal setting for family picnics or leisurely strolls.
Alameda Park is a must-visit destination, providing a perfect blend of outdoor fun and relaxation for your little explorers.
Santa Ynez Mountains
Uncover the magic of the Santa Ynez Mountains with your family in Santa Barbara. These majestic peaks unfold a canvas of natural beauty and family-friendly pursuits.
Take leisurely hikes with trails suitable for all ages, allowing your little ones to soak in the awe-inspiring vistas.
Pack a yummy picnic and relish a day amidst the serene mountain landscape.
With accessible trails and a tranquil ambiance, the Santa Ynez Mountains offer a perfect retreat for families yearning for outdoor escapades and a genuine connection with nature.
Catch Some Ocean Views
Santa Barbara has some beautiful beaches that serve as wonderful spots to catch some stunning views.
Here are some of the best places to watch the ocean in Santa Barbara:
Douglas Family Preserve: Enjoy stunning coastal views from this bluff-top preserve, offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Barbara coastline.
Inspiration Point: Hike to Inspiration Point for breathtaking vistas of the city, ocean, and islands. It's an awesome spot for capturing the beauty of Santa Barbara.
Butterfly Beach: Relax at Butterfly Beach, where the golden sands meet the Pacific ocean waves. It's a perfect spot to soak in stunning sunsets over the Pacific.
Santa Barbara Harbor: Take a leisurely stroll along the harbor, offering delightful views of boats, the coastline, and the Santa Ynez Mountains in the background.
Knapp's Castle: For a unique experience, visit Knapp's Castle, a historic ruin with panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes.
Carpinteria State Beach
Head to Carpinteria State Beach for a coastal getaway with your family. This pristine shoreline combines relaxation with stunning ocean vistas.
Watch as the little ones build sandcastles on the sandy shores, while you soak in the breathtaking scenes of the Pacific. The calm waves make it a perfect spot for family-friendly water adventures.
Whether you're having a beachside picnic or taking a leisurely stroll along the shore, Carpinteria State Beach offers a tranquil escape with uninterrupted views of the ocean.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is a can’t-miss activity in Santa Barbara!
Catch some beautiful views of the California Coast while waiting to scope out some whales at these awesome spots below.
NOTE: The best time to whale watch is during migration season which is about January-April!
Stearns Wharf: Stearns Wharf offers whale-watching opportunities, and the best time for this activity is typically during the annual gray whale migration season.
Santa Barbara Harbor: The Santa Barbara Harbor is another excellent spot for whale watching.
Channel Islands National Park: For a more immersive experience, consider a whale-watching tour to Channel Islands National Park.
Point Vicente Lighthouse: While a bit south of Santa Barbara, Point Vicente Lighthouse near Los Angeles is renowned for whale watching.
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park: This beach park is known for occasional whale sightings.
Is Santa Barbara a Great Travel Spot for Kids?
Whether by plane or road trip, Santa Barbara is a great spot for kids because of its diverse range of family-friendly attractions.
From the enchanting Santa Barbara Zoo and interactive Sea Center to the outdoor wonders of the Botanic Garden, there's no shortage of engaging activities for little ones.
The toddler-friendly atmosphere at the harbor, the delightful experiences on State Street, and the captivating downtown charm further make it an ideal destination.
With a perfect blend of coastal beauty, educational adventures, and welcoming spaces, Santa Barbara ensures a memorable vacation for families with little kids.
When is a Good Time to Visit Santa Barbara?
For an ideal Santa Barbara getaway, consider planning your visit during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November).
These seasons boast mild temperatures, ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit, creating a perfect climate for outdoor adventures. What makes it even better is that these times usually see fewer tourists, allowing you to explore the charming attractions and family-friendly activities with a more relaxed vibe.
Whether you're wandering along State Street, immersing yourself in botanical gardens, or enjoying coastal delights, spring and fall bring a delightful blend of favorable weather and a serene atmosphere to Santa Barbara.
What Are the Top 5 Family Friendly Things to do in Santa Barbara?
The best places to visit in Santa Barbara (that are also mentioned in this post) are:
Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Barbara Natural History Museum
Stearns Wharf
Santa Barbara Harbor
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara with Kids?
The Steward Hotel is a brand new renovation that sits on the historical property of The Sexton House. We stayed there this past October upon it’s grand reopening and Connor was truly living his best life.
Minimal, gorgeous, and creatively designed, The Steward gives all the classic California elegance that we know and love. The grounds are surrounded by lush gardens, trees, and native plants. The pool is where we as a family spent most of our time as well as the fire pits at night. The food is top tier Californian farm to table fare. There’s something magical about this historical gem and I would absolutely come back with my family.
I hope this list has helped you figure out a plan of attack for your family getaway to Santa Barbara. I hope I included some awesome ideas for the whole family that you’ve been able to pick through in order to plan out your vacation.