Things to Do With Kids in Big Bear, CA
There are plenty of family-friendly things to do with kids in Big Bear, CA. From thrilling thrill rides and gold-seeking adventures to indoor puzzle challenges, the region has a lot to offer. Here are a few ideas. Visiting Big Bear’s Nature Discovery Zoo or taking your kids on an Alpine slide will be sure to please everyone. Horseback riding is another fun option. Depending on your budget and kids’ ages, you may even wish to take in some of the many art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
Nature Discovery Zoo
One of the things you can do with your kids in Big Bear is go to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. It’s one of two alpine zoos in the country, and it’s right next to Bear Mountain Ski Resort. In addition to wild animals, this zoo also helps rehab injured and orphaned animals. The animals at this zoo are mostly native to the area.
Besides visiting the zoo, you can also enjoy a nice hike in the nearby mountains. The Big Bear Loop Trail is a half-mile loop that’s wheelchair-accessible and offers scenic views and opportunities to see wildlife. You can also buy maps of hiking trails in the area at the Discovery Center. Another option is to take the scenic Sky Chair ride, which takes you to a scenic elevation of 8,200 feet.
You can also check out the Discovery Center’s Night Programs, which feature interactive exhibits and nighttime nature programs. This is a great place for kids of all ages to learn about local wildlife and ecosystems. You can also bring your family to the Nature Discovery Zoo for some hands-on fun.
The zoo is also pet-friendly, and there are a number of places you can visit with your family. It’s located at 40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38 in Fawnskin and is open Thursday-Monday from 8:30am-4:30pm. You can also visit the Laguna Grill Restaurant, which serves delicious fare.
You can also visit the nearby Big Bear Equestrian Center for horseback riding. You can also go ziplining with Action Zipline Tours, which offers year-round zipline tours. Another fun activity is bowling and laser tag.
Magic Mountain’s Alpine Slide
For a fun day out with kids, head to Magic Mountain in Big Bear. This year-round facility features water slides, winter bobsled tracks, and a chairlift. You and your kids will love the snowy, mountainous landscape, and you’ll be glad you came. This Big Bear family destination is one you’ll want to revisit. It has something for everyone, so be sure to plan plenty of time for the whole family.
Once you’re in Big Bear, don’t forget to take your kids to Magic Mountain’s Alpine Slide! This fun attraction features a bobsled-like track with a Teflon-coated runner, which will ensure a smooth ride. The Alpine Slide is located on the left side of the mountain, near the arcade building and snack bar. You can bring a picnic lunch with you for an early morning adventure.
The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is a world-famous adventure for families. Whether you’re taking the kids to the Alpine Slide in summer or escaping to the snow for a day, they’re sure to have a great time! There are two sun decks on either side of the Alpine Slide so parents can relax and watch the kids’ adventures. The base lodge also has plenty of windows, ice cream counters, and video games.
During the summer, the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain transforms into a mini water park, complete with water slides, a pool, and a sunbathing area. Kids ages two and older can ride for free with an adult.
Castle Rock Hike
The Castle Rock Hike with kids in Big Bear Lake is one of the best family hikes in the area. The trail is relatively short, but it’s steep and offers a 500-foot elevation gain. Even for experienced hikers, this hike is not for the faint of heart.
The trail begins with a steep incline and gradually levels off. You’ll need sturdy hiking shoes and a pair of hiking poles. The stunning views are the main draw for this trail. And if you’re hiking with kids, you’ll want to bring an adventure pad for them.
The trail starts near mile marker 45.5, just after the Big Bear Dam, and is located inland. There is limited parking at the trailhead, so plan accordingly. Park on the south side of the road. There’s another parking area a tenth of a mile up the road. However, keep in mind that parking for the trailhead can get very crowded, especially on the weekends. Regardless, a sign will point you to the trailhead.
Castle Rock Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Big Bear, California. This 2-mile roundtrip trail gains 610 feet in elevation and provides beautiful views of Big Bear Lake. The trail is steep in the beginning, but levels out as you approach Castle Rock. The trail is accessible for all ages and abilities.
If you don’t feel like climbing up the mountain, you can always take the bike and hike back down. There’s a lot to see and explore on this hike with your kids. The trail features a paved path that is easily accessible to all types of users. The end point is the Stanfield Cutoff, and it can also be used for wheelchairs.
Horseback riding
When it comes to vacations, nothing beats spending time in Big Bear, California, where you can enjoy the spectacular views, glittering lakes, and peaceful forests. There are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors with the family, and horseback riding in Big Bear is a great way to experience the area and reconnect with nature. No matter what your skill level is, you can find a ride to suit your needs.
You can take your children horseback riding at Baldwin Lake Stables, which has been in business for 25 years. Located near the Pacific Crest Trail, it offers hourly, half-day, and private guided rides. You can take your kids on a one-hour ride or opt for a sunset ride.
The Big Bear area is a popular tourist and mining destination, so the area has many bridle paths and trails for horseback riding. Many visitors bring their own horses and trailers. If you want to bring your own horse, you can board it at nearby stables. This will allow you to ride at your own pace and explore the beautiful mountainside.
Baldwin Lake Stables is a great choice if you’re looking for horseback riding with kids in Big Bear. This family-friendly horseback riding ranch has been serving the Big Bear Lake community for 25 years. The stables also offers pony rides and half-day tours. You can also visit the petting zoo to see goats, sheep, and rabbits.
If you don’t want to ride, there are plenty of water activities in the area. Big Bear Lake has many scenic areas and a picturesque lake. If you’re looking for a more passive way to enjoy the lake, consider taking a boat tour. Captain John, a local legend, has been giving tours of Big Bear since the 1970s. The tours last approximately an hour and a half and cost $20 each.
Tubing
Winter is the perfect time for tubing with your family in Big Bear. There are several tubing locations in the area, and you can find one that’s perfect for all ages and skill levels. You’ll find tube rentals at Grizzly Ridge Tubing Park, Alpine Slide, and Big Bear Snow Play. There’s also night tubing at Magic Mountain.
The winter season in Big Bear typically lasts from late November to mid-March. Some ski resorts even try to open Thanksgiving weekend! If you’re looking for tubing during the off-season, be sure to check with the park’s website. You can also rent tubes from one of the area’s many ski shops. Goldsmiths is a popular option.
Snowplay offers a variety of tubing activities for all ages. Big Bear Snow Play’s tubing hill features the longest tube run in Southern California. It also has a magic carpet lift to take you up the hill without the need to drag your tube. And, if you’re looking for a nighttime activity, Big Bear Snow Play offers special Glow Tubing sessions. On weekends and holidays, tubes are lit up in colors and black lights for a fun, glitzy environment. You’ll also be able to try glow bowling, a fun twist on a classic activity.
During winter, tubing is the perfect activity to enjoy with your family. The mountain tubing park is open daily, but the lifts may be closed during special events or extreme weather. In addition, you must be at least 42 inches tall to ride, so be sure to check the weather forecast before making your decision.
