Things to Do with Kids in Santa Barbara, CA

  • TripBuzz found 57 things to do with kids in or near Santa Barbara, California, including 32 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like Goleta, Ventura, Ojai and Montecito.
  • From Arroyo Burro County Beach Park to Santa Barbara Zoo, the Santa Barbara area offers 56 different types of family activities, including: Natural History Museums, Botanical Gardens, Nature & Wildlife Areas and Waterfalls.
  • Situated between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the city of Santa Barbara offers the best of both worlds to its residents and visitors. Just minutes from lush forest or sandy beach, the area is as popular for its outdoor recreation as it is for its many indoor attractions such as it's high-end shops, world-class restaurants and luxury spas.
  • TripBuzz found 57 things to do with kids in or near Santa Barbara, California, including 32 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like Goleta, Ventura, Ojai and Montecito.
  • From Arroyo Burro County Beach Park to Santa Barbara Zoo, the Santa Barbara area offers 56 different types of family activities, including: Natural History Museums, Botanical Gardens, Nature & Wildlife Areas and Waterfalls.
  • Situated between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the city of Santa Barbara offers the best of both worlds to its residents and visitors. Just minutes from lush forest or sandy beach, the area is as popular for its outdoor recreation as it is for its many indoor attractions such as it's high-end shops, world-class restaurants and luxury spas.
Showing 1-10 of 213
0.0 Miles
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Santa Barbara Maritime Museum 113 Harbor Way, Ste 190, Santa Barbara, CA MoreLess Info
Enjoy exciting and educational exhibits, sailing vessels, and media that bring the maritime history of the California Coast to life
2.9 Miles
89% 309 votes
Beaches 2981 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA MoreLess Info
Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, better known as Hendry's Beach, is popular with children looking for a secluded place to play in the sand and with surfers. It is also popular because dogs are allowed off-leash in some areas of this beach.
1.6 Miles
87% 2437 votes
Zoos 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 MoreLess Info
Families and school groups love the Santa Barbara Zoo in Santa Barbara, California. The zoo's most popular denizens include great apes, leopards, bears, penguins and assorted reptiles. It takes roughly three hours to fully explore the Santa Barbara Zoo.
3.8 Miles
56% 147 votes
Lake HC 59 - Highway 154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 MoreLess Info
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the beauty of Lake Cachuma and its surrounding area. Along with watching birds and other wildlife, this is a great location for fishing, kayaking and camping.
9.6 Miles
50% 16 votes
Horseback Riding 3750 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 MoreLess Info
Ranch Oso offers the authentic California ranch experience with added comforts of a home. They have daily horseback riding, camp store, sports courts, many hiking trails, even a spa and a pool. The surrounding landscape is eye-catching with beautiful views of the mountain range.
1.6 Miles
95% 150 votes
Bike Paths Andree Clark Bird Refuge (1400 E. Cabrillo Blvd.), Santa Barbara, CA MoreLess Info
Cabrillo Bike Path runs from the zoo to the harbor. A nice place to bike, jog, or walk
0.8 Miles
76% 838 votes
Piers & Boardwalks Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA MoreLess Info
The famous Stearns Wharf is a vital attraction in Santa Barbara. Many tourist-friendly shops with souvenirs are available in the area as are many places to sample local seafood dishes like lobster bisque and even full lobster dinners.
2.1 Miles
85% 121 votes
Sailing 133 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 MoreLess Info
Santa Barbara Sailing Center has tours for a number of interests. A popular tour is their Dolphin and Whale Watching excursion.
1.7 Miles
82% 253 votes
Natural History Museums 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 MoreLess Info
A wide range of exhibits are available at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History including those that feature mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, plant life, and geology that is native to the Pacific Coast and Channel Islands. There are also dioramas that depict prehistoric Native American life.
28.2 Miles
78% 144 votes
Waterfalls Alisal Road, Santa Barbara, CA MoreLess Info
Take a short hike through Nojoqui Falls County Park, and see the waterfalls among the forest trees. This beautiful setting is a favorite destination for families who take advantage of the picnic and playground areas and open spaces.
1.3 Miles
73% 104 votes
Natural History Museums 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA MoreLess Info
If you've ever dreamed of touching a shark, visit Ty Warner Sea Center. They offer a large amount of information about sea creatures.
Showing 1-10 of 213
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