👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Activities in Santa Cruz
The best things to do with kids in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz is a paradise for families! From the iconic Beach Boardwalk to tide pool explorations, hands-on museums to forest adventures, your kids will never be bored in Santa Cruz. Here are the best family-friendly activities that kids actually love.
Top 15 Kid Activities
1. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
$$Rides, arcade, beach access
2. Seymour Marine Discovery Center
$Touch pools, whale skeleton, educational
3. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
$Interactive exhibits, tide pool touch tank
4. Natural Bridges Tide Pools
FreeSee sea stars, crabs, anemones
5. Roaring Camp Railroad
$$Steam train through redwoods
6. DeLaveaga Park Playground
FreeHuge playground, hiking trails
7. Capitola Beach
FreeCalm waves, village, ice cream
8. Twin Lakes Beach
FreeGentle waves, playground nearby
9. Mystery Spot
$$Gravity-defying fun, kids love it
10. Lemos Farm
$Petting zoo, train, playground
11. Pogonip Park
FreeEasy trails, picnic areas, nature
12. Library Programs
FreeStory time, crafts, events
13. Capitola Wharf
Free-$Fishing, sea lions, walking
14. Felton Covered Bridge Park
FreeHistoric bridge, river, picnics
15. O'Neill Sea Odyssey
FreeFree marine science sailing program
Activities by Age
👶 Toddlers (0-3)
- • Lemos Farm petting zoo
- • Twin Lakes Beach (gentle waves)
- • Library story time
- • Simple playground visits
🧒 Young Kids (4-7)
- • Beach Boardwalk (kiddie rides)
- • Tide pools at Natural Bridges
- • Roaring Camp Railroad
- • DeLaveaga Playground
👦 Big Kids (8-12)
- • Beach Boardwalk (big rides)
- • Surfing lessons
- • Mystery Spot
- • O'Neill Sea Odyssey
👨👩👧👦 All Ages
- • Beach days (bring boogie boards!)
- • Easy forest hikes
- • Ice cream crawl
- • Downtown murals & street performers