Family Friendly Things to Do in Santa Barbara
Visitors all agree; Santa Barbara is one big, beautiful playground for children of all ages -- so shake off those adult concerns, discover your inner child, and join the kids in an unforgettable adventure on The American Riviera®! When traveling with kids to Santa Barbara, you'll be delighted to learn that we offer an eclectic potpourri of fun, exciting, and educational activities for children and adults alike. Check out our Family Fun Trek for an outdoor adventure itinerary or Perfect Family Day itinerary.Heading out into the Santa Barbara sandbox offers up a veritable treasure trove of family adventure, so be sure to bring swimsuits and plenty of sunscreen for a full day of outdoor fun in the sun! You can take the family for a bike ride along the Santa Barbara waterfront, learn to surf, enjoy some fresh strawberries at an outdoor picnic, or even spend some time at our safe, family-friendly beaches where the adults can sunbathe while aspiring sandcastle architects fortify their dream stronghold.
For a real treat, be sure to visit the Santa Barbara Zoo, where the only things more pampered than the visitors are the animals themselves! The whole family will marvel at the meticulously kept menagerie of exotic animals, all while taking in the stunning scenery at one of the country's most beautiful zoos. Visitors can ride the Zoo Train, play zookeeper for a day, take the elephant walk, go on a zoo tour, and even hand-feed the giraffes!
New at the zoo is a 15-foot-long, 7-foot-tall animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex named Duncan, who joins the roster in a brand-new show called "How to Train Your Dinosaur." This massive prehistoric star was created by top Hollywood creature shop Chiodo Bros, and headlines an interactive show which demonstrates to visitors the special care given to the zoo's animals, and how certain animal behaviors can be trained - such as allowing his teeth to be brushed by a giant toothbrush!
This fun for everyone doesn't end at the zoo though, as Santa Barbara is home to exhibits, museums, and festivals that are both entertaining and informative. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History connects kids to the science of nature through interactive displays and play areas, while the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers visitors a place of beauty and serenity to learn about plant life and nature conservation. The annual Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is also guaranteed to delight both young and old as well, with over 30 rides and attractions, including a Kid's Carnival area exclusively for the little ones.
When traveling with kids, there is no end to the fun and adventure you can have...or the stuff you need to carry around. That's why we've made it easy for you to travel light and rent everything you need right here -- bikes, snorkel gear, kayaks, strollers, and more, are all available for rent in Santa Barbara. We also know that traveling from one place to another can be hectic, but don't fret; everything in Santa Barbara is nearby, and all the major attractions are just a short, safe distance away.
For more on all the fantastic family activities there are to do in Santa Barbara, be sure to sign up for our family-fun e-newsletter, Go Play.
Featured Partner
The SB Post
- 1800 Refugio Road
- Goleta, CA 93117
- Information: 805-968-1113
The picturesque Circle Bar B Guest Ranch is located on nearly one thousand acres in the Santa Ynez Mountains on California’s scenic Central Coast. The ranch, which offers magnificent views of the ...MORE
- 11560 Calle Real
- Santa Barbara, CA 93117
- Information: 805-685-3887
Located fifteen minutes north of downtown Santa Barbara, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, lies El Capitan Canyon, an incredible resort secluded amongst ancient sycamores ...MORE
- Tour Pick-up: State St. & Cabrillo Blvd.
- Mailing: 23 East Cabrillo Blvd.
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: (805) 965-0353
TROLLEY TOURS Welcome aboard Santa Barbara Trolley Tours, formerly known as Santa Barbara Old Town Trolley! We offer fully-narrated tours packed with anecdotes and well-researched historical ...MORE
- 23 East Cabrillo Blvd.
- 22 State Street
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: (805) 966-2282
Unique bikes & way more!Welcome to Wheel Fun Rentals, home of the nation's premier recreational rental outlets. Look for us in leisure time and tourist destinations, in parks, at beaches, in hotels ...MORE
- 720 Bond Ave.
- Santa Barbara, CA 93103
- Information: (805) 884-9283
See a part of Santa Barbara few visitors ever get to experience with the top adventure company on the Central Coast! Our guides create thousands of unforgettable travel adventures each year – come ...MORE
- 229 E. Victoria Street
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: (805) 965-6307
Founded in 1983, the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara is a public non-profit charitable corporation. With the goal of enhancing our community's awareness and appreciation of architecture and ...MORE
- 933 Castillo St
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: 805-564-1819
We offer Wine Tasting tours starting at $50, Beer Tasting tours, Coastal Sailboat Cruises and Kayak Tours starting at $35, Horseback Rides starting at $42 and more. Captain Jack's Tours offers these ...MORE
- 129 Castillo Street
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: (805) 962-2353
The Carriage and Western Art Museum of Santa Barbara was founded in 1972 and is located in Pershing Park near the waterfront in Santa Barbara, CA.The collection consists of over 50 saddles once ...MORE
- 237 Stearns Wharf
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: (805) 896-6900
What’s Fun to do in Santa Barbara? Lil’ Toot is a beautifully built yellow tugboat that is cute and memorable. The interior is light and comfortable with padded seating for all. Our drop-down windows ...MORE
- 209 State Street
- Door to Door Service all over Santa Barbara County
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: 805-646-3200
Join us for a climb above the clouds in our comfortable, safe, 4 to 7-passenger custom Jeeps to the top of the Santa Ynez Mountains and beyond. From off-road trails to lush valley vineyards, ...MORE
- 301 W. Cabrillo Blvd.
- In the Santa Barbara Harbor
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: (805) 882-0088
Condor Cruises offers a variety of spectacular excursions into the Santa Barbara Channel aboard our all new high - speed catamaran the 75' CONDOR EXPRESS.Our cruising grounds include the nutrient rich ...MORE
- Visit Our Website or Call For More Information
- Santa Barbara, CA
- Information: (805) 776-3814
Craving Adventures creates customized, full or half day experiences in food and adventure in Santa Barbara. We specialize in small groups and special occasions. We'll get to know you, choose ...MORE
- 123 E. Canon Perdido St.
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: 805-966-9719
- Call or Email To Learn More
- Solvang, CA 93463
- Information: (805) 688-6288
What we do at Flag Is Up Farm Private & Corporate Events Monty and Pat Roberts offer an enriching experience for your team building exercise, incentive trip, or corporate assembly. In the ...MORE
- 10 East Cabrillo
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: (805) 683-7600
Voted the best City & Harbor tour of Santa Barbara!Make a splash aboard the LAND SHARK!View one of the most historical beachside cities on a boat with wheels designed for both land and sea cruising. ...MORE
- 33 East Canon Perdidio Street
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: (805) 966-4946
The Lobero Theatre is Santa Barbara's premier performing arts venue, featuring an exciting variety of modern dance, ballet, jazz, lectures, classical music, opera and contemporary music performances.
- 2201 Laguna Street
- Santa Barbara, CA 93105
- Information: 805.682.4713
The picturesque Mission lies between the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The Spanish heritage of the town is reflected in the architecture and street names of this popular ...MORE
- 129 Castillo Street
- Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1557
- Information: (805) 962-8101
Hello, and welcome to the Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara website. This week-long festival was started in 1924 as a way to attract tourists to our city, honor there- opening of the Lobero Theatre, ...MORE
- 7544 Evergreen Drive
- Goleta, CA 93117
- Information: (805) 448-6873
PAINT JAM ... is a unique party theme that engages all ages 6-106. Express ones life, mood or fancy in full color with professional arts materials and take home the ultimate party favor or Santa ...MORE
- 3750 Paradise Road
- Santa Barbara, CA 93105
- Information: 805.683.5686
Take your horses camping with you or come ride ours! The perfect vacation destination awaits you at Rancho Oso Guest Ranch and Stables in Santa Barbara, California! Located only 30 minutes from ...MORE
- 217 State St.
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: 888-872-1776
The Reagan Ranch Center in downtown Santa Barbara, California is open to the general public for tours and visitation Monday through Thursdays from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is FREE. These galleries ...MORE
- 1212 Mission Canyon Road
- Santa Barbara, CA 93105-2126
- Information: 805-682-4726
Located on 65 acres in the foothills just above the city, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden features exquisite exhibits of California native plants displayed in beautiful landscaped settings. Walk ...MORE
- 1100 Anacapa St.
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: (805) 568-3070
The courthouse complex is comprised of four buildings totaling 150,000 square feet. There is a full basement that contains the mechanical equipment, parking and storage. The Jail Wing is no longer ...MORE
- 125 Harbor Way #13
- Santa Barbara, CA 93109
- Information: 805-962-2826
- 136 E. De La Guerra St.
- Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Information: (805) 966-1601
Museum Hours:Tuesday through Saturday10am-5pmSunday 12-5pmClosed Monday Guided Tours are offered on Saturdays at 2:00pm (Group tours at other times can be arranged through our Education Department) ...MORE
