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Planning a family trip to the California coast and wondering what things to do in Santa Cruz with kids? This vibrant beach town is one of the most kid-friendly destinations in California, offering everything from classic boardwalk fun and nature-filled adventures to animal encounters, museums, parks, and scenic ocean experiences. Whether your children love thrill rides, sandcastle building, wildlife spotting, or hands-on science activities, Santa Cruz promises to keep them busy from sunrise to sunset.
One of the best things about Santa Cruz is that the city blends natural beauty with adventure. Families can enjoy beachfront amusement rides one moment and stroll through redwood forests the next. Kids can learn about marine life, discover tide pools, visit playful otters, or hop on a historic train—all in one city. With mild weather year-round, Santa Cruz is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a full family vacation packed with memorable moments.
1. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
No list of things to do in Santa Cruz with kids is complete without mentioning the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Known as one of California’s oldest seaside amusement parks, it offers families a perfect mix of thrills, games, and beach fun. Kids will love classic attractions like the Giant Dipper, a historic wooden roller coaster, and the Sky Glider, which offers sweeping ocean views. Little ones can enjoy the kiddie rides, arcade games, carousel, and delicious treats like funnel cakes and corn dogs.
What makes the Boardwalk especially appealing for families is its location directly next to Main Beach. Parents can relax on the sand while kids build sandcastles or splash in the gentle waves. For budget-friendly family travel, the Boardwalk often hosts free entertainment such as concerts and movies during summer. Whether you spend one hour or one entire day here, it’s guaranteed to be a highlight of your Santa Cruz adventure.
2. Visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Another must-see attraction when exploring things to do in Santa Cruz with kids is the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. This small but fascinating marine science museum gives children an up-close look at ocean life through interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and educational displays. Kids can gently touch sea stars, anemones, and other tide-pool creatures while learning about their habitats. The outdoor whale skeletons—particularly “Ms. Blue,” one of the largest displayed blue whale skeletons in the world—leave kids in awe.
The center is located on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making it not only educational but incredibly scenic. Families can combine their visit with a short coastal walk to observe seabirds, check out migrating whales, or enjoy the beautiful ocean views. If your child loves marine life, this is one of the most enriching and memorable experiences Santa Cruz has to offer.
3. Explore the Santa Cruz Wharf
When looking for relaxed things to do in Santa Cruz with kids, a visit to the Santa Cruz Wharf is always a great choice. Stretching half a mile into the ocean, the wharf is a perfect place for families to stroll, shop, and enjoy great seafood. Kids especially love spotting the resident sea lions that gather around the wooden pillars—they bark, splash, and lounge around entertaining visitors all day long. There are several viewing areas where families can get a close look without disturbing the animals.
Beyond sea lion watching, the wharf offers ice cream shops, souvenir stores, kayak rentals, and local restaurants with kid-friendly menus. Families who enjoy light adventures can rent bikes or surreys to ride along the waterfront. The calm ocean views, fun atmosphere, and wildlife encounters make the Santa Cruz Wharf a peaceful but exciting stop for families.
4. Spend a Day at Natural Bridges State Beach
If your kids love beaches, tide pools, or unique natural formations, then Natural Bridges State Beach is one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz with kids. Named after the iconic natural rock arch in the water, this beach offers stunning scenery and plenty of activities. Families can enjoy picnicking, beach play, and low-tide explorations where kids discover starfish, crabs, hermit crabs, and colorful sea anemones. Tide pooling here is both fun and educational for children of all ages.
Natural Bridges is also famous for being a winter home to thousands of migrating monarch butterflies. From October to January, the Monarch Grove turns into a magical site filled with clusters of orange-and-black butterflies resting in the eucalyptus trees. Kids will be mesmerized by the sight, making it a perfect nature-learning moment. The combination of wildlife, beach fun, and scenic beauty makes this state beach a top family destination.
5. Ride the Roaring Camp Railroad
One of the most unique things to do in Santa Cruz with kids is taking a ride on the historic Roaring Camp Railroad. Families can board an old-fashioned steam train that takes them through the towering redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Kids love the excitement of riding an open-air train while learning about the history of logging, steam engines, and California’s redwood forests. The ride is relaxing for parents and thrilling for young children, especially when the steam whistle blows.
Another scenic route travels from Felton to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This beach train passes through lush forests and vibrant neighborhoods before arriving right at the shore. It’s a magical experience that blends nature and nostalgia, making it something families talk about long after their trip ends. For a fun combination day, you can ride the train in the morning and spend the afternoon at the Boardwalk.
6. Spend Time at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
For families who love educational adventures, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History offers fascinating exhibits focused on local wildlife, Native American culture, and natural ecosystems. This museum is easy to explore, small enough for younger kids, and interactive enough to keep older children interested. They can learn about seashells, fossils, plants, and animals, making it a perfect addition to your list of things to do in Santa Cruz with kids.
Outside the museum is the famous “whale statue,” where children love climbing and taking pictures. Families can also enjoy seasonal workshops, guided nature walks, and storytelling sessions designed specifically for kids. It’s an ideal stop for an hour or two before continuing your Santa Cruz adventure.
7. Spend a Relaxing Day at Capitola Village
A short drive from downtown Santa Cruz, Capitola Village is a colorful beachfront town that’s perfect for families. Capitola Beach has gentle waves suitable for young swimmers, and the sandy shore gives kids plenty of space to play. Parents can relax on the sand while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere filled with shops, cafés, and local restaurants. It’s one of the most charming things to do in Santa Cruz with kids for families who prefer slower-paced coastal experiences.
Capitola’s Esplanade offers ice cream stands, pizza, beachwear shops, and souvenir boutiques. Families can stroll along the beach, rent paddleboards, or simply enjoy a seaside meal overlooking the water. The bright, colorful buildings make for perfect photos and memorable vacation moments. It’s a peaceful escape from the more crowded beaches, making it ideal for families with younger children.
8. Discover Interactive Fun at the Children’s Museum of Discovery
Located in Capitola Mall, the Children’s Museum of Discovery (MOD) offers hands-on learning experiences ideal for toddlers and younger kids. If you’re searching for indoor things to do in Santa Cruz with kids, this museum is perfect for rainy days or quieter afternoons. Children can explore science exhibits, water tables, building stations, and creative play zones that encourage imagination and early learning skills.
The museum frequently hosts workshops, music classes, craft sessions, and storytelling hours. Parents appreciate the safe, clean environment, and kids love the freedom to explore at their own pace. It’s especially ideal for families with children aged 2–8. MOD provides a playful break between beach and outdoor activities, making it a valuable addition to your itinerary.
9. Go Wildlife Watching at Elkhorn Slough
For nature-loving families, taking a wildlife tour at Elkhorn Slough is one of the most exciting things to do in Santa Cruz with kids. This protected estuary is home to otters, seals, sea lions, countless bird species, and beautiful marshlands. Families can join a boat tour or rent kayaks (suitable for older children) to get close to animals in their natural habitat. Kids especially enjoy spotting sea otters floating on their backs as they crack open shellfish.
The peaceful water and abundant wildlife make this experience both relaxing and educational. Many tours include fun facts about the ecosystem, allowing children to learn while enjoying the views. For families seeking a meaningful outdoor adventure, Elkhorn Slough provides the perfect blend of beauty and exploration.
10. Hike Among Redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Santa Cruz with kids, exploring Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a wonderful option. Families can take short, kid-friendly trails through ancient redwoods that are thousands of years old. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is flat, stroller-friendly, and filled with interpretive signs that teach children about the ecosystem. Kids love walking through the “Fremont Tree,” a hollow giant they can step inside.
The park also features picnic areas, river access, ranger-led programs, and wildlife sighting opportunities. After hiking, families can visit the nearby Roaring Camp Railroad to complete a nature-filled day. The peaceful beauty of the redwoods offers a calm contrast to the busier beach attractions, giving children a chance to connect with nature in a way they’ll never forget.
Final Thoughts On Things to Do in Santa Cruz with Kids
Santa Cruz is one of California’s best family destinations, packed with fun, educational, and memorable activities for kids of all ages. Whether you’re exploring tide pools, enjoying amusement rides, hiking through redwoods, or learning about marine life, you’ll never run out of things to do. This coastal city combines natural beauty with adventure, making every day feel like a new discovery.
From the iconic Boardwalk to peaceful beaches and wildlife-filled experiences, these things to do in Santa Cruz with kids ensure an unforgettable family vacation. Plan your trip well, mix fun with relaxation, and enjoy the perfect coastal getaway with your little ones.
