30 fun things to do with kids in Santa Cruz (2023)

1. Exit atmysterious place

One of the first things to see when in Santa Cruz is the legendary Mystery Spot. Maybe you've seen the black and yellow stickers dotted around town and wondered, "What the hell is a mysterious place?" Nestled in the mountains and surrounded by towering redwoods, this unique destination turns physics on its head. The gravitational anomaly causes the balls to roll uphill and visitors are at a 45-degree angle with ease.

2. Walk from the Redwoods to the Ocean at Wilder Ranch

Adults and children alike will love the natural diversity inWilder Ranch State Park. Located west of town along the Pacific Coast Highway, you can head north from the ranch towards the redwood forests, then cross the highway and spend your time walking along the cliffs next to the ocean. Once you've found the perfect cove, head down to the beach for a picnic.

3. Shop on Pacific Avenue

Pacific Avenue is the main thoroughfare indowntown santa cruz, full of restaurants, boutiques, galleries and other unique stores. Take a break from the beach and walk along the tree-lined shopping street before lunch.

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Get up close and personal with all types of marine life at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Photo courtesy of the center

4. Explore oSeymour Marine Discovery Center

This interactive museum dedicated to marine life has been open to the public since October 2021 after being forced to close due to COVID. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits including touch pools, photography exhibits and whale skeletons.

5. Learn notSanta Cruz Museum of Natural History

Children love natural history museums and Santa Cruz is no exception. This museum is located near the Seabright district and features exhibits displaying shells, artifacts, minerals, insects and animals. There are also exhibitions dedicated to ethnography, history and fine arts.

6. Put your emotions inSanta Cruz beach boardwalk

The boardwalk of Santa Cruz is the best known destination in the city, it has even appeared in films such asharold e maude,lost children, youFor us. Transport yourself back to the mid-century on this retro beach boardwalk, riding vintage roller coasters like the classic Ursa Major. If rollercoasters aren't your thing, there's plenty to do, including a huge arcade, bowling alley, laser tag, and miniature golf. There are a series of concerts in the summer and in the winter it becomes a "Winter Wonderland".

Marvel at the towering redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Photo courtesy of the park's Facebook page.

7. Walk among giants inHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Among the must-see natural attractions in the Santa Cruz area is the magnificent Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Easy walking trails wind through a 40-acre park that features several old-growth redwood groves as well as some secondary forest (because, unfortunately, much of the redwood groves were cleared in the early 20th century and have slowly grown since then.)

8. Take a bike ride or walk along West Cliff Drive

On the way to the Surf Museum, take the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauties of the western zone of Santa Cruz. West Cliff Drive circles the shore south of a beautiful residential neighborhood and offers a biking and walking path set back from the street. Another great hiking and biking trail can be found east along the St. Lawrence River Walk.

9. Slide in oneMount Hermon redwood zipline tour

If the trails at Henry Cowell aren't thrilling enough for you, then the Redwood Canopy Tour on Mt. Hermon might be better suited for you. This zipline tour lets you soar through the trees above the forest floor.

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Watch seals in the wild at Santa Cruz Municipal Pier. Photo courtesy of the Wharf Facebook page

10. Have lunch atMunicipal Pier of Santa Cruz

For a lunchtime alternative to Pacific Avenue, head to the Municipal Pier, just west of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Several restaurants line the pier and, unsurprisingly, many serve fresh seafood. Rates range from tourist and budget to more exclusive, so there's something for everyone.

11. Hang the Ten on theSanta Cruz Surf Museum

Surf culture reigns supreme in Santa Cruz, and the Santa Cruz Surf Museum celebrates the city's surfing history. Located along picturesque West Cliff Drive, walk to this museum for spectacular views of Monterey Bay and learn a little about surfing pioneers.

12. Find butterflies in theUC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanical Garden

One of Santa Cruz's most well-known institutions is UC Santa Cruz, home of the Banana Slugs. On this hillside campus is the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which features a California Garden, an Australian Garden, a Butterfly Garden and more.

Ride the Redwood Forest Train and learn the history of Roaring Camp. Photo courtesy of Roaring Camp Railroad

13. Take a walk in theroaring camp train

This railroad offers two train journeys, the Redwood Forest Steam Train and the Santa Cruz Beach Train. The Redwood Forest Train is a 75-minute journey that travels through the forest, up the mountains to the town of Felton as the conductor narrates the history of Roaring Camp. Returning in spring 2022, the Beach Train is a three-hour ride through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park along the St. Lawrence River and to the Beach Boardwalk. Children under 12 years old can participate in thekids clubto win fun prizes.

14. Relax inSão Lourenço Park

Sometimes you just need to relax while your kids play in the park. If you need a break from your entire schedule, head to visitor-favorite San Lorenzo Park, located east of the San Lorenzo River along the Riverwalk.

15. Find the local culture in theSanta Cruz Museum of Art and History

Also known as MAH, this museum is located along Pacific Avenue in the heart of the city. The museum brings together works by local artists that portray the history and culture of Santa Cruz. Be sure to visit the rooftop sculpture garden for fresh air, beautiful views, and beautiful sculptures.

The Best Family Beaches in Santa Cruz

16. Santa Cruz Beach

Of course, one of Santa Cruz's biggest draws is its miles and miles of beaches. If you are looking to be close to the city, then Santa Cruz beach is the best option for you. This beach is the most touristic because it is right next to the Santa Cruz promenade and the Municipal Pier. While it's probably the busiest, the advantage is that it's within walking distance of hotels and restaurants.

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Seabright Beach is a short walk away with numerous shops and restaurants. Photo courtesy of Seabright Beach, Facebook

17. Seabright Beach

Seabright Beach, across the St. Lawrence of Santa Cruz beach, is another relatively busy beach near the center of town. The beach is sandy and pleasant, slightly less crowded than Santa Cruz beach, and just a few blocks from the restaurants and shops on Seabright Avenue and Murray Street.

18. New Brighton Beach

Another more natural and secluded beach is Brighton Beach, near Soquel Cove. This beach is ideal for families looking for peace and quiet and the perfect place to camp if you prefer to pitch a tent instead of staying in a hotel. The beach is a short drive away from Capitola, which offers accommodation, food and shopping.

19. Praia Cowell

Cowell's beach is in virtually the same location as Santa Cruz beach, west of the municipal wharf. This beach is a little more secluded than the other beaches adjacent to the city and is a perfect choice for those staying at the Dream Inn.

Natural Bridges State Beach offers a peaceful beach experience away from busy Santa Cruz. Photo courtesy of the beach.

20Pontes Naturais State Beach

Although the namesake bridges have eroded into the sea, Natural Bridges State Beach is very private and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Santa Cruz and Seabright beaches. Combine a trip to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center with a stop at Natural Bridges. The nearby Monarch Trails are a great place to observe groups of butterflies during autumn through late winter.

21. Capitólio Beach

Capitola Beach is quieter than the main beaches in Santa Cruz, but not far from the beautiful town of Capitola. Soquel Creek ends right at the sandy end of the beach, creating a quiet baby beach on one side and a more typical beach on the other.

Restaurants in Santa Cruz that the kids will love

22Santa Cruz snack bar

Looking for that all-American restaurant that serves just about anything? Santa Cruz Diner is your place, the place isGuy Fieri endorsed, after all! The menu features typical diner dishes, as well as items with an Asian flair like pho, curry and teriyaki chicken, setting it apart from the typical diner. In addition, there are many options for vegetarians and vegans.

23Dock Restaurant

If you're heading to the beach in Capitola or New Brighton, head to the end of the pier for a bite to eat at Wharf House. The restaurant has incredible views of the bay and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features plenty of seafood as you'd expect, but there's also burgers, pastas, sandwiches, and more.

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Makai Island Kitchen serves Asian fusion on the municipal pier. Photo courtesy of makaisantacruz.com

24Restaurants on the Municipal Pier

For a gastronomic experience at Cais da Cidade de Santa Cruz, there are several options at Cais Municipal. If you're looking for something very family-friendly, Gilda's offers on-site food and a kids' menu. If you're more interested in seafood, there's Stagnaro Bros. and Riva Fish House. Other options include Mexican food at Olitas or Asian fusion at Makai Island Kitchen.

Retro Betty Burgers is the place to go if you have a meat craving. Photo courtesy of Betty Burgers, Facebook

25Betty Burgers

This retro dip on Seabright Avenue serveshot burgers on the grillsuch as Smokin' Betty (grilled balsamic onions, smoked cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo), Texas Two Step (onion rings, bacon, cheddar cheese and Betty's house-made barbecue sauce) and Mad Max (fresh guacamole, chili cheese, jack and mild chipotle sauce.) There are other places in Aptos and the east side besides the "Eat Inn" downtown.

Great Santa Cruz hotels and other family-friendly accommodation

The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA offers a variety of lodging options for families. Photo courtesy of koa.com

26Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA

Located about 20 minutes outside of town near Watsonville is the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA. For accommodations, choose from a variety of staterooms or get even fancier with a retro Airstream rental. You can also choose to stay in your own trailer or camp in your own tent. The camp offers endless fun for kids, including miniature golf, a giant jumping platform, a small game room and a rock-climbing wall.

27Dream Inn Santa Cruz

We stayed at the Dream Inn during one of our recent vacations to Santa Cruz, and it lives up to its name. The ocean views are spectacular, and during the summer you can people watch from your balcony before heading to the beach. The water is no more than 10 minutes from your room, with the Santa Cruz boardwalk about 20 minutes away.

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The colorful Capitola Venetian Hotel sits right on the sand. Photo courtesy of californiabeaches.com

28Capitola Venetian Hotel

The colorful Capitola Venetian Hotel is located next to the city's waterfront and pier. The historic structure was built in the 1920s and has a distinct Mediterranean style. The town of Capitola has a beautiful waterfront downtown that's great for strolling, plus all the sights and sounds of Santa Cruz are a five-minute drive away.

29Playa Calle Inn and Suites

If proximity to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Beach is most important to your family, the Beach Street Inn and Suites is just two blocks away. The hotel features a heated pool and hot tub, on-site cafe, laundry and dry cleaning services and much more.

30Hyatt Plaza Santa Cruz

The new Hyatt Place is the modern lodging choice. It's on the other side of the St. Lawrence from downtown and within convenient driving distance of all the attractions on this list. Hyatt Place offers a heated pool, fitness center, free breakfast and other amenities.