To review our top picks for family activities, please scroll down the page or click on year round<\/a> or seasonal activities<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Picnicking, swimming, building sandcastles, and kite flying are just a few of the activities that you will find at Santa Cruz State Beach. Click here to learn more Half Moon Bay’s outdoor recreational areas. More information at https:\/\/explorer1.com\/santacruz\/things-to-do\/santa-cruz-beaches\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA\u00a0 (831-459-3800<\/p>\n Although the facility is only a fraction of the size of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it is just big enough to keep families with smaller children engaged through exhibits, aquariums, and especially the touch tanks.\u00a0 The very low key environment allows children to explore and learn without becoming overwhelmed.\u00a0 Other activities include touring the marine mammal research overlook, and taking in the beautiful views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.\u00a0 Also, between 1 to 3:00 the Center offers craft projects for children.\u00a0 Adults and older children (10 years+) may enjoy the Marine Mammal Research “behind-the-scenes” tour.\u00a0 The 75-minute tour starts at 2:15 on selected Thursdays and Sundays of each month.\u00a0 Be sure to call for information and to reserve your spot on the tour!<\/p>\n Located in:\u00a0University of California Santa Cruz The wide paved path that parallels West Cliff Dr. is ideal for walking, strolling, biking and skating.\u00a0 You can also just sit, relax and and take in the sweeping Monterey Bay views from the bluff top benches or watch the surfers at Steamer Lane next to the historic lighthouse.<\/p>\n 3050 Hecker Pass Rd Gilroy, CA 95020 (408) 840-7100<\/p>\n Excellent family oriented theme park — especially for families with younger children. The rides are pretty tame and there are lots of activities geared toward the little ones.<\/p>\n Although the food at the park seems to be better than most theme parks, most families opt to bring their own snacks and drinks. It’s healthier and a lot more cost effective.<\/p>\n Gilroy can be extremely hot in the summer, so make sure to take plenty of water and sun screen! bring their own snacks and drinks. It’s healthier and a lot more cost effective.<\/p>\n Major rating websites rate Gilroy Gardens 4 to 4.5 stars out of 5.\u00a0 Because of the beautiful gardens and younger children rides and activities, we rate it 4.5 stars. Again, the park is really designed for parents and younger children.<\/p>\n Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020 Yes it is a big tourist attraction with a lot of big scary rides.\u00a0 But they’ve also done a pretty good job of developing a number of activities and rides for younger children too. And the best part of the boardwalk is its proximity to the beach, waves and the municipal wharf.\u00a0 When the park crowds become too much, you can always break away and enjoy the beach life.<\/p>\n Major rating websites rate The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 4 to 4.6 stars out of 5.\u00a0 Children of all ages will enjoy this park. We rate it 4.4 stars.<\/p>\n Address: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 The Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway Company operates the train between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp.\u00a0 Although, the beach train ride is enjoyable, our favorite train is the narrow-gauge steam locomotive that operates from Roaring Camp and travels into towering redwood groves, over trestles, and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain.<\/p>\n Major rating websites rate The Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad 4.5 to 4.6 stars out of 5. We rate it a solid 4.5 stars.<\/p>\n Address: 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018 Located in the Los Altos Hills, it’s worth the drive to visit this real working farm.\u00a0 Its mission is to educate, and that it does with its organic gardens and animals.\u00a0 Children love to get up close and personal with chickens, cows, pigs and much more.\u00a0 Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon….<\/p>\n Address: 26870 Moody Rd, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 <\/p>\n During the Holidays, you can create a cherished family memory by cutting your own tree at one of the Christmas tree farms<\/a><\/strong> located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. More information at https:\/\/explorer1.com\/sc2\/things-to-do\/christmas-tree-farms\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n A great Fall activity is to take the whole family out to a Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay pumpkin patch<\/a> <\/strong>and select the perfect pumpkin.\u00a0 Most of the larger farms have other activities too that range from gigantic hay labyrinth to petting pens to pony rides and haunted houses. More information at https:\/\/explorer1.com\/santacruz\/things-to-do\/santa-cruz-pumpkin-patches\/<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Pumpkin Festival has plenty of activities designed specifically for younger attendees.\u00a0 From face painting to pie eating and pumpkin carving contests, there is something for just about everyone!<\/p>\n During the Spring and Summer, many local farms between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay open their fields to the public for berry picking.\u00a0 This can be fun, educational, and yummy activity for the whole family!<\/p>\n Swanton Berry Farm is best known for organic berries and produce. They do grow pie pumpkins from mid-October and into November for our made-from-scratch pumpkin pie. Sometimes they bring them to market for a few months. If you are interested in their organic pie pumpkins, call before going to make sure they are available!<\/p>\n Address: 25 Swanton Rd., Davenport, CA 95017 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n _____________________________<\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGES AND POSSIBLE INACCURACIES. CHECK DIRECTLY WITH THE ORGANIZATIONS, VENDORS, AND\/OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FOR THE LATEST, MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION.<\/p>\n NOTE: Some of the material on this page may be provided by third-party organizations, vendors, and government agencies. This material is copyrighted by their respective operators \/ Web site owners.<\/p>\n All original material that appears on this page (text, graphics, photos, etc.) are copyrighted by Digital Renaissance Multimedia.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Top Picks for Family-friendly Activities in Santa Cruz\u00a0 — From exploring local beaches to strolling along West Cliff Drive to building sandcastles on the local beaches, Santa Cruz has many family-friendly activities that can cater to just about any age. To review our top picks for family activities, please scroll down the page or click […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":1773,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Top Picks for Family-friendly Activities in Santa Cruz\u00a0 -- From exploring local beaches to strolling along West Cliff Drive to building sandcastles on the local beaches, Santa Cruz has many family-friendly activities that can cater to just about any age.<\/p>\r\n To review our top picks for family activities, please scroll down the page or click on year round<\/a> or seasonal activities<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n Picnicking, swimming, building sandcastles, and kite flying are just a few of the activities that you will find at Santa Cruz State Beach. Click here to learn more Half Moon Bay's outdoor recreational areas.<\/p>\r\n 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA\u00a0 (831-459-3800<\/p>\r\n Although the facility is only a fraction of the size of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it is just big enough to keep families with smaller children engaged through exhibits, aquariums, and especially the touch tanks.\u00a0 The very low key environment allows children to explore and learn without becoming overwhelmed.\u00a0 Other activities include touring the marine mammal research overlook, and taking in the beautiful views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.\u00a0 Also, between 1 to 3:00 the Center offers craft projects for children.\u00a0 Adults and older children (10 years+) may enjoy the Marine Mammal Research \"behind-the-scenes\" tour.\u00a0 The 75-minute tour starts at 2:15 on selected Thursdays and Sundays of each month.\u00a0 Be sure to call for information and to reserve your spot on the tour!<\/p>\r\n West Cliff Drive \/ Lighthouse Field is our #3 pick<\/a><\/p>\r\n The wide paved path that parallels West Cliff Dr. is ideal for walking, strolling, biking and skating.\u00a0 You can also just sit, relax and and take in the sweeping Monterey Bay views from the bluff top benches or watch the surfers at Steamer Lane next to the historic lighthouse.<\/p>\r\n 3050 Hecker Pass Rd Gilroy, CA 95020 (408) 840-7100<\/p>\r\n Excellent family oriented theme park -- especially for families with younger children. The rides are pretty tame and there are lots of activities geared toward the little ones.<\/p>\r\n Although the food at the park seems to be better than most theme parks, most families opt to bring their own snacks and drinks. It's healthier and a lot more cost effective.<\/p>\r\n Gilroy can be extremely hot in the summer, so make sure to take plenty of water and sun screen! bring their own snacks and drinks. It's healthier and a lot more cost effective.<\/p>\r\n Yes it is a big tourist attraction with a lot of big scary rides.\u00a0 But they've also done a pretty good job of developing a number of activities for younger children too.\u00a0\u00a0 And the best part of the boardwalk is its proximity to the beach, waves and the municipal wharf.\u00a0 When the park crowds become too much, you can always break away and enjoy the beach life.<\/p>\r\n The Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway Company operates the train between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp.\u00a0 Although, the beach train ride is enjoyable, our favorite train is the narrow-gauge steam locomotive that operates from Roaring Camp and travels into towering redwood groves, over trestles, and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain.<\/p>\r\n Located in the Los Altos Hills, it's worth the drive to visit this real working farm.\u00a0 Its mission is to educate, and that it does with its organic gardens and animals.\u00a0 Children love to get up close and personal with chickens, cows, pigs and much more.\u00a0 Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon....<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n During the Holidays, you can create a cherished family memory by cutting your own tree at one of the Christmas tree farms<\/a> located in the Santa Cruz Mountains.<\/p>\r\n A great Fall activity is to take the whole family out to a Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay pumpkin patch<\/a> and select the perfect pumpkin.\u00a0 Most of the larger farms have other activities too that range from gigantic hay labyrinth to petting pens to pony rides and haunted houses.<\/p>\r\n<\/a>Top Year Round Family Friendly Activities<\/h2>\n
![\"Building](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.explorer1.com\/images\/main-category\/family-picks\/beach1a.jpg?w=1080\")
<\/a>#1 pick \u2014\u00a0Santa Cruz State Beaches<\/a><\/h3>\n#2 pick \u2014\u00a0Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab<\/h3>\n
Address: 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone:\u00a0(831) 459-3800
Website: https:\/\/seymourcenter.ucsc.edu\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n#3 pick \u2014\u00a0West Cliff Drive \/ Lighthouse Field<\/a><\/h3>\n
#4 pick \u2014 Gilroy Gardens<\/h3>\n
Phone: (408) 840-7100
Website: https:\/\/www.gilroygardens.org\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n#5 pick \u2014 The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk<\/h3>\n
Phone:\u00a0(831) 423-5590
Website: https:\/\/beachboardwalk.com\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n#6 pick \u2014 Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad<\/h3>\n
Phone:\u00a0(831) 335-4484
Website: https:\/\/www.roaringcamp.com\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Hidden](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.explorer1.com\/images\/featured-items\/hmb-hidden-villa-sm.jpg?w=1080\")
<\/a>#6 pick \u2014 Hidden Villa<\/h3>\n
Phone:\u00a0(650) 949-8650
Website: https:\/\/www.hiddenvilla.org\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nFamily Favorite Seasonal Activities<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"Christmas](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.explorer1.com\/images\/main-category\/family-picks\/christmas-tree.jpg?w=1080\")
<\/a>Christmas Tree Cutting<\/a><\/h3>\n![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.explorer1.com\/images\/main-category\/family-picks\/pumpkin-patch.jpg?w=1080\")
<\/a>Santa Cruz Pumpkin Patches<\/a><\/h3>\nHalf Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Berry](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.explorer1.com\/images\/main-category\/family-picks\/berry-picking.jpg?w=1080\")
Berry Picking<\/h3>\nSwanton Berry Farm<\/h3>\n
Website: http:\/\/www.swantonberryfarm.com\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>Top Year Round Family Friendly Activities<\/h2>\r\n
![\"Building](\"http:\/\/www.explorer1.com\/images\/main-category\/family-picks\/beach1a.jpg\")
Santa Cruz State Beaches is our #1 pick<\/a><\/h3>\r\nSeymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab is our #2 pick<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Gilroy Gardens is our #4 pick<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is our #5 pick<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Roaring Camp & Big Trees Railroad is our #6 pick <\/a><\/h3>\r\n
![\"Hidden](\"http:\/\/www.explorer1.com\/images\/featured-items\/hmb-hidden-villa-sm.jpg\")
Hidden Villa is our #7 pick<\/a><\/h3>\r\nFamily Favorite Seasonal Activities<\/a><\/h2>\r\n
![\"Christmas](\"http:\/\/www.explorer1.com\/images\/main-category\/family-picks\/christmas-tree.jpg\")
Christmas Tree Cutting<\/a><\/h3>\r\n![\"Santa](\"http:\/\/www.explorer1.com\/images\/main-category\/family-picks\/pumpkin-patch.jpg\")
Santa Cruz Pumpkin Patches<\/a><\/h3>\r\nHalf Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\r\n
![\"Berry](\"http:\/\/www.explorer1.com\/images\/main-category\/family-picks\/berry-picking.jpg\")
Berry Picking<\/h3>\r\n