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23+ Fun-Filled Things To Do in Big Bear with Kids 2024

Updated for 2024

When you’re thinking about your next family trip consider visiting Big Bear Lake. Big Bear offers a variety of year-round family-friendly activities and they’ve got a list of super fun things to do that goes beyond those you might already know about, like sledding, skiing, biking, and hiking.

Known as “Southern California’s local mountain lake escape,” it should become clear why there are so many fun things to do in Big Bear, whether you’re into water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, or like to ski and snowboard.

There are super fun adventures you can have with your family year-round in Big Bear.

tall pine trees near a lake with text: Things To Do With Kids in Big Bear Lake

Family Fun in Big Bear

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
800 Wildrose Ln., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

The Magic Mountain Recreation Area at Big Bear Lake is “home of the world-famous Alpine Slide,” described as “Southern California’s only authentic bobsled experience.”

The Mineshaft Coaster: This thrill ride is set to run year-round and offers a mile-long track! The fun starts with a scenic chairlift providing incredible panoramic views of Big Bear Lake. Then “riders navigate their own individually controlled sleds, each with Teflon runners and ball bearing wheels, down their choice of two quarter-mile long cement tracks filled with high-banked turns and long straightaways.”

The best part is that Alpine Slide is open year-round! You’ll find an 18-hole miniature golf course there as well as Go-Karts and a double water slide operating during the summer months! 

The Mineshaft Coaster at Alpine Slide in Big Bear
The Mineshaft Coaster at Alpine Slide in Big Bear looks super fun! (Photo credit: Alpine Slide)

Big Bear Lake Village
Village Dr. and Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

If you’re shopping for gifts or souvenirs be sure to stop by Big Bear Lake Village. You’ll find a variety of shops and over 120 vendors selling clothing, gifts, and more as well as several restaurants — you’ll find several family-friendly choices whether you’re looking for just a snack or a full meal. 

The Bowling Barn
40625 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

When you need some inside time, head to The Bowling Barn for a family-friendly game of bowling. There you’ll find 16 lanes, an onsite snack bar, and the Alley Oops Sports Bar — a popular spot to enjoy refreshments and watch sporting games while also enjoying a game of billiards or darts.

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Both kids and kids at heart will enjoy the arcade games found there. The Bowling Barn also hosts “Glow Bowling” — the lights are turned off, the music is turned up, and black lights are turned on. Before visiting, be sure to check the website for coupons and promotions. 

Big Bear Valley Historical Museum
800-B Greenway Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92314

A visit to Big Bear Museum provides families with historical information about the area. A variety of exhibits will allow visitors to get a sense of the area and how it has changed — and stayed the same — over time.

On display, you’ll find a furnished 1875 log cabin, gold mining artifacts, historic photographs, and more. There is no admission charge, though donations are appreciated. The Museum is usually open on weekends from Memorial Day through the second weekend of October, but check their website for the latest information on hours and prices.

Rotary Pine Knot Park
481 Bartlett Rd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Rotary Pine Knot Park is a park with a great view! You’ll find large, shady trees, walking paths, benches to stop and enjoy your surroundings, picnic tables, and a children’s playground. And, be on the lookout for friendly ducks waddling around!

Action Tours
40957 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

For families seeking some extra thrills, check out Action Tours. Here you can opt to zipline, take a Segway tour, or try your hand at tree rope climbing. Tours are for older kids. Children 8 and older can zipline and participate in tree rope climbing. Kids 10 and older can join in on a snowshoe tour during the winter months, and teens 14 and older can join in on a Segway tour. Activities are offered year-round. Details and reservation information are available online.

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Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge
42801 Moonridge Rd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a “rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned, and imprinted wild animals a safe haven.” Most of the animals that are rehabilitated at the zoo are successfully released back into their native environment.

Some of the zoo’s animals include the bald eagle, arctic fox, owls, bobcats, coyotes, bears, and more. Visitors have the chance to learn the history of each animal including why each of them is at this zoo. Each day, zookeepers bring out an “animal of the day,” giving families a chance to learn interesting facts about the animal and see the animal up close. Check the website before visiting for the latest information on hours and prices.

Boulder Bay Park
39080 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Once you get there, you’ll understand the park’s name. Boulder Bay Park is considered to be a “newer” park, having opened in 2010. Several islands in the middle of the bay are made of boulders.

The park is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and watching the ducks. It may also be just the right spot for a scenic family photo!

Gold Rush Mining Adventure
40016 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Gold Rush Mining Adventure offers unique activities for the whole family. All participants are guaranteed to go home with a special souvenir that could include fossils, gemstones, or gold. Selecting from different adventures — including fossil panning and geode cracking, among others — will determine exactly how you’ll mine and what you’ll find.

Please check the website for the latest information on hours and prices.

Big Bear Solar Observatory
40386 N. Shore Ln., Big Bear Lake, CA 92314

If you’ve got children who are interested in astronomy, then you’ll want to make a point to tour the Big Bear Solar Observatory. Here you’ll find the “world’s largest solar telescope that is currently operational.”

Tour group size is limited, so you’ll want to make sure to reserve your tour in advance either online or by contacting the office. Those participating in the free tours must be able to walk 1000’ down and back on a gravel road and be able to climb three flights of stairs. Check the website for the latest information.

Big Bear Pirate Ship Tours
Holloway’s Marina
398 Edgemoor Rd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Take a tour of Big Bear, but do it “pirate-style.” The Big Bear Pirate Ship, also known as The Time Bandit, is a 1/3rd scale replica of a Spanish Galleon that will take you and your family around Big Bear Lake for a “swashbucklin’ adventure.” Each tour lasts about 90 minutes and features live entertainment and “authentic pirates.” Check the website for details and reservation information.

Meadow Park
41220 Park Ave., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Meadow Park has something for the whole family. This 16.25-acre facility includes tennis courts, a children’s playground, a volleyball court, a basketball court, a picnic pavilion, and lots of green open spaces. Don’t forget to bring some balls, a Frisbee, and a picnic meal.

Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Habitat Park
42300 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92314

This is a great place for families to stroll and enjoy their surroundings. You’ll find a large wooden gazebo with informative posters about the wildlife in the area. In addition, there are two boardwalks built over the water. Take a look at the fish, keep an eye out for the ducks, and enjoy the tranquility.

Big Bear Historical Park in Big Bear Lake, California
Photo courtesy of Big Bear Valley Historic Museum

Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Tour
Pine Knot Marina
439 Pine Knot Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 

Families will enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of Big Bear Lake while on board the Miss Liberty. Learn about Big Bear’s history dating back to 1845. Miss Liberty is a “64’ long, 24.5’ high Skipperline 1500 LX built in 1994 and was fully refurbished in 2006.” Be sure to book your tour in advance. 

Baldwin Lake Stables
46475 Pioneertown Rd., Big Bear City, CA 92314

Explore Big Bear while riding a horse! Baldwin Lake Stables offers 1 and 2-hour rides as well as sunset rides and a half-day ride option. For families with younger children, you can opt to take advantage of the on-site pony rides instead. You’ll also enjoy a petting zoo featuring goats, sheep, rabbits, and more. Reservations are suggested for all rides. Check the website for details. 

Grizzly Ridge Tube Park
880 Summit Blvd., Ste. 1170, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Kids can have fun riding high-speed tubes at Big Bear Lake’s Grizzly Ridge Tube Park. There is a height minimum as well as a weight minimum and maximum to ride. Check the website for the latest information on hours and prices.

Mountain Room Escapes
40588 Village Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

If your kids need a little inside time, check out the escape rooms at Big Bear Lake. These fun puzzle quests are an interactive team adventure you may have heard of before because they’re all the rage right now all over the country. Check the website for availability and the latest information and prices.

MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles

Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.

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Joe

Friday 9th of April 2021

Thank you for sharing all this great info! Up here one day after you wrote this with a 6 and 4 year old and we will definitely do a few of these that I never found on other searches.

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