Things to Do with Kids in Santa Cruz, CA
11 kid-tested activities — museums, parks, zoos, restaurants, and more.
Bill's Backyard
5.0(20)
Ages: 0–10
OutdoorStroller-Friendly
Mount Hermon Adventures
4.8(906)
Ages: 7–17
Outdoor
FreeNeary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
4.8(26)
Ages: 2–12
OutdoorStroller-Friendly
Partially FreeSanta Cruz Museum of Natural History
4.7(330)
Ages: 3–13
Indoor/OutdoorStroller-FriendlyRainy Day
Partially FreeUC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden
4.7(891)
Ages: 0–12
OutdoorStroller-Friendly
FreeMonterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
4.6(491)
Ages: 2–17
IndoorStroller-FriendlyRainy Day
The Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery
4.6(172)
Ages: 0–10
IndoorStroller-FriendlyRainy Day
Partially FreeNatural Bridges Monarch Trail
4.6(392)
Ages: 2–17
Outdoor
Altitude Trampoline Park
4.6(685)
Ages: 4–17
IndoorStroller-FriendlyRainy Day
Neptune's Kingdom
4.6(621)
Ages: 5–17
IndoorRainy Day
FreePogonip Open Space
4.5(455)
Ages: 4–17
Outdoor
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Family Travel Guide: Santa Cruz, CA
Discover the best things to do with kids in Santa Cruz, CA. Our family-tested guide covers top attractions, restaurants, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems — all rated by age, with stroller info, cost estimates, and real parent tips.
Santa Cruz Family Guides
In-depth guides with real costs, age-by-age picks, and parent tips.
Toddler Guide
Best Santa Cruz Activities for Toddlers (Ages 0–4)
Read guide →Rainy DayRainy Day Activities for Families in Santa Cruz
Read guide →3-Day Itinerary3 Days in Santa Cruz with Kids: The Perfect Family Itinerary
Read guide →Free & CheapFree & Cheap Things to Do with Kids in Santa Cruz
Read guide →Cost GuideWhat Families Actually Spend in Santa Cruz: Real Activity Costs
Read guide →Big Kids GuideBest Santa Cruz Activities for Big Kids (Ages 6–12)
Read guide →Common Questions About Santa Cruz with Kids
- What are the best free things to do with kids in Santa Cruz?
- Santa Cruz has 3 free family activities. Top picks: Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Pogonip Open Space. See all free activities at kidpaths.com/santa-cruz.
- What can we do with kids on a rainy day in Santa Cruz?
- There are 5 rainy day options in Santa Cruz. Top indoor picks: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, The Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery, Altitude Trampoline Park, Neptune's Kingdom.
- What are the best activities for toddlers in Santa Cruz?
- 7 activities in Santa Cruz are rated for toddlers (ages 1–3). Parent favorites: Bill's Backyard, Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge, Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
- Which Santa Cruz attractions are stroller-friendly?
- 7 of 11 activities in Santa Cruz are fully stroller-friendly. KidPaths rates stroller access as yes, limited, or no for every listing.
- What are fun things to do with teens in Santa Cruz?
- 6 activities in Santa Cruz are rated for teens (ages 13–17). Top picks: Mount Hermon Adventures, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Natural Bridges Monarch Trail, Altitude Trampoline Park, Neptune's Kingdom.
- How much do family activities cost in Santa Cruz?
- KidPaths tracks family-of-4 cost estimates for 11 activities in Santa Cruz. 3 are completely free. Each listing shows the real cost for a family of four, not just per-person pricing.
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