Best Museums in Santa Cruz for Kids & Families

Looking for the best museums in Santa Cruz for kids? As surf town with a vintage boardwalk and redwood forests, Santa Cruz offers interactive exhibits and hands-on learning that families won't find anywhere else. Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking for something new, we've rated every option for age-appropriateness, stroller access, and value so you can skip the guesswork.

The best children's museums aren't quiet places where kids can't touch anything — they're the opposite. Look for hands-on exhibits, maker spaces, and outdoor play areas attached to the museum. In Santa Cruz, expect mild year-round, foggy mornings, warmest in September-October. Pro tip: The Beach Boardwalk is free to walk — you only pay per ride. Henry Cowell Redwoods is 10 minutes from the boardwalk.

Below you'll find our curated list of museums in Santa Cruz, CA — each with detailed age ratings (infants through teens), cost estimates for a family of four, and the practical parent details that matter: parking, stroller access, nursing rooms, and honest reviews of what makes each spot worth your time.