Fun Things to Do in Big Bear 🐻 with Kids!
Nestled amidst the stunning San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California, Big Bear Lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With its pristine lake, lush forests, and charming alpine village, Big Bear offers a plethora of exciting activities for kids and parents to enjoy together. From thrilling adventures in the great outdoors to cozy indoor experiences, this picturesque destination promises endless fun and unforgettable memories for the whole family.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know to fall in love with Big Bear. We've got all the inside info on the fun things to do, the best places to stay, and the most amazing parks and campgrounds. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just looking to enjoy some quality time with your family, Big Bear has something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to be swept away by the magic of Big Bear. Start reading now to discover all the adventure that's waiting for you!
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Activities And Things To Do in Big Bear
800 Wildrose Lane
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 866-4626
Enjoy family fun activities year-round. In Winter, natural snow and snow-making systems ensure there is always snow for tubing. The Magic Carpet ride makes it simple to get to the top with no more walking. The Alpine Slide is Southern California's only authentic bobsled experience. Riders control their speed twisting and turning down a 1/4 mile-long track. The Soaring Eagle is an exciting ride that offers amazing views.
In the summer, there's a double water slide to cool off. Go-karts and an 18-hole miniature golf course make this a popular year-round family fun destination.
800 Wildrose Lane
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 866-4626
Mineshaft Coaster is the first and only Mountain Coaster in California. This new thrill ride is built directly into the mountainside on a mile-long track that spans several acres along the natural curvatures of the mountain. It features two down-track descents, which present a variety of thrill-ride features such as steep drops, dips, twists, hairpin turns, tunnels, bridges, and 360-degree corkscrews. Individual coaster carts can accommodate one or two persons.
Each cart comes equipped with a side-lever braking system that allows riders the freedom to control the speed of the ride, which can reach up to 27 mph. Riders must be a minimum of 36″ tall. Children 36″ to 48″ tall ride with an adult 18 years or older.
40957 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 866.0390
Enjoy high-altitude fun every day of the year on Zip-line and Segway Tours. the 9-line zip-line course offers views of Johnson Valley and MT. San Gorgonio, as well as an off-road excursion deep into the forest where your zip-line tour begins. You can expect to fly across the tree line at speeds up to 35 MPH, and travel across approximately 2 miles of course line.
The 2 hours guided Segway tour will take you through the village and down to the lakefront. You'll learn fun facts about Big Bear and cruise by one of the wild bald eagle habitats.
Snowshoe tours are offered throughout winter. Enjoy the beauty of the winter solitude amongst the Jeffrey and Ponderosa pine trees surrounded by snow-capped Big Bear, CA Mountains. The multi-terrain snowshoe tours are customized to each group so you can choose to go easy, go hard, or any combination.
Baldwin Lake Stables
46475 Pioneertown Rd.
Big Bear City, CA
(909) 585-6482
At Baldwin Lake Stables, discover the peaceful countryside of the Big Bear Valley on horseback. A relaxing ride into the wilderness is a splendid way to connect with nature and enjoy the pleasantries of the fresh mountain air. Baldwin lake Stables offers 1 to 4-hour rides. There are horse and mountain trails to suit all riding abilities. Reservations are required for all rides.
Bear Mountain
43101 Goldmine Dr.
Big Bear Lake, CA
(844) 462-2327
Bear Mountain is one of skiing and snowboarding's most innovative and influential destinations. With 198 skiable acres, award-winning terrain parks, amazing apres, and state-of-the-art kids center. Big Bear Mountain Resort also offers several base area activities that are perfect for little explorers and thrill-seekers alike, including a 30-foot climbing wall, Euro Bungee trampoline, Quick Jump free fall, Kids Full Throttle, and zip line. All activities are located in the Snow Summit Basecamp area, next to the Adventure Academy on the west end of the base area.
42011 Big Bear Blvd A,
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 420-5828
Big Bear Jeep experience is a fun, family-friendly, hands-on, educational experience. You will drive a fully equipped trial-ready Jeep on Big Bear's world-famous, off-road terrain. You and your group drive the Jeep and follow the guides, who narrate the entire trip for you via 2-way radio.
Big Bear Jeep Experience offers sightseeing trips, beginner-friendly introductions to off-roading, novice to intermediate rock crawling trips, and advanced badge-of-honor rock crawling trails. You need to call in advance for an appointment or book online.
40055 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 547-3447
For a far safer, equally thrilling adventure that you will be able to tell your friends about, try one of the three, high-tech escape rooms at Big Bear Escape Room. Solve the puzzles, uncover mysteries and escape in 60 minutes or less. There is a special rate for groups of 9 or more.
747 Club View Dr.
Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Alpine Zoo is the only alpine zoo of its kind in the United States. Big Bear Alpine Zoo serves as a rehabilitation facility for both mountain and nearby communities. The Alpine animals include grizzly and black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, eagles, owls, and foxes. Special species include snow leopards, ringtail cats, and local marvels, the flying squirrels of San Bernardino.
500 Paine Court
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 866-3218
Big Bear Marina is a full-service marina. Cruise the lake on a pontoon boat or fish for rainbow trout from a fishing boat. You can also rent kayaks, wave runners, and stand-up paddleboards for any type of fun you desire on the lake. Big Bear Marina also offers lessons for waterskiing, wake surfing, and their most popular activity, Zup Boarding.
398 Edgemoor Rd.,
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 866-2231
The Big Bear Pirate Ship is a featured attraction at Big Bear Lake. From April to October, you can take a narrated 90-minute tour abroad the 1/3 scale replica of a 16th Century Spanish galleon. Crewed by costumed pirates, the captain, and his make steer passengers to notable points of interest, such as Garstin Island, Big Bear Dam, Hollywood movie sets, the Solar Observatory, key fishing spots, and celebrity homes.
42825 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 585-0075
Take your family on an invigorating aerial adventure that will have you balancing on ropes, crossing bridges, and climbing through obstacles. The ropes course sends participants on a self-guided tour through 37 obstacles spread over 6,400 sq. feet on 2 levels that are 12 to 35 feet in the air.
42825 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 585-0075
Big Bear Speedway RT8 Sodi Karts is a mini-race car with features straight from the automotive industry, like self-adjusting hydraulic brakes and vacuum fuel pumps. The leader in the kart racing craze that’s sweeping the country, Sodi Karts balance speed and safety with Four Point seat belts and Extra Enhanced remote controls that the pit crew can shut down or throttle back any or all karts at any time for safety.
42825 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 585-0075
The former ski area known as Rebel Ridge, which introduced snowmaking to Southern California in the late 1950s, has been a family favorite for inner tubing through generations as parents who grew up sliding here are now bringing their kids. Now families can make memories there at night too, as Big Bear Snow Play opens for after-dark tubing sessions Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays from 5-9 pm.
880 Summit Blvd.
Big Bear, CA
(844) 462-2327
Snow Summit is renowned for having the longest season and best snow conditions in Southern California. It features 220 skiable acres, a state-of-the-art kids center, family-friendly activities like the Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, and night skiing.
Captain John's Marina
39369 N. Shore Dr. (Hwy. 38)
Fawnskin, CA 92333
Select from a wide variety of water sports activities and enjoy Fawnskin's serene, uncrowded small-town ambiance. Captain John's Floating Waterpark features six different attractions for a fun-filled day on the lake: Patton Boats, Runabout Boats, Fishing Boats, Canoes, Kayaks, and Stand-Up Paddleboards.
Helicopter Big Bear
501 Valley Blvd.
Big Bear, CA
(909) 585-1200
Witness the beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains and Big Bear area with aerial views like no other. See countryside, landmarks, points of interest, lakes, ski areas and more on a sightseeing flight.
40729 Village Dr., Suite 6
Big Bear Lake CA 92315
(909) 878-0312
Santa Land is a family-themed interactive destination in the Big Bear Village Mall. Experience the story of Santa Claus through the decades and his influence on pop culture in movies, music, advertising, props, and print. Travel through the world of toys, find the largest collection of nutcrackers, witness over 1,000 Santa Clauses, take pictures with life-size Super Heroes, or be a part of your favorite Holiday movie set.
There is a special space just for kids, where they can play in Santa’s Workshop or Mrs. Claus’ kitchen while parents relax and catch a glimpse of their favorite holiday movie.
The Red Barn
532 Badger Lane
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 878-4080
If you are looking for a unique experience, put your taste buds to the test at The Red Barn. The Red Barn is Big Bear's only Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Tasting Bar that offers more than 20 gourmet Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegar that you can sample for free.
Village Dr. and Big Bear Blvd.,
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
With over 120 vendors, Big Bear Lake Village is a bustling shopping and entertainment district along Big Bear Lake, despite its cozy size. Whether you are visiting Big Bear during the summer or winter, there is always plenty to do in the village. Explore shops, grab something to eat, or watch a movie at a theater. There’s also a scavenger hunt that you can take to explore Big Bear. The Vacation Guide is also a great resource! Big Bear Village comes alive for events from time to time, including the Big Bear Comedy Festival and during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
40625 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-2695
The Bowling Barn offers year-round entertainment with 16 bowling lanes open to the public daily. They offer bumper bowling for youngsters and glow bowling every night.
Combine the fun of the Amazing Race with a 1.5-hour walking tour of The Village and beyond with this smart guided scavenger hunt. You'll solve clues and complete challenges while learning local history and fun facts. Start at the Big Bear Chamber office (630 Bartlett Rd, Big Bear Lake) when you want and play at your pace.
(909) 585-8100
See the building blocks that have made History since it was first recorded in the San Bernardino mountains. The Museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, featuring exhibits from the indigenous Serrano Indians, the gold mining era, cowboys and cattle ranching, logging, fox farming and early winter sports. The Museum is open from Memorial Day weekend through the second weekend of September.
40016 Big Bear Blvd.,
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Participate in Geode breaking or Gemstone and Fossil panning activities. No "prospector" goes home empty-handed and no two bags of mining ore or paydirt are exactly alike. Take home the best souvenir in Big Bear— real gem stones, fossils, or geodes. Some minerals are large enough to have cut and faceted into your very own valuable jewelry. The friendly miners will help your family or group get the most out of your Mining Adventure.
398 Edgemoor Rd.
Big Bear Lake, CA
Take a one-of-a-kind paddlewheel tour boat experience on breathtaking Big Bear Lake. Enjoy a fully narrated 90-minute guided tour featuring highlights of Big Bear's rich history. You'll learn fun facts, folklore, possible celebrity sightings, and more.
Big Bear Parks
39080 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 (909) 866-5831
The Boulder Bay Park in Big Bear Lake is a newer park that opened in 2010. It’s a great park with lots of attractions and facilities including a large bandstand, restrooms, huge dock for fishing or gazing and the view is spectacular. There are several islands made entirely of boulders in the Bay and these are great fun if you are canoeing or kayaking. The dock and picnic tables are popular with families who come to hang out and enjoy the Park. In the winter the Park is a popular place for snow play.
41220 Park Ave.,
Big Bear Lake. CA 92315.
(909) 866-9700
Meadow Park is on Big Bear Lake. The park is a large 16.25-acre facility with playground equipment, tennis courts, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, 2 lighted ball fields, a play lot, a group picnic pavilion, a group picnic grove, picnic tables, barbecues, and restrooms. Also located in the park is Meadow Park Swim Beach or McGill Swim Beach. The beach is a lagoon and has a huge inflatable water slide and a lifeguard on duty. The park is a great, safe place to take the family swimming. There is a snack bar and restrooms.
42300 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear, CA 92314
The Stanfield Marsh Wildlife, Waterfowl Preserve, and the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalks area in Big Bear Lake are beautiful places to visit. The best time of day to visit the Preserve is early morning or late afternoon when the waterfowl and fish are looking for food. The two boardwalks are built over the water and the walk is very tranquil and relaxing, especially at sunset. Visitors can take a fascinating look at the local wildlife in, under, and around the water, the ducks are especially friendly. You will see an island not far from the shore that was built as a safe haven for the waterfowl.
481 Bartlett Rd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
The Rotary Pine Knot Park is a great little park within walking distance from the Village. The Park has lake access and a beautiful lake view, paved pathways, large shade trees, and manicured lawn. The popular Park offers a children’s playground, picnic tables, restrooms and personalized benches. The friendly local ducks also enjoy this park and can be seen waddling around the area.
40870 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
The Veterans Park is a beautiful park located just east of Pine Knot on Big Bear Blvd. The park is a memorial to the veterans. The Park has a large bandstand and many benches where you can sit, relax, reflect and enjoy the beautiful lake view.
Find a Perfect Stay at Big Bear Lake
Using our map powered by Stay22, you can find all the best stays in Big Bear Lake. Simply enter the total of guests, select dates, your budget, room type, review score, and hotel star to find the perfect stay for you and your family!
Big Bear Lake Family-Friendly Restaurants
You’ll find all kinds of restaurants and food stores in Big Bear. Below are some of the best family-friendly restaurants with links back to their websites:
Best Big Bear Best Ice Cream Shops
618 Pine Knot Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA, CA 92315
(909) 866-7622
The North Pole Fudge Co in Big Bear Lake is a sweet tooth’s heaven. It has practically every treats you could possibly imagine. Enjoy homemade fudge, caramel apples, candy, and more. There are plenty of ice cream flavor varieties and offerings to keep you going back over and over again.
546 Pine Knot Ave.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Go to An Ran Ju Gelato and Teahouse in the morning for a fresh cup of tea, then go back in the afternoon for gelato! They carry 24 flavors, and their list keeps growing! Other options here include BOBA tea, smoothies, fresh lemonade, and more.
40736 Village Dr.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866 8383
Treat yourself to a bag of candy, then move on to their delicious gelato to satisfy your Big Bear ice cream craving. With everything from caramel corn to fine chocolates, you'll get everyone's sweet tooth satisfied. They also have toys and gifts. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir or present for someone back home.
Big Bear Camping
Big Bear Camping is one of the most popular activities during the summer in the mountains of Southern California. Big Bear Lake and the surrounding Valley offers visitors many beautiful campsites to choose from.
Holcomb Valley Rd,
Big Bear, CA 92314
Holcomb Valley Campground is located in the historic Holcomb Valley, just north of Big Bear Lake. This family campground has 19 single-family campsites. All sites are first-come-first-serve basis. No reservations are required. Each family campsite accommodates a maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles per campsite. Amenities include a picnic table, 1 fire ring, and vault toilets. A campground host is on-site from mid-May through October. Please contact the Big Bear Discovery Center for current road conditions.
40800 N Shore Dr,
Fawnskin, CA 92333
909 866-8021
The beautiful Serrano Campground in Big Bear Lake is located in a wilderness setting surrounded by tall pines and is only a few steps from the lake. You can enjoy camping in a tent or RV. The RV sites have hook-ups and there is a dump station. The campgrounds are also equipped with showers and toilets. Here you can play or fish in the lake or explore the area. To make a reservation call the National Recreation Reservation Service at (877) 444-6777.
38198 Rim of the World Dr,
Fawnskin, CA 92333
Hanna Flat Campground is a beautiful, family-friendly campground. The campground is nestled in a lush forest of Ponderosa, Jeffrey Pines, wild roses, wildflowers, and native shrubs. Most of the campsites are heavily shaded and campers can enjoy a variety of wildlife and birds as well as nearby hiking and biking trails.
Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with a grill. There are 88 Spaces, 44 on a first-come, first-served basis, and 44 that require reservations. The campground has Water, Vault Toilets, Pay Phone and there is a campground Host on site. For campground reservations call (877) 444-6777.
Summit Blvd,
Big Bear, CA 92314
Pineknot Campground is a great family camping area close to everything in Big Bear Lake. Situated in the National Forest next to the Snow Summit Ski Area, this campground is minutes from the lake, Village, and shopping. This campground is popular with visitors who like to mountain bike and hike. The campground offers a variety of single-family sites for tent or RV camping.
Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with a grill. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. No hookups are available. Trash collection bins are also available and a campground host is on-site. A dump station is available across the lake at Serrano Campground. For reservations call (877) 444-6777.
Coxey Rd,
Apple Valley, CA 92308
Big Pine Flat Family Campground is located in the Big Bear area at an elevation of 6820 feet. The campground has a nice meadow area and tall pines. It has 19 sites, which are first-come, first-served. Campsites include a picnic table, a fire ring, and drinking water. The nearest showers are located at Serrano Campground. There is an on-site campground host. For more information and current fire restrictions call the Big Bear Discovery Center at 909-382-2790.
For more campgrounds in Big Bear, click here.
There is always something fun happening in Big Bear. For a list of upcoming events in Big Bear, check out Big Bear Blog.
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