The beauty of a lakefront village, fresh mountain air, and a slower pace than a big city can be a refreshing change from your everyday life. Everyone needs a break from time to time, including kids. Whether it’s a school break like spring break or winter break, a summer family vacations, or a weekend getaway with the family, there’s plenty of things to do in Big Bear that will keep the littlest visitors and the oldest visitors happy and busy, no matter when or how long you stay. Read on to learn about some of the best Big Bear children’s activities to enjoy!
Hiking
Big Bear has beautiful outdoor scenery, including snow-capped mountains in the winter, pine forests, and wide-open spaces for all ages to explore. Lace up your hiking shoes, pack some trail snacks and sun protection and head out. You and the family will find many parks and trails to hike to see nature’s beauty. There are plenty of trails, so you can choose the difficulty that’s appropriate for your children while still getting some exercise and fresh mountain air.
Horseback Ride
Gather the family and saddle up for a horseback ride of Big Bear and the surrounding area. Baldwin Lake Stables offers rides through Big Bear Valley in one-, two-, and three-hour trips. The little ones will enjoy the one-hour ride, while your older children may want to stay out longer. Take a tour of the area including Big Bear Valley, Pacific Crest Trail, and parts of the vast Mojave Desert. Take a sunset ride and watch the sun sink below the mountains. For the longer rides, you can bring a lunch with you and the tour will stop for a bite on the way back.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Kids and adults alike will love the alpine slide at Big Bear’s Magic Mountain. It is open year-round with hours that vary by season. Enjoy a scenic view of the area as the chair lift takes you to the top. Then prepare for the ride of a lifetime down the area’s only authentic bobsled experience! Drive your own individually controlled sled down your choice of two quarter-mile long cement tracks with high-banking turns leading to long straightaways that will have your adrenaline pumping by the time you reach the bottom. You must be at least 36” tall to ride, and children under 48” tall must ride with an adult age 18 or older. This is one of the most popular Big Bear children’s activities for older kids!
Alpine Pedal Path
If your kids are a little too young for hiking through the woods and mountains, stay a little closer to the lake. Rent some bikes and head to the family-friendly Alpine Pedal Path on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. The path is just 2.5 miles long and is mostly asphalt, with sections that run close to the water as well as through the trees, providing fun and a breath of fresh mountain air for everyone. The path begins at the Stanfield Cutoff and ends near the Solar Observatory. You might share the path with guests and locals out for a walk, jog, or gliding around on rollerblades.
Gold Rush Mining Adventures
Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning – but don’t tell the kids it’s learning – about California’s historic Gold Rush of the 1800s. Make sure to shout out “Eureka!” while participating in the Geode breaking activity or Gemstone and Fossil panning activities. You won’t go home empty-handed, and no two bags of loot are exactly alike. Each bay may include real gemstones, fossils, and geodes. Some finds may even be big enough to be cut and faceted into jewelry, polished into a non-faceted gemstone, or you can opt keep them the way you found them and how Mother Nature intended them to be.
Urban Adventure Quest in Big Bear
Take the time explore and learn more about the place you’ve decided to call ‘home’ for a little while. Your quest for information and to see the sights of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding area starts at the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. The 1-mile, 1- to 1.5-hour activity is free and fun for all ages. There are ten challenges and two ‘bonuses’ that take you through the streets and all the way down to the water’s edge, including points of interest like the Village, the lake, and two parks. Watch out for silly characters who want to offer you their ‘help’ along your route.
Fun with Kids in Big Bear
You came to the area for a fun getaway to release the stresses of everyday life. Extend that fun to your accommodations by booking a vacation rental with Big Bear Vacations. Make everyone’s – even the picky children’s – favorite home-cooked meal in the fully-equipped kitchen. Gather together on the couch and watch a movie or spend some time outdoors. Choose a cozy one-bedroom for a small family, or a sprawling five-bedroom home for a fun family reunion with kids and adults of all ages. Big Bear Vacations has a vacation rental that is just right for you. Our premium units include upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat screen TVs and more!
Contact us today to book and take the first step toward planning your next getaway!
