Top 50 Family-friendly Attractions in California
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Top 50 Family-friendly Attractions in California

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Disneyland Park Californiatop_1
    4.7/5
    󰺂10
    15952
    Anaheim.Anaheim City Center>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Iconic Sleeping Beauty fireworks show
    󱓊Family-friendly parks & activities
    󱨠Saved by 2363 users󱨠1089 positive reviews
  • Universal Studios Hollywoodtop_2
    4.8/5
    󰺂10
    14818
    Los Angeles.Universal City>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Thrilling roller coaster & movie scenes
    󱓊Explore Hogwarts Castle and experience the magical world
    󱨠Saved by 3649 users󱨠3903 positive reviews
  • USS Midway Museumtop_3
    4.8/5
    󰺂8.6
    6051
    San Diego.Downtown San Diego>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Win a flight medal and enjoy family fun
    Flight simulator experience: the joy of flying
    󱨠Saved by 214 users󱨠877 positive reviews
  • SeaWorld San Diego
    4
    4.6/5
    󰺂8.2
    13047
    San Diego.Misson Bay / Loma Heights>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Dolphin & sea lion show
    See Shamu's amazing 2-ton show
    󱨠Saved by 260 users󱨠320 positive reviews
  • Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
    5
    4.6/5
    󰺂8.1
    2810
    Los Angeles.South Los Angeles>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰌌Interactive puzzles for kids
    󰌌Dinosaur light show at night
    󱨠Saved by 438 users󱨠108 positive reviews
  • Santa Monica State Beach
    6
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.9
    Santa Monica>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    󰌌Holiday Beach Fireworks Extravaganza
    Rent a bike for a family ride
    󱨠Saved by 777 users󱨠274 positive reviews
  • California Academy of Sciences
    7
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.7
    3879
    San Francisco.Sunset District>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󰀆All-day immersive universe-themed performance
    Inspire your curiosity at the Naturalist Center
    󱨠Saved by 279 users󱨠793 positive reviews
  • LEGOLAND California
    8
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.5
    11681
    Carlsbad>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    7 slides & beach fun
    󰋄Millions of Legos recreate landmarks
    󱨠Saved by 242 users󱨠215 positive reviews
  • San Diego Zoo
    9
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.3
    11202
    San Diego.Balboa Park>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Double-decker bus & vast landscapes
    Explore rare primates & wildlife
    󱨠Saved by 177 users󱨠112 positive reviews
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park
    10
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.0
    11202
    San Diego>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Tropical paradise: Mombasa Lagoon
    Get Up Close to Animals on a Guided Safari Tour
    󱨠Saved by 105 users󱨠59% positive reviews

Best family-friendly things to do in California (2025)

Looking for fun and memorable family activities in California? From exciting attractions to relaxing outdoor spots, California offers a wide range of family-friendly experiences that everyone can enjoy.

Whether you're planning a short weekend outing or a full family vacation, these top-rated things to do promise laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories.

Top family-friendly activities & attractions in California

If you're searching for the best family experiences, these activities are perfect for all ages. Expect engaging attractions, kid-friendly facilities, and experiences that combine fun, education, and togetherness.

Disneyland Park California

• Anaheim.Anaheim City Center | >100 km from downtown

• : Iconic Sleeping Beauty fireworks show,Family-friendly parks & activities

Universal Studios Hollywood

• Los Angeles.Universal City | >100 km from downtown

• : Thrilling roller coaster & movie scenes,Explore Hogwarts Castle and experience the magical world

USS Midway Museum

• San Diego.Downtown San Diego | >100 km from downtown

• : Win a flight medal and enjoy family fun,Flight simulator experience: the joy of flying

Comfortable and convenient family activities

These attractions focus on creating easy, enjoyable experiences for families. From theme parks and animal farms to museums and interactive centers, you'll find safe, engaging options for every age group.

Family-friendly experiences near California

If you'd like to explore beyond California, plenty of nearby destinations offer fun and enriching family activities — perfect for weekend getaways or day trips.

Each of these attractions offers family-friendly fun within a short drive from California, combining convenience with engaging experiences for everyone.

What makes California a great family destination

• Kid-friendly attractions: Parks, museums, farms, and interactive centers.
• Fun for all ages: From playful adventures to relaxing family strolls.
• Convenient access: Close to transport, dining, and family facilities.
• Memorable experiences: Activities that bring families closer together.

Tips for enjoying family-friendly activities in California

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions and reserve tickets online.
2. Check for age-appropriate experiences or children’s programs.
3. Look for combo passes and special family packages on Trip.com.
4. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds and more relaxed exploration.

Book your family adventure in California

Ready to explore the best family-friendly things to do in California? Browse Trip.Best's curated list of family attractions and activities, and make every moment count.

Book your tickets or experiences easily on Trip.com — where family fun meets convenience and great value.

What Family-friendly Attractions are there in California?
These are all Family-friendly Attractions in California:Disneyland Park California, Universal Studios Hollywood, USS Midway Museum, SeaWorld San Diego, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
What are some highly-rated Family-friendly Attractions in California?
Some highly-rated Family-friendly Attractions in California include:Disneyland Park California:4.7, Universal Studios Hollywood:4.8, USS Midway Museum:4.8, SeaWorld San Diego:4.6, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County:4.6
At what locations in California can Family-friendly Attractions in California be found?
The Family-friendly Attractions in California are mainly located in:Disneyland Park California:Anaheim, Universal Studios Hollywood:Los Angeles, USS Midway Museum:San Diego, SeaWorld San Diego:San Diego, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County:Los Angeles
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