Nature & Camping Inspiration
Fun Things to Do in California With Kids on a Budget
Big Memories, Small Spend: Budget-Friendly Things to Do in California with Kids
If you’re searching for things to do in California with kids, go nature-first and budget-smart: tide pools instead of turnstiles, redwoods instead of queues, and short walks that deliver big “wow” for little legs. Build days around RV-friendly stops and nearby family-friendly camping spots so the fun stays simple, close, and affordable—often free compared with a single theme-park day. If you still need wheels, browse RV rentals in California to find a fit for your crew. We’ll split the picks into North and South—5–6 in each—so you can choose fast and get outside. Let’s start up north.
Northern California With Kids: Nature-First, Budget-Smart
Redwood trails, tide pools, and riverside picnics make Northern California an easy win for families who want adventure without overspending. These stops are built around short walks, wildlife moments, and family-friendly camping spots—ideal when you want affordable things to do in California with kids. Plan your route with an RV rental in San Francisco and keep days flexible: explore giant trees one morning, splash in a shallow river the next, and still be back at camp by dinner.
Redwood Giants Walk
Location: Sonoma & Mendocino
- Cost: $10 per vehicle
- Time: 1.5–3 hrs
- Age fit: 4–12
- Parking: Day-use lots near entrance/picnic area
Among the tallest living things on Earth, coast redwoods let kids see “how tall is tall” in real life. Shaded trails make this a budget-friendly California activity, perfect with a picnic or short loop near RV parking and family camping spots. For more giant-tree adventures, see our guide to 8 Beautiful National Parks in California to Visit.
Why We Love It
- Touchable scale: Kids instantly “get” tree height when they can stand at the base.
- Easy walking: Shaded, mostly level paths work for mixed ages and strollers.
- Simple logistics: Day-use lots sit by picnic areas and close to coastal family-friendly camping spots.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Main day-use/picnic lots fit RVs. Interior roads are narrow, so rigs over 30 ft should confirm access first.
- Time on site: 90–180 minutes, best paired with a picnic so you don’t move your RV twice.
- Nearby camping: RV-friendly sites at Doran Regional Park and Sonoma Coast SP (Wright’s Beach, Bodega Dunes), ~30–50 minutes away. Size limits apply (up to 27 ft trailer or 31 ft motorhome; no hookups).
- Best timing: Go early or late for soft light, cooler temps, and quieter paths.
- What to bring: Layers and shoes with grip—the forest stays cool and can be slick.
- Gentle etiquette: Teach “look, don’t touch” around living bark, ferns, and banana slugs.
Tide-Pool Safari
Location: Point Reyes to Salt Point
- Cost: Free at Agate Beach; Salt Point $10/car ($9 with one 62+)
- Time: 1.5–3 hrs
- Age fit: 5–13
- Parking: Small lots at Agate and Salt Point
Low tide turns rocky coves into living science labs—anemones, hermit crabs, maybe sea stars—hands-on, gentle, and free. For families comparing things to do in Northern California with kids, this checks the boxes: short walk, built-in learning, easy to repeat. Bring shoes with grip and watch curiosity take over.
Why We Love It
- Hands-on science: Kids meet tide-pool life up close—anemones, hermit crabs, snails—no exhibits required.
- Gentle adventure: Short approaches and easy distances work for mixed ages.
- Budget win: One car fee covers the whole family, cheaper than per-person tickets.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Agate Beach has a small bluff-top lot; space is tight for RVs. At Salt Point, use signed day-use lots (RVs up to 31 ft).
- Time on site: 90–180 minutes, best planned at low tide.
- Nearby camping: Salt Point’s Gerstle Cove and Woodside campgrounds accept RVs (up to 31 ft; no hookups). Bodega Dunes and Wright’s Beach are ~45 minutes away.
- Best timing: Arrive about an hour before low tide and head out as the tide begins to rise.
- Footing & etiquette: Wear shoes with grip; step on bare rock (not living algae); look, don’t collect.
- Pets & wildlife: Agate Beach allows leashed dogs; at Salt Point, dogs stay to paved areas/camp areas—give marine mammals space.
Monterey & Pacific Grove Shore Day
Location: Monterey Peninsula
- Cost: Free beaches & coastal trail; waterfront lots ~$2/hour
- Time: 2–4 hrs
- Age fit: 3–12
- Parking: Street and waterfront lots available
Flat bike paths, otter spotting, and sheltered coves make for an easy coastal day that’s stroller-friendly and fun for short attention spans. It’s a budget-wise alternative to big-ticket attractions and fits naturally into a list of fun things to do in California with kids. Pack snacks, pedal a little, and explore tide pools between beach breaks.
Why We Love It
- Flat mileage: The paved coastal trail is stroller-friendly and built for short attention spans.
- Wildlife moments: Otters and harbor seals are often seen around Lovers Point—big “wow,” no ticket lines.
- Built-in variety: Mix tide-pool peeks, beach time, and playground stops without moving the car much.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Street parking along Sunset Dr. near Asilomar works for cars. RVs should use signed waterfront lots (Cannery Row, Breakwater, Depot, Lot 21) — note length limits (≈24 ft at Lot 21).
- Time on site: 2–4 hours, with breaks for tide pools and beach play.
- Nearby camping: Veterans Memorial Park (trailers/RVs up to ~21–24 ft; no hookups; first-come, first-served) and Laguna Seca Recreation Area (inland; RV hookups available).
- Best timing: Mornings for wildlife and calmer winds; late afternoon for softer light and easier parking near Cannery Row.
- Family add-ons: Dennis the Menace Playground sits just off the trail for a guaranteed energy reset.
- Etiquette: At tide pools, step on bare rock and look—don’t collect or handle marine life.
Yosemite Valley Mini-Adventures
Location: Yosemite National Park
- Cost: $35 per car (7-day pass)
- Time: 2–4 hrs
- Age fit: 4–12
- Parking: Day-use lots with access to free shuttles (7 am–10 pm)
Waterfalls, meadow boardwalks, and Junior Ranger badges deliver national park magic without long hikes—ideal for mixed ages. If you’re gathering affordable things to do with kids in California, this one stretches value with an annual park pass and easy, RV-compatible day lots. Keep it short, splash a little, and let the views do the work.
Why We Love It
- Big “wow,” small effort: Lower Yosemite Fall and Cook’s Meadow give iconic views with stroller-friendly walks.
- Hands-on learning: The Junior Ranger booklet turns short stops into scavenger-hunt adventures.
- Family logistics: Free shuttles + central day-use lots keep transitions simple.
- Stress saver: Everything you need—parking, restrooms, trails—is within a short walk, making it easy with kids.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Yosemite Village, Curry Village, and Yosemite Falls day-use lots include limited RV/oversize spaces. They fill by late morning in summer—arrive early. (NPS: RV Info)
- Shuttles: Free valley buses run 7 am–10 pm. East Valley every 8–12 minutes; Valleywide every 12–22 minutes. (NPS: Shuttle Info)
- Nearby camping: Upper, Lower, and North Pines campgrounds allow RVs (length limits; no hookups). Outside the park, Indian Flat RV Park in El Portal offers hookups.
- Easy trails: Lower Yosemite Fall loop allows strollers; Cook’s Meadow boardwalks are flat and close to shuttle stops.
- Best timing: Mornings for cooler temps and calmer crowds; afternoons for softer light on cliffs.
- Reservation check: As of June 29, 2025, no vehicle reservation is required—verify the park’s page before you go.
Gold Country River Day
Location: American River (Auburn SRA & Marshall Gold SHP)
- Cost: Auburn SRA $10/car; Marshall Gold SHP $10/car
- Time: 1.5–3 hrs
- Age fit: 3–10
- Parking: Signed day-use lots at Auburn SRA (Confluence, Quarry Trailhead) and Marshall Gold; check lot signage for hours and size restrictions
Shallow riffles, smooth stones, and shade turn the American River into a low-cost water day that still feels adventurous. It’s a natural fit when you want things to do in Northern California with kids—sun, space, and simple play. Pack a picnic and pick access points with roomy parking near family-friendly camping spots.
Why We Love It
- Easy water time: Shallow riffles and gravel bars let little kids splash safely near shore.
- Hands-on nature: Skip rocks, spot minnows, and watch swallows circling overhead—screen-free fun.
- Budget win: One car fee covers the whole family, no per-person math.
- Simple setup: Picnic tables and shade nearby keep transitions low-stress for parents.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Auburn SRA and Marshall Gold SHP both have signed day-use lots with self-pay kiosks. RV spaces are limited—arrive early if oversize.
- RV note: Mineral Bar Campground is primitive; some sites fit small RVs/trailers, but no hookups and narrow dirt access roads.
- Time: 90–180 minutes with breaks for shade and water play.
- Nearby camping: Beals Point (Folsom Lake SRA) offers RV sites with hookups. Coloma-area private parks may also have hookups—check availability ahead.
- Best timing: Mornings or late day are cooler; popular access like the Confluence fills on summer weekends—arrive early.
- River sense: Flows and depths vary by fork and season; keep kids at the edge, use shoes with grip, and avoid swift current zones.
- Gentle add-on: At Marshall Gold, pair river time with the easy history loop or the Junior Ranger-style booklet from the museum.
Lake Tahoe Beach + Boulder Scramble
Location: Lake Tahoe (California & Nevada sides)
- Cost: California state park beaches $10/car; Sand Harbor (NV) $10 NV resident / $15 non-resident
- Time: 2–5 hrs
- Age fit: 4–12
- Parking: Day-use lots
Clear coves and easy rock hopping make Tahoe’s shoreline a natural playground. Older kids can paddle or snorkel near shore, while younger ones climb boulders or wade. For families seeking affordable, outdoorsy things to do in California with kids, Tahoe offers a full day for just the cost of parking. Arrive early (or reserve Sand Harbor) and let “one more swim” set the pace.
Why We Love It
- Built-in play: Protected coves and boulders keep kids moving without long hikes.
- Big “wow” per dollar: Turquoise water and granite backdrops deliver postcard views on a small spend.
- Flexible pacing: Easy to bail after naps or stay through sunset without changing plans.
- Family bonus: Mixes swimming, scrambling, and picnics in one spot—minimal moving parts.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: State park beaches have signed day-use lots. Sand Harbor requires reservations Apr 15–Oct 15 before 10:30 a.m.; lots fill by midday.
- Time: 2–5 hours with swim, snack, and rock-hopping breaks.
- Nearby camping: D.L. Bliss State Park (no hookups; RVs to 27 ft), Sugar Pine Point SP (no hookups; RVs/trailers 26–32 ft), and Zephyr Cove RV Park (full hookups, NV side).
- Best timing: Arrive early for calmer water and parking; in peak season, Sand Harbor requires a morning reservation window.
- Footing & safety: Closed-toe water shoes help on slick granite; set clear boundaries on rock edges.
- Sun strategy: High-elevation sun is strong—use sun shirts, hats, and frequent shade breaks.
Southern California With Kids: Beaches, Stars & Easy Wins
From sunny bike paths and seal coves to desert boulders and stargazing skies, Southern California packs in family adventures that are both fun and affordable. These picks highlight simple, screen-light outings that work for mixed ages and budgets, with plenty of RV-friendly day-use lots and nearby camping spots. Start your trip with an RV rental in Los Angeles and head for beaches, observatories, or national parks—each offering memorable family moments without theme-park price tags.
Griffith Observatory + Hillside Stroll
Location: Los Angeles
- Cost: Free admission; paid parking
- Time: 1.5–3 hrs
- Age fit: 6–14
- Parking: Paid lots and limited roadside spaces; DASH shuttle available
City views, space exhibits, and a short hillside walk make this an easy win for mixed ages. It’s one of the best things to do in Southern California with kids for “wow” without ticket lines or theme-park costs. For more big-city classics, see our Top 10 Iconic Things to Do in Los Angeles. Go late afternoon for cooler temps and skyline lights, then return to nearby family camping spots.
Why We Love It
- Instant “wow”: Kids see the whole city and the Hollywood Sign from the terraces—zero lines, maximum payoff.
- Space spark: Telescopes, scale models, and hands-on exhibits kick off real questions without a lecture.
- Sunset magic: Late afternoon into dusk gives softer temps and skyline lights for photos.
- Easy win: Free entry plus central location makes this a simple add-on to any LA day.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Paid lots and metered roadside spaces; they fill by late morning on weekends. The DASH bus links the Metro Red Line to the Observatory. (Official info)
- Time: 90–180 minutes; longer with a planetarium show or hillside stroll.
- Nearby camping: Dockweiler RV Park (beachfront, full hookups), Malibu Creek SP (oak canyon sites, no hookups), and Leo Carrillo SP (beach + canyon mix, RV sites). All ~45–75 minutes away, traffic permitting.
- Best timing: Weekdays or late afternoon for calmer galleries and easier parking; closed Mondays (check hours).
- Short walk: Add a gentle trail segment above/below the building for a quick nature breather.
- Kid rhythm: Do exhibits in 20-minute bursts, then reset outside on the terraces.
Crystal Cove Tide Pools + Back Bay
Location: Orange County
- Cost: Crystal Cove $15/car (summer weekends/holidays $20); Back Bay free
- Time: 2–3 hrs
- Age fit: 4–12
- Parking: Day-use lots
Anemones, tiny crabs, and sandy coves turn low tide into a living science class. If you’re shortlisting fun things to do in California with kids, this coastal combo is gentle, hands-on, and budget-friendly. Bring curiosity and comfy shoes; the day flows easily between beach play and flat paths, with RV-compatible day lots and nearby camping spots.
Why We Love It
- Hands-on science: Tide pools bring anemones, crabs, and starfish up close—no tickets needed.
- Easy pacing: Short walks and flat paths at Back Bay suit mixed ages and strollers.
- Big value: One car fee plus a free second stop beats per-person pricing.
- Double play: Two spots in one day—tide pools + bay trails—keeps kids engaged without extra cost.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Crystal Cove has Moro Canyon, Reef Point, and Los Trancos lots (shuttle to Historic District). Back Bay offers free parking at the Muth Interpretive Center, but spaces are small for RVs.
- RV note: Moro Campground takes RVs up to 35 ft; no hookups, but restrooms and dump facilities available.
- Time: 2–3 hours, best around low tide for exploring.
- Nearby camping: Moro Campground (up to 35 ft; no hookups) and private Newport/Costa Mesa RV parks with hookups.
- Best timing: Arrive about an hour before low tide; choose calmer-swell days and check a tide chart.
- Footing & etiquette: Closed-toe shoes with grip; step on bare rock; look, don’t collect or handle wildlife.
- Pet plan: No dogs on Crystal Cove beaches or unpaved trails; leashed dogs are okay on Crystal Cove’s paved areas and Back Bay’s paved paths—always follow posted signs.
Joshua Tree Boulder Playground & Stars
Location: Joshua Tree National Park
- Cost: $30 per car (7-day pass)
- Time: 2–4 hrs
- Age fit: 5–13
- Parking: Day-use lots
Jumbo boulders to scramble, whimsical Joshua trees, and night skies that spark real questions—kids eat this up. For families hunting affordable things to do with kids in California, a park day here stretches value far beyond a single ride wristband. Keep hikes short, let imagination lead, and base near legal desert camping spots for a calmer bedtime.
Why We Love It
- Built-in play: Granite boulders and sandy paths become a choose-your-own adventure without long hikes.
- Big “wow” per dollar: Desert trees, rock “castles,” and golden-hour views feel epic on a small spend.
- Easy logistics: Park once in a central lot and explore on foot.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Hidden Valley and Barker Dam lots are popular but small; they often fill by mid-morning on weekends and holidays.
- Time on site: 120–240 minutes, with shade and snack breaks.
- Nearby camping: Jumbo Rocks (inside the park; no hookups), Black Rock (edge of the park; water & dump station, no hookups), and 29 Palms RV Resort (outside the park; full hookups).
- Best timing: Visit mornings or late afternoons; midday heat is intense most of the year.
- Desert sense: Pack at least one gallon of water per person per day, plus sun shirts, hats, and closed-toe shoes.
- Safety & etiquette: Steer clear of cholla (“jumping”) cactus, keep kids off high ledges, and avoid stepping on cryptobiotic soil.
- Stargazing tip: Bring red lights to protect night vision and check moon phases—darker nights show more stars.
La Jolla Seals & Tide Pools
Location: San Diego
- Cost: Free viewing
- Time: 1.5–3 hrs
- Age fit: 3–12
- Parking: Free lot at La Jolla Shores; village meters/garages
Seals on the rocks, calm tide pools, and a short cliff path make this a low-key wildlife stop. It’s an easy add to things to do in Southern California with kids when you want nature without paid attractions. For more coastal picks, see our 7 Best Beaches in California. Bring snacks, keep a respectful distance, and plan your overnight at nearby family coastal camping spots.
Why We Love It
- Wildlife moments: Kids see seals and sea lions in the wild—no tickets, no turnstiles.
- Gentle discovery: Tide pools become living science labs at low tide—anemones, snails, hermit crabs.
- Easy pacing: Short walks between viewpoints and benches keep it friendly for mixed ages.
- Photo-ready: Clifftop paths and ocean backdrops make family shots effortless.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Free lot at Kellogg Park (fills early), plus metered and garage parking near Prospect St and Coast Blvd. Avoid roadside shoulders along the bluffs.
- Time: 90–180 minutes with tide-pooling and seal viewing. Children’s Pool beach is closed Dec–May for pupping, but viewing from above is allowed.
- Nearby camping: Mission Bay RV Resort (bayfront, full hookups), Campland on the Bay (family amenities, hookups), and San Elijo / South Carlsbad State Beaches (no hookups).
- Best timing: Arrive about an hour before low tide for the best tide-pooling; mornings are calmer and less crowded.
- Closures & respect: Children’s Pool beach is closed Dec 15–May 15 for seal pupping. Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach are closed year-round—stay behind railings and give wildlife space.
- Footing & etiquette: Wear shoes with grip; step on bare rock (not algae); look, don’t touch or collect.
Anza-Borrego Slot Canyon Wander
Location: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Cost: $10/car ($9 with one 62+)
- Time: 1.5–3 hrs
- Age fit: 6–12
- Parking: Day-use lot
Shaded sandstone corridors make a cool-feeling maze on warm days, with just enough “whoa” to engage bigger kids. This is one of those cheap things to do with kids in California that still feels epic—just you, the wind, and layered desert walls. Start early, keep it unhurried, and settle into open-sky camping spots when the stars switch on.
Why We Love It
- Cool shade maze: Sandstone corridors turn a short walk into real discovery.
- Choose-your-length: Go out-and-back or add a quick loop above the canyon for views.
- Big value: One car fee covers the whole family—no per-person tickets.
- Kid appeal: Scrambling, shade, and “wow” moments without long miles.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Small dirt lot at The Slot via unpaved Buttes Pass Road. Not recommended for RVs or low-clearance vehicles; fills quickly on weekends.
- Time: 90–180 minutes with breaks; the hike itself is ~2 miles roundtrip.
- Nearby camping: Borrego Palm Canyon Campground (showers; some full hookups), Tamarisk Grove Campground (seasonal; no hookups), and Borrego Springs RV resorts with full hookups.
- Best timing: Arrive early (lots can fill and close) and avoid storm forecasts—slot canyons are flash-flood terrain.
- Footing & etiquette: Sturdy closed-toe shoes; move carefully in narrows; don’t climb on fragile walls.
- Pet rules: Dogs aren’t allowed on park trails—keep them to campgrounds and designated roads.
The Strand Family Bike Ride
Location: Santa Monica to Manhattan Beach
- Cost: Free path; beach parking lots ~$8–$15/day. Bike rentals add ~$12–$15/hour (kids’ bikes and trailers a bit less).
- Time: 2–4 hrs (family pace)
- Age fit: 5–13
- Parking: Beach lots
Miles of beachfront path, playground pauses, and sand steps away—simple, screen-light fun that scales for ages and energy. For parents comparing fun things to do in California with kids, this gives you hours of movement for the cost of parking and bike rentals. Ride a little, snack often, then roll back to RV-friendly coastal camping spots.
Why We Love It
- Flat & flexible: Paved, level path makes it easy to ride short or long—turn around anytime.
- Built-in variety: Piers, playgrounds, and snack stops keep kids engaged without detours.
- Ocean views: Sand and skyline stretch alongside you for miles, with plenty of photo ops.
- Family pace: Easy to mix pedaling with breaks, so all ages can keep up comfortably.
Access & Logistics
- Parking: Signed beachfront lots at Santa Monica, Venice, Hermosa, and Manhattan. Avoid low-clearance garages if driving an RV.
- Time: 2–4 hours with ride–play–snack cycles; most families stick to shorter segments.
- Bike rentals: Found near Santa Monica, Venice, and Hermosa/Manhattan piers. Options include kids’ bikes, trailers, tandems, and e-bikes; Hermosa Cyclery and Perry’s are family favorites.
- Nearby camping: Dockweiler RV Park (beachfront, full hookups) and Malibu Creek State Park (oak canyon sites, no hookups).
- Parking: Use signed beach lots (e.g., Santa Monica State Beach, Venice, Manhattan/Hermosa waterfront); avoid garages with height bars and watch for “walk zone” signs near piers.
- Time on site: Plan 2–4 hours with ride–play–snack cycles.
- Nearby family-friendly camping spots: Dockweiler RV Park (beachfront full-hookup camping spots right on the route) and Malibu Creek State Park (oak-lined camping spots within a scenic drive).
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