Me and my 18-month-old found the best family-friendly activities in Santa Barbara! Check out my guide to navigating Santa Barbara with kids of all ages!
Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a fun little gem for all kids! There are over 500 animals and most of them get an ocean view. It’s very family-friendly, offering interactive experiences like a petting zoo where kids can get up close with adorable farm animals. There are playgrounds for the kiddos to burn off energy, a cute miniature train ride to check out the sights (my son's favorite!), and plenty of snack options to keep everyone fueled. It’s a great spot for a family day while also supporting conservation efforts. You can visit their website HERE.
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
My son is obsessed with the MOXi in Santa Barbara.. well, all kids love the MOXi! It’s an interactive science museum that features hands-on exhibits that inspire creativity and exploration for all ages. I have a free buddy pass for anyone interested in a trial day! :) Visit their website HERE.
The Santa Barbara Public Library
All the libraries in Santa Barbara are incredible, but our favorite is the one downtown, especially for kids. There is an entire children’s floor! A dream come true for little ones, packed with toys, train tracks, books, and interactive play areas that make it so much more than just a place to check out books. It’s the perfect spot for kids to explore, play, and learn. Beyond just books, the library hosts storytimes and events throughout the week for different age groups, like Baby & Me, Toddler Storytime, and Wiggly Storytime on Thursdays (which is our go-to!). Check out the rest of the events on their website HERE
Kids World - Across from Alice Keck Park
After school pickp, we love to head over to Kids World, the ultimate playground for burning off energy. It’s this massive, castle-like wooden structure with swings, slides, bridges, and even a giant whale and shark to climb on. It was built by the community in the '90s, so it still has hundreds of handprint tiles from local kids, pretty adorable! There’s plenty of space to run around, picnic tables for snack breaks, and always a bunch of families hanging out.
Little Toot
Lil’ Toot is a charming, family-friendly boat ride in Santa Barbara that offers a unique way to experience the ocean and the coast of Sant aBarbara. On board, you can enjoy the mountain and city views all while being on the water. Keep your eyes peeled, you might even catch a glimpse of sea lions, dolphins, and other cool marine life along the way! Visit their website HERE.
Biking Along the Coast
Also, a big Duddy family favorite! Rent bikes and ride along the scenic coastal paths on Cabrillo, and maybe even stop at Stearn’s Warf for an Ice Cream!
This is my guide to navigating Santa Barbara with kids, let me know your favorite places!
