Southern California family guide
Things to Do in Big Bear Lake with Kids
Curated by Punita Patel
Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Things to do in Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Mountain wildlife rehabilitation zoo where families see bears, snow leopards, eagles, and rescued native animals.
~$15 adult, ~$12 kids
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Year-round bobsled-style slide, a mountain coaster, go-karts, and mini golf with scenic chairlift rides.
~$8–12 per ride
Big Bear Lake
Alpine lake getaway with boat rentals, fishing, swim beaches, hiking, and winter skiing, about 90 minutes up the mountain.
Varies; rentals/marina feesBig Bear Alpine Zoo
A rescue-and-rehabilitation zoo on Moonridge Road, home to snow leopards, bald eagles, wolves and bears that can't return to the wild — so kids get eye-level looks at animals with real backstories. It sits at roughly 7,000 feet, so bring layers even in summer. On snowy days it may open late or close for snow removal, so call ahead in winter.
$12 ages 11+, $9 seniors/military/kids 3–10, under 3 free
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Ride a chairlift up, then steer a sled a quarter-mile down twisting bobsled-style tracks, with go-karts, mini golf and a summer water slide too. There's no gate fee, so you only pay for the rides you want, which keeps it flexible for younger kids. Weekend afternoons draw the longest lines, so aim for a weekday or a 10am opening.
Pay per ride; slide ~$10/ride, packages availableBig Bear Discovery Center
This free U.S. Forest Service visitor center in Fawnskin on the north shore has hands-on nature exhibits, trail maps and ranger-led programs — a low-key family stop. It's the place to grab an Adventure Pass and get current trail and wildlife info before you hike. Pair it with a nearby walk to make the drive worthwhile.
FreeBoulder Bay Park
A small, free lakeside park about five minutes west of The Village with picnic tables, a gazebo, big granite boulders to scramble and easy shoreline paths. Parking is free and leashed dogs are welcome, making it an easy no-cost afternoon. It's a favorite for photos and picnics, so arrive early on summer weekends to snag a table near the water.
FreeTime Bandit Pirate Ship (Holloway's Marina)
The Time Bandit, an actual boat from the 1981 film, sails 90-minute narrated pirate-themed cruises out of Holloway's Marina. Kids love the swashbuckling storytelling while parents soak up lake history and mountain views. Reserve ahead on busy summer weekends, and bring a jacket — it gets breezy on the water even on warm days.
~$29 adult, $27 senior, $21 kids 3–15, under 3 free
Big Bear Solar Observatory
This working research observatory juts out on a causeway into the lake, half a mile west of the Discovery Center, studying the sun using the steady lakeside air. Even without a tour it's a striking free photo stop from the shore. Summer tours are limited and book up fast, involving a gravel walk and stairs, so best for kids 5 and up.
Free (donations encouraged); tours by reservationSeasonal & outdoors near Big Bear Lake
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Big Bear Lake.
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Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.