Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Big Bear Lake with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Big Bear Lake on the map
📍 Where Big Bear Lake is
Big Bear Lake sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Palm Springs Intl (~36 mi / 58 km). It's roughly 77 mi (124 km) from Downtown LA and 107 mi (172 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
The only zoological facility in an alpine forest specializing in alpine species, this rehabilitation center releases about 90% of the injured and orphaned animals brought to it back into the wild. More than 85 species live here, including black and grizzly bears, golden and bald eagles, and permanent residents like snow leopard sisters Asha and Shanti.
~$15 adult, ~$12 kids
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Year-round bobsled-style Alpine Slide billed as Southern California's only authentic bobsled experience, plus a mountain coaster, go-karts, and mini golf with scenic chairlift rides. Summer brings water-slide activities and winter brings snow play, so it runs as a genuine four-season mountain attraction.
~$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. The lake sits at more than 6,700 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, and Bear Mountain's ski runs climb even higher, up to nearly 8,800 feet. Several marinas around the lake rent everything from kayaks to pontoon boats each spring through fall.
Varies; rentals/marina fees
Big 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.
Free
Boulder 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.
Free
Time 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 reservationFestivals & annual events in Big Bear Lake
What Big Bear Lake is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
A German-style festival held on weekends each fall at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center, with German bands, food, dancing and contests. 2026 is its 56th year.
Ticketed - see site for admission
New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit
The 62nd annual show has 200+ skiers and snowboarders carrying torches down the mountain, with a free viewing area and no registration. It is a kid-friendly way to see in the new year at a decent hour. Tip: dress in heavy layers, since it is freezing after dark, and check chain requirements on Highways 18 and 330.
Free viewing
Old Miners' Days
Big Bear's long-running summer heritage celebration — a parade down Big Bear Blvd, a carnival, a chili cook-off and the Doo Dah Parade in Fawnskin. Held since the late 1940s.
See site for admission
Local restaurants in Big Bear Lake
Teddy Bear Restaurant
Home-style food and homemade pies in the village at 583 Pine Knot Blvd, Big Bear Lake. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, open daily 7am-10pm, with takeout.
Old Country Inn
Breakfast and brunch restaurant, known for its omelets, at 41126 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake. Open Mon and Thu-Sun 8am-1:30pm (closed Tue-Wed), with online ordering and catering.
Stella Luna Restaurant
Scratch kitchen with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options and a kids menu, at 40696 Village Dr, Big Bear Lake. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with online ordering.
Hacienda Grill
Mexican cantina and grill at 41787 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, open daily 11am to 9pm or 10pm, with online ordering.
Sister My Sister Bake Shop
Bakery at 40191 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, with pastries, pies, cupcakes and cakes plus locally sourced coffee and tea. Open Wed-Sun, with online pickup ordering and custom cakes.
Grizzly Manor Cafe
Homemade breakfast diner at 41268 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, serving pancakes, omelets, breakfast burritos and French toast daily 6am-2pm, with DoorDash ordering.
Seasonal & outdoors near Big Bear Lake
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Big Bear Lake.
More Inland Empire family guides
Big Bear Lake family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Big Bear Lake with kids?
Family favorites in and around Big Bear Lake include Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Big Bear Lake and Big Bear Discovery Center, and more. Our guide lists 7 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Big Bear Lake?
Yes — free family spots near Big Bear Lake include Big Bear Discovery Center, Boulder Bay Park and Big Bear Solar Observatory. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Big Bear Lake?
Local, family-friendly spots in Big Bear Lake include Teddy Bear Restaurant, Old Country Inn, Stella Luna Restaurant and Hacienda Grill, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Big Bear Lake guide cover?
Our Big Bear Lake family guide includes 7 things to do and 6 local eats — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Book Big Bear Lake tours & tickets
Bookable via Viator · we may earn a commission (no extra cost to you)Bookable experiences, skip-the-line tickets, and tours in Big Bear Lake — reserved through Viator.
Free cancellationZipline Tour - 9 high-speed ziplines & fun suspension bridge
Free cancellationBig Bear Lake Jeep Tour with Light Lunch
Free cancellationBig Bear Jeep off-road tour with Hike to Bluff Lake Reserve
Free cancellationFamily-Friendly Nature Hike around the Big Bear Valley
More experiences via GetYourGuide · we may earn a commission (no extra cost to you)
Where to stay in Big Bear Lake
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Big Bear Lake on one map — then book on your favorite site.