Southern California family guide
Things to Do in Lake Arrowhead with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Lake Arrowhead on the map
📍 Where Lake Arrowhead is
Lake Arrowhead sits in Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~27 mi / 44 km). It's roughly 62 mi (100 km) from Downtown LA and 106 mi (170 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 Lake Arrowhead
SkyPark at Santa's Village
This mountain adventure park has deep roots: the original Santa's Village opened here in May 1955, more than a month before Disneyland, as the first franchised amusement park in the country, before closing in 1998 and sitting derelict for years. It reopened in 2016 as SkyPark, now spanning 230 acres of mountain biking trails, archery, ziplines, and rock climbing, with the original log-cabin buildings repurposed as shops and restaurants and Santa still on hand seasonally.
~$59 adult, ~$49 kids
Lake Arrowhead Village
Lakeside shopping village that serves as the area's main commercial hub, with factory outlets, boutiques, and restaurants alongside sweet shops and a small arcade. It hosts a busy events calendar year-round, including a free summer concert series and the county's largest free Oktoberfest.
Free to visit; boat tours ~$20
Lake Arrowhead Queen
This paddlewheel boat runs a narrated 50-minute cruise around a private lake most people can't otherwise access — the easiest way for a family to actually get out on the water. Buy tickets dock-side at LeRoy's Board Shop in the Village. Kids love spotting the lakefront mansions, and the enclosed lower deck keeps little ones comfortable if it's breezy.
$26.95 adults, $19.95 kids 2–11, infants free
Heaps Peak Arboretum
A quiet, free stop on Highway 18 with the easy ~1-mile Sequoia Trail loop (about half an hour) passing the largest giant sequoia grove in the San Bernardino Mountains. It's fairly stroller-friendly and great for young kids, with an animal-tracks trail to keep them looking down as well as up. You'll need a Forest Service Adventure Pass on the dashboard, so buy one ahead.
Free entry; $5 daily Adventure Pass to park
Wildhaven Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
A small nonprofit sanctuary in Cedar Glen caring for rescued indigenous animals like black bears, bobcats, foxes and birds of prey, with docent-led programs such as Bear Watch. You must reserve ahead — drop-ins aren't allowed — so book through their website before you drive up. It's an intimate, education-focused visit rather than a big zoo, memorable for animal-loving kids.
Varies (reservation required; donation/fee-based)
Rim of the World Scenic Byway
The Highway 18 drive up to Lake Arrowhead is an attraction in itself, hugging the mountain rim with turnouts that open onto sweeping views over the valleys and lakes far below. Pull off at the marked overlooks (safe paved pullouts with interpretive signs) for an easy free photo stop with the kids. Watch winter weather — the road gets snow and chains are sometimes required.
FreeFestivals & annual events in Lake Arrowhead
What Lake Arrowhead is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Lake Arrowhead Oktober Fest
A seven-weekend German festival at Waterfront Park in Lake Arrowhead Village with food, live music, dancing and contests like the sausage toss. Entry is free and seating is first-come.
Free admission; reserved tables available
Seasonal & outdoors near Lake Arrowhead
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Lake Arrowhead.
More SoCal family guides
Lake Arrowhead family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Lake Arrowhead with kids?
Family favorites in and around Lake Arrowhead include SkyPark at Santa's Village, Lake Arrowhead Village, Lake Arrowhead Queen and Heaps Peak Arboretum, and more. Our guide lists 6 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Lake Arrowhead?
Yes — free family spots near Lake Arrowhead include Heaps Peak Arboretum and Rim of the World Scenic Byway. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Lake Arrowhead
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Lake Arrowhead on one map — then book on your favorite site.