Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest is the small town of Big Bear Lake, California. If you’ve never heard of it, Big Bear is a tranquil retreat for outdoor enthusiasts in California. In its past, Big Bear became a gold mining boomtown, though today it’s best known for its ski resorts and lake activities.
While it is most well-known for its snowy slopes in the winter, Big Bear has a fantastic summer scene as well. And honestly, there’s a lot to do in Big Bear with kids, no matter the season! Sunny skies, fresh air, scenic mountain views, and year-round activities make Big Bear Lake a family-friendly destination.
With its proximity to Los Angeles, Big Bear is an incredibly easy family weekend trip option! Read on to discover the many things to do in Big Bear with kids!
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HOW TO GET TO BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA
Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and is an easy drive from most of Southern California. It is approximately 2 hours, or 96 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Depending on traffic and road conditions, it can take quite a bit longer.
When visiting Big Bear Lake during peak visitation periods (or during a snowstorm), consider these routes:
- Highway 330 – tends to be the most traveled route and tends to get the heaviest traffic on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Holidays and long weekends also tend to be very busy. NOTE: If you take 330, be mindful of the time and leave as early if possible (otherwise expect moderate to extreme traffic delays).
- Highway 18 (to/from Lucerne Valley) – this is the best route to take in snowy conditions. Traffic can be heavy on weekends, holidays, and after snowstorms.
- Highway 38 – will take you a bit more east and then wind down back to the main highways; people usually take this as route alternative during heavy traffic periods.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When traveling to Big Bear, CA in the winter months, you are required to carry chains even if it isn’t snowing during your drive. Should Highway Patrol stop you and find you without chains, you will be asked to turn around and purchase them before you proceed. (If you have 4-wheel drive and mud/snow rated tires, you may still need chains with you, though you likely won’t need to put them on in the case of snow.)
All in all, I’ve heard a ton of horror stories of friends who’ve been stuck on the road for 4 to 8+ hours going from Big Bear to LA. Plan ahead and leave early! Don’t forget to keep a flashlight, water, snacks and extra blankets in the car–just in case there are traffic delays (or worse, if you’re stuck in a snowstorm in the wintertime!).
Need a rental car for your trip?
We like to rent from Hertz. Why? Well with their Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program (completely free to join), you’ll get counter-free pickup at select locations, and even mobile alerts with your exact rental car and its location before you arrive. Check out rental car pricing and availability here.
If you’re more the type to want to compare car rental prices, we highly recommend using Priceline for rental cars because of the free cancellation, no prepayments, and the flexibility to compare prices between various car rental companies.
Alright, now that the logistics are out of the way, let’s get into some of the best things to do in Big Bear with kids!
25 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BIG BEAR WITH KIDS
1. BIG BEAR DISCOVERY CENTER
I always try to start any nature trip with a visit to the information or visitor center. Even though I do plenty of research before visiting a new destination, the rangers never fail to teach me something new!
Since they are the local experts and know more about the area, they’ll have tips that will make your trip better and safer. Make a stop here to get advice on what to do, find out about the current road and trail conditions, and even learn about the local plants and animals here.
Oftentimes, they host free daily tours or docent walks for visitors, and sometimes even concerts and shows throughout the year.
2. BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is one of the best things to do in Big Bear with kids! There are only two alpine zoos in the US and one of them is so conveniently located next to Bear Mountain Ski Resort. This makes it 100% worth a stop!
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a temporary home while they heal (or a permanent one if they are unable to survive on their own).
You’ll see animals native to the area, including black bears, wolves, coyotes, bald eagles, arctic foxes, and snow leopards.
3. DO ACTIVITIES AT BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORT
Big Bear Mountain Resort is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding in the winter, but it’s also a ton of fun in the summer, featuring plenty of family-friendly options like mountain biking, hiking, and base area activities.
If you have an adventurous kid that isn’t afraid of heights, you’re in luck! There is a 30-foot rock climbing wall here, fun ziplining opportunities, as well as EuroBungee (bouncing on an oversized trampoline while safely tethered to a harness via giant bungee cords).
Want to do it all? Consider getting an Adventure Day Pass, which includes unlimited, single-day access to the following Basecamp activities:
- Climbing wall
- Euro Bungee trampoline
- Zip line
- Quick Jump free fall
- Grizzly Ridge Tube Park
- Scenic Sky Chair
- Kid Full Throttle
4. SUMMIT MINING CO.
Calling all junior miners! Your kids will enjoy getting their hands dirty as they sift through sand and rocks at Summit Mining Co. in hopes of striking it rich!
Bring your kids here so they can head to the sluice to uncover gemstones, arrowheads, and other fun finds just like the historic gold miners did over 100 years ago in Big Bear.
Summit Mining Co is located in the Snow Summit Base Camp area where kids can also enjoy rock climbing, a EuroBungee, a zipline, and more. The Summit Mining Co. is typically open to the public during summer operations from mid-May through October.
5. EXPLORE BIG BEAR VILLAGE
In the heart of Big Bear Lake you’ll find a charming district known as The Village, which serves as the central hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. There are lots of family-friendly attractions in The Village such as urban scavenger hunts, bowling, and arcade gaming rooms.
Not to mention, many of the annual Big Bear Events are held in this area, so be sure to check if there are any events on the days you decide to visit.
There is plenty of free parking available throughout The Village.
6. THE BOWLING BARN
When you’re ready to spend some time inside, head to The Bowling Barn where all members of the family can partake in a few friendly games of bowling.
The Bowling Barn features 16 lanes, an onsite snack bar, and arcade games, all perfect for the kiddos. There’s also the Alley Oops Sports Bar where adults can enjoy drinks while watching sports.
The Bowling Barn also hosts their nightly Glow Bowling event, where they turn the lights off, turn the music up, light the room up with black lights and roll the screens down for music videos! It’s a whole lot of fun.
Pro Tip: Before visiting, be sure to check their website for any coupons and promotions.
7. TROUT ALLEY BEACH
Trout Alley Beach (or Pine Oak Lane North Beach) is one of Big Bear’s best-kept secrets, offers a pristine, sandy beach setting right by the lake.
For the adults that enjoy relaxing, this is a great spot to fish and sunbathe while the kids build sandcastles and splash around in the refreshing waters. What’s great about this spot is that it’s got shallow, little coves perfect for the little ones.
Remember to leave no trace–pack in what you pack out and keep this spot clean for the next visitors!
8. GO ON A FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKE
Generally speaking, a lot of trails in Big Bear are steep and hard for little kids. Not surprising, because this is a mountain town, and mountains are steep. However, if you do a little bit of research, you’ll find that there are in fact family-friendly options!
Check out a few of these easy, family-friendly hikes:
- Woodland Interpretive Trail – an easy, 1.6 mile lakeside loop hike on a forest trail
- Champion Lodgepole Pine – 0.5 mile walk to the largest tree in Big Bear Lake!
- NOTE: Be sure to pick up an Adventure Pass for parking
9. VISIT THE VISTA POINTS
Not interested in hiking up but still want to experience sweeping vista points?
Snow Summit’s Sky Chair can easily take you to the top so you can hike down while enjoying spectacular scenic vistas that include superb views of Big Bear Lake and the forests surrounding it.
10. WATER ACTIVITIES AT BIG BEAR LAKE
Big Bear Lake has a lot of water activities. It’s fun for the whole family, that’s for sure!
Rent a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, jet ski, or boat to get out and enjoy some time on the water. Kayaking and canoeing are my favorite options, as they offer great exercise and fitness while staying cool from contact with the water. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, you can even go fishing.
Along with sports shops, the following marinas offer rentals for hourly or day rates: Captain John’s on both the northern and southern shores, as well as Pleasure Point Marina, Big Bear Marina, Holloway’s Marina, and Pine Knot Marina.
11. SWIMMING IN BIG BEAR LAKE
Swimming in Big Bear Lake during the summer is so, so refreshing. It goes so well with a picnic as well! For parents who want a safe swimming area to bring the family, Meadow Park is the best place to go. The swimmable beach has a lifeguard, a floating dock, and even water toys, as well as a snack bar and public restrooms.
The East Boat Ramp beach is another popular option for families and small children. There are bathroom facilities and also a fishing dock for use as well.
For more adventurous swimmers: head to China Island (aka Garstin Island); you can climb up the rock formation behind China Island and take a plunge into the water below.
12. RELAX IN BOULDER BAY PARK
This is hands down one of the most popular spots in Big Bear. Most residents and visitors say Boulder Bay Park has the best universal views of Big Bear!
Whether sunbathing in the summertime or prancing through the park in the spring, this place is a great spot to add to your itinerary. The massive boulders are perfectly backdropped by the lake, which makes for amazing photos.
There are picnic tables, public bathrooms, and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic in peace. While it doesn’t have a playground for kids, it really is a hidden gem!
In the winter, Boulder Bay Park is a popular place for snow play!
13. DRIVE THROUGH THE BACKCOUNTRY
Take a shot at off-roading with a beginner-level trail. I recommend driving along the Holcomb Valley Scenic Drive (10.8 mile trail), where you will for sure encounter breathtaking photo spots.
There’s a section approximately 7-9 miles in that’s pretty rocky, but any 2WD vehicle will handle it without problems.
If you visit in the winter, be sure to check road conditions. Most of the time, they won’t even let you up there without a vehicle with 4WD and snow chains.
14. HORSEBACK RIDING
Experience the beauty of Big Bear from a great vantage point – on horseback! Horseback riding will give you more time to explore and enjoy the scenic beauty that surrounds you. To all my non-hikers and families traveling with kids, this option is for you!
At Baldwin Lake Stables, you can opt-in for hourly, half-day, sunset, and even overnight rides. One of the most popular choices is the sunset rides, where you ascend to the top of a summit to enjoy the scenic sunset views.
For families with younger children, you can opt for the onsite pony rides instead. Your kid can also enjoy a petting zoo featuring goats, sheep, rabbits, and more adorable little animals!
15. TAKE A BIKE TOUR
Big Bear is renowned for its top-quality terrain (some may even say it rivals the best of the best in the world)! In fact, Big Bear has a network of more than 100 miles of trails and Forest Service roads to satisfy riders of all ages and skill levels.
If you’re looking to get out there with your kids, consider taking a bike tour with Big Bear Bike Tours.
Led by expert local guides, you’ll enjoy an informative 2-hour bike tour through scenic Big Bear Lake spots including Eagle Point, Big Bear Observatory, Meadow Park, The Big Bear Village, Gilner Point, Mill Creek, and Knickerbocker Mansion.
If you’d rather just rent bikes to roll around on your own, rent some wheels at Bear Valley Bikes (from $10/hour). I recommend taking your bike rentals to the family-friendly 2.5-mile Alpine Pedal Path which hugs the North Shore.
ROAD CYCLING TRAILS
- Alpine Pedal Path (beginner) – a 2.5-mile car-free relaxing lakeside cruise, perfect for family rides.
- Lake Loop (intermediate) – a 15-20 mile ride around the lake, takes about 1 hour.
👉 Need to rent a bike? You can stop by Bear Valley Bikes, Goldsmith’s Sports, or Paddles and Pedals.
16. CAMPING
Summer and fall in Big Bear are the best seasons to camp and if your kids really love camping, you can’t miss it! Popular campgrounds include the Serrano Campground in the San Bernardino Mountains on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, and the Holcomb Valley Campground, which is more isolated and situated even more north.
If those campground reservations are unavailable, consider Pineknot Campground, which has a bit more availability than the other two.
Don’t forget to pack the s’mores and get the campfire stories ready!
Read More: My Top 15 Hiking and Camping Essentials (With Product Recommendations!)
17. GO ON A PIRATE SHIP CRUISE
Ok, what kid (or any swashbuckler at heart, really) doesn’t love pirates and pirate ships? If that sounds like your child, then you need to seriously consider this pirate ship cruise.
On this pirate ship tour, you’ll enjoy 1.5 hours filled with corny jokes, stunning scenery, and historical enrichment onboard the Big Bear Lake Time Bandit. No tour is ever exactly the same as they have a rotating cast of captains and crew who each bring their own flavor to the tour.
Tours are publicly available on a limited basis, or you can charter the whole ship for a private event (birthday, brunch, or other function). Children under 3 are free!
18. TAKE A SCAVENGER HUNT ACROSS TOWN
Urban Adventure Quest offers a family-friendly smartphone-guided, walking scavenger hunt through Big Bear. You and your team will solve puzzles with clues and complete challenges, all while learning local history and fun facts!
Start at the Big Bear Lake Visitors Center whenever you want and play at your own pace. Your scavenger hunt adventure will take you on a fun route among the quaint streets and history of Big Bear and will guide you right down to the water’s edge and back into the heart of the action!
19. BIG BEAR ROPES COURSE
Are you or your children somewhat of an adrenaline junkie? Or maybe you just like climbing on things! You’re in luck because Big Bear Ropes Course is here for you.
This aerial adventure features more than 42 obstacles including suspension bridges, wide-open gaps, cables to scramble across, and more. Have yourself an invigorating aerial adventure while you balance on ropes and climb through obstacles–all from the safety of a climbing harness.
20. LEARN THE LOCAL HISTORY AT THE BIG BEAR HISTORY MUSEUM
Head to the Big Bear History Museum to see the building blocks that have made history since it was first recorded in the San Bernardino Mountains. Big Bear was first a gold-mining town, and this museum focuses on showing what life was like for the early settlers of Big Bear.
At the museum, you get to go into the original buildings that were moved to the site. They sure pack a lot in a small space–with over one million artifacts housed here, all the sights make it hard to leave!
There are plenty of local docents to answer all of your questions. Before you leave, don’t miss a visit to the blacksmith shop and maybe even try your hand at some gold panning! Admission is $5 per person.
21. GO ZIPLINING
Glide among the treetops and get a birds-eye view of the beautiful Johnson Valley! Big Bear is definitely a prime location to zipline. The Sky Rail Zipline at Big Bear Ropes Course adds an exciting element for those who wish to zipline. The cost is $12 per person per round, and is located at 42825 Big Bear Boulevard along with Big Bear Speedway and Big Bear Snow Play.
As an alternative, consider this highly-rated zipline tour by Action Zipline Tours:
- Big Bear Zipline Tour: 9 High-Speed Ziplines & Suspension Bridge – Your 3-hour tour starts with an off-road ATV ride into the forest. Then, enjoy the adrenaline rush of the 9 ziplines!
22. DO AN ESCAPE ROOM
You don’t have to have to love the outdoors to enjoy your trip to Big Bear, CA. Indoor activities like escape rooms are popping up everywhere, so why not in Big Bear too? If you’re into problem-solving with your friends and family under time pressure, this activity is for you!
With three different adventures in one location, Big Bear Escape Room specializes in high-tech escape room experiences. Unlike other escape rooms, they utilize very few locks or combinations. Instead, they specialize in immersive environments for a thrilling and challenging adventure.
Check out a few of their popular ones here:
23. RIDE THE WORLD-FAMOUS ALPINE SLIDE
The Magic Mountain Recreation Area is home to the world-famous Alpine Slide and offers family fun activities year-round. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the fun and refreshing water slide while in the winter, there is plenty of snow play.
The Alpine Slide, Southern California’s only authentic bobsled experience, is open all year-long and will begin with a scenic chairlift ride to the top.
From there, riders navigate their own individually controlled sleds, each with Teflon runners and ball-bearing wheels, down their choice of two quarter-mile long cement tracks filled with both turns and long straightaways. Riders can go as fast or slow as they want, by merely applying a touch of the brake with the control handle!
Bobsledding not your thing? No worries! There are a variety of other attractions at the recreation area, which include year-round operations of the go-karts, an 18 hole miniature golf course, as well as the Mineshaft Coaster and The Soaring Eagle rides.
Winter activity: In the winter, natural snow and snowmaking machines ensure there is always snow for tubing and snow play, perfect for kids of all ages!
24. GOLD RUSH MINING ADVENTURE
Gold Rush Mining Adventure offers a truly unique activity in Big Bear. As its name suggests, they are an immersive interactive rock and mineral attraction where you can pan for real gold, gemstones, and crystals. You can even harvest pearls right from oysters or excavate fossils!
Anything you find you’ll get to keep, which we think the kids will really enjoy. Who doesn’t want to take home a little souvenir from their hard-earned fossil panning and geode cracking?
After your mining adventure, check out the gift store where you can browse one-of-a-kind items, toys, jewelry, handcrafted fudge, unusual sodas, and old-fashioned candies! This spot is generally open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
25. GO MINI GOLFING
Not into rugged nature activities? Go play a round of outdoor mini-golf under some super tall pine trees!
Big Bear Mountain is home to an 18-hole novelty mini golf course featuring creative obstacles, cute corners, and quirky signs sure to entertain the whole family.
Prices are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors 60+ and kids 12 and under. There is plenty of free parking at the location.
ANNUAL / LOCAL EVENTS IN BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA
- Bald Eagle Celebrations (Jan/Feb)
- USASA Halfpipe (Mar)
- Fishing Season and Farmer’s Market Opens (Apr)
- 1st Annual PubFest (May)
- The Big Bear Lake Grill & Chill (May)
- Summer Wine Walk (Jun)
- Big Bear Lake PaddleFest (June)
- Summer Concerts at The Cave (Jun – Aug)
- Music in the Mountains Concert Series (Jun-Sept)
- July 4th Party at the Summit (July)
- Big Bear Cycling Week (July)
- Chili Cook-Off (July)
- Tour de Big Bear (Aug)
- Big Bear Lake Brew Festival (Aug)
- Big Bear Lake Fall Troutfest (Sept)
- The Village Fall Wine Walk (Sept)
- Oktoberfest (Sept/Oct)
- Big Bear Lake Comedy Festival (Nov)
- Christmas in the Village (Dec)
- New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade (Dec 31)
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA
TRANSPORTATION/LODGING IN BIG BEAR
- During peak winter and summer seasons, make sure to book accommodations ahead of time.
- Big bear is 2 hours from Los Angeles, 2.5 hours from San Diego, and about 3.5 hours from Las Vegas.
- From LA, the most direct route is Highway 330. This is an extremely curvy and mountainous road. If you get carsick easily, you may want to sit in the front seat or take some motion-sickness medicine beforehand.
- The roads are very curvy and hilly and at times, you’ll definitely be driving on an incline. If you’re concerned about whether or not your car will make it, rent a car instead for a worry-free experience!
- You can avoid the mountainous roads by driving up I-15 to Victorville, then coming down CA-18. This will add roughly 30 miles to the drive.
- Travelers can opt for the longer (but often less congested) Highway 38: a scenic route that meanders through the Redlands.
- Travelers visiting from Las Vegas and other high desert cities take Highway 18. (This option also has the least amount of mountain driving
- Give yourself plenty of time to drive. Mountainous and curvy roads always take longer, and if there is snow on the ground, you’ll need even more time.
- Flying into Big Bear? The closest airport is Ontario International Airport in San Bernardino, but you may find cheaper flight prices from one of the other airports near LA (such as LAX or BUR).
WEATHER AND CONDITIONS IN BIG BEAR
- Big Bear is at 7000′ altitude. The altitude ensures things never got too hot at Big Bear, and the area is known for having 320+ days of sunshine.
- Summer temperatures have an average high of 77 and a low of 45. Winter has an average high in the mid-40s and lows in mid-20s.
- If you visit in the winter, be sure to check road conditions. Many back roads require high clearance, 4WD, and snow chains.
- If it’s your first time using snow chains, practice putting them before leaving. You don’t want to get stuck in the middle of the mountains googling how to put on chains with limited service!
- Bring layers! During the warmer seasons, it can be warm during the day but drop to pretty cold temperatures at night. Also worthy to note, the higher you go in elevation, the colder it gets.
- Even on a cloudy day in the winter, don’t forget to wear sunscreen. The atmosphere is much thinner at this altitude and can lead to severe sunburns if you’re not careful. In the market for an amazing sunscreen for the face? Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is the best invention since sliced bread.
ACTIVITIES AT BIG BEAR
- If you’re looking to camp at Big Bear, like many other camping sites in California, your site should be reserved in advance through the United States Forest Service. Popular options include the Serrano Campground in the San Bernardino Mountains and the Holcomb Valley Campground.
- If you’re looking to fish in Big Bear, aim to go during the spring, when the lake is teeming with rainbow trout and bass.
- Visit easily accessible spots early in the morning to avoid crowds.
WHERE TO EAT/DRINK IN BIG BEAR
- Himalayan Restaurant – yummy Indian and Nepalese dishes
- Royal Thai Bistro – if you’re in the mood for stir fry, noodles, curries, and more
- The Bone Yard Bar & Grill – features 40+ beers on tap
- Sister My Sister Bake Shop – features fluffy sticky buns, cupcakes, sandwich cookies, and other delicious baked goodies!
- Barrel 33 – trendy wine bar featuring 100+ California wines including small-batch boutique wines from the Central Coast and Southern California
WHERE TO STAY IN BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA
Big Bear visitors have lots of options for lodging, though you won’t find many 5-star hotels here! Lodges, cabin rentals, and bed and breakfasts are abundant, but if you can snag a room at the ski resorts themselves, there’s no better place to lay your head down.
We personally really like WorldMark Big Bear Lake, a 3-star hotel that offers 93 accommodations with fireplaces, balconies, full kitchens, and washers/dryers.
If intimate private rentals or lodge-style accommodations are not your thing, check out these better-known chains that provide nice and convenient accommodations:
- Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge at Big Bear Lake – Located near the beach and in a walkable area with good shopping. Rooms are very large, clean, quiet and comfortable.
- Best Western Big Bear Chateau – A simple and affordable option; all rooms have refrigerators and microwaves. Dine at the restaurant, drink at the bar/lounge, or take a dip in a spa tub.
OTHER PLACES NEAR BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA TO VISIT
- Lake Arrowhead (25 miles west, 45 min drive)
- Joshua Tree National Park (72.4 mi east, 1 hr 35 min drive)
- Palm Springs (81.8 mi southeast, 1 hr 40 min drive)
- Idyllwild, CA (83.8 mi south, 2 hrs drive)
- Los Angeles (96.6 mi west, 2 hrs drive)
And that concludes this post! We hope that this post has inspired you to try something new in Big Bear with your kids! If you have any questions about the destinations or have your own travel tips to share, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments below.
Want more California travel tips? Read More:
20 Best Family Vacations In California Perfect For Children
Los Angeles To Las Vegas Road Trip: 25+ Awesome Stops (ROUTE 66)
The Perfect California Desert Weekend Trip: Palm Springs and Surrounding Desert Area
20+ Best Towns Between San Francisco to Los Angeles: California Coast Road Trip
Thank you for this post, this post really helped me