Here are ten exciting places to take kids in Northern California, featuring family-friendly attractions with engaging activities. These spots offer a mix of outdoor adventures, interactive learning, and classic amusement, perfect for kids of various ages.
Jelly Belly Factory Tour, Fairfield, CA
A self-guided tour above the factory floor at 1 Jelly Belly Lane, where kids can watch jelly beans being made, enjoy interactive exhibits like smell tests and video games, and see jelly bean art mosaics. The tour includes a free sample bag of jelly beans and a paper hat (required). The Jelly Belly Café offers jelly bean-shaped burgers and pizzas, while the museum showcases the history of candy-making. Best visited on weekdays for active production.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park located at 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, California. This family-friendly destination offers free entry, allowing visitors to enjoy a day of fun without any upfront costs. Known for its historic rides, such as the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster and the 1911 Looff Carousel, the Boardwalk also features a variety of arcade games and beach access. In addition to rides, there are plenty of non-ride activities that appeal to children, making it a great spot for families.
Sonoma Train Town Railroad
Located at 20264 Broadway in Sonoma, California, this 10-acre family-friendly attraction is situated about one mile south of Sonoma Plaza. It features a quarter-scale miniature railway and beautifully landscaped grounds, exuding a nostalgic, old-fashioned charm. While the park features some amusement rides, its non-ride attractions, including the train ride, petting zoo, and miniature town, offer excellent interactive and educational experiences for kids. With free admission and parking, the park is budget-friendly, offering individual tickets for various activities.
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton, California
Ride historic steam trains through Santa Cruz’s redwood forests or to the Beach Boardwalk (1-hour round trip). The Redwood Forest Steam Train winds through towering trees, while the Beach Train offers coastal views. Special events include the Great Train Robbery and Thomas the Tank Engine rides. Kids love the narrated rides and vintage trains. There is also a beach train that travels to and from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Location: 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, California.
Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding, California
Description: A 300-acre park with a museum, botanical gardens, and outdoor playgrounds. Kids can explore a Native American bark house, Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp, or the iconic Sundial Bridge. Wildlife conservation is another important notion reflected in many of the displays at Turtle Bay. The park has a rehabilitation program that rescues wild animals that are unable to survive in the wild due to illness or injury. Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp is home to several of these lucky creatures, and kids love the opportunity to interact with them. Location: 844 Sundial Bridge Dr, Redding, California.
Safari West, Santa Rosa, California
Safari West is a 400-acre private wildlife preserve that was founded in 1993 by Peter and Nancy Lang. It is home to over 900 animals from more than 90 species, with a strong emphasis on African wildlife, including giraffes, rhinos, zebras, cheetahs, and antelopes. The nonprofit Safari West Wildlife Foundation supports conservation and education, making it a fun and educational destination for families. Visitors can enjoy an exciting bouncy Jeep ride that feels like an adventure, and they can experience thrilling close-up encounters with animals. Safari West is located at 3115 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA, approximately 20 minutes from downtown Santa Rosa.
Sacramento River Cruise
A Sacramento Riverboat Cruise is a wonderful family-friendly activity in Northern California. The City Cruises Sacramento – Historic River Cruise offers a one-hour trip that departs from Old Sacramento. The captain provides a live, narrated tour that explores Sacramento’s Gold Rush history and local legends, making it an educational experience for both children and adults. Children aged three and under can ride for free, and there are both indoor and outdoor seating options available, allowing children to enjoy scenic river views or stay comfortable indoors. Website.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, situated at 886 Cannery Row in Monterey, is one of the world’s premier aquariums. It features over 35,000 marine animals and plants across more than 200 exhibits. Notable attractions include the Open Sea Gallery, home to hammerhead sharks and sea turtles; the Kelp Forest, a 28-foot-tall underwater forest; and the Splash Zone, designed specifically for children. To avoid crowds, especially during the summer, it’s best to arrive at the aquarium when it opens at 10:00 AM.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
The park offers gentle, agriculture-themed rides, such as the Artichoke Dip (teacup-style), Garlic Twirl, and Quicksilver Coaster, which are suitable for young kids. Water attractions include Water Oasis (with slides and a lagoon) and Lakeside Splash (introduced in 2024). The Circus Trees, with their whimsical, grafted shapes, are a highlight, alongside gardens such as the Monarch Garden (located in a greenhouse) and the Camellia Garden. Educational exhibits, such as the Nature Exchange and Green Barn, encourage learning about nature. Location: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA, accessible from Hwy 101 or 152, about 45 minutes south of San Jose, California.
Old Faithful Geyser, Calistoga
Old Faithful Geyser of California is located in the upper Napa Valley near Calistoga. Napa Valley’s geyser is only one of three “Old Faithfuls” worldwide. This geyser shoots a stream of scalding steam up to 75 feet into the air every thirty minutes.
Apple Hill, El Dorado County
Apple Hill has been the perfect traditional fall family destination for over half a century, offering a mix of kid-friendly activities, including more than 50 u-pick apple ranches. Apple Hill will surely delight visitors, and the kids will unanimously agree that it’s an inexpensive family trip that should be taken every year.