Things to Do with Kids in Santa Cruz, CA
4 kid-tested activities: museums, parks, zoos, restaurants, and more.
4.5 avgacross 4 rated
2 free
3 stroller-friendly
Partially FreeSanta Cruz Museum of Natural History
4.7(330)
Ages: 3–13
Indoor/OutdoorStroller-FriendlyRainy Day
Partially FreeNatural Bridges Monarch Trail
4.6(392)
Ages: 2–17
Outdoor
FreeMonterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
4.6(491)
Ages: 2–17
IndoorStroller-FriendlyRainy Day
FreeFloral County Park
Ages: 0–7
OutdoorStroller-Friendly
Browse by Age
Family Travel Guide: Santa Cruz, CA
Discover the best things to do with kids in Santa Cruz, CA. Our family-tested guide covers top attractions, restaurants, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems — all rated by age, with stroller info, cost estimates, and real parent tips.
Santa Cruz Family Guides
In-depth guides with real costs, age-by-age picks, and parent tips.
Toddler Guide
Best Santa Cruz Activities for Toddlers (Ages 0–4)
Read guide →Rainy DayRainy Day Activities for Families in Santa Cruz
Read guide →3-Day Itinerary3 Days in Santa Cruz with Kids: The Perfect Family Itinerary
Read guide →Free & CheapFree & Cheap Things to Do with Kids in Santa Cruz
Read guide →Cost GuideWhat Families Actually Spend in Santa Cruz: Real Activity Costs
Read guide →Big Kids GuideBest Santa Cruz Activities for Big Kids (Ages 6–12)
Read guide →Common Questions About Santa Cruz with Kids
- What are the best free things to do with kids in Santa Cruz?
- Santa Cruz has 2 free family activities. Top picks: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Floral County Park. See all free activities at kidpaths.com/santa-cruz.
- What can we do with kids on a rainy day in Santa Cruz?
- There are 2 rainy day options in Santa Cruz. Top indoor picks: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
- What are the best activities for toddlers in Santa Cruz?
- 4 activities in Santa Cruz are rated for toddlers (ages 1–3). Parent favorites: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, Natural Bridges Monarch Trail, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Floral County Park.
- Which Santa Cruz attractions are stroller-friendly?
- 3 of 4 activities in Santa Cruz are fully stroller-friendly. KidPaths rates stroller access as yes, limited, or no for every listing.
- What are fun things to do with teens in Santa Cruz?
- 2 activities in Santa Cruz are rated for teens (ages 13–17). Top picks: Natural Bridges Monarch Trail, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.
- How much do family activities cost in Santa Cruz?
- KidPaths tracks family-of-4 cost estimates for 4 activities in Santa Cruz. 2 are completely free. Each listing shows the real cost for a family of four, not just per-person pricing.
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