Best Entertainment in Santa Cruz for Kids & Families

5 family-friendly entertainment with age ratings and parent tips.

Highest rated: Neptune's Kingdom, Boardwalk Ticket Booth, Boardwalk Bowl. 4 listings are indoor. Qualified listings include age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and practical planning tips.

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Reviews family planning details across KidPaths city guides.

This Santa Cruz page currently has 5 qualified listings in entertainment that passed KidPaths' listing and photo checks. Start your comparison with Boardwalk Bowl, Neptune's Kingdom, Lost Worlds Funtropolous, then use the age, cost and visit-length notes to narrow the list.

5 options work indoors or in mixed weather. 2 options have confirmed stroller access. 3 picks fit toddlers and 5 picks fit big kids.

Confirm timed-entry rules, noise level and the real family price after socks, games or add-ons. These venues work best when the activity fits every child rather than only the oldest.

Top Picks

Neptune's Kingdom

4.6 stars

An indoor miniature golf course with an ocean/nautical theme, plus a huge arcade, it's a rainy-day jackpot right next to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

5, 17Indoor~$60 to $100 (mini golf ~$10 to $14/person; arcade tokens extra; budgeting $15 to $25/person for tokens is reasonable; 2 adults + 2 kids)

Boardwalk Ticket Booth

4.6 stars

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the last great beachside amusement parks in California, classic roller coasters, a historic carousel, ocean v

3, 17Indoor & Outdoor~$100 to $180 (all-day wristbands ~$40 to $60/person depending on height/age; food and games extra; 2 adults + 2 kids)

Boardwalk Bowl

4.4 stars

Bowling is one of those rare activities where a 4-year-old and a 14-year-old can compete together, bumpers for the little ones make everyone feel like

2, 17Indoor~$60 to $90 (lane rental + shoe rental ~$6 to $8/person; bumper bowling available; food and drinks extra; 2 adults + 2 kids)

Cave Train

4.4 stars

A slow-moving train ride through darkened tunnels filled with glowing, slightly spooky scenes, the ideal amount of 'scary' for little kids who want to

2, 9Indoor~$20 to $32 (ride tickets per person; part of Boardwalk ride packages, combo day passes are better value; 2 adults + 2 kids)

Lost Worlds Funtropolous

4 stars

Laser tag, indoor mini golf, a full arcade, and a play structure all under one roof, there's enough variety that kids of different ages can split up a

4, 16Indoor~$60 to $120 (combo packages for laser tag + mini golf + arcade; individual pricing varies; 2 adults + 2 kids)

Age Group

Quick Filters

5 activities