National Parks / Natural World in California

Trees Of Mystery

Klamath

Trees Of MysteryWe are an 8/10ths of a mile groomed interpretive trail through the awe-inspiring Redwoods of Northern California. Part of the trail (The Trail of Tall Tales)is devoted to the myth and mythology of Paul Bunyan, America's larger-than-life logger from the turn of the century...

The Living Desert

Indian Wells

The Living DesertThis tour through The Living Desert will show you how language has misled everyone into thinking of the desert as a surly, outlaw landscape instead of a fragile, interesting ecosystem. You'll see remarkable plants, animals, places and natural phenomena associated with..

Whale Watching Excursions

San Diego

Whale Watching ExcursionsJoin San Diego Harbor Excursion and world famous Birch Aquarium at Scripps as we embark on a California Gray Whale watching adventure. Fully narrated, this three and one-half hour adventure allows close-up views of the mammoth California Gray Whale. Approximately 20,000..

Mojave National Preserve

Barstow

Mojave National PreserveSinging sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and carpets of wildflowers are all found at this 1.6 million acre park. A visit to its canyons, mountains and mesas will reveal long-abandoned mines, homesteads, and rock-walled military outposts.

Oyster Bay

San Leandro

Oyster BayAn astonishing diversity of wildlife can be seen at this shoreline park under development just south of Oakland International Airport. Marsh hawks, black-shouldered kites, red-tailed hawks, and shorebirds abound. Views of the Bay are spectacular.

Redwood Regional Park

Oakland

Redwood Regional ParkOn Redwood Road, just a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland, is a hidden redwood forest whose peaceful groves give little evidence of its bustling past.

Garland Ranch Regional Park

Carmel

Garland Ranch Regional ParkThis park is home to a variety of landscapes that occur at elevations from 200 to 2000 feet. From the willow covered banks of the Carmel River through the cottonwood-sycamore stands of the old floodplain, the trails ascend steeply.

North Coast Nature Center

Crescent City

North Coast Nature CenterThe mission of the North Coast Nature Center is to make a connection between people and animals in order to inspire environmental stewardship. The North Coast Nature Center is a hands on, discovery museum featuring animals native to the northern coast of California and..

Six Rivers National Forest

Eureka

Six Rivers National Forest Six Rivers National Forest lies east of Redwood State and National Parks in northwestern California, and stretches southward from the Oregon border for about 140 miles. It encompasses 957,590 National Forest acres and 133,410 acres of other ownership. Smith River National..

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Fort Bragg

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offers everything from colorful displays to thunderous waves. The mild maritime climate makes it a garden for all seasons, attracting gardeners and nature lovers alike.

Petrified Forest

Calistoga

Petrified ForestStep back in Time, over 3 million years, and follow the trail of majestic petrified redwood giants arrayed before you in a fascinating grove in beautiful California wine country

Old Faithful Geyser of California

Calistoga

Old Faithful Geyser of California Come visit the show of California's Old Faithful Geyser, a spectacular, nature-directed performance. The stage, walled by thick bamboo and plumed pampas grass, appears as an innocent pool of shallow water until time for the major attraction.

Sequoia King's Canyon National Park

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia King's Canyon National Park These two parks testify to nature's size, beauty, and diversity: Immense mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the worlds largest trees!

Monarch Butterfly Grove

Pismo Beach

Monarch Butterfly Grove Each year thousands of vibrant orange and black Monarch Butterflies flock to Pismo Beach, seeking shelter from the freezing northern winters. From late October to February, the butterflies cluster in the limbs of a grove of Eucalyptus trees at Pismo State Beach.

Shipley Nature Center

Huntington Beach

Shipley Nature Center Shipley Nature Center is an 18-acre natural area located in Huntington Beach, California. Situated within Huntington Central Park, the nature center is not only a sanctuary for the local wildlife, but it is also a haven for the residents and visitors of Orange County.

Eaton Canyon

Pasadena

Eaton CanyonThis 184-acre natural park is located at the base of Mt. Wilson. There are five miles of nature trails and also an equestrian trail. The canyon is very lush and has beautiful displays of local flora and fauna.

Adventureland

Stanton

AdventurelandAdventure City is a hidden gem among the many amusement parks in Southern California. This unique park has become a favorite for families with young children. The park's small, safe setting allows parents to let the kids run free without worry. Adventure City has lots..

Disneyland Park

Anaheim

Disneyland ParkFrom the charm of Main Street, U.S.A to the whimsy of Mickey's Toontown, explore eight fantastic "lands" of nostalgia, color and delight. Let your imagination run free in a magic kingdom where life is a fairy tale and dreams really do come true.

Califonias Great America

Santa Clara

Califonias Great AmericaGreat America is Northern California's favorite place for family fun and thrills starring your kids' favorite Nickelodeon characters, and the most family rides in the Bay Area.

Knotts Berry Farm

Buena Park

Knotts Berry FarmOnce a working berry farm, this popular theme park is now home to some of the most exciting rides the USA has to offer and also features Camp Snoopy, home to the beloved Peanuts gang. Great idea if you're looking for fun places for kids in California

Legoland

Carlsbad

LegolandLEGOLAND California brings out the hero in everyone.There are more than 50 super rides, shows and attractions for the whole family. Great idea if you're looking for fun places to go with kids in California.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Valencia

Six Flags Magic MountainThrill seekers come in all sizes. That's why we have tons of great fun for little ones to enjoy on their own and with parents. These rides spin, fly and promise to take kids on magical journeys that are perfect for their height and age. In addition to these Kids Rides,..

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal City

Universal Studios HollywoodFind a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place: Universal Studios Hollywood. With thrilling park rides and shows, a real working movie studio and L.A's best shops, restaurants and all-new cinemas at CityWalk, Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique..

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Vallejo

Six Flags Discovery KingdomFamily fun is what we're all about at Six Flags. So get ready to let loose and laugh. From the highest heights to the gentlest adventures, we've got plenty of rides you can enjoy together.

Aquarium Of The Bay

San Francisco

Aquarium Of The BaySee.Touch.Discover.Learn.Discover what lies beneath the waves of San Francisco Bay.Journey through crystal filled tunnels filled with 20,000 aquatic animals. Touch Sharks, rays and sea stars. Great idea if you're looking for fun places to go with kids in CA.

Birch Aquarium

La Jolla

Birch AquariumBirch Aquarium at Scripps brings to life the exciting discoveries of world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography. For more than a century, the aquarium has inspired visitors with the wonders of the ocean. Enter the world of sharks, seahorses, living coral reefs and..

Oakland Zoo

Oakland

Oakland ZooThe Oakland Zoo is a non-profit organization, managed by the East Bay Zoological Society. Founded in 1922 by Henry Snow, the Zoo has been located in its current Knowland Park location since 1936. Nestled in the rolling hills of 525-acre Knowland Park, the Zoo is located at..

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

San Pedro

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Discover the underwater world of Southern California... Located just steps from the ocean on Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a non-profit public aquarium which engages all visitors in education, recreation and research to promote knowledge,..

Chafree Zoolological Garden

Fresno

Chafree Zoolological GardenThe Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a great place to find habitats that mimic the natural flora/fauna. There are the conventional holding areas, but there is a spacious rain forest habitat that is home for numerous animals where the visitor can stroll through and feel at home with..

Feline Conservation Center

Rosamond

Feline Conservation CenterEFBC's Feline Conservation Center, also known as the Cat House, is located in Rosamond, California. Cat lovers of all ages who discover this desert zoo/wildlife museum north of Los Angeles are surprised and amazed at the variety of wild cat species found here.

Happy Hollow Zoo

San Jose

Happy Hollow ZooHappy Hollow Park & Zoo is a fun place for the whole family. It is divided into 2 main sections; a zoo and an amusement park. The zoo has many different animals to see: a hippo, jaguars, meerkats, lemurs, wallabies and more. There is a petting zoo with a zebu, goats,..

Seaworld

San Diego

SeaworldSeaWorld is a chain of marine mammal parks in the United States, with operations in Orlando, Florida; San Diego, California; San Antonio, Texas. The parks feature Orca, sea lion, and dolphin shows and zoological displays featuring various other marine animals.

San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco

San Francisco ZooAt the San Francisco Zoo, it's our mission to connect people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature and advance conservation action. Great idea if you're looking for places to go with kids in California.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego

San Diego ZooSan Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park is a zoo in the San Pasqual The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California is one of the largest, most progressive zoos in the world with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species. It is privately operated by the nonprofit..

Santa Ana Zoo

Santa Ana

Santa Ana ZooThe Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park in Santa Ana, California is a 20-acre site focusing on the animals and plants of Central and South America. The Santa Ana Zoo hosts more than 270,000 people annually. The zoo opened in 1952 and is owned and operated by the City of Santa..

Sequoia Park Zoo

Eureka

Sequoia Park ZooConnect with the Wild Inside You! Explore one of the oldest and smallest accredited zoo's in the nation set against a magnificent backdrop of the redwood forest. There are many animals to see and learn about, a first-class petting zoo, indoor exhibits, and a cafe and gift..

Roundhouse Aquarium

Manhattan Beach

Roundhouse AquariumThe Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium is open to the public free of charge, with a suggested donation of $2/person or $4/family. We are open Monday-Friday from 3pm-sunset, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-sunset. Stop by to check out over 75 species of marine life!

Aquarium Of The Pacific

Long Beach

Aquarium Of The PacificTake a journey of discovery through the worlds largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. Dive right into our exhibits. A great idea if you're looking for fun places to go with kids in California.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Fresno

Fresno Chaffee ZooFresno Chaffee Zoo is home to approximately 125 species, with more always on the way. We are the only zoo in North America that currently houses Northland green geckos (on exhibit) and Southern tent tortoises (off exhibit).

Micke Grove Zoo

Lodi

Micke Grove ZooMicke Grove Zoo is home to native animals and exotic species from all over the world, including several endangered species, such as the Chinese Alligator, the Snow Leopard and the Cotton Top Tamarin.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey

Monterey Bay AquariumExperience the wonders of the ocean at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a family-friendly aquarium on the California coast! The beauty of jellies, the majesty of an underwater forest and the antics of sea otters inspire visitors of all ages. Learn even more at daily feeding..

Orange County Zoo

Orange

Orange County ZooThe Orange County Zoo is nestled within beautiful Irvine Regional Park. Tucked among coastal live oak and sycamore groves, this eight acre zoo displays flora and fauna native to the southwestern United States. The Orange County Zoo makes a great destination.

Sacramento Zoo

Sacramento

Sacramento ZooOpen since 1927, the Sacramento Zoo is home to over 140 native, exotic and endangered species. Great idea if you're looking for fun places to go with kids in California

California Academy Of Sciences

San Francisco

California Academy Of SciencesWhatever your interests, the new Academy is designed to engage and inspire like no other museum on the planet. Not only is the building, itself, a stunning architectural achievement but the new Academy contains multiple venues, hundreds of unique exhibits and nearly 40,000..

Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara ZooAttractions: Giraffe feeding ($4.00 per person); Barnyard ($1.00 per cup, free to visit); Carousel featuring hand-carved exotic animals ($1.00 for children up to 48" tall); Zoo train ($2.50-$3.50, free for children under 2); Kallman family play area (free).

Charles Paddock Zoo

Atascadero

Charles Paddock ZooThe mission of the Charles Paddock Zoo is to provide an educational resource for wildlife awareness and conservation, and an enriched recreational experience for the residents and visitors of the California Central Coast.

Ocean World

Crescent City

Ocean WorldThe aquarium consists of tanks holding over half a million gallons and an abundance of sea life, including sharks, seals, sea lions, rays and wolf eels. Attractions include shark petting, interactive "hands on" tide pool, and a live sea lion performance.

Safari West

Santa Rosa

Safari WestThe natural world awaits you... Faster is not always better. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, instant communication and instant gratification, Safari West stands as a tangible testament to the joy of the natural world, where the pace of life is dictated..

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

Folsom

Folsom City Zoo SanctuarySince 1963, this small unique California zoo has been providing sanctuary to some very special animals. All are non-releasable. Many were raised, and rejected, as wild pets. Others were injured or orphaned in the wild. Most are native to North America. All have names and..

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical GardensCovering 133 acres, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is home to more than 1,100 animals representing more than 250 different species of which 30 are endangered. Highlights include Campo Gorilla Reserve, the newest exhibit, an immersion style habitat featuring six..

Chula Vista Nature Center

Chula Vista

Chula Vista Nature CenterLocated on Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge on beautiful San Diego Bay, the Chula Vista Nature Center is an internationally recognized zoo/aquarium exhibiting plants and animals native to San Diego Bay and marsh/wetland habitats.

Eco Station

Culver City

Eco StationVisitors to the STAR ECO Station experience incredible hands-on lessons of ecology and environmentalism on breathtaking encounter with beautiful tropical birds, exotic reptiles, wildcats and ocean life in a tropical jungle setting.

Wildlife Waystation

Angeles National Forest

Wildlife WaystationThe Wildlife Waystation, situated on 160 acres in California's Angeles National Forest, is internationally recognized for its ongoing, charitable efforts to rescue and rehabilitate wild and exotic animals.

The Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay onto the Pacific Ocean. As part of both US Highway 101 and State Route 1, it connects the city of San Francisco on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County. The..

Alcatraz Island

San Francisco

Alcatraz IslandAlcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is..

The Pizza Farm

Madera

The Pizza FarmThe Pizza Farm was created to educate and entertain "city folk" of all ages about how their food is grown. The Pizza Farm is a "living" demonstration farm that conducts guided tours for schools and tourists, teaching them about agriculture along the way. The Pizza Farm is..

Hearst Castle

San Simeon

Hearst CastleHearst Castle is one of the largest of approximately 5,000 historic house museums in the U.S., with one of the most sophisticated guided tour programs in the country.

Graumans Chinese Theatre Handprints of The Stars

Hollywood

Graumans Chinese Theatre Handprints of The StarsIt was once stated that "to visit Los Angeles and not see the Chinese is like visiting China and not seeing the Great Wall." Grauman's opulent, awe-inspiring presence and history has been a cornerstone of Hollywood for over 75 years. Grauman's Chinese Theatre is the most..

Hall Of Health

Berkeley

Hall Of Healthhe philosophy of the Hall of Health is that health and human biology go hand in hand: an understanding of how the body works provides a meaningful context for all of the practices that promote good health. More than 350,000 visitors of all ages have used the Hall\'s..

Exploratorium

San Francisco

ExploratoriumThe Exploratorium is an experimental, hands-on museum designed to spark curiosity, regardless of your age or familiarity with science. There are hundreds of exhibits to touch, pick up, and tinker with. Your curiosity can be your compass to endless discoveries!

Crab Cove Visitor Center

Alameda

Crab Cove Visitor CenterCrab Cove Visitor Center at Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda features all new exhibits opened in April 2004. You can see bay creatures in the 800-gallon aquarium system, use interactive stations for varying age groups to view microscopic animals, build a crab from the..

The Purple Crayon

San Francisco

The Purple Crayon Purple Crayon is an arts and crafts studio for children and adults. We give parents an easy way to help their children express creativity. Everyone will enjoy coming to our warm, inviting space where messiness and free expression are encouraged.

San Francisco Children's Art Center

San Francisco

San Francisco Children's Art Center We offer a full range of classes in our Fort Mason studio, for children ages 22 months to 12 years of age. Classes begin for two year olds and preschoolers, as well as an adult/child class for toddlers and their caregivers.

The Discovery Museum History Center

Sacramento

The Discovery Museum History CenterThe Discovery Museum History Center in Old Sacramento features exhibits that showcase Sacramento's vibrant history, with a focus on the great Gold Rush of 1849. Located in the replicated 1854 City Hall and Waterworks Building, the History Center houses thousands of..

Explorit Science Center

Davis

Explorit Science CenterExplorit Science Center is a regional,hands-on science center for all ages. Ideal if you're looking for fun places to go with kids in California.

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

Folsom

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic ParkThe Folsom Powerhouse is part of a colorful chapter of Sacramento history and is also an example of the tremendous advance in the commercial application of electricity.

Chabot Space and Science Center

Oakland

Chabot Space and Science CenterChabot Space & Science Center inspires and educates students of all ages about our Planet Earth and the Universe. Its observatory, planetarium, exhibits, and natural park setting are a place where a diverse population of students, teachers, and the public can imagine,..

The Tech Museum of Innovation

San Jose

The Tech Museum of InnovationThe Tech is singularly focused on inspiring the innovator in everyone it reaches. Truly hands-on and interactive exhibits, divided among themed galleries, offer guests a truly memorable experience.

National Steinbeck Center

Salinas

National Steinbeck Center In the John Steinbeck Exhibition Hall, literature jumps off the printed page and into your imagination. Discover Steinbeck's world through interactive, multisensory exhibits for all ages, rare artifacts, and seven themed theaters showcasing East of Eden, Cannery Row, Of..

The Discovery Center

Fresno

The Discovery CenterEverything We Do is Focused on Making Science Fun We believe that science should be an engaging subject for children, offering magic, exploration, and excitement. When taught correctly, it's fun. Children can see it, they can build it, they can hear it, and they can even..

Heritage Square

Los Angeles

Heritage SquareA living history museum reflecting the settlement and development of Southern California from the Civil War to the early 20th Century, Heritage Square Museum offers visitors a look into the everyday lives of Southern Californians at the close of the 19th Century. Guided..

Antioch Waterpark

Antioch

Antioch WaterparkAntioch features a small municipal water park with five water slides. The park is very reasonably priced. Private hire is also availabe.

The Island

Fresno

The IslandOn western edge of Fresno, this newly built waterpark opened in 2000 and is based around a tropical island theme. Waterslides to miniature racecars can be found in this great theme park. Great idea if you're looking for fun places for kids in California

Knotts Soak City

Buena Park

Knotts Soak CitySoak City U.S.A. offers 21 incredible water attractions, with 16 speed, tube/body slides, the Tidal Wave Bay wave pool, a 1,700-foot lazy river and the Toyota Beach House, a play area with 200 water guns, nozzles and sprayers.

Mustang Waterlides

Arroyo Grande

Mustang WaterlidesThe Mustang Water Slides and the Pony Pools and Slides enjoy some unique advantages. We are located in a campground 10 miles east of the nearest town, Arroyo Grande, on the Central Coast of California. Our water attractions are nestled on oak studded hills, overlooking..