Santa Cruz Family Activities

October 31, 2026

Santa Cruz works well for families because several of the best stops are outdoors, close together and cheap or free to enter. Prices are in US dollars and can change, so check each site before you go.

The Boardwalk

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is free to enter, and rides need a wristband or tickets. Wristbands run from about $34.95 to $69.95 depending on the date. Rides have minimum heights, and the Giant Dipper wooden coaster asks for about 50 inches, so measure children and check the chart at the entrance. The Boardwalk calendar shows ride days, as some dates run a reduced schedule. Main Beach next door is one of the lifeguarded city beaches.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

The Seymour Center on UCSC’s Coastal Science Campus has touch pools with volunteers and live Monterey Bay marine life. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Children under 3 are free, and other tickets cost about $9 to $12, so check the website. Weekend parking is free.

Roaring Camp Steam Train

The Redwood Forest Steam Train in Felton takes 75 minutes. Children 2 to 12 pay $26.45, under 2 ride free, and adults pay $42.35. Parking is $10 per vehicle. The Beach Train is not running and is scheduled to return in spring 2027.

Tide Pools and Butterflies at Natural Bridges

Natural Bridges State Beach has tide pools that are safe to visit only at low tide, 2 feet or lower. The pools are a marine protected area, so children can look but not touch or take anything. Public tide-pool tours run on low-tide Saturdays and Sundays. The monarch season runs from mid-October to mid-February, and late October and November are often best. Winter counts have been low in recent years, so go for the Monarch Grove walk without counting on thousands of butterflies. There are no lifeguards at Natural Bridges, and rip currents and large waves are common, so keep children out of the water.

Redwood Grove Loop

The 0.8-mile loop at Henry Cowell Redwoods is flat and stroller-friendly. Children can step inside the Fremont Tree, so bring a flashlight. Dogs are not allowed. Entry is $10 per vehicle.

Mystery Spot

The Mystery Spot suits older children. Tickets are $12 each, and ages 3 and under are free. Parking is $5. Weekend tours often sell out around noon, so buy ahead.

Beach Safety

The Pacific is cold, with rip currents and sneaker waves, and many beaches have no lifeguards. Stay at Cowell Beach or Main Beach if you want a guard on duty.

See the Seymour Center visit page for tickets and parking. Compare family outings on GetYourGuide .