When warm weather rolls in and summer is in full swing once again, it’s the perfect time to pack suitcases, gather the family, and head to Big Bear, California in the name of fun. Here, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re traveling with teens or little ones. When you’re ready to put the final touches on your family vacation itinerary this year, make sure the following kid-friendly things to do in Big Bear during summer are part of your summer plans.
Go on a One-of-a-Kind Mining Adventure
If you’re traveling to Big Bear with kids who have a passion for new discoveries, the team over at Gold Rush Mining Adventures in Big Bear has you covered. Located at 40016 Big Bear Boulevard, Gold Rush Mining Adventures is a one-stop hub for family fun, unique experiences, and exciting finds that might just end up being the highlight of your children’s getaway experience this summer. Children and adults alike are invited to come and pan for minerals, rocks, gemstones, crystals, and fossils of all kinds at this interactive experience center. As visitors learn about how gemstones are created over time, they’ll have a chance to search for them by themselves. There’s also an on-site gift shop to explore and a revolving selection of unique installations across the experience makes every visit one-of-a-kind.
Make the Most of Adventure Park Fun with the Entire Family
While wintertime travelers know and love Snow Summit for downhill fun when the fresh powder falls in Big Bear, in the summertime, it’s a haven of adventurous options for kids of all ages, too! Make your way this direction this summer during your kid-friendly getaway to Big Bear, and you’ll find you can spend an afternoon enjoying everything from bungee trampolines and sky chair rides to climbing walls, ziplines, and so much more. If you know your kids are going to want to linger for a while, consider investing in a day pass that gives you convenient access to every activity on-site with options to stay as long as you’d like.
Infuse Rich History into the Mix
When you’re a family of traveling history buffs heading to Big Bear in the name of fun this summer, you’ll want to make sure to check out the historic 4×4 Gold Fever Trail together. Explorers of all ages will love this off-road driving tour that’s self-guided, so you can discover new places, stories, and adventures at your own preferred pace. The Gold Fever Trail begins at Polique Canyon Road just off North Shore Drive. You’ll need a high clearance and 4-wheel/all-wheel vehicle for this trip to make the most of every moment and stop along the way. Once you’re off and going, the adventure takes you along a route where designated points of interest can be found by locating crossed shovel and pickaxe markers. Some of the top highlights to explore on this route that brings the past to life for travelers include Two Gun Bill’s Saloon, Grasshopper Quartz Mill, the Belleville Cabin, the Pygmy Cabin, and the Metzger Mine as well to name just a few of many.
Book Your Place on an Insightful and Fun Boat Tour
Pair sightseeing and on-the-water fun this summer by booking a place for yourself and the kids on a Big Bear boat tour. The Big Bear Queen Lake Tour is always highly recommended as it’s the longest-running and top-rated lake tour in the area. Tours depart daily at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm throughout the summer from Pine Knot Marina, making this activity an easy addition to any itinerary. Tours typically cost $32 for adults and $21 for kids, with those 3 and under invited to sail for free. While you’re onboard, you’ll not only be treated to great views out over the water and shoreline, but you’ll enjoy a narrated outing with information offered up about what makes Big Bear so unique, including its history, geology, and wildlife as well. If you happen to be traveling with a canine companion as part of your family vacation to Big Bear, you’ll be delighted to know that Big Bear Queen lake tours are pet-friendly as well.
Infuse Great Flavor into the Lineup for the Kids This Summer
No matter what you have on your Big Bear agenda, at some point, the kids are going to have cravings that come calling. A great place to appease appetites and add to the fun is always the Bowling Barn in town. Here, you can play a frame or two while also making the most of concession options like tasty hot dogs and pizza. The Bowling Barn also hosts a full arcade, and for the grown-ups in the group, the Ally Oops Sports Bar is a terrific destination for a cocktail on-site.
Book a Family-Friendly Vacation Rental Through Big Bear Cabins
When you’re looking for family-friendly accommodations in Big Bear to top off your kid-focused adventure in style, Big Bear Cabins has what you need and more. Reach out to learn more about our exciting collection of family vacation homes in Big Bear that include fully equipped kitchens, cozy living spaces, custom bedrooms, game rooms, impressive entertainment setups, and more!