Top picks for families
Prices and hours change. These were current in October 2026. Always check each attraction's website before you go.
Santa Barbara Zoo
A smaller zoo on a hill above the beach, which makes it a manageable size for little legs. It's open daily, with longer hours in spring and summer. Tickets are about $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for kids 2 to 12, under-2s are free, and buying online saves a couple of dollars per ticket. Parking is extra, and reservations are recommended.
Don't miss the Zoo Train (a local favorite)
Ask a local what to do at the zoo, and plenty will say the same thing: ride the train! Two little C.P. Huntington trains chug all the way around the edge of the zoo, and kids (and plenty of grown-ups) love it. The round trip takes about 10 to 12 minutes and gives you a fun new look at many of the animal habitats along the way. It's a perfect break for tired little legs.
- Tickets are separate from zoo admission. The zoo lists rides at about $4 per person, and children under 2 ride free. You can buy online ahead of time or at the train station.
- Go early on busy days. Train tickets can sell out.
- Weather matters. Ride times can change with the weather, so check at the station when you arrive.
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Three floors of hands-on science, tech, and art exhibits at the bottom of State Street, which makes it a great rainy-day or too-much-sun break. It's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is about $25 for adults and $20 for kids 2 to 12.
Sea Center on Stearns Wharf
A small marine science center right on the wharf, with sea life up close. Open daily 10 to 5. Admission is about $17 for adults and $13 for kids 2 to 12. Pair it with a walk out on the wharf.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Up near the Mission, with natural history exhibits and leafy grounds to explore. Open daily 10 to 5. Admission is about $20 for adults and $15 for kids. In summer, the Butterflies Alive! exhibit costs a little extra.
Beaches
Plenty of local beaches have gentle sand and room to dig. Check posted signs, water-quality notices, and conditions before anyone goes in. Not every beach has a lifeguard, so watch kids closely near the water. Our best beaches guide has more.
Whale watching
The shorter spring trips are best for young kids, and the main harbor boat lets kids under 5 ride free. Read our whale watching guide for the seasons.
For older kids: the Channel Islands
Guided sea-cave kayak tours take kids as young as 5 (in a double kayak with an adult). It's a big adventure, so read our Channel Islands guide first and decide if it's right for your family.
Family tips
- Do one big thing in the morning and save the beach for the afternoon.
- Bring layers. Mornings can be foggy and cool, even in summer.
- Use the summer shuttle. In summer 2026, the waterfront shuttle was free for anyone holding a zoo ticket.
- Ask about discounts. The zoo, MOXI, and the museums all take part in Museums for All, which offers low-cost admission for families with an EBT card.
FAQ
What is there to do in Santa Barbara with toddlers?
The zoo, MOXI, the Sea Center, and calm beach time are all great with toddlers. Children under 2 get in free at the zoo, MOXI, and both museums.
What can kids do in Santa Barbara on a rainy day?
MOXI and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History are mostly indoors, and so is the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf.
How much does the Santa Barbara Zoo cost?
In October 2026 it was about $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for kids 2 to 12, and under-2s were free. Check the zoo's website for current prices.
Is whale watching OK for young kids?
The shorter spring trips usually work best. If your child gets motion sick, talk to your pediatrician before you go.
Are there free things to do with kids in Santa Barbara?
Yes. Beaches, parks, and walking the waterfront are all free. See our free things to do guide.
More family ideas
Try our one-day itinerary, our easy hikes, or the Funk Zone for lunch and murals.