Best Free Things to Do with Kids in California This Summer

From beaches and nature trails to hands-on museums and outdoor festivals, we’ve gathered the best free things to do with children in California this summer. Get ready to plan weekends filled with adventure, without breaking the bank.

🏖 1. Family-Friendly Beaches

What’s summer without a beach day? California is famous for its coastline, and there are several spots that are perfect for families with kids — clean, safe, and completely free.

• Coronado Beach (San Diego): With gentle waves and wide, sandy shores, this beach is great for toddlers and young kids. It’s also stroller-friendly!
• Natural Bridges State Beach (Santa Cruz): Known for its iconic rock formations and tide pools where kids can spot starfish, sea anemones, and even tiny crabs.
• Carmel Beach (Carmel-by-the-Sea): A stunning spot for picnics, beach games, and walks along the surf. Soft white sand and a relaxed vibe make it ideal for families.
• Huntington Beach (Orange County): Nicknamed “Surf City USA,” this beach has something for everyone — a long sandy stretch perfect for sandcastles, a pier to explore, and free outdoor concerts and events all summer long. The nearby paved path is ideal for biking or scootering with kids.
• Lake Tahoe (North Shore): Tahoe’s North Shore is home to Kings Beach, a favorite among families. It has calm, shallow water for young swimmers, shade trees, picnic tables, and space to play — all framed by breathtaking mountain views.
• Lake Tahoe (South Shore): South Shore beaches like Pope Beach and Baldwin Beach offer warm sand, gentle waves, and scenic picnic spots. Families can enjoy calm swimming areas, nature trails, and even free ranger-led programs at nearby forest service sites.

🧺 Pro tip: Arrive early to find free parking and set up your spot. Bring snacks, toys, and lots of sunscreen!

🌲 2. Nature Trails and Outdoor Parks

Let the kids run, explore, and burn off energy while you enjoy some fresh air. California’s parks are full of hiking trails, shaded picnic areas, rivers, and wildlife — all free to access.

• Griffith Park (Los Angeles): One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., it offers scenic hikes, pony rides, and even a mini railroad. Don’t miss the hike to Griffith Observatory for a view the whole family will love.
• Bidwell Park (Chico): A hidden gem in Northern California. With natural swimming areas and walking paths along Big Chico Creek, this is the perfect place to cool off.
• Turtle Bay Exploration Park (Redding): Stroll across the famous Sundial Bridge and enjoy riverside trails and beautiful gardens.

🌿 Family idea: Download the AllTrails app to discover kid-friendly walking paths near you.

🎨 3. Free Museums and Cultural Centers

Think museums are expensive? Think again. California has plenty of cultural treasures that are completely free to visit — and many are designed with kids in mind.

• California Science Center (Los Angeles): A must-visit! With interactive science exhibits and the real space shuttle Endeavour on display, kids of all ages will be amazed.
• San Francisco Cable Car Museum: Kids can learn how the city’s iconic cable cars operate and see the actual gears in motion.
• The Getty Center (Los Angeles): Art, gardens, and stunning architecture — plus lots of open space for kids to explore. Admission is free (parking costs extra).

🎟 Insider tip: Many museums offer free family days with hands-on activities. Check their websites for details.

🎉 4. Free Festivals and Outdoor Events

Summer in California means music, food, and fun under the sun — and the best part is, many community events are free and family-focused!

• International Kids Festival (Sacramento): Held in honor of International Children’s Day, this high-energy, multicultural event features music, dance, games, and hands-on activities — all free for families. It’s a joyful celebration of creativity, diversity, and childhood that kids absolutely love.
• Stern Grove Festival (San Francisco): A legendary concert series with free Sunday performances in a beautiful wooded park.
• Levitt Pavilion Pasadena: Enjoy free live music performances in a relaxed, picnic-friendly setting — some shows are designed just for kids.
• Farmers Markets with Kids Zones: Markets in Berkeley, Davis, and Sacramento often have free face painting, crafts, storytime, and interactive play spaces for little ones.

🎶 Weekend idea: Bring a blanket and snacks, and enjoy live music in the park as a family.

🦋 5. Farms, Animals, and Wildlife

You don’t need to go to a zoo to meet animals! California has several free mini farms and outdoor animal spaces that are perfect for young explorers.

• Centennial Farm (Costa Mesa): A working farm on the OC Fairgrounds with chickens, pigs, cows, and gardens. Kids can learn about where their food comes from.
• Spreckels Lake (San Francisco): A local favorite for remote-controlled boat watching and duck feeding — calm and fun for little kids.
• Pop-Up Petting Zoos in LA Parks: Keep an eye on local community events — free petting zoos and animal encounters pop up in public parks all summer long.

🐐 Bonus tip: Some public libraries offer free or discounted family passes to local zoos and nature centers. Ask your local branch!

📚 6. Libraries, Outdoor Movies, and Learning Fun

Don’t overlook your local library — it might just be the best free summer resource in town. Libraries across California host free programs, workshops, and even entertainment just for kids.

• Summer Library Programs: Expect puppet shows, science demos, magic acts, LEGO building, and read-alouds — all completely free.
• Open-Air Cinema Nights: Enjoy classic family movies under the stars in parks from Sacramento to Long Beach. Bring your own popcorn!
• Explorit Science Center (Davis): Offers free family days with hands-on science exhibits and outdoor exploration.

🎥 Library hack: Ask about “Family Adventure Passes” — some libraries partner with museums and attractions to offer free entry for cardholders.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Make Summer Magical

Summer doesn’t need to be expensive to be memorable. Some of the best moments — a sunset on the beach, a picnic under the trees, or your child’s laughter during a puppet show — are absolutely free.