One of the many reasons why we love Santa Clarita is because it has variety. This SoCal city, just 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, is a destination fit for anyone and everyone. No matter your interests or age group, Santa Clarita can be enjoyed by all.
With spring break on the horizon and summer vacation following shortly after, it’s time to start planning an unforgettable vacation! Plus, get this—we’ve done the work for you. Use our list of local activities, based on the ages of your kiddos, to discover what fits perfectly into your itinerary and what parents can look forward to after!
By Stephanie Villafuerte
Ages 0 – 7: Billy Beez
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With 20,000 square ft. of slides, towers, ball blasters, and high-flying trampolines, Billy Beez is the coolest indoor play park that’ll make for great memories! Their Mini Beez play area is perfect for the littles to enjoy with their parents alongside them. Be sure to refer to their website for pricing and hours.
For the parents: Treat yourself! Get drinks and a meal at Solita: Tacos and Margaritas, the next-door neighbors to Billy Beez. End the night with a stroll through the shops found on the nearby patios.
Ages 3 – 17: Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor
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The Thrill Capital of the World has adrenaline-pumping coasters for the teens, but did you know there’s also Bugs Bunny World for the younger kids? Take the family out for a variety of rollercoasters, funnel cakes, and taking selfies with the heroes of the DC Universe! If you’re vacationing any time after May 21, be sure to hop over to Hurricane Harbor for a splash. This water park is only a few feet away from Six Flags and offers over-the-top waterslides, play areas for the children, and lazy rivers to lounge around.
For the parents: The cherry on top of any sunny day is a delicious and refreshing drink! Satisfy any sweet tooth cravings with a stop at any of the boba shops found in Santa Clarita.
Ages 4 – 17: MB2 Entertainment
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One of Santa Clarita’s recent additions, MB2 offers a fresh change of scenery. The littles can enjoy the surplus of arcade games, which include classics like Connect 4 and skee ball, while the teens can compete with each other in axe throwing, mini golf, and go-karts. You can also bring the family together for a friendly game of laser tag in MB2’s neon playground before sitting down for a tasty bite at their on-site eatery.
For the parents: While the kids are busy beating arcade records, feel free to check out MB2’s nearby bar and enjoy any of their specialty drinks!
Ages 8 – 18: Board & Brush Creative Studio
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Express your creativity at any of Board & Brush’s workshops that they hold every week! Their most popular one, Pick Your Project, is a DIY workshop that provides family-bonding time as you create your own wooden sign to take home. The studio provides all materials and step-by-step instructions, all you have to do is register and show up ready for a fun time!
For the parents: Head to the fresh and Insta-worthy Eat Real Café for lunch nearby, or shop locally at the independently owned boutiques in Old Town Newhall.
Ages 3 – 15: The Gentle Barn
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Take a step back from your busy travels by stopping by The Gentle Barn, an animal sanctuary that holds over hundreds of cuddly farm animals which your children can connect with! Open every Sunday to the public, this comfort spot leaves a lasting impression on all crowds and makes leaving just a teensy bit difficult.
For the parents: Just a minute away from this place full of love and all things good, you’ll find the iconic Halfway House. Grab dinner at this local diner, and hope that Tom Cruise will stumble in for a cup of water as he did once for the film Top Gun: Maverick!
Ages 3 – 16: Whitney Canyon trail
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Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots—Santa Clarita is full of immersive hiking trails for those interested in exploring the outdoors. If your family isn’t exactly new to hiking, but looking to save energy for other vacation to-dos, Whitney Canyon is the way to go. Full of greenery and wide tracks, this 3-mile trail is an absolute gem. Did we mention there’s a waterfall which you can catch after a rainy day?
For the parents: Cool down post-hike by catching the latest blockbuster or independent flick at the Laemmle theater, found in the heart of Newhall.
Ages 9 – 17: Top Out Climbing
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Test your skills at this 11,500 square foot indoor facility which holds a number of rock-climbing walls and bouldering courses that you can take a swipe at with the family. Whether your bunch are first-timers or advanced climbers, Top Out is ready to challenge folks with a fun and exciting climb!
For the parents: Get some alone time by catching a picturesque sunset at any of Santa Clarita’s nearby parks.
Ages 12 – 17: Canyon Theatre Guild
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For over 50 years, the Canyon Theatre Guild has been producing quality live theatre in the Santa Clarita Valley for everyone’s entertainment. With at least nine full-scale productions each season, all of which bring life to the world of arts in a one-of-a-kind way, this Newhall theatre is a go-to for families! Be sure to check out their website for a lineup of performances each season.
For the parents: The absolute tastiest churros can be found just down the street from this theatre scene, and it goes by the name XRO Churro Bar! Exchanges thoughts about the play over any one of the bar’s churro creations.
Ensure that your stay in Santa Clarita is full of comfort and leisure by checking out our list of nearby hotels and transportation services. Even better, hop on the Summer Trolley for a FREE ride from your hotel to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor and Valencia Town Center and back!
*For a more detailed itinerary for your family vacation, including day-to-day schedules, check out our Family Fun blog post.