Lake Arrowhead is a perfect family escape, just a short drive from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. This charming mountain town offers a refreshing break from city life with its crisp air, scenic beauty, and endless activities designed for kids and adults alike. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures, creative play, or educational experiences, Lake Arrowhead provides a wide range of options to suit every interest. Whether your kids are budding explorers, animal lovers, or thrill-seekers, there’s something here for everyone.
Here’s your ultimate guide to 15 Lake Arrowhead family activities, sure to make your getaway unforgettable.
Lake Arrowhead Family Activities
- Cruise the Lake in the Arrowhead Queen
- Hike the Heaps Peak Arboretum Trail
- Explore the Village
- Discover Adventure at SkyPark
- Go Fishing
- Meet Wildlife at Wildhaven Ranch
- Go Bowling
- Unwind with S’mores at Serenity Pines
- Play in the Snow
- Take Memorable Photos at Heart Rock
- Treasure Hunt with Geocaching
- Stargaze in a Dark Sky Wonderland
- Explore the Mountain History Museum
- Check Out Seasonal Festivals
- Play Games at Serenity Pines
Cruise the Lake in the Arrowhead Queen
What better way to introduce your family to Lake Arrowhead than a boat ride on the iconic Arrowhead Queen? This narrated tour is perfect for kids, offering fun facts about the lake’s history, wildlife sightings, and stunning views. Keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and maybe even a bald eagle.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Bring binoculars so little ones can get a closer look at the wildlife (and you can see the celebrity homes).
Hike the Heaps Peak Arboretum Trail
Hiking might sound ambitious with kids, but Lake Arrowhead offers family-friendly trails like the Heaps Peak Arboretum Loop. It’s short, flat, and packed with opportunities to learn about local plants and wildlife. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to nature without tiring them out. Should you want something more challenging, check out the Best Trails for Hiking in Lake Arrowhead.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Pack some snacks and enjoy them at the trail’s picnic tables.
Ice Cream, Waffles, and Jurassic Fossils in Lake Arrowhead Village
Lake Arrowhead Village is a hub of family-friendly fun and adventure, offering plenty to keep kids entertained. Start your visit with a waffle breakfast by the lake. Next, discover unique toys over at Mr. G’s for Toys or uncover some prehistoric treasures at Jurassic Fossils. This hidden gem is packed with prehistoric treasures that will spark your child’s curiosity about dinosaurs and the ancient world. It’s a fun way to mix learning with your day of exploration. The village is a must-stop for a lunch or dinner. There are plenty of family restaurants to choose from. When you’re finished, checkout out a tasty treat at the ice cream and sweet shoppe.
Kid-Friendly Tip: The shops closest to the water sell fish food to feed the giant trout and koi swimming in the water’s edge.
Discover Adventure at SkyPark at Santa’s Village
SkyPark at Santa’s Village combines whimsical charm with outdoor fun, making it a must-visit destination. It’s like the epicenter for Lake Arrowhead family activities. Kids and parents can zipline, mountain bike, or skate on the seasonal roller and ice rink, while younger ones enjoy themed play areas and interactive activities like archery and gem mining.
Seasonal events like “Christmas in the Village” add an extra touch of magic. With dining options and trails for all skill levels, it’s a perfect spot for families to create lasting memories.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Arrive early to take full advantage of the day pass, and don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the fun moments your kids will talk about for years to come.
Go Fishing at Lake Gregory
Introduce your kids to fishing at nearby Lake Gregory, where the calm waters and easy setup make it ideal for beginners. regularly stocked with trout, catfish, and bass. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times to cast a line. Remember to purchase a California fishing license (for adults) before you start; they’re available online or at local shops in Crestline. Rentals for poles and bait are available at the marina, so you can jump right into the fun.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Lake Gregory’s surrounding picnic areas are perfect for a family lunch after a successful fishing trip.
Meet Wildlife at Wildhaven Ranch
Wildhaven Ranch offers a unique opportunity for families to learn about local wildlife conservation. The ranch is home to rescued animals like mountain lions, hawks, and bears, making it a thrilling and educational experience for kids. Reservations are required to visit. The tours are not inexpensive, but they are intimate encounters with the wildlife and money goes into running their rescue program.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Their bear watch tour gives your family the opportunity to closely observe daily bear training exercises.
Bowl and Play Indoors at Rim Bowling
Rainy or chilly days are no match for family fun at Rim Bowling and Entertainment Center, located near Lake Gregory. This family-friendly bowling alley features bumper lanes for kids, ensuring strikes and spares for even the youngest bowlers. The snack bar serves crowd favorites like pizza, burgers, and fries, making it a complete outing. It’s guaranteed entertainment for all ages!
Kid-Friendly Tip: For extra fun, check their schedule for themed family nights or glow bowling events, which add a colorful twist to the experience.
Unwind with S’mores at Serenity Pines
After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a cozy evening at Serenity Pines. Gather around the fire pit for s’mores and storytelling, creating memories your kids will cherish for years to come. The outdoor deck at Serenity Pines offers a tranquil retreat amidst the natural beauty of Lake Arrowhead. Surrounded by towering pine and oak trees, guests can enjoy the serene ambiance of the forest. The deck provides a peaceful setting to relax and unwind, immersing visitors in the calming sights and sounds of nature.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. There’s plenty in the cupboard.
Play in the Snow
Visiting during winter? Lake Arrowhead transforms into a snowy playground! Local sledding hills and snowball fights are sure to delight kids of all ages. If you prefer skiing and snowboarding, the ski resorts are 30-45 minutes away. Building a snowman is a timeless Lake Arrowhead family activity that brings joy to kids and adults alike. Don’t forget to snap a family photo with your frosty friend before it melts away!
Kid-Friendly Tip: Add personality to your snowman with classic touches like a carrot for a nose, buttons for eyes, and a cozy scarf or hat.
Take Memorable Photos at Heart Rock
The Heart Rock hike is a short, easy trail that’s perfect for families, especially those with younger kids. Located near Crestline, this 1.3-mile out-and-back trail leads to a stunning heart-shaped formation naturally carved into the rock by the flowing creek. The gentle elevation and shaded path make it manageable for kids while offering plenty of opportunities to explore along the way. At the end of the hike, the picturesque Heart Rock and nearby waterfall provide a magical backdrop for family photos. It’s a unique and rewarding adventure for all ages!
Kid-Friendly Tip: Do the kids need motivation to hike? Send them on a scavenger hunt. Search for the leaf with the most orange color, best rock to make an arrowhead, or largest pinecone in the forest.
Turn a Hike Into a Treasure Hunt with Geocaching
Elevate your family hikes in Lake Arrowhead by incorporating geocaching—a modern-day treasure hunt using GPS coordinates to find hidden caches. This activity transforms ordinary trails into exciting adventures, keeping kids engaged and motivated. Websites like Geocaching.com offer a comprehensive database of caches in the Lake Arrowhead area, complete with difficulty ratings and hints. Before setting out, ensure you have a GPS-enabled device or smartphone with a geocaching app installed. It’s a fun, educational way to explore nature and teach kids about navigation and the great outdoors.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Remember to bring small trinkets to exchange and a pen to sign the logbooks.
Stargaze in a Dark Sky Wonderland
Lake Arrowhead’s lack of city lights makes it a fantastic spot for stargazing. Use the Serenity Pines outdoor deck or find an open area around the lake. with wide views of the night sky. Bring a blanket, lie back, and marvel at the constellations. It’s a magical and educational family activity, perfect for creating unforgettable memories under the stars.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Enhance the experience with the SkyView app (ios or Android), which helps you identify stars, planets, and constellations in real-time.
Explore the Mountain History Museum
For a fun and educational Lake Arrowhead family activity, visit the Mountain History Museum. This kid-friendly museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the San Bernardino Mountains, from the region’s Native American heritage to its logging and tourism boom. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, including antique tools, historical artifacts, and a replica of a vintage general store. Seasonal events and hands-on activities often enhance the experience, making it both engaging and informative. It’s a great way to mix fun and learning during your family getaway!
Kid-Friendly Tip: Do you have inquisitive kids? The volunteers at the museum are ready to share their knowledge of the native Americans and pioneers that settled this area.
Check Out Seasonal Festivals
Lake Arrowhead Village frequently hosts live music, providing a kid-friendly atmosphere where families can dance, relax, and enjoy the mountain vibes together. From the Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest to the Blue Jay Christmas Parade, the area hosts several family-friendly festivals throughout the year. These events are a great way to experience local culture while having fun. Check the event calendar for Lake Arrowhead family activities that fit your preferences.
Kid-Friendly Tip: One of the most enchanting seasonal events for children in Lake Arrowhead is the “Christmas in the Village” celebration at SkyPark at Santa’s Village. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and holiday-themed activities.
Games and Cozy Evenings at Serenity Pines
Serenity Pines is a haven for family fun, offering a wide variety of indoor and outdoor games to keep everyone entertained. Challenge each other to a round of giant 4-Score, shoot hoops with the Pop-a-Shot, or enjoy friendly competition at the foosball table. Outdoors, set up a game of cornhole under the pines for some fresh-air fun.
For video game enthusiasts, a Nintendo Switch is available, along with a collection of family-friendly titles. Prefer classic fun? Dive into the extensive collection of board games for endless laughter and bonding. It’s your family’s personal fun center. Serenity Pines makes relaxation and play effortless!
Kid-Friendly Tip: Set up a family Pop-a-Shot tournament. Create challenges like shooting with your non-dominant hand or timed speed rounds.
Plan Your Lake Arrowhead Family Getaway
Lake Arrowhead is a treasure trove of kid-friendly activities that will make your family vacation truly special. From outdoor adventures to cozy evenings at Serenity Pines, there’s something for every family member to enjoy.
Ready to start planning? Book your stay at Serenity Pines and create unforgettable memories in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains! Our cabin sleeps up to 9. So you can invite extended family or even your family’s favorite friend family.