Whether you’re traveling in the summer, spring, fall, or winter, Big Bear vacation rentals in southern California’s Big Bear Lake provide easy access to activities that will keep your kids busy and entertained. From kayaking and swimming when the temperatures are warm to fishing when the breeze is blowing, and the bites are abundant on the lake, your family can find activities that leave you immersed in the beauty this area has to offer. Try snowboarding in the winter, or admire the mature trees and mountain views while taking a hike. Bond with your kids while riding the slopes and catching the waves during your vacation. Here are the top 10 things to do in Big Bear Lake with your kids.
1. Kayaking
Seek out adventure on Big Bear Lake by renting some kayaks from one of the marinas surrounding the lake, including Pine Knot Marina, Pleasure Point Marina, or Holloway’s Marina and RV Park. Let the older children paddle their way onto the lake, or ride alongside your little ones to feel the sun shining down on your face. Explore the lake firsthand with a kayak ride during the summer, and then stop to take a dip in the cool waters.
2. Parasailing
Give your kids a clear view of the beauty of Big Bear Lake with an activity that sends them flying high. Head out to the lake, and rent a parasailing excursion from Pine Knot Parasail. Admire the refreshing feeling of your feet entering the water as the parasail ride takes you up and down over the lake.
3. Flyboarding
Test your kids’ balancing skills while allowing them to get wet and wild with a flyboarding lesson. Action Flyboarding, a water sport company, gives your older children a chance to fly above the water while experimenting with this revolutionary watercraft. Gain a view of the mountains and the lake while practicing acrobatics on and above Big Bear Lake.
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4. Sky Chair Ride
Explore the trails with your kids without having to walk a mile by taking a sky chair ride through the San Bernardino National Forest during both the cold and warm seasons. Scenic Sky Chair offers you a chance to see panoramic views of Big Bear Lake and Big Bear Valley during the mile-long ride that drops you off at the top of the mountain. After working up an appetite, grab lunch at the Skyline Taphouse before making your descent.
5. Fishing
As one of southern California’s top fishing areas, Big Bear Lake provides you with a chance to sit back with the kids and wait for the freshwater anglers take the bait. The lake is abundant with bass, crappie, catfish, and blue gill you can catch and release. Take on the persona of a professional fisherman by hiring a guide from Big Bear Charter Fishing. If you prefer to be on the water versus the shore, rent a pontoon boat or Tarzan boat from Captain John’s Marina, settled in Grout Bay.
6. Off-Road Tours
Show your children all that Big Bear Lake has to offer with an adventure-filled Jeep excursion. Rent a four-wheeler to explore the backwoods, or head over to Big Bear Off-Road Adventures to rent a convertible Pinzgauer to drive near the canyons, streams, ridges, and meadows surrounding the San Bernardino Mountains. You and the kids just might hit a few historic communities known as former gold rush sites.
7. Skiing
You don’t need sunshine in southern California to have a good time with your kids when Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are beckoning. As a haven for skiers, this area of Big Bear Lake features 26 ski lifts and 435 acres for your kids to ride the slopes and learn how to navigate the mountains while bundled up. If you didn’t bring along your own skis or snow shoes, rent a pair at Goldsmiths Sports.
8. Hiking
Get to know nature with your family when taking a hike around Big Bear Lake. The Castle Hike Trail features a moderate trek appropriate for all ages and offers panoramic views of the lake and the mountains. Ideal for all four seasons, you can get a little exercise when the sun is shining or trek through the snow with the little ones to view the winter wonderland.
9. Shopping
Let your children pick out a souvenir to remember their Big Bear Lake vacation when visiting the shopping district dubbed Big Bear Village. Find real fossils, rocks, and crystals at the Gold Rush Mining Adventures and Gift Emporium, or join the tourists browsing through the Brown Bear Gift Shop. This village features loads of entertainment and dining options, too, such as Nottingham’s Restaurant and the Big Lake Brewing Company.
10. Biking
Bring your bikes and head out on the trails with your little ones to explore Big Bear Lake’s scenic sights. Take an easy 1.5-mile loop around Woodland Trail, or get a little more exercise with a 2.5-mile trek on the Alpine Pedal Path. For those without training wheels, up your mileage and pedal on the 6-mile Pine Knot Trail that begins at the base of Aspen Glen Picnic Area at Big Bear Lake.
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