A beautiful place to plan a family trip in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. This deep blue lake provides a picturesque backdrop for cabins, homes, and other vacation rentals. Book your stay in this mountain community and then plan your itinerary around these 11 popular activities to do with children. Check out these Lake Arrowhead vacation rental locations to find your home away from home!
1. Ride the Rides at Lollipop Park
Provide thrills and excitement for the younger crowd with a day at Lollipop Park. Ride the train ride around the perimeter of the park, and then enjoy the shade from the bumper cars. Pick your favorite colorful steed and ride the carousel, which lights up and features music at night. There are Go-Carts for those who love speed, and you can challenge family members to a game of mini golf. Head indoors to the candy store to take snacks and treats back to your vacation rental, and have a good laugh as you pass through the house of mirrors.
2. Play a Game of Laser Tag
Compete against the kids in a friendly but competitive game of laser tag at Lazer Legacy. Measuring 4,500 square feet, the arena includes state-of-the-art equipment, barricades, lights, music, and excitement as you search out your enemies and score the most points. Schedule a birthday party or other special event and enjoy food, soft drinks, and a fun atmosphere.
3. Tour the Lake on the Arrowhead Queen
Get the best views of Lake Arrowhead from on board the Arrowhead Queen. This enclosed paddle wheel boat takes you along the water‘s edge into forested coves and across the sparkling water. Get close-up views of some of the most spectacular homes in the area, and as you take the tour, learn about the history of the lake and the region.
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4. Pet the Animals at the Wildhaven Ranch
Animal lovers enjoy venturing to the Wildhaven Ranch wildlife sanctuary to learn about the animals of the region and view them during their daily lives. Operated by the San Bernardino Mountains Wildlife Society, the Wildhaven Ranch hosts a variety of activities throughout the week, including a bear watch and live presentations.
5. Learn to Water Ski
Even the youngest member of the family can learn to ski with lessons from McKenzie‘s Water Ski School. Older kids can take to the water to learn new jumps and stunts. Sign kids as young as six up for a lesson on how to stand up and traverse the water. Patient and friendly instructors make the lessons fun and entertaining, and the whole experience is the perfect way to fill up an afternoon.
6. Enjoy the Snow at Snow Valley
If you’re booking a vacation rental in the winter, be sure to check out Snow Valley during your stay. Children can enjoy the fresh snow, go tubing down the steep hills, learn how to cross country ski, and ride the chair lifts to enjoy beautiful views of the mountains. There are several downhill courses for all skill levels as well as courses for children.
7. Go Bowling
After a fun day on the lake, head out from your vacation rental with the family for a night of bowling at the Rim of the World Bowling Alley. There‘s a nice arcade for the kids and you can treat the family to pizza and sodas before turning in. The alley hosts special fun nights throughout the week so be sure to check in for specials.
8. Enjoy a Free Concert
Escape your vacation rental and spend the day looking for bargains at Lake Arrowhead Village. Set in quaint Swiss Chalet buildings, this stretch of outlet stores features many popular chains. At night in the summer, the village hosts the free Summer Concert Series on the center stage. Enjoy your family‘s favorite music and let the kids dance away the night under the stars.
9. Swim at Lake Gregory
Just one town over, Lake Gregory provides a beautiful beach for swimming, and you can relax while the kids play. There’s a blow-up waterpark with water slides and trampolines in the water. You can also rent a boat and go skiing, or rent aqua cycles and pedal the day away along the water. If you like to fish, rent some poles and equipment and catch some fresh trout to take back to your vacation rental for a dinner feast.
10. Hike the El Dorado National Forest
Stretch your legs in the El Dorado National Forest. For those who want to cool off after the hike, Bassi Falls has waterfalls and plenty of swimming holes along the way. The Jenkinson Lake Loop trail provides a moderate hike that is ideal for young children. The trails are also excellent for mountain bikes and horseback riders. For beautiful views, the Thunder Mountain Summit features patches of snow even in late spring, and dogs are allowed to join in on the family trail walk.
11. View the Stars at the Mountain Skies Observatory
Travel to the Mountain Skies Observatory at night to view the stars and their constellations. Kids love learning space facts and the entire family can gain a new appreciation for all things space while touring the Astronomy Village. Enjoy indoor tours year-round even during inclement weather, or step outside on a clear night for spectacular views of the lake below.
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