Many southern Californian kids enjoy their first introduction to snow at Wrightwood, a small resort town in the San Bernardino Mountains. Its low-key charm is an ideal draw for families who want to keep winter vacation costs within a reasonable range, and spend a fun time in the mountains even during the summer. Enjoy wintertime tubing and skiing on beginner or advanced slopes, or head up the mountain in the summertime for hiking, fishing, zip lining, and fun explorations of all sorts. Wrightwood vacation rentals offer you and your family all the room you need to kick back and relax. Check out these 11 activities to enjoy with your kids in Wrightwood.
1. Play in the Snow
You don’t need lots of expensive equipment and pricey ski passes to play in the snow in Wrightwood. Just pick up an Adventure Pass that includes parking in the Angeles National Forest. Head to Inspiration Point, the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, or the Arch Picnic Area for a whole day of snowball fighting, building snowmen, and racing downhill on the sleds and saucers you brought from home.
2. Zip Through the Treetops
Head to the Pacific Crest Zipline for an amazing set of challenges. Bridge climbing and rappelling give you the chance to enjoy amazing views, while the multiple zip lines provide safe thrills for your older children. End your fun day with a tandem zip that lets you race each other to the finish line.
3. Skiing and Snowboarding
The gentle slopes of Mountain High Ski Resort are ideal for new skiers or boarders, as there is plenty of beginner-friendly terrain. Head to the West Resort for nighttime skiing, or enjoy longer trails and a spectacular view of the Mojave Desert from the East Resort.
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4. Tube Down the Slopes
If you’re headed to Mountain High, make a stop at the North Pole Tubing Park. Heavy-duty tubes are available to speed you down the nine tube lanes. Two moving ramps get you back in line for more fun, so you won’t have to haul the heavy tube up the slopes. Kids who are at least 3 feet tall can tube, so younger kids can join in the fun.
5. Stroll Around Town and Browse the Shops
Wrightwood is a charming mountain town with quaint shops and eateries that will make city kids feel like they’ve entered another world. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping, so your kids can spend their allowances on just the right souvenirs. Find unique treasures at Vintage Antiques and Oddities, and then stop for a treat of homemade fudge at Applewood Court. During the summer, the Wrightwood Certified Farmers Market opens up booths filled with local treats, including those from the valley below. Pick up fresh food for dinner, and head back to cook family favorites at your vacation rental.
6. Hike Through the Forest
If you have any Boy Scouts in your family, they’re likely to recognize the Baden-Powell name right away. This 4-mile hiking trail takes you to an elevation of 9,400 feet while meandering through springs and canyons. Make sure to take a picture of your Scouts at the monuments you’ll pass along the way.
7. Explore Old Cabins and a Real Mine
Follow the Big Horn Mine trail to explore abandoned gold mine shafts, an old stamp mill, and a cabin that lets you see what life was like in the past. This 4-mile hike follows a historical wagon trail and has plenty of spots where you can pose and take selfies with amazing views in the background. Wrightwood is surrounded by plenty of other great hiking trails. Stop at the hardware shop in town to pick up maps and get advice about which hikes are the best choices for your family.
8. Spend Time With Some Wild Animals
Expand your adventures by driving part-way down the mountain to the small town of Phelan, about 10 miles northeast of Wrightwood. There, you’ll find the Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary, a home for rescued birds, reptiles, llamas, and even some big cats. For a small fee, you and your kids can have fun feeding the animals.
9. Swim and Fish in a Mountain Lake
In the summertime, nearby Jackson Lake calls Wrightwood locals to come swim and raft. Fishing is also a great choice; pick up some equipment and rent a boat in town, if you didn’t bring your own. See if you can catch dinner to cook back at your vacation rental.
10. Enjoy Live Music and Festivals
Local restaurants in Wrightwood host live music, especially on the weekends, that the whole family can enjoy. As you plan your trip and book your vacation rental, check out some of the festivals that make Wrightwood a special place, including Mountaineer Days, the Parade of Lights, and the Mountain Classic Car Show.
11. Toss That Disc
Disc golf is always fun when you play at Sky High, right next to Mountain High. This course provides a real challenge, though you may be distracted by the remarkable views. After you crown your family champion, stop and enjoy some patio games at the North Lodge.
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