20 Fun Things to Do in Carlsbad, California with Kids
If you’re looking for a fun family vacation destination, Carlsbad, California is a great choice! There are tons of things to do in this charming coastal town, from exploring the Carlsbad Flower Fields to visiting LEGOLAND California Resort. Here is our list of the 20 best things to do in Carlsbad with kids.
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20 Fun Things to Do in Carlsbad, California with Kids
Carlsbad Flower Fields
The Carlsbad Flower Fields are in bloom from early March through mid-May and are a sight to behold! Stroll through the 50 acres of colorful flowers, take a wagon ride, or visit the onsite Butterfly Pavilion.
LEGOLAND California Resort
This kid-friendly theme park is a must-visit for any LEGO fan! With over 60 rides, shows, and attractions, there is something for everyone at LEGOLAND. Be sure to check out Miniland USA, where you can see iconic landmarks made out of LEGO bricks.
LEGOLAND Waterpark
Cool off at the LEGOLAND Waterpark, where you can splash around in the heated pools, float down the lazy river, and Ride the Surf’s Up Wave Pool.
The Carlsbad Lagoon
Visit and enjoy a day on the lagoon with your preferred watercraft. They provide kayaks, paddleboards, motorized boats, and much more.
4215 Harrison Street, Carlsbad, California 92008
Carlsbad State Beach
This seven-mile long beach is perfect for a day of surfing, fishing, or building sandcastles. Carlsbad State Beach is also a great spot to watch the sunset.
The Carlsbad Premium Outlets
If you’re looking for some retail therapy, the Carlsbad Premium Outlets are a great place to find deals on designer brands. There are over 140 stores in the complex, so you’re sure to find something you like.
The Carlsbad Museum of Making Music
This museum is dedicated to the history of American music and musical instruments. Visitors can explore exhibits on everything from rock and roll to country music. There are also interactive exhibits where you can play instruments from different musical genres.
K1 Speed Go Kart Racing
The excitement of head-to-head competition is available to racers of all ages at K1 Speed Carlsbad thanks to the well-liked Arrive & Drive racing packages. Arrive & Drive racing enables you to drop by whenever you’d like, without making a reservation, and race in the high-performance all-electric karts. It’s the ideal activity for a fun family afternoon.
6212 Corte Del Abeto, Carlsbad, CA 92011
The Carlsbad Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum
This museum is a must-visit for any young (and old) train fans! The Carlsbad Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum features over 200 model trains, cars, boats, and planes.
The Carlsbad Village Farmers Market
Held every every Wednesday starting at 2:30 pm, the Carlsbad Village Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce, flowers, and artisan goods. There are also live musical performances and food trucks at the market.
The Carlsbad Village Faire
The Village Faire Shopping Center is situated at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Carlsbad Village Drive in the center of Carlsbad, California’s Historic Carlsbad Village. Featuring over 36 restaurants, stores, and services, the Center surrounds a kid-friendly fountain courtyard and has New England-style architecture with a Caribbean flair. It is only a block from the train station and the ocean.
Visit the Carlsbad Strawberry Company
The Carlsbad Strawberry Company is a family-owned farm that offers strawberry picking. Strawberry season typically runs from the end of January to the middle of July, depending on the weather.
Alga Norte Community Park
The brand-new 32-acre Alga Norte Community Park, east of El Camino Real at the intersection of Alicante Road and Poinsettia Lane, has a state-of-the-art aquatic center, the biggest skate park in San Diego County, a dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs, three ball fields, basketball courts, a sizable playground, picnic tables, and barbecue pits.
The Carlsbad Skatepark
The Carlsbad Skatepark is a great place for skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter riders of all skill levels. The park features a street course, a bowl, and several ramps and rails.
2530 Orion Way, Carlsbad, CA 92010
Biking or Skating Along the Carlsbad Coast Trail
This 1.5-mile out-and-back route runs alongside the coastal train route. It typically takes 26 minutes to finish and is an easy paved road easily accessible by stroller. Even though this is a popular track for jogging, road biking, and birdwatching, you might still find some peace and quiet during the slower periods of the day. The route is lovely to explore at any time of the year and is open all year. Dogs are permitted, but they must be leashed.
Visit the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
The Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a beautiful adobe ranch house that was built in the 1920s. The park features gardens, hiking trails, and a variety of animals including llamas, peacocks, and chickens.
Carlsbad Village Street Faire
The event is held twice a year by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, in May and November.
The events feature over 900 merchants selling every imaginable item, including clothing, accessories, plants, household goods, art, antiques, and home furnishings. You’ll find over 50 booths in the foreign food court, offering everything from Thai to Hawaiian food. The kids’ area has games, a super slide, a bouncy house, a rock climbing wall, face painting, and arts & crafts to keep kids entertained.
Carlsbad, California is a great place to visit with kids. There are plenty of things to do in the Carlsbad area that will keep your family entertained. Be sure to check out some of the best Carlsbad attractions on your next trip!
Looking for more fun family destinations? Check out Fun Things to Do in San Diego With Kids for more ideas.
