Places you can't miss if you visit california with your kids

Summer is the season to see new things, and to make brand new family memories that will stay with you forever. Going different places with your kids is the most rewarding way to spend the season; whether long familiar family landmarks, or never before seen wonders. There’s a magic in returning to the same spots year after year, but also to witnessing the spark in your children’s eyes at something new. One of the very best states to do this is California, just short of 900 miles long, and with dozens of ever-evolving places to explore. Whether local or from out-of-state, if you’re looking for places to visit with kids in California, read on for some  ideas to spark your next family trip. Similar to a roller coaster, linear induction motors (LIM) are used to generate a traveling magnetic field to push the metal-plated rafts rapidly and smoothly uphill. Amid the 1,000-foot-long water coaster are three continuous rocket incline zones. 

“We are excited for the newest addition and looking forward to Aqua Rocket becoming one of the most popular attractions in California.” Whitfield added. “Ranked by Travel Chanel and USA Today, Raging Waters is one of the Top 10 Water Parks in the U.S….and it just got better!” 

First on our list of fun places to go is the city of San Francisco, one of the most iconic cities in California. With its postcard-perfect sight of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is fun to view from any distance or tour on foot, it’s classic California. For any young history buffs you might have, or just wild and crazy ones who love adventure, a visit to the bay is a must. Whether sailing out into the wind-swept waters, or just viewing a certain iconic prison from afar, there’s sure to be exciting memories made by all. For a calmer day, or just for a break from the lovely yet relentless California sunshine, there are countless museums to be explored as well. 

Second on our list of fun places for kids is San Diego, a city that thrives on outdoor fun and spending time close with nature. Here you’ll find one of the finest selections of parks in the state, with plenty of opportunities for kids to run free. These parks also have lots of of animals and wildlife exhibits, which can be one of the most exciting things for a child to see. There are      lovely gardens scattered throughout the city as well, along with a nice long stretch of golden California beaches. Even with the museums here, we doubt you or your kids will want to stay inside more than a few minutes with these great outdoors! 

Third on our list of places to visit in California is Sacramento; which, with plenty of beautiful nature here as well, invites long days outdoors. However, with a long and colorful history dating back to the Gold Rush era, a trip to a local museum or two is a must. Your kids certainly won’t be bored, though, with libraries worth of Americana nostalgia and Wild West wonder to be relived on every street! From original wooden sidewalks to wagon rides, a day here is a day spent back in time, and your kids are sure to be amazed. Although, once they’re done with the museum-crawling, there are still plenty of parks here as well so they can run wild and free.  

For some, the ultimate places to visit with kids in California can only mean a visit to the Los Angeles area. With the sights of Hollywood being one of the most popular in the world, your kids will be enthralled no matter what their ages. From the most easily star-struck child to the most surly teen, everyone will have stars in their eyes at the chance to see TV stars. Either in person for the most lucky families; or, at least as a shiny star on the sidewalk for most of us out there! Plus, no matter your kids’ ages, a family selfie in front of the Hollywood sign looks pretty darn cool from any angle. 

Another idea for fun places to take kids is the always chill seaside community of Santa Monica, where surf, sand, and sun are all king. A day at the pier is one of the most iconic things to do in California, promising spectacular views, games, food and fun for all. Of course, with such beautiful views of the beaches below, you won’t be able to stay away for long! Whether you choose to grab a bunch of surfboards and paddle out or just enjoy playing and lazing around sandside, there’s something for everyone here. If you need a break from the endless sand sea and sun, though, a trip to the posh downtown strip is always an option.

The number one spot on our list of places to visit with kids is the top city of Los Angeles proper, the hippest city around. With plenty more museums to visit, miles of beaches, and the aforementioned sites of stardom, there’s something for everyone here. And, with so many places always trending on social media, your kids may just end up being your tour guides for the day! But, when all the glitz and the glamor of celebrity stardom and California sunlit beaches grows dim, there’s still one perfect place left to visit. To complete your visit to California’s most famous city, Raging Waters Los Angeles water park offers more surfing, swimming and splashing fun for everyone! 

From mild to wild, attractions for every taste 

Raging Waters Los Angeles is one of the very best places to visit with kids in California, with rides, slides, and splashing good times guaranteed! The beaches of California have some crazy waves that can be harder for younger kids to handle, and can make swimming or surfing difficult. Here you’ll never have to worry about the water getting too gnarly, though, with our Wave Cove always producing the perfect waves. With waves rolling at a solid three-feet all-day every day on 12-minute cycles, it’s the best way to teach young surfers to shred it worry-free. Well, at least when it comes to body-surfing – but we here at Raging Waters think that’s the best kind! 

For more proof of just why we think body-surfing’s where it’s at, well, just check out some of our other top attractions! If you’re looking for a ride with equal chill and thrill with those California surfer vibes, then you’ve gotta take a slide down High Extreme. You’ll go down one of two 600-foot flumes, banking off of turns at a rockin’ 35 miles per hour that’ll have you howling with laughter. The best part is that you won’t be shredding down on just a standard old tube, though, but on your very own body-surfing mat. It’s all the excitement of surfing the waves, but with all the relaxation of sprawling on the sand, making it the perfect ride for all. 

If your kids are the more competitive kind, watch out, since we have a slide that might just be even more crazy than High Extreme. For all the fun of body-surfing vibes, but adding the edge of challenge to the family fun, Ragin’ Racer is a ride you can’t miss. Here, you won’t be body-surfing by yourself, or against one other person on another slide, but against seven at once! With fast-paced, side-by-side sliding action, your kids will be jumping at the chance to beat you in a race to the finish for glory. And, with eight lanes ready for some friendly family competition, your whole extended family could even join in the fray as well. 

From sliding to snacking, we have it all 

Now, we wouldn’t be one of the best places to visit with kids in California if we didn’t offer kid-friendly snacks, and we’ve got plenty! One of our top places the whole family can find something yummy they’re sure to love is the famous Pink's™ Hot Dogs. A Hollywood favorite since 1939, we have a hot dog with just about any topping you could imagine (and plenty you probably can’t!). Plus, did we mention we were voted America’s #1 Hot Dog Stand by Fox News? Sorry (not sorry) if it sounds like bragging, but we’re sure you’ll see what all the hype is about when you stop by. 

If you’re just not a dog kind of person, there’s sure to be something for every single family member over at Sharkey’s®. But don’t worry, even though we’re right near the beach and the wave pool, there aren’t any real sharks here! Here you’ll find the best variety of food options in the park all in one place, from cheeseburgers to chicken tenders. We even have healthy kid’s meals for any young health-conscious members of your family, and of course fresh salads for everyone. And, for anyone who missed the chance to catch a dog elsewhere, don’t worry, we’ve got chili cheese dogs to pair with anything. 

For a family-friendly meal that’s a favorite with kids, Pipeline Pizza has a slice or a whole pie for anyone and everyone! Here’s where you’ll find our BEST VALUE meal deals, from whole to personal pizzas, to even more healthy options like fresh garden salads. It’s the perfect place to either sit down and have a family meal while watching the waves roll by, or just grab a snack on-the-go. And for anyone in need of a cold drink to chill the California sun, all of our eateries offer ice-cold beverages to keep you cool. Or, for a sweet dessert to help cool off in between splashing around, there’s always Ice Cream and Funnel Cakes. 

Extras to keep the fun flowing 

One of the best kept secrets about how to live your best life here at Raging Waters Los Angeles is our Cabanas, your own personal paradise! Your very own private shaded area for the whole day, it’s the best place to chill in-between rides away from the crowds and chair-chasing. It’s also perfect to sit down for a yummy meal with the fam, and lets you enjoy a snack without fighting to find a space. For a smaller family, a Vista Cabana accommodates four people comfortably, with four chairs and a table all to yourself. If you’ve brought the whole extended family for a long day of fun, though, a Grand Party Vista Cabana is where the party’s at! 

Whatever your style, from chill to thrill, there’s something for everyone here at Raging Waters Los Angeles. But, for one final pro tip about the best places to visit with kids in California, there are other Raging Waters adventures to be had! From Sacramento to San Jose, there are even more ways to surf the California sun and waves with us. And, if you need a break from water, there’s even Castle Park in nearby Riverside, with everything from rides to arcades to mini-golf for everyone! No matter what kind of fun places to go you’re looking for here in Cali, it all starts right here at Raging Waters Los Angeles.