Bakersfield, nestled in California’s Central Valley, may not always be the first city that comes to mind for a family vacation, but let me tell you—it’s a hidden gem packed with activities that kids (and parents) will absolutely love! I’m always on the lookout for destinations that balance fun, education, and adventure. Bakersfield delivers on all fronts.
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From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, this city offers a variety of attractions where kids can explore, play, and learn. Here are my top five picks for the best family-friendly destinations in Bakersfield, along with insider tips to make your trip even more memorable!
1. California Living Museum (CALM) – The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure
📍 Address: 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306
💰 Cost:
- Adults: $10
- Children (3-12): $6
- Seniors (60+): $7
🔗 Tickets & Info: CALM Zoo Website
If your kids love animals, California Living Museum (CALM) is a must-visit. Unlike larger, commercial zoos, CALM is dedicated to conserving and rehabilitating native California wildlife, offering an up-close look at animals that call the state home. As a wildlife center, CALM focuses on rescuing injured or orphaned animals, making it an incredibly rewarding and educational experience for children and adults alike.
I was amazed at how spacious and natural the enclosures were, giving the animals room to thrive. The zoo isn’t too big, making it perfect for families with younger children, as it’s easy to explore in just a few hours without feeling rushed.
Highlights & Activities
🦅 Native Wildlife Exhibits: One of the most impressive parts of CALM is its collection of California-native animals, including mountain lions, black bears, bald eagles, bobcats, and foxes. My kids were absolutely fascinated watching the playful river otters swim and tumble around in their enclosure.
🐐 Children’s Petting Area: This was a big hit with my little ones! They loved feeding and petting friendly goats, sheep, and rabbits in this hands-on section of the zoo. It’s a great way for young children to learn about farm animals in a fun and interactive setting.
🚂 Train Rides: The CALM Railroad is a charming miniature train ride that takes you on a short loop around the park, providing beautiful views of the surrounding foothills. It’s a relaxing ride that kids absolutely love!
🎄 Seasonal Events: If you’re visiting in December, don’t miss Holiday Lights at CALM. The entire zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland, with over a million twinkling lights, animated displays, and festive music. It’s one of the best holiday attractions in Bakersfield, making it the perfect family outing.
🎁 Must-Buy Souvenir: Be sure to stop by the gift shop, where you’ll find adorable plush mountain lions, bears, and owls, as well as wildlife-themed books, puzzles, and T-shirts. My kids couldn’t resist getting a stuffed river otter, a perfect memento of their favorite exhibit!
💡 Insider Tip:
- Arrive early in the morning when the animals are most active. By midday, some of them tend to nap in the shade, making them harder to spot.
- Bring a picnic! While there are snacks available, CALM has shaded picnic areas, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a packed lunch.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—while the zoo isn’t huge, some areas have slight inclines, and you’ll want to explore all the different animal habitats.
With its family-friendly atmosphere, engaging animal encounters, and dedication to wildlife conservation, CALM is an absolute must for any Bakersfield family adventure!
2. Kern County Museum – A Walk Through History
📍 Address: 3801 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
💰 Cost:
- Adults: $10
- Children (3-12): $5
- Seniors: $7
🔗 Tickets & Info: Kern County Museum Website
For a dose of history wrapped in an interactive experience, head to the Kern County Museum. This outdoor museum features over 50 historic buildings that transport visitors back in time to the early days of Bakersfield.
Highlights & Activities
- Pioneer Village: Walk through a real 19th-century town, complete with an old schoolhouse, general store, and even a jailhouse! My kids loved imagining what life was like in the Wild West.
- Black Gold Exhibit: Learn about the oil industry, which played a huge role in Bakersfield’s development, through hands-on activities.
- Neon Courtyard: A collection of restored vintage neon signs—perfect for Instagram-worthy family photos!
🎁 Must-Buy Souvenir: A replica vintage postcard or an old-fashioned toy from the museum store.
💡 Insider Tip: Plan to spend at least two hours here, as there’s a lot to explore! The museum also hosts special kids’ programs throughout the year, so check their website for upcoming events.
3. Murray Family Farms – A Fun-Packed Farm Experience
📍 Address: 6700 General Beale Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93307
💰 Cost: $10 per person (varies by season)
🔗 Tickets & Info: Murray Family Farms Website
Who doesn’t love a good farm adventure? Murray Family Farms is one of the best places in Bakersfield for a hands-on, farm-to-table experience. It’s the perfect mix of education, outdoor fun, and delicious food!
Highlights & Activities
- U-Pick Fruit Adventures: Depending on the season, families can pick their own strawberries, cherries, or pumpkins. My kids had a blast running through the orchards searching for the ripest fruits!
- Petting Zoo: Feed and pet farm animals, including goats, bunnies, and even a friendly donkey.
- Hayrides & Train Rides: Take a ride around the farm to learn about the different crops they grow.
- Giant Jumping Pillow: A kid-favorite—watch them burn off energy bouncing away!
🎁 Must-Buy Souvenir: A jar of homemade fruit jam or local honey to take a taste of Bakersfield home with you.
💡 Insider Tip: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and if you go in the morning, you’ll avoid the midday heat!
4. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science – Fossil Fun for Everyone
📍 Address: 2018 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
💰 Cost:
- Adults: $8
- Children (3-12): $6
- Seniors & Military: $6
🔗 Tickets & Info: Buena Vista Museum Website
If your kids love dinosaurs, fossils, and hands-on science activities, the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science is an absolute must-visit. This hidden gem in downtown Bakersfield offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life and local geology, making it an educational yet fun outing for the whole family.
Unlike larger museums in Los Angeles or San Francisco, the Buena Vista Museum provides an intimate and interactive experience, allowing kids to get up close with exhibits without the overwhelming crowds.
Highlights & Activities
🦖 Dinosaur Fossils: My kids were in awe when they stood next to a massive Triceratops skull. The museum houses a variety of dinosaur bones and fossilized remains, sparking endless curiosity.
🦈 Shark Tooth Hill Exhibit: One of the museum’s most unique features is its fossil collection from Shark Tooth Hill, an ancient seabed near Bakersfield where prehistoric sharks once roamed. The collection includes fossilized shark teeth, shells, and marine life remains.
🔬 Hands-On Activities: Science comes alive with touchable fossils, interactive paleontology exhibits, and rotating science workshops.
🧬 Geology & Anthropology Exhibits: In addition to prehistoric creatures, the museum explores California’s geological formations and early human history, with fascinating artifacts and rock displays.
🎁 Must-Buy Souvenir: A fossil excavation kit from the museum’s gift shop, perfect for young scientists who want to dig for treasures at home. They also sell shark tooth necklaces—great for kids who love marine life!
💡 Insider Tip: Try to visit on a Science Saturday, when the museum offers kid-friendly programs and hands-on demonstrations led by local scientists. Also, the second Saturday of every month features half-price admission, making it an affordable outing for large families!
5. Camelot Park – The Ultimate Family Fun Center
📍 Address: 1251 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA 93304
💰 Cost: Entry is free; attractions are pay-per-ride
🎟️ Prices:
- Mini-Golf: $9 per round
- Go-Karts: $8 per ride
- Bumper Boats: $7 per ride
- Arcade Games: $0.50–$2 per game
🔗 Tickets & Info: Camelot Park Website
For families looking for non-stop fun, Camelot Park is a fantastic choice. This indoor-outdoor amusement center has something for everyone—whether you’re into arcade games, mini-golf, go-kart racing, or bumper boats. It’s the perfect spot to let kids burn off energy while having an absolute blast!
Highlights & Activities
⛳ Mini-Golf: Challenge your family to an 18-hole adventure filled with colorful obstacles, water features, and tricky slopes. My kids loved trying to sink a hole-in-one, and the fun themes kept them engaged the entire time!
🏎️ Go-Karts: If you have older kids or teenagers, the go-kart track is an absolute must. The fast-paced races bring out everyone’s competitive spirit, and even parents can join in!
🕹️ Arcade Games: Inside the facility, you’ll find a huge arcade packed with both classic and modern games. My youngest spent an hour trying to win plush toys and prizes from the claw machines, while my older one racked up tickets playing air hockey and basketball.
🚤 Bumper Boats: On hot days, the bumper boats are the best way to cool off. These small motorized boats allow kids to splash around and bump into each other for some giggles and fun.
🎁 Must-Buy Souvenir: Save up your arcade tickets to redeem them for fun prizes like stuffed animals, toy cars, and candy at the prize counter.
💡 Insider Tip:
- Look for online discounts! Camelot Park often offers discount packages through Groupon, so check before you go to score the best deal.
- If you plan to play a lot of games, buy a game card online in advance for bonus credits!
- Visit on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid long lines, especially for go-karts and mini-golf.
Both Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Camelot Park are perfect additions to a Bakersfield family itinerary. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or an action-packed adventure, these spots guarantee tons of fun for kids and parents alike!
Final Thoughts & Travel Booking Tips
Bakersfield offers a variety of fun-filled attractions for families, and the best part is that most of these experiences are affordable compared to larger California cities. Whether your kids love animals, history, farms, science, or amusement parks, Bakersfield has something for everyone!
For the best travel deals, check out:
✈️ Flights & Hotels: Expedia | Kayak
🎟️ Tickets & Activities: Viator | GetYourGuide
🍽️ Restaurant Reservations: OpenTable
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for a family-friendly trip to Bakersfield! 🚗💨
