Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Coastal California for Kids
There's not too much to worry about when traveling in coastal California with your kids,
as long as you keep them covered in sunblock.
Children's discounts are available for everything from museum admission and movie
tickets to bus fares and motel stays. The definition of a 'child' varies from 'under 18' to
age six and under. At amusement parks, some rides may have minimum-height require-
ments - let younger kids know about this in advance to avoid disappointment and tears.
It's fine to bring kids along to most restaurants, except top-end places. Casual restaur-
ants usually have high chairs and children's menus and break out paper place mats and
crayons for drawing. Generally, dining earlier (say, before 6pm) is better for families with
young ones. At theme parks, pack a cooler in the car and have a picnic in the parking lot to
save money. On the road, many supermarkets have wholesome, ready-to-eat takeout
dishes.
Baby food, infant formula, disposable diapers (nappies) and other necessities are widely
sold at supermarkets and pharmacies. Most women are discreet about breastfeeding in
public. Many public toilets have a baby-changing table, while private gender-neutral 'fam-
ily' bathrooms may be available at airports, museums etc.
Children's Highlights
Many outdoor outfitters and tour operators offer family-friendly activities, although
minimum-age requirements vary. At national and state parks, ask at visitor centers about
family-friendly, ranger-led activities and self-guided 'Junior Ranger' programs, in which
kids earn themselves a badge after completing an activity booklet.
Theme Parks
Disneyland & Disney California
Adventure Kids of all ages, even teens, and the young-
at-heart will adore the 'Magic Kingdom.'
Knott's Berry Farm
Near Disney, SoCal's original theme park offers thrills-a-minute, espe-
cially on spooky haunted Halloween nights.
