Top California Kid-Friendly Tours

Discover the underwater world of Catalina Island during a 45-minute ride on a semi-submarine. The semi-sub allows you to view the marine life of Avalon Bay as you dive six feet (two meters) below the surface at Lovers' Cove. Stay dry as you get a close look at fish feeding around the submarine, then take in views of the island from your vessel's top deck during the return journey to Avalon.

With a 99% success rate, this is how you up your odds of seeing whales on your visit to Monterey. On board one of the industry’s most comfortable boats, you’ll float out to a protected sanctuary to view humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and other wild creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more.

Spend the day in Los Angeles admiring awe-inspiring dinosaurs, exotic gemstones, unique creatures and much more with this admission to the city’s Natural History Museum. This L.A. institution boasts one of California’s top collections of fossils, live plants and animals, gems and minerals and fun-filled interactive exhibits. It’s the perfect family-friendly way to beat the heat while enjoying an exciting, informative range of specimens and displays.

Guarantee your entry to the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, so you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying its aquatic attractions. Get direct access to all of the aquarium’s main exhibit areas, including interactive exhibits, as well as walk-through glass tunnels where schools of anchovies and fluorescent jellyfish swim overhead and around you.

See San Francisco’s most famous waterfront landmarks from the water on a bay cruise that combines iconic views with onboard flexibility. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Alcatraz Island, and take in panoramic views of the city skyline while listening to stories and insights through an app-based audio guide. With skip-the-line boarding and indoor and outdoor viewing areas, it’s an easy way to experience the bay from a different perspective.

Get the chance to seek out whales in the wild on this tour from Dana Point. Enjoy live narration from your experienced captain as you watch for whales, sea lions, and dolphins, and learn about the stunning diversity of marine life that flocks to the California coast. Listen to the distinctive calls of seabirds from a seat on deck, or relax by a window in the fully-enclosed cabin.

Go beyond the movies and gain a deeper understanding of the man behind some of the world’s most beloved animated characters at The Walt Disney Family Museum. Located in San Francisco’s historic Presidio, the museum brings Walt Disney’s life and creative legacy into focus through early cartoons, films, personal stories, and recordings in his own voice. Before you leave, take in sweeping views of San Francisco Bay from the museum’s glass-walled galleries.

Watch for whales and dolphins off Newport Beach aboard a double-decker catamaran with bow seating and 360-degree views. A diverse array of marine wildlife thrives in the protected area just outside Newport Bay, and you'll have the chance to see humpbacks, gray whales, finback whales, blue whales, seals, and several species of dolphins. The boat has a 96% success rate spotting whales or dolphins, making this a great way to explore California wildlife in a gorgeous natural environment.

Enjoy an unforgettable day at Universal Studios Hollywood, where thrilling rides, iconic shows, and attractions await. Experience the magic of famous movie sets, meet beloved characters, and soar over incredible lands. This ticket grants access to all shows, rides, and attractions, making it the ultimate LA adventure. Valid for your selected travel date only. ** VALID FOR UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD IN CALIFORNIA ONLY **

Take a break from Lake Tahoe's nature with a magic show. Prebooking your ticket guarantees your spot, and the show is appropriate for the whole family. See a mix of illusions, humor, and tricks on stage without needing to head all the way to Las Vegas.

When visiting Sonoma, take a break from wine tasting to walk on the wild side at Safari West! Home to more than 700 exotic animals, the open-air wildlife preserve offers the experience of an African safari without leaving California. Get an up-close encounter with species like cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeests and flamingos on a 3-hour Jeep and walking tour, while a friendly ranger offers insight into the amazing animal kingdom and the park’s conservation programs. Bring the kids for this fun and family-friendly adventure!

Discover two of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods without the guesswork of deciding where to eat or what to see. This small-group food tour combines cultural insights with generous tastings, helping you experience the traditions, flavors, and stories behind Chinatown and North Beach.

Experience a day of imagination and fun at LEGOLAND® California Resort with over 60 rides, shows, and attractions made for families with kids ages 2–12. Explore Miniland USA, drive at Fun Town, and splash around at the Water Park. Visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium and dive into ocean wonders. Book a Sea Life or Resort Hopper and get a second day free to revisit the adventure.

Discover the natural and manmade beauty of 17-Mile Drive on an electric bike tour from Pacific Grove. The e-bike allows you to cover more ground without getting worn out. The tour is great for the whole family, with the option to ride tandem with children weighing up to 120 lbs (54 kgs). Along the way, learn about the area from your guide and make stops at impressive viewpoints.

If you fancy yourself a foodie or culture enthusiast, don’t miss this walking tour of San Francisco’s Little Italy—the neighborhood of North Beach. Voted one of the 15 best foodie tours in the USA by U.S. News, join an insider guide and experience a slice of the top things to do in North Beach, such as tasting coffee and witnessing bread being freshly made. Soak up the lively atmosphere of one of the city’s most popular districts as you learn about its cafes and bakeries and see landmarks like Saints Peter and Paul Church.

The Sloomoo Institute in Los Angeles offers a unique slime adventure perfect for all ages! Guests enjoy a trip to the DIY Bar to create their own 8 oz slime, choosing from over 40 colors, 60 fragrances, and 120 charms. Explore interactive attractions like the Slimey Mirrors, Lake Sloomoo with 350 gallons of slime, and augmented reality Sloomooscapes. With sensory experiences and surprises around every corner, it's a day filled with creativity and fun.

Meet some of the world's most exotic animals with your admission ticket to the renowned San Diego Zoo, one of California's top family-friendly attractions. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos. Admire the animals and go in-depth during daily keeper talks. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.

Hop on a '70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. Starting and ending at Fisherman's Wharf, this sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to '60s classics. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

Enjoy easy skip-the-line access to the California Academy of Sciences with this pre-paid ticket. Walk right in to explore the museum's 4-story rainforest, planetarium, and aquarium, plus the new Tiny Chef, Big Impact exhibit celebrating small actions for the planet.

Stroll the narrow streets and back alleys of San Francisco's Chinatown on this small-group walking tour. Explore local markets and savor tastings that add up to a full lunch, including tea, fortune cookies, dim sum, crispy Peking duck, and other specialties. Listen to guided commentary and ask questions as you discover the neighborhood's rich culture and flavors.

This small-group tour takes you from downtown San Francisco to Muir Woods and Sausalito—two of Marin's top attractions—in a single day. Riding across the Golden Gate Bridge in a tour van leaves you free to take in the epic views instead of focusing on the driving. You'll have free time to explore both sites, making this organized option a great choice for independent travelers.

** VALID FOR UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD IN CALIFORNIA ONLY ** Nab this Universal Express Ticket for a superior experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. With this popular option, get all-day admission to the parks as well as one-time express access to each ride*, attraction, and show the park offers. A limited number of Express Tickets are available each day, so pre-purchase yours to ensure the best possible experience. *Please Note: Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is not included in the Universal Express Ticket

Take a journey around San Francisco's top sights in a retro way with this small-group tour by vintage Volkswagen bus, decorated with long eyelashes so you can't miss your tour vehicle. You'll pass by neighborhoods like Chinatown, Union Square, Pacific Heights, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Marina, and Hayes Valley, plus see the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Civic Center, and more.

** VALID FOR UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD IN CALIFORNIA ONLY ** Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights is the home of horror, featuring the biggest names in the genre. Brave Southern California’s scariest Halloween event, running September 3 – November 1. Face unrelenting fear in eight haunted houses, the Terror Tram, and more. Enter a world of relentless terror — Tickets on sale now!