Family Friendly Activities

Activities in the Paso Robles Area

  The Ravine Waterpark and Mini Golf: https://ravinewaterpark.com/

Water park and mini golf, open end of May through beginning of September. Approximate 8 minute drive from the Airbnb.

  Light at Sensorio: https://sensoriopaso.com/

Outdoor immersive light art exhibit, with live music, food and beer gardens. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended. Approximate 7 minute drive from the Airbnb.

  Barney Schwartz Park: https://www.prcity.com/793/Barney-Schwartz-Park

Large park with multiple play structures, sports fields, walking paths, and a lake for remote control boats, fishing, or nature watching. Approximate 7 minute drive from the Airbnb.

  Paso Robles Children’s Museum: https://www.facebook.com/PasoRoblesChildrensMuseum/  

Children’s museum located in a historic firehouse in the downtown, a short walk from the downtown City Park.  Hours vary—recommend checking the website before planning a trip. Approximate 15 minute drive from the Airbnb.

  Jack Creek Farms: http://www.jackcreekfarms.com/   

Seasonal farmstand, you-pick garden, children’s area, farm animals, pumpkin patch and hay maze. Open May through late fall. Approximate 22 minute drive from the Airbnb. 

  Studios on the Park: https://studiosonthepark.org/     

Open studio/art center offering exhibitions, children’s programs, and adult classes and workshops. Approximate 13 minute drive from the Airbnb.

  Pioneer Park and Skate Park: https://www.prcity.com/807/Pioneer-Park-Skate-Park

For the older kids, Paso Robles does have a skatepark. Skateboards, scooters and rollerblades are allowed; bikes are not allowed. Approximate 12 minute drive from the Airbnb. 

Paso Robles Pioneer Museum: https://www.pasoroblespioneermuseum.org/

This small but charming museum offers free admission (although donations are accepted) and displays photographs of early Paso Robles—horse and wagon era—replicas, artifacts, and more. Approximate 12 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Mission San Miguel: http://missionsanmiguel.org/

Founded in 1797, this Mission with its beautiful adobe structure is considered to be one of California's historical and cultural treasures. Tours are available for a fee (go the gift shop). (If you are interested in the California Missions and perhaps touring other local Missions, visit: https://www.missionscalifornia.com/missions-map/) Approximate 12 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Estrella Warbirds Museum and Woodlands Auto Display: https://ewarbirds.org/index.html  

The Estrella Warbirds Museum is a unique collection of military aircraft, vehicles and artifacts. The Woodland Auto Display is filled with classic automobiles, historical racing cars, and unique artifacts from the world of automobile history and racing. Consider pairing with a trip Joe’s One-Niner Diner. Approximate 8 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Joe’s One-Niner Diner: https://www.joesplace805.com/

The One-Niner Diner is a locals’ favorite, located at the regional Paso Robles airport.  This family friendly diner is open for breakfast and lunch and offers views of airplanes and helicopters taking off and landing, taxiing, being refueled, etc. Approximate 12 minute drive from the Airbnb.

  Lake Nacimiento: https://www.golakenaci.com/

Lake Nacimiento is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, featuring over 125 miles of shoreline.  Day use areas allow you to put out your chairs and ice chest (but you’ll likely want an umbrella) so you can swim and float in the lake all day. There is also a marina that offers boat rentals, but you’ll want to make reservations far in advance if visiting during the summer months. Approximate 53 minute drive from the Airbnb. 

  Franklin Hot Springs: https://franklinhotsprings.com/ 

The Franklin Hot Springs are a locals’ favorite and near secret (so sssshh, keep this hot tip to yourself). These outdoor, natural mineral hot springs have been owned by a local family for five generations. The pools are warm but not hot, making them safe for children and expecting mothers. Saunas are also sometimes available. While the hot springs are perhaps lacking in aesthetics, they are very family and budget friendly. An entrance ticket allows all-day use, and also access to a fishing pond (no licenses required). You can also bring in your own food and beverages. But this destination is its own vibe, and definitely check out the website and photos to see if this spot is right for you. Approximate 22 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Balloons Over Paso: https://www.balloonsoverpaso.com/

Sunrise hot air balloon tours running from mid-April to mid-November. Approximate 25 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Central Coast Trail Rides: https://www.cctrailrides.com/

Guided horseback tours of local wine country. Advance reservations are required. Approximate 8 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Activities in the Atascadero Area

Atascadero Lake Park: https://www.visitatascadero.com/things-to-do/atascadero-parks/

Lake encircled by walking trail, with seasonal paddle boats, year-round playground and picnic area, and adjacent to the Charles Paddock Zoo. Approximate 25 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Charles Paddock Zoo: https://charlespaddockzoo.org/ 

Small, kid-friendly zoo that easily walkable and fun for a few hours. Approximate 25 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Mr. Putters’ Putt Putt: https://www.mrputters.com/

18-hole mini golf course, gemstone sluicing, and fossil dig. Approximate 25 minute drive from the Airbnb.

  Hop’s Bounce House: https://hopsbouncehouse.com/    

Indoor bounce house and play center. Approximate 22 minute drive from the Airbnb. 

The Great Escape: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatEscapeAdventures/

Escape room serving wine, beer and food. Approximate 22 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Activities in the San Luis Obispo Area

Margarita Adventures: https://www.margarita-adventures.com/

The zipline course offer six separate ziplines spanning over 7,500 feet. Guided nature and photography tours are also offered. And in an eclectic twist, there’s an escape room. Advance reservations are recommended for all activities. Approximate 53 minute drive from the Airbnb.  

Gladiator Paint Ball Park: https://www.gladiatorpb.com/

This is more than just a paintball park.  In addition to paintball, there is gellyball, airsoft, nerf, ax throwing, and coming soon RC cars! Reservations recommended. Approximate 45 minute drive from the Airbnb.  

Downtown SLO Farmer’s Market: https://downtownslo.com/farmers-market

Every Thursday from 6-9pm (weather permitting) spread across five blocks (over 100 vendors) you’ll find fresh produce, BBQ, meals, crafts, baked goods, entertainment, and a fun ambiance. Approximate 40 minute drive from the Airbnb.

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden: https://slobg.org/ 

Approximately 10 acres of botanical gardens and facilities, including 1.25 mile walking trail and a children’s garden.  The site is surrounded by 140 additional acres of land. 1.25 In addition to the day tours, illuminated nighttime tours (https://slobg.org/nature-nights/) are available during certain times of the year, and food and beverages are available for purchase. Approximate 45 minute drive from the Airbnb.

San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum: https://www.slocm.org/

Another great children’s museum, this one is a bit larger than the one in Paso. Make sure to check out the website for up to date hours and program info. Approximate 38 minute drive from the Airbnb. 

Avila Beach: https://visitavilabeach.com/  

This south-facing beach typically offers warmer weather and calmer waters, which is a plus for younger families. The town of Avila Beach is charming, with many shops, restaurants, a pier, and now wine tasting and breweries.  There is also a golf course near the beach.  Our family enjoys parking at the trailhead for the Bob Jones Trail (https://bobjonestrail.com/) and walking or biking to the beach.  Hot tip: there’s a beer garden along the trail if you get thirsty. Once you emerge at the beach, there is a lovely park and playground at the beach (https://slocountyparks.com/day-use-parks/avila-beach-park/), and a small aquarium (http://centralcoastaquarium.com/). The Avila Valley Barn (https://www.avilavalleybarn.com/) is also worth checking out before heading home, especially if you have a kiddo who has always wanted to ride a pony. From May through August, the Avila Beach Farmers’ Market is held every Friday from 4-8pm and features live music, food, crafts, produce, etc. The beach is an approximate 48 minute drive from the Airbnb. 

Activities in the North Coast Area

Hearst Castle: https://hearstcastle.org/

The castle and grounds are so large that you cannot see them all in one tour. This is truly a unique experience. Check out the website to see the available tours. Consider pairing with a visit to the Elephant Seals. Advance reservations recommended. Approximate 52 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Piedras Blancas Rookery: https://visitsansimeonca.com/what-to-do/elephant-seals-san-simeon/

The Piedras Blancas Rookery is easily accessible, free, and open to the public every day of the year. While the elephant seals are present year round, peak populations occur in January, April, and October. No reservations are needed. The rookery is located seven miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1. Approximate 56 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Moonstone Beach/Cambria: https://visitcambriaca.com/itinerary-element/moonstone-beach-san-simeon-state-park/      

30 acre beach park with boardwalk and walking trail, playground, and restrooms.  Cayucos is a quaint little beach town with shops, restaurants, and a public pier. The beach also has a playground and a skate park. The Cambria downtown is just a few miles away and has numerous art galleries, restaurants, shops, etc. Approximate 42 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Cayucos State Beach: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=596

Cayucos is a quaint little beach town with shops, restaurants, and a public pier. The beach also has restrooms, a playground and a skate park. Approximate 47 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Morro Bay: https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/morro-bay/      

Yet another beach, anchored by the iconic Morro Rock. The Embarcadero is fun to walk along and is filled with shops, restaurants, and candy stores.  Approximate 46 minute drive from the Airbnb.

Hiking in the Central Coast

  Shoreline Trail at Lake Nacimiento: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lake-nacimiento-shoreline-trail

  Cerro Alto: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cerro-alto  

  Valencia Peak Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/valencia-peak-trail

  Moonstone Beach Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/moonstone-beach-trail

  Salmon Creek Trail to Salmon Creek Falls: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/salmon-creek-trail-to-salmon-creek-falls

  Bluffs and Panorama Trail (Big Sur): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/salmon-creek-trail-to-salmon-creek-falls

  San Simeon Bay Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/william-randolph-hearst-state-beach-san-simeon-bay-trail