Best Things to Do in Big Bear Lake, CA With Kids
Big Bear Lake is a genuine two-season destination: winter means skiing or snowboarding at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit, summer swaps that for the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, a scenic boat tour on the lake, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (a wildlife rehab center, not a typical zoo), and self-guided nature trails at the Big Bear Discovery Center. Know your season before you plan the trip.
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1Area photo: BigBearCabins / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Bear Mountain or Snow Summit Beginner Ski/Snowboard Package
Real Southern California skiing and snowboarding without the drive time of the bigger Sierra resorts. Both mountains run beginner terrain and structured lesson packages, which matters if this is a first ski trip for your kids, not just a rental-and-hope situation.
Watch out: Costs stack up fast, lift ticket, lesson, and rental are usually separate line items, and a true beginner package for two kids plus adult lift tickets can run well past $500 for a single day. Weekends and holiday weeks get crowded and pricier; weekday visits are noticeably calmer and cheaper.
2Area photo: BigBearCabins / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Magic Mountain Recreation Center Alpine Slide
A small, old-school family fun park with a gravity-powered alpine slide track, go-karts, and mini golf. Low-key and reliably fun without the crowds or cost of a big theme park, a good half-day filler on a summer trip.
Watch out: Most attractions are pay-per-ride or small bundles rather than an all-day wristband at every operator, ask before you go so you're not surprised. Younger kids may not meet height requirements on the alpine slide or go-karts, check minimums ahead of time. It's outdoors with limited shade in peak summer heat.
3Area photo: BigBearCabins / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Big Bear Queen Scenic Lake Tour
A relaxed, narrated cruise around Big Bear Lake, good for a slower day between more active outings. Not an adventure activity, just an easy way to see the lake and surrounding mountains from the water.
Watch out: This is a leisurely sightseeing cruise, not a fast-boat or water-sports activity, set expectations for kids expecting more action. Shaded seating is limited on some boats, bring sun protection. Schedule shrinks in shoulder season, check departure times before planning your day around it.
4Area photo: BigBearCabins / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Big Bear Alpine Zoo
A wildlife rehabilitation center, not a standard zoo, most animals here are injured or non-releasable natives to the San Bernardino Mountains, black bears, mountain lions, birds of prey. It's small, but the conservation mission makes it a more meaningful stop than the size suggests.
Watch out: Small footprint, expect an hour or two, not a half-day visit. Feeding times and keeper talks run on a set schedule, check when you arrive. It's outdoors at elevation, dress for cooler mountain temperatures even on a warm-feeling day down in the valley.
5Area photo: BigBearCabins / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Big Bear Discovery Center & Nature Trails
A Forest Service visitor center that anchors several easy, well-marked nature trails around the lake, plus seasonal ranger-led programs. It's one of the few genuinely free-or-cheap activities on this list, good for balancing out a pricier ski or waterpark day.
Watch out: Trail difficulty varies, check descriptions before picking one for younger kids, some involve real elevation gain at altitude. Ranger programs run seasonally, not year-round, confirm what's happening during your visit. Parking at trailheads fills up on summer weekends.
Frequently asked
Is Big Bear Lake more of a summer or winter destination for families?
Both, genuinely. Winter means real skiing and snowboarding at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit; summer flips to lake activities, the Alpine Slide, and hiking. Plan around whichever season you're visiting, the two halves of the year barely overlap in what's available.
How much should we budget for a family ski day at Big Bear?
More than people expect. Lift tickets, lessons, and rentals are usually separate charges, and a beginner package for two kids plus adult lift tickets can push past $500–$600 for a single day. Weekday visits are noticeably cheaper than weekends.
Is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo a real zoo or something else?
It's a wildlife rehabilitation center run by a local nonprofit, housing injured and non-releasable animals native to the San Bernardino Mountains. It's small, not a big-production zoo, but the conservation focus makes it a worthwhile stop.
What's a good low-cost activity day at Big Bear?
The Big Bear Discovery Center and its surrounding nature trails are mostly free, with only optional rentals costing extra. It's a good way to balance out a pricier ski day or Alpine Slide afternoon.
Same destination, where to stay
Booking these activities? Pick the right resort first.
Activity days work best when your resort is the right launch pad. Our Big Bear Lake family-resort guide ranks the whole-family-experience winners.
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