Best Things to Do in Catalina Island, CA With Kids
Catalina Island's best family days are the Catalina Express ferry from the mainland (the way over), a glass-bottom or semi-submersible boat tour of the kelp forest, swimming and snorkeling at Descanso Beach Club, the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour over Descanso Canyon for kids 10+, and a golf cart rental to tour Avalon — since cars are heavily restricted on the island.
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1Catalina Express Ferry
Photo: Brian MacIntosh / CC BY-SA 4.0
The standard way to reach Catalina — a fast catamaran departing from Long Beach or San Pedro, with several daily departures. Getting there is genuinely part of the family trip.
Watch out: Book round-trip tickets in advance for summer weekends — sailings fill. Seas can get choppy on the crossing; bring motion-sickness remedies for kids prone to it.
2Glass Bottom / Semi-Submersible Boat Tour
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A guided boat that lets you view the kelp forest and fish through the hull without anyone getting wet — ideal for kids too young to snorkel, and a good preview for kids who'll snorkel later in the trip.
Watch out: Choppy days can force a cancellation or reschedule. Visibility underwater is noticeably better on calm, sunny days than overcast ones.
3Descanso Beach Club Swim & Snorkel
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The calm cove right in Avalon, with snorkel gear rental on-site and clear, easy-entry water — the go-to spot for a first-time family snorkel without booking a boat.
Watch out: There is an entry fee to the beach club. The bottom is rocky in spots, so water shoes help. Gets crowded midday in peak season.
4Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour
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Five zip lines strung across Descanso Canyon, with a guided eco talk on the island fox and native plant life woven in — real adrenaline for tweens and teens after a couple of slower beach days.
Watch out: Minimum age is typically 10 and weight limits apply — check specifics before booking, as this rules out most younger kids entirely. Book a morning slot to beat the afternoon heat on the shuttle up.
5Avalon Golf Cart Rental & Island Tour
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Cars are heavily restricted on Catalina, so golf carts are the real way to get around — renting one and driving up into the hills for a harbor view is a genuinely different family activity than a normal town tour.
Watch out: Most rental outfits require the driver to be 25 or older with a valid license. Carts sell out on busy weekends — reserve ahead. Some hillside roads are narrow and steep.
Frequently asked
Do you need a car on Catalina?
No — cars are restricted island-wide. Golf carts and walking cover Avalon, and Discovery Tours or local taxis handle everything farther out.
Best for young kids (under 6)?
The glass-bottom boat tour and Descanso Beach Club. Skip the zip line — it has a hard age and weight minimum around 10.
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip from LA works (early ferry over, evening ferry back), but an overnight lets you add the zip line and a relaxed beach morning without rushing.
Budget for a day trip, family of 4?
Ferry, one boat tour, beach rental gear, and lunch typically runs $600–$900 for the day.
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