Close to one million people travel to Catalina Island every year, and for good reason. The island is gorgeous and offers a wide range of activities for the whole family. Catalina is located about 22 miles south of Los Angeles, and you can get to the island by an hour long ferry trip from Newport Beach, Dana Point, Long Beach, San Pedro, and Marina Del Ray. There’s lots to do with kids, so if you’re looking for a fun and exciting place to go, this Catalina travel guide should make your list!
Golf Gardens Miniature Golf. Golf Gardens miniature golf is internationally known as one of the world’s most challenging and beautiful 18 hole award winning courses. It’s open every day of the year and is a great way for the whole family to have some fun competition!
Catalina Museum. The newly renovated Catalina Island Museum includes an expanded museum store, a digital theater, a number of galleries dedicated to the history of Catalina Island and a new traveling exhibitions gallery. Admission is only $5 for adults and kids 15 and under are free.
Water activities. Catalina Island has tons of amazing water activities. Fishing, sailing, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, and scuba diving to name just a few. If your family loves the water, than be sure to check out all of these amazing activities for days and days of fun.
Coastal Eco Tours. Looking for an educational idea? Look no further than a Catalina Eco Tour. Their Two Harbors Trips cruise the coastline of Catalina in search of eagles and sea lions, seals and fish. This tour also offers an option for customers to disembark at Two Harbors and return via a land tour back to Avalon.
Glass Bottom Boat Tours. I’ve always wanted to board a glass bottom boat! Take the opportunity to sail around the island while seeing everything beneath you, too! I think kids would especially love this fun boating adventure.
Arcade. Three Palms Arcade in Catalina features a fully functioning, interactive arcade showcasing latest state-of-the-art games for all ages along with the amazing X4D Ride and Island Bowling. There’s something for everyone! Bring the whole family for an entire day of fun!
Urban Adventure Quest. Part game, part city tour, Urban Adventure Quest turns Catalina into a giant game board. You’ll solve clues and complete challenges, while seeing the sights and learning local Catalina history as you tour the city on a golf cart. Rent your golf cart then, using your Smart Phone, simply connect to the Web-based software to embark on your own interactive scavenger hunt adventure. Kids will love this but so will adults!
Movie Theater. Be sure to check out a movie while you’re in town. Any movies your kids have been wanting to see? Grab some popcorn and snacks and hit the Avalon Theater. Restored to its original grandeur, this art deco masterpiece offers first-run movies nightly.
Outdoor Land Activities. Trolleys, segways, jeep tours and zip lining. There’s tons to do outside on Catalina Island and so many places to explore with your kids. If your family loves fun and adventure, than get outdoors and get going!
Eat! While you’re in town, eat your heart out! There’s tons of restaurants right on the waterfront so you and your family can eat with a view! Pizza, ice cream, burgers, and BBQ- there’s something for everyone, even the kids!
Have you ever visited Catalina Island with kids? What did you think? What fun things would you add to the list? Leave us a comment and let us know.
